Quebec City: The Quick Trips From Maine Series
Though the Canadian province of Quebec is just across the border from Maine, as soon as you’ve arrived, you’ll feel as though you’ve flown straight to France. This French-speaking province has preserved the language, food, architecture, and style of its European ancestors, making for a cheap and easy alternative to a vacation on the Continent.
Chateau Fronetac. Photo by SqueakyMarmot.
Quebec City is the largest city in Quebec after Montreal, and is often cited as one of the world’s most beautiful. The downtown area, Vieux Quebec, is a multi-level area facing the St. Laurence River, full of cobblestone streets and beautiful historic buildings. Founded in 1608, the city is one of the oldest in North America; city residents will hold a large festival next year to mark the 400th anniversary of Quebec City. The province was originally settled by French colonists, and though the English government took control in 1763, the community held fiercely to its French roots and culture. This European style and outlook makes Quebec the most unique place to visit in all of North America.
If you visit Quebec, you have many options for lodging. The most famous hotel is Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, a massive brick luxury hotel that stands on a bluff overlooking the St. Laurence River. The hotel is one of Canada’s most distinctive landmarks; in its hundred-year history, it has hosted distinguished visitors such as Queen Elizabeth, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Winston Churchill. Rates for a room start at several hundred dollars, but if that’s out of your budget, you can still take part in a tour of the beautiful hotel grounds.
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
1, rue des Carrières
Québec, Québec
Canada G1R 4P5
Telephone: (418) 692-3861
chateaufrontenac@fairmont.com
There are also many bed & breakfasts in the area, where you can stay within walking distance of Vieux Quebec and eat a delicious homemade breakfast, all for the same price or cheaper than any of the area hotels. To find a listing of bed & breakfast-style accommodation within Quebec City, visit Bed and Breakfasts in Quebec.
You can easily spend an entire day in Vieux Quebec exploring museums like the Musée de Civilization, shopping for jewelry or crafts at the many boutique galleries, and eating at the delicious cafés and restaurants that line the historic streets. For a great meal, try out Restaurant Bistro Sous Le Fort, or the more formal Le Patriarche. No matter where you go, make sure to save room for dessert — Quebec City has the best gelato I’ve tasted outside of Italy.
When you visit Quebec City, you’ll also want to take time to explore the beautiful countryside. Only a fifteen-minute drive from Vieux Quebec, you’ll find the Parc de la Chute-Monmorency, a large park with a stunning waterfall that’s higher than Niagara Falls. Bring a picnic lunch to eat at the top of the falls, or take the stairs down to see the spray from the bottom. If you don’t want to hike back up, there is an aerial tram that can take you back to the top level. Skip the overpriced café in the park; instead, you won’t want to miss the small diner just outside the gates. There, you can try the Quebecois special of poutine — hand-cut French fries slathered with gravy and melted cheddar cheese curds. It may not be the healthiest of meals, but it’s well worth the splurge.
Only five and a half hours by car from Portland, Quebec City seems a world away from Maine. If you’re in the mood for great food, European charm, and an abundance of beautiful scenery, you won’t want to miss this incredible road trip.
To learn more about activities in Quebec City, visit: http://www.quebecregion.com/e/
Written by Kathy Hawkins on July 26, 2007
Filed Under Places to Stay, Hotels, Nearby Locations, Quebec
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