Cruises to Quebec, Canada
Québec City is the capital city of Québec County, sitting on the Saint Lawrence River in Canada. The town is famous for its distinct old-world character and charm, the only remaining walled city in North America north of Mexico, and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has been divided by steep bluffs into Upper Town, the Old Quarter, and Lower Town. The upper town is the Old Québec city, famous as World Heritage site. At the bottom of Cap Diamant is the Lower Town, the historic district.
Travelers can experience Québec City's rich history and friendly vibe throughout the year. Different activities and sights are available in each season. Plan your trip to Québec with this list of top attractions and add them to your tour.
The "Old Québec" area (or Vieux-Québec, as the locals call it) isn't a single attraction but a collection of many, all located in one historic neighborhood. It's the perfect day trip for those interested in UNESCO world heritage sites. Seeing churches and chapels built centuries ago can give you a sense of the province's religious history in only a few hours. Even if you're not a history buff, you will still find a lot to enjoy in the area, including shopping, fine dining, and art and music. Québec City's Old Port is worth a visit.
Located along the St. Lawrence River about nine miles northeast of Old Québec, Montmorency Falls Park has a 272-foot waterfall that draws nature lovers and tourists. Montmorency Falls is 1.75 times taller than Niagara Falls for those who cannot fathom it. While Montmorency is more enjoyable at warmer temperatures in the summer, many travelers recommend stopping by in the winter to experience its natural beauty without the crowds. One can enjoy a wide variety of activities at the park, including hiking trails, biking, double zip lining, and more. Zip lining is a fun way for two people to cross the waterfall cove simultaneously (nearly 1,000 feet). A popular winter activity here is snowshoeing and ice climbing.
Quite a few gastronomic delights can be found in Quebec City for tourists to enjoy. Chocolate from the Chocolaterie de l'île d'Orléans showcases the richness of Québec's culinary heritage. A wide selection of homemade ice creams and sorbets are available. A wide selection of Belgian chocolates is also available. The Fromagerie des Grondines, La Fudgereis, La Halte miel, and the Québec Public Market offer diverse options for organic cheese and honey and a diverse selection of fresh produce.
Canada's fate is sealed on a 267-acre portion of land west of Old Québec called Battlefields Park. That place perfectly illustrates Canada's colonial history. There was once a Battle of Québec fought here, so people called it the Plains of Abraham. French forces were forced to cede Canada to Great Britain at the end of the Indian and French War. In the present day, it is an ideal location where you can take in some fresh air while viewing a few historical elements such as ornamental cannons and much more. Do not miss out on the chance to admire the Joan of Arc Garden and the riverfront views if you visit the manicured gardens. Several summer festivals are held each summer on the Plains of Abraham, including Le Festival d'été du Québec, which has hosted big names like Lady Gaga, The Rolling Stones, and The Foo Fighters.
From Québec City, a short drive across a bridge takes you to the Island of Orleans, which reveals a very different side of the region. The rural landscape of Orleans offers six distinct villages: Sainte-Pétronille, the island's tip, boasts a great view of Montmorency Falls and fine local wine. In Saint-Laurent, you'll find strawberry fields, and farm stands. Several preserved pilots' homes in Saint-Jean were used to navigate ships on the St. Lawrence River in the mid-19th century. The observation tower in Saint-François offers excellent views of the surrounding estuary and islands. Apple orchards are abundant in Sainte-Famille. The town of Saint-Pierre is the most populous village closest to the bridge to the city.
Québec is best visited between June and September and December to February. The summer is when the weather remains warm and humid and makes it an ideal season to enjoy outdoor events like the Festival d'été de Québec, a famous summer music festival. Low temperatures dip past freezing while tourists are crammed on the streets. Some winter events take place these months, including Christmas markets and winter carnivals; these events offer a wide variety of fun activities.