Romance is in the air.

Description:

Facing the Château Frontenac, this pleasantly landscaped promenade and boardwalk, Dufferin Terrace, offers the city's best view of the Saint Lawrence River and Old Quebec. Full of vendors, street performers and scores of visitors in the summer, the boardwalk is also an excellent starting point for touring the rest of the city. Those in search of some exercise can descend the staircase to the Lower Town, others ride the precipitous funicular railway. The spectacular Promenade des Gouverneurs leaves the Terrace to the south, runs beneath the Citadel, and emerges at the Plains of Abraham.

Our Local Expert Says:

This famous boardwalk is most enjoyable in the summer when it takes on a summer resort feel with street performers and food stalls. Try the “beaver tails,” you won’t regret it!

Description:

The Promenade des Gouverneurs is a pleasant boardwalk that starts at Château Frontenac and follows the St-Lawrence River, ending up at the Plains of Abraham. It's also where you can see some of the best views of the river and the city. Early mornings are best for serious hikes, and evenings can't be beat for a view of Quebec City at night!

Our Local Expert Says:

This is a fast, safe and convenient way to get from Chateau Frontenac and Quartier Petit Champlain. If you don’t want to pay the $1.75 for the ride, you can always walk up or down the Escalier Casse-cou.

Description:

Saving tired legs since 1879, the Québec Funicular is still the best way to get from Château Frontenac to Quartier Petit Champlain. This double-track railway cable car, built against Quebec's 210-foot cliff, offers pedestrians a quick way get between Lower and Upper Town. Whether you are going up or down, you will appreciate the splendid panoramic views of the Quartier Petit Champlain that much more while protected from the chilly winds blowing off the Saint Laurence River. Make sure to visit the Funicular gift shop housed in a colonial-style house at the foot of the cliff.

Description:

Nestled within Hôtel Le Priori this place lives up to the expectations of patrons. And its location within the picturesque Old Port of Quebec City only adds to the charm. During winter, get snug by the fireplace, while in summer take your seat on the garden terrace. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there is an eclectic menu for you to choose from. Avid drinkers will love the many creative cocktails served. Hop in any time of the day, there will always be something cooking!

Description:

Rue de Trésor was once used as an access way to the Royal Treasury, and is now where local artists set up and sell their work. What separates the Rue de Trésor from other artists peddling their wares in the streets is the seriousness and organization behind this open-air street gallery. The best time to visit is during the summer months when artists are out in full force.

Our Local Expert Says:

This neighbourhood has more to offer than the typical tourist ware, offering traditional Quebec artisan craft as well as Indian art and goods.

Description:

The Quartier Petit Champlain, located under the Chateau Frontenac, is one of those magical places that makes you feel like you're in a different world. Blocked off by the St-Lawrence River, a large cliff, and a large hill, its insular quality adds to that otherworldly feeling. It can be accessed by the Escalier Casse-Cou or the Quebec Funicular. Quaint, historical, and touristy, all at the same time, it's what all tourist spots should aspire to be!

Our Local Expert Says:

Despite its name as “break-neck” stairs, the stairs shouldn’t be a problem if you’re in reasonably good health. If not, take the Québec Funicular for a safe and convenient way to get up and down Lower and Upper Town.

Description:

While the Escalier Casse-Cou or the breakneck stairs has been around since the 17th century, there has never been a known incident of anyone actually breaking their neck on these stairs. However Escalier Casse-Cou got its name, it attracts as many visitors for the same reason that Lombard Street, the most crooked street in America, attracts so many people: curiosity. The best time to visit is in the morning when there are fewer people "breaking their necks" trying to go up the stairs. Taking the Quebec Funicular to get to and from between the Château Frontenac and the Quartier Petit Champlain is strongly recommended for anyone suffering from vertigo.

Description:

Owners Daniel Vézina and Suzanne Gagnon named this popular and upscale restaurant after their two children. The very friendly couple is well-known in Quebec for their warm personalities and for high quality cuisine. The Gourmet Menu allows you to taste some of their best dishes, like Jerusalem Artichoke Blinis with Abitibi sturgeon egg cream, Carefully Smoked Sturgeon, and duck foie gras with chicken broth and Mr Bielier's dried cranberries. The impressive wine cellar includes a broad range of countries. Tables d'hôte offered.

