Quebec City Hotels

Attractions

Old Quebec seems completely out of place in North America. The Old Europe aesthetic is more in line with a small town in France than a major city in Canada. Hence the appeal of Quebec City.

Consequently, tourist hordes crowd labyrinthine cobblestone streets, marvel at old fortification walls on the perimeter and queue at bistros and cafés.

The architecture in Old Quebec is exceptional. From the chic Auberge Saint-Antoine to the majestic Hotel Dominion 1912, boutique hotel, art gallery and restaurant seem to comprise the main restoration choices for old heritage sites.

Le Château Frontenac is the most visible and famous landmark in the city. The grand lady of railway hotels in Canada looms over the old quarter, with spectacular vistas of the city and St. Lawrence River. Although a tour of the castle hotel is worthwhile, you can always stop in for lunch and have a look around the grand interior.

Another big landmark is the National Assembly, the heart of the provincial government. Just outside Old Quebec, the site features a gorgeous sculpture fountain and monuments to popular and important provincial leaders.

The waterfront area of the port city has several notable landmarks that include a traditional market, Pointe-à-Carcy naval complex and the Naval Museum of Quebec.

Other phenomenal museums in Quebec City include the Museum of Fine Arts, or Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, and Musée de la civilisation in the old quarter.

The Plains of Abraham is the most indelible natural landmark in Quebec City, site of famous battles between France and the British Empire. The area is now open to the public as a fabulous recreation space and park.

Events

Though the mercury dips well below 0°C, Winter Carnival is one of the most popular festivals in Canada, let alone Quebec City. The massive party takes place over two weeks in February. No other winter celebration in the world can touch the Quebec City Winter Carnival, in terms of scope and participation.

The National Holiday in the province of Quebec is on St. John the Baptist Day in June. Quebec City is the best place to be for the Fête Nationale, with major concerts and fireworks held all over the city.

The Summer Festival is held over two weeks in July, with eclectic classical and contemporary music concerts throughout Quebec City.

Climate

Quebec City, typical of a humid continental climate, has a wide deviation in weather from one season to the next. Summers can be quite hot and humid, with cold, snowy winters. Rainfall is considerable from spring to fall.

• Winter (November to March) -17.5-3°C

• Spring (April to May) -1-17°C

• Summer (June to August) 10.5-25°C

• Fall (September to October) 1.5-17.5°C