Quebec!

[swimer3]

In a couple weeks, 16 days actually, my friend and I are going on a trip to Quebec.
Most of the days are planned out, but we have a couple hours to ourselves in Old Quebec.
I know many of you have been there or live in Canada..

So whats some places I should see in Old Quebec?
We wanted to do some shopping at cute little stores and markets, since there aren't many here.

We are staying at Universite Laval, how is it?

Basically, what should I see and do in Old Quebec?

thanks!

 

[Babyjustrun]

I personally didn't enjoy Old Quebec, but you probably will.
It has a really old feel to it.
There's an area there where a bunch of artists do caricatures and portraits (I really would have loved to get one done, but there wasn't enough time) and I thought that was nice.
Most of the shops there sell things like 'Quebec City' shirts and Quebec flags. There are a few that sell wooden statues and art, and some that sell present day clothing.

 

[swimer3]

thanks!

 

[VMK_MagicalLadee]

Nevermind hahhah.

 

[DramaQueen]

I actually used to live in Quebec...so I hope I can help!!

Some high points of Old Quebec (by that do you mean Old Montreal??)--since you're staying in Laval...I'm going to assume you are going to be on the West Island, and that therefore you'd be talking about old Montreal.
(i've never been to Quebec City, so I have nooo clue about any of that)

But if you are talking about old Montreal some stuff you should check out would be the street performers, the maple syrup stand (they usually sell sugar on snow--which is THE greatest thing ever...but since it's summer they may not have it...but if they do you should SERIOUSLY try some!!)

There's also alot of really cool art galleries that are worth peeking into (but I wouldn't recommend going IN....some of the people are rather snooty) There's this store called "Mortimer Snodgrass" which sells THEEEE coooolest stuff ever, some really funny trinkets and just stuff you won't find anywhere else.

And if you'll be in Downtown Montreal at all you should really go to the huge store Simons, it's exculsive to Quebec and they have some amazzzzing clothes!!
Also check out Olgivly's....it's really posh & expensive, but even if you're not going to buy anything it's still pretty cool to look around in.

As for eating places, my FAVOURITE restaurant in downtown Montreal is Carlos & Pepes, I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend it!!!
Also make sure you get a bagel from a bagel shop (like Real Bagel, Yagel Bagel, something like that if you see one. Montreal is probably next to New York on tha amazing bagel front!)

Also if you see a Lafleurs that's a GREAT place to get a quick meal, they have amazing steamed hotdogs!!

An since you're staying in Laval, you should definitley go shopping at Carrefour Laval, it's a great mall with some really cool stores!!
And make sure you get some cookies from Felix & Nortons, THE worlds most amazing cookies!!
And if Les Ailes De La Mode is still there make sure you go in!! Some amazing brand name clothes for reallygood prices.

Other places I'd recommend going if you have transportation there and a free day, check out Ste. Anne de Bellevue, it's a really beatiful little waterfront town, a great place to get ice cream and just chill and look around all the little stores.


Anyways, I REALLY hope that I've helped!! If you need any more info feel free to ask.

 

[Babyjustrun]

Caitlin, you just cleared something up.
What I wrote is no help if you're in Montreal.

 

[swimer3]

Thank you so much Caitlin!!

My teacher said old quebec, but she probably don't know what she's talking about.

Mortimer Snodgrass sounds exactly what I'm looking for.

 

[PigletGurl]

Have fun! I've never been to Canada.

 

[swimer3]

oh.
and how much french is actually spoken?
I know some things, but probably not enough to get around.

 

[Babyjustrun]

Quebec takes French seriously.
There will be people who will accomodate you and speak English to you, and then there's the stubborn people who refuse to (because they have way too much pride for their province and believe French is all that should be spoken), or just don't speak much English.
I remember I went to A&W at a mall in Quebec City and the people there didn't know any of the orders in English, so I had to say it all over in French.

 

[DramaQueen]

oh.
and how much french is actually spoken?
I know some things, but probably not