Quebec City

Quebec City, Canada

It all started in 1535, when Jacques Cartier landed here, and the first trading port was created in what is now Quebec. Since then, the city had become the province's capital and a destination popular for its sights, architecture and food. Visit the famous Chateau Frontenac, the world's most photographed hotel, or one of the other 36 national historic sites, each a sight to behold in its own right. But walking through the Old Port or the Plains of Abraham is perhaps the best way to feel and breathe in the historical atmosphere of the city.

Population:

545,485

Currency:

Canadian Dollar, 1 CAD = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

Emergency: 911
Health Info (No emergency): 811

Opening Hours:

Standard banking hours are from 10:00 to 15:00 Monday through Friday, with extended hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at some locations.

Most businesses, including shopping centers, are open:
Monday to Wednesday: 9:30 - 17:30
Thursday and Friday: 9:00 – 21:00
Saturday: 9:30 – 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00
Business hours are usually longer in December and in tourist areas.

Newspapers:

Quebec Chronicle
Le Soleil

The City

Quebec City boasts a charm one could only find in one of the oldest towns in America. Imbued with history and surrounded by the only fortifications north of Mexico, it is truly a place like no other. Walking along its cobbled streets and narrow pathways one is surrounded by an Old France feel, a remnant of the past that has made Quebec city what it is today.

The UNESCO-protected old district and lower city are where the heart of the province's capital beats the strongest, with tiny eateries and animated cafes just a few steps away from street artists. Take a stroll in the Quartier Petit Champlain for some of the best sights in the center or walk by the St. Lawrence, the river that gave Quebec City the name of "where the river narrows".

Do & See

Quebec City is so picturesque, you might at some point forget it is a real city. The tiny streets and tiny houses will take you back in time and away from what you would expect of a North American city. However, if the shops, cafes and restaurants are adorable, the streets and monuments will remind you of the historical importance of Quebec.

Dining

Although the culinary scene in Quebec is deeply influenced by its French past, Italian food and Canadian specialties, such as the famous poutine, are ubiquitous. You can also enjoy the best of Canadian multiculturalism at the city's varied restaurants — each area has its own personality and style.

Cafés

Small streets and tiny cafes: Quebec City might as well have invented the concept of coziness. Choices range widely: traditional or Americanized coffee shops, small cafes and bakeries with a Parisian feel, trendier and inventive new places — Quebec has it all. Enjoy sunny terraces in the summer, and during the very cold winter coffee shops can be a lifesaver.