Nov 18

Nov 18 Long Weekend in Quebec City

Review, Travel Logistics, Travel Review, News + Logistics

Following the tradition of Canadian provinces maintaining their capitals in the second most populous city in the region (Victoria, Regina, etc), Quebec City acts as the capital for…the province of Quebec. It has played a prominent role on Canada’s early history, with British General James Wolfe capturing the city in 1759, and subsequently cementing England’s dominance over a fledging nation.

Vieux-Québec (Old Quebec)

I would rate Old Quebec highly with regards to harm and history, and would definitely plan at least a day in this area, getting lost in the streets, exploring its endearing shops and indulging in delectable Canadian cuisine. I was welcomed to my hotel by a horse and carriage; while I decided not to partake as I needed to work off the calories from my Montreal food tour, I can definitely see this as a leisurely, but expensive, way to explore the old city.

As Old Quebec used to be a fort, there are various cannons placed strategically around or on the ramparts to keep invaders out.

*Hills were a bit more effective pre-car*

The rest of Old Quebec maintained its distinct European style, although it was amusing seeing UK and Quebec/French flags opposing each other. While the vast majority of shops were mom & pop restaurants, I did spy a McDonalds in the middle, which meant that the US flag was metaphorically hanging in the region as well.

Perhaps Canada’s most famous hotel, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, looked stunning in the late evening. The first and second Quebec Conferences, which were used by the Allies during WWII to discuss strategy, was held at the hotel in 1943/1944; judging by the splendor, I can definitely see this as the place to be while the rest of the world is mired in conflict (or in a pandemic).

I’ll let Ricky, at the Prince of Travel, detail the insides, although I could definitely see this as the place for a romantic getaway.

Another stunning building is the headquarters of the Quebec Pension plan, and the owner of Ivanhoe Cambridge, which runs many shopping malls across Canada.

The stunning headquarters of the Caisse de Depot et Placement du Quebec

Right across from the hotel was the Place d'Armes. The rest of the landscape was dominated by boutique restaurants and bars, which started to empty at around 9 pm given the area’s remoteness from most residential areas of Quebec and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Below the Château, in Old Quebec Lower Town, the trend was similar: lovely, homely stores selling unique items.

Plains of Abraham

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal…wait wrong Abraham.

These Plains actually predate the former US President and may have been named after a fisherman who owned the land. As part of the 7 Years War, which lasted actually for 6 years and 8 months, Britain and France engaged in a “World War” for territories and influence around the globe. British General Wolfe and his troops defeated French commander Marquis de Montcalm by climbing the city cliffs under the cover of darkness and surprising the French troops. This is probably why work starts at 8 am now. Enough history, let us enjoy the beautiful view!

Montmorency Falls

Montmorency Falls actually is 30m taller than Niagara Falls, though evidently less wide (no jokes here!). While there is a path that encircles the magnificent falls, about half of it was closed: the zipline and tram were closed due to lack of demand/health precautions, and there was construction at the very bottom of the falls. However, the view was amazing, reminding us that nature is still very much in charge.

There was also a suspension bridge that spanned the falls, with social distancing markers to remind us of the current situation.

Given the fall’s close proximity to the city, I did see several groups of residents taking leisurely walks or picnics on the grounds.

The surrounding areas were quite idyllic: I saw lots of retirees from big cities living here, with easy access to an incredible view, grocery store and a vibrant downtown core.

How about $400K for a big house instead of a 350sqft apartment in Toronto

Other Areas

Quebec’s Parliament Building, which hosts the Unicameral/Single Body National Assembly of Quebec is stunning in its own right, although when I went there a crane was blocking the view of this over 135-year-old building.

The views from across the St. Charles River were quite stunning as well:

Université Laval

As the oldest French-language university in North America, Université Laval maintained a distinct, European sense of style, punctuated by modern buildings including a stadium/racetrack.

The university itself is quite dispersed, with a lot of green space (almost too much) separating the buildings. Interestingly enough there was a sizable shopping mall, called Place Ste-Foy, along with a giant pyramid-shaped building, fittingly named Pyramide de Sainte-Foy. UBC, take note, this how you ensure students can stay relaxed facing the onslaught of university classes! Students were congregating in the study halls, though it did seem like everyone stuck to small groups far apart from each other.

The Point

The city is a 2-hour flight from Toronto, an 8-hour drive or a 165-hour hike for you adventurers; many have recommended a week-long trip combining Quebec City and Montreal, and I would agree that this is about the right time to experience these two wonderful cities. While it is disappointing to rightfully not be able to experience some indoor events and festivals, both cities still have enough outdoor and socially distant activities to still make it worthwhile for a visit. After all, history never gets old!

About the Author

“A man's feet should be planted in his country, but his eyes should survey the world.” - George Santayana (as the other blogger took my usual travel line). Ever since my first flight across the Pacific at age 9, I’ve always marvelled at what our incredible world has to show to us. My favourite experiences (that I share on my Instagram) so far include partying on a junk in Hong Kong, admiring Dubai’s architecture from the Burj, soaking in the sun on the Greek islands and getting lost basically everywhere. I am a Vancouverite who is now working in Management Consulting in Toronto, trying to survive their winters and sushi. Life will always be an adventure, and I’d like to take you along for the ride!