After you have had your retail therapy then it’s time to spend the afternoon with some culture. Start this with a visit to the Notre Dame cathedral which will often take longer than you first think. When this is finished try browsing through the galleries in the artisan filled streets opposite and listening to the street musicians. When it’s time for dinner I would recommend that you sample some poutine. This is a Québécois classic and what better place than in Chez Aston, the place where it was allegedly invented. What is this gourmand treat you ask? Well, it translates to fancy chips, cheese and gravy, but it is good. End the day by riding the commuter ferry to Lévis to watch the sunset over Québec as the Château Frontenac lights up against the darkening sky. If you like chocolate and want to make a small side trip during the day then head to Érico at 634, rue Saint-Jean. It’s just outside the old city walls, it’s a chocolate shop with a small free museum and the best ice cream in the city.
Finding somewhere to stay in the city is quite easy and it can meet most budgets. At the higher end you will find the Auberge Saint-Antoine in the Old Port. This is a beautiful retreat that’s a part boutique hotel and part museum. Objects found when the original 17th-century building was renovated are displayed throughout the hotel, which merges a period feel with modern touches. Doubles start around £150 plus taxes. A good Mid-range choice has a striking mix of art deco and art nouveau, it is the Hôtel Clarendon and is a block away from the Château Frontenac and ideal for exploring the charms of the Old Town with doubles starting at £110 plus taxes. If you are on a really tight budget then located in the heart of the Old Town is the HI-Québec Hostel. There are dorms and private rooms with prices starting from £15 pppn plus taxes.
If you have the time it’s certainly worth staying for a long weekend to explore both the Old Town and the newer parts of the city beyond the walls. If you then want to head further afield there is plenty on offer. A good start is Montmorency Falls, 12km north east of the city. This vast cascade is actually higher than Niagara Falls, though not as wide. It’s also surrounded by beautiful park and woodland, and you can follow a trail to a bridge above the falls, where the Montmorency River drops into the St Lawrence. You can then continue on to the cliffside staircase that winds down to the falls’ base; at the bottom, there’s a cable car to take you back up to the start. A little further out is the Île d’Orléans, famous for its local produce including honey, maple syrup and wine. You can pick up tours in the city that have tastings included. Further east you will find the Charlevoix Valley, this a great spot if you like hiking or whale watching.
There is plenty to do in this city for one or two days and more close by if you can stay longer. If you are in the area why not plan a stop here.
Finding somewhere to stay in the city is quite easy and it can meet most budgets. At the higher end you will find the Auberge Saint-Antoine in the Old Port. This is a beautiful retreat that’s a part boutique hotel and part museum. Objects found when the original 17th-century building was renovated are displayed throughout the hotel, which merges a period feel with modern touches. Doubles start around £150 plus taxes. A good Mid-range choice has a striking mix of art deco and art nouveau, it is the Hôtel Clarendon and is a block away from the Château Frontenac and ideal for exploring the charms of the Old Town with doubles starting at £110 plus taxes. If you are on a really tight budget then located in the heart of the Old Town is the HI-Québec Hostel. There are dorms and private rooms with prices starting from £15 pppn plus taxes.
If you have the time it’s certainly worth staying for a long weekend to explore both the Old Town and the newer parts of the city beyond the walls. If you then want to head further afield there is plenty on offer. A good start is Montmorency Falls, 12km north east of the city. This vast cascade is actually higher than Niagara Falls, though not as wide. It’s also surrounded by beautiful park and woodland, and you can follow a trail to a bridge above the falls, where the Montmorency River drops into the St Lawrence. You can then continue on to the cliffside staircase that winds down to the falls’ base; at the bottom, there’s a cable car to take you back up to the start. A little further out is the Île d’Orléans, famous for its local produce including honey, maple syrup and wine. You can pick up tours in the city that have tastings included. Further east you will find the Charlevoix Valley, this a great spot if you like hiking or whale watching.
There is plenty to do in this city for one or two days and more close by if you can stay longer. If you are in the area why not plan a stop here.