Description:

Overlooking Place d'Youville, this small four-star hotel has 40 rooms, a theater, cabaret and restaurant. The Elvis Story has been playing here for over five years, along with various other musicals here and there. Le Capitole's restaurant, Il Teatro, is a fine Italian spot with a musical touch: dishes include tortellini Sofia Loren and scaloppine di vitello alla Pavarotti. During the summer, a beautiful flower-filled terrace is opened for guests to enjoy the nice weather and the interesting architecture of the Saint-Jean Gate and the Palais Montcalm.

Our Local Expert Says:

Staying at the historical Chateau Frontenac is a luxury that one should not pass on. Don't forget to take advantage of upgrades available to members of the Fairmont's presidents club.

Description:

This stunning medieval French structure is as much a tourist attraction as a place to stay the night. The 605 guest rooms are of varying sizes and configuration, but all are luxuriously appointed and many offer incredible views over the St Lawrence River. Every conceivable service is available, including a top-notch fitness centre, swimming pool, whirlpool and massage therapy. Located just above the Dufferin Terrace, it is easily accessible to both Old and New Quebec. Guided tours of the property are also offered.

Our Local Expert Says:

While this street is always bustling, it takes on a life of its own during celebrations such as the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (June 23/24) when it becomes a pedestrian-only street and takes on a block party atmosphere.

Description:

The Grande-Allée runs parallel to the Plains of Abraham and is lined with the best that Quebec City has to offer. Nicknamed the "Champs Élysées" of Quebec City, you can rub elbows with politicians grabbing lunch from the nearby Parliament building or the numerous tourists strolling about. Depending on what you want, there is no wrong time to visit Grande-Allée. Days are filled with people bustling or strolling up and down the street, and the nights are filled with exuberant party goers. There is something for everyone.

Description:

The Plains of Abraham, officially known as Battlefields Park, was the site of one of the most important battles in Canadian history. Today, it's where festivals are held, and people come to ski in the winter and picnic in the summer. This park in the city is also the location of the Musée Nationale des Beaux-Arts du Québec and is steps away from Grande-Allée.

Description:

Joan of Arc Garden, nestled within the Plains of Abraham is worth a visit anytime between April and October. Established in the year 1938, it has been well attended to, and boasts of both French- and British-style flower beds. 150 species of flowers and bulbs can be found here, so you are sure to catch a glimpse of some bright bloom or other any time of year. Take in the sharp scents and colorful delights of these beauties.

Description:

This well-known restaurant is located in the beautiful Maison Jacquet, a 1675 building that was once home to novelist Philippe-Aubert de Gaspé- his novel gives its name to the restaurant. The table d'hôte offers an entrée, soup, choice of main course, desert and coffee or tea starting at very reasonable prices. Traditional Canadian offerings include Duck Cutlet braised in maple syrup sauce. The wine list includes a Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Village and, appropriately, a fine selection of Canadian vintages.

Description:

Maurice Duplessis ruled Quebec with an iron fist throughout the 1950s; one can only imagine what he would think of this pulsating nightclub named, sarcastically, in his honor. With an audio-visual assault occurring throughout, the club offers several themed rooms: the Oriental Sake Bar, the VIP cigar lounge, the Library and the enormous main dance floor. Theme nights include Archie Night, held every Thursday, where knowing the password gets you a free beer and the guys get ten "Archie bucks" to spend on the girl of his choice before midnight.

Our Local Expert Says:

Staying at the historical Chateau Frontenac is a luxury that one should not pass on. Don't forget to take advantage of upgrades available to members of the Fairmont's presidents club.

Description:

This stunning medieval French structure is as much a tourist attraction as a place to stay the night. The 605 guest rooms are of varying sizes and configuration, but all are luxuriously appointed and many offer incredible views over the St Lawrence River. Every conceivable service is available, including a top-notch fitness centre, swimming pool, whirlpool and massage therapy. Located just above the Dufferin Terrace, it is easily accessible to both Old and New Quebec. Guided tours of the property are also offered.

Our Local Expert Says:

During the winter, rent some ice skates and skate around eating taffy on a stick from the street vendors or watch an impromptu hockey game. In the summer, watch street performers or browse the stalls selling their exotic wares.

Description:

Place d'Youville, located right at St. John's Gate, is the heart of Quebec City. This square buzzes with concerts in the summer, open-air markets on weekends, intentional and unintentional street performers, and an ice skating rink in the winter. Place d'Youville is also Quebec City's transportation hub, where you can transfer to almost any bus to any destination in the City with every major artery leading here. And if home is where the heart is, then this is where all of Quebec feels right at home!

