Quebec City is the capital of the province of Quebec in Canada. Located on a cliff overlooking the St. Lawrence Seaway, Quebec City's Old Town is the only city in North America with its original city walls. Quebec is a city with 700,000 people. The city has a remarkable history, as the fortress capital of New France since the 16th century. The beauty of the city and its rich history make for an incredible visit.
Quebec is first and foremost, a French town. It was founded by Champlain in 1608, and the home of fur trappers, voyagers, and exiled French nobility for years. The city has amazing views. It's built on cliffs 200 feet above the river. In 1759, the British won the city in battle. The Quebecois managed to retain their cultural identity though, along with their language, their religion and their customs. During the Irish Potato Famine in 1850, the city saw a huge number of Irish pour into the city, but it stayed essentially, a French city. The city remained under British rule until it joined the Dominion of Canada when it was created in 1867.
French is the official language of Quebec although virtually everyone speaks English and most menus and signs are printed in both languages. Outside of Quebec City, some knowledge of French is helpful.
It is pretty easy to get around Quebec. Everything most people want to see is in the Old Town (Vieux-Quebec). And Old Town is divided into two distinct areas: the upper walled city called Haute-Ville (Upper Town), and the area between the Haute-Ville and the river, called the Basse-Ville (Lower Town). So when someone gives you directions, knowing if it's in Haute-Ville or Basse-Ville makes it really simple. To get between the two, you can negotiate a steep set of stairs called the Escalier Casse-Cou (Breakneck Stairs), or take the funicular, which is a little tram.
The most recognizable landmark in Quebec City is the Chateau Frontenac, the huge historic hotel that overlooks the city. The Chateau dominates the skyline with its castle like architecture, and is the scene for many events. Legend has it that it is the most photographed hotel in North America.
Despite the narrow streets, and the uneven cobblestones, make sure you walk as much as you can in Old Town. It is filled with old buildings and charming little shops. If you don't walk, you run the risk of missing a scenic view or a bit of whimsy.
Quebec is first and foremost, a French town. It was founded by Champlain in 1608, and the home of fur trappers, voyagers, and exiled French nobility for years. The city has amazing views. It's built on cliffs 200 feet above the river. In 1759, the British won the city in battle. The Quebecois managed to retain their cultural identity though, along with their language, their religion and their customs. During the Irish Potato Famine in 1850, the city saw a huge number of Irish pour into the city, but it stayed essentially, a French city. The city remained under British rule until it joined the Dominion of Canada when it was created in 1867.
French is the official language of Quebec although virtually everyone speaks English and most menus and signs are printed in both languages. Outside of Quebec City, some knowledge of French is helpful.
It is pretty easy to get around Quebec. Everything most people want to see is in the Old Town (Vieux-Quebec). And Old Town is divided into two distinct areas: the upper walled city called Haute-Ville (Upper Town), and the area between the Haute-Ville and the river, called the Basse-Ville (Lower Town). So when someone gives you directions, knowing if it's in Haute-Ville or Basse-Ville makes it really simple. To get between the two, you can negotiate a steep set of stairs called the Escalier Casse-Cou (Breakneck Stairs), or take the funicular, which is a little tram.
The most recognizable landmark in Quebec City is the Chateau Frontenac, the huge historic hotel that overlooks the city. The Chateau dominates the skyline with its castle like architecture, and is the scene for many events. Legend has it that it is the most photographed hotel in North America.
Despite the narrow streets, and the uneven cobblestones, make sure you walk as much as you can in Old Town. It is filled with old buildings and charming little shops. If you don't walk, you run the risk of missing a scenic view or a bit of whimsy.
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