Quebec – my favorite Canadian city!

Quebec – my favorite Canadian city!

I was so happy when I finally purchased my ticket to Quebec! It was very important for me because I could meet my Canadian friend and see the most beautiful Canadian city. Even before my departure I heard from my friends that I would love Quebec. I also found lots of pictures of Quebec and I knew that my time there will be a pleasure! I got on the train and I couldn’t wait till the end station. First impressions? It turned out that Quebec was better than I had expected. 🙂 But let’s start from the beggining. First, a few logistical issues (transport, costs, etc.), and then only pleasure!

Travel route

In my case, Quebec was the next stop on my almost monthly trip. I had finished my work at Camp America in New Hampshire and got on the bus to Canada. My first stop was Montreal (post soon). From Montreal we went to Quebec, where we stayed 3 days. It was the end of August 2015.

Transport

Unfortunately, bus connections are not that expanded like in Europe. However, we were still suprised that between Montreal and Quebec doesn’t exists even one, simple bus connection.  Luckily we managed to find the train for a pretty decent price – $ 23.5 CAN. I recommend booking in advance – you can save a lot. Below I attached links to trains and buses in Canada.

• Trains
• Buses

Accommodation

I know that it won’t be very helpful for you, but just to inform you – I was staying at my friend’s place. Once again thank you so much for the hospitality and for the best guided tours in Canada! <3 I’m waiting for you in Kraków 🙂

How to fall in love with Quebec? Here are the places you have to see 🙂

Fortunately, most of Quebec’s attractions are walkable – all of them are located in downtown. The city is full of colorful and well-groomed streets that encourage to walk.

• Parliament building

Our walk started from the parliament building. Apparently the tour in to parliament is free, but we were not able to get in. Although, I don’t remember whether we didn’t want to enter or whether the building was just closed. 😛 So we could admire the building only outside, which is quite nice to the eye. It was built in the 19th century and is located outside the historic walls. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens that shine in all colors with flowers. Unfortunately, the picture taken with the sun behind doesn’t fully capture the charm of this place.

• Fontaine de Tourny

In front of the parliament is located a beautiful fountain – Fontaine de Tourny. Although, the fountain was opened only in 2007, its history goes back to the 19th century! From 1857 to 1960 it was located in French Bordeaux. The city, however, got rid of the fountain. In the end, a rich man (Peter Simons –  I’ve never heard about him) had found the fountain on the flea market. At the time, he was nursing the idea of a major gift to the people of Québec City in recognition of their support for his retail fashion business. He bought the fountain and gave it to the city. Well, you have to admit that this is quite original story 🙂

• Colorful streets vol 1

In Quebec don’t be afraid to get lost. The streets are really beautiful, so you may discover a real gem! On our way from Parliament to Château Frontenac we walked through such streets:

• Château Frontenac

I even fell in love with the pictures from internet! I was totally amazed. <3 It looks georgeous. To our surprise, we could easilly access the hotel without any problem. The gallery is located in the basement, that is why you can visit interiors. Of course we entered the hotel, but we noticed immediately that this luxury is not to our pocket (but someday will be 😀). I wish I could spend a night in such a beautiful hotel! If someone fancies, then you can book here.

Meanwhile, we were admired by Château Frontenac from the outside. We walked around it very carefully.  We even admired it from the Citadel. It is a pity that it was not possible to see it from the opposite site of the river. Unfortunately, the lack of a bridge didn’t make the matter easier. You can only take a ferry but I’m not sure how much does it cost and how much time you will waiste for this activity.

Château Frontenac was opened at the end of the 19th century, but since then it has been rebuilt several times.

• Citadel

Fortifications look impressive, but from the bird’s eye view. So it’s rather nothing special. Of course you can buy a guided tour for bunch of money, but my Canadian friend told us to skip this experience. Without any hesitation we agreed to go further.

• Capitole de Québec

Then we went to see the old theater building. It is coloristically very similar to Château Frontenac.

• Colorful streets vol 2.

Again we walked down the colorful streets of the old town. This time, however, we were on the way to Quartier Petit Champlain, which is one of the oldest districts of the city. It is also located on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. After some time we stopped for a small ice-cream-break. I recommend to try the flavors with maple syrup, etc. 🙂

• Quartier Petit Champlain

This is a historic and very old part of town! Luckily, we didn’t have to climb the huge stairs, but we could easily go down to this beautiful street. The district is full of historic and beautiful houses and all kinds of boutiques. On each side are beautiful views!

• Place Royale

Place Royale was our next stop. This place is considered to be the site of the oldest French settlement on the continent. The entire settlement developed very rapidly until it was destroyed by the British invasion in the 18th century. As a result of the rapid development of the Port of Montreal, the Place Royale declined even more in ruins. Fortunately, the government decided in the 1960s to rebuild this place. They decided to rebuild the 18th-century square in french style, which also meant the demolition of nineteenth-century buildings (built in the reign of the British Empire). I don’t know what the British style looks like, but the French one is really lovely. 🙂

On the Place Royale you will also find the oldest stone church in North America. The Notre-Dame-des-Victoires was built in the 17th century!

• Harbor

It is also worth going along the harbor. If you want to admire the views like those below, you should definitely check this place! You won’t be dissapointed. 🙂

• Harbor alleys

At the end we went down along the harbor streets of Quebec. A little crowded, but still don’t lose their charm.

• Let’s summarize Quebec

Quebec is definitely different from other Canadian cities. It seduced me with its elegance, purity and colors. In terms of colors, I’m not just talking about buildings or streets, but also about flowers. There are just plenty of flowers in the whole city! To my memories of Quebec I always return with pleasure and I’m sure you will also fall in love with this city.

Check also things to see near the city of Quebec!! 🙂

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