Our Local Expert Says:

Walking along the walls of this ancient city is a great idea, but don’t forget to wear appropriate footwear. It can be pretty slippery on the walls, especially in the winter months!

Description:

There's something fascinating about walking the length of this wall surrounding the city. Perhaps it's the wonderful view that it offers of passersby on top of St. John's Gate or the panoramic views of Lower Town, but the sense of history as the only remaining fortified city in North America certainly doesn't hurt either. Whether you take a guided tour or walk it alone, the Fortifications of Quebec is a must see!

Description:

Le Domaine Maizerets is a beautiful park that is always flooded with people during the summer, largely because of its location on the bike path that extends from the Montmorency Falls to the Old City. With its large grassy areas, arboretum, gardens and historic buildings, the park is a great place to enjoy nature in the city. In the summer, free concerts and plays take place in the outdoor area. Nature and bird-watching conferences occur frequently. In the winter, cross-country skiers take over the grounds. Admission to the park is free.

Our Local Expert Says:

Tours are very educational with tons of behind the action tidbits about the inner workings of the Quebec government.

Description:

The Parliament Building is a striking building, located near Grande-Allée, and Old Quebec, is the center of all political life in Quebec. This is where the National Assembly meets and is open to the public. Guided tours are available from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Weekdays are the best time to take advantage of the action, and eat at the famous Parliament restaurant open to the public.

Description:

Place Royale is a collection of buildings and narrow streets born in 1608, when explorer Samuel de Champlain established a secure fur trading post. It changed hands between the British and French, surviving fires and battles and eventually became Quebec City's version of "downtown." After a complete restoration, Place Royale is now the city's most picturesque place, sporting restaurants and cafes, as well as many tourist attractions. Be sure to visit the Maison Chevalier, the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church and the Interpretive center.

Description:

Constructed in 1690 to fend off British attacks, this fortification at the Place Royale still displays original cannons. The Royal Battery saw most of its action during the siege of Quebec in 1759. In the summertime, staff explain the history of the cannons and the battery, including how the cannons were loaded and fired, and a description of the many perils that awaited the soldier in charge of these huge pieces of artillery. Children, in particular, are often fascinated by this well-preserved piece of Quebec's military history.

Description:

Boasting one of Quebec City's most attractive exteriors, this venerable restaurant is ensconced in a 19th-century stone building on the Rue St-Stanislas. Its extensive menu of haute cuisine favourites includes salmon carpaccio and smoked duck and Bresaola appetizers, a small selection of pastas, milk-fed veal dishes, and steak and seafood from the grill. House specialties include steak tartare and Chateaubriand bouquetière for two. Desserts range from the extravagant-crepes flambéed at your table-to an outstanding but more modest selection of cakes and tarts.

Description:

This brand new interpretation centre opened on Place Royale itself, and provides information on all area attractions while mounting its own exhibits. The centre is a good place to stop before exploring Place Royale, the Royal Battery, the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church and Maison Chevalier. Armed with historical information, you can then make the most of your visit to this especially historic area of Quebec City. Exhibits include a history of the Interpretation Centre's own buildings, a multimedia history of Place Royale, a history of Quebec commerce, and a Discovery Space in which you can re-enact life in Quebec City in 1800.

Description:

This charming museum chronicles the arrival and work of the Ursuline nuns in Quebec. Arriving in New France in 1639, the Ursulines sought to spread their religious message to the Natives, and pioneered education for girls in Canada. The museum houses an impressive selection of religious art, including embroideries and sculpture. Rooms have been restored to their spartan 17th-century decorations in order to give visitors an idea of the lifestyle led by these women missionaries of frontier times. The Ursuline Chapel is located next door.

Description:

Boasting a remarkable amount of musical talent for a city of Quebec's size, this top-notch orchestra delivers a full program of concerts and events from September through May. Under the watchful eye of musical director Yoav Talmi, the group performs both at the Grand Théâtre de Québec and at the Salle Albert Rousseau, depending on the program. Grands Concerts-held Tuesdays at 8pm throughout the season-have included Le lyrisme de Chopin and Schumann, un grand passionné. Other recurring events are Hommage à Tchaïkovski and various other evenings sponsored by local corporations. See their website for further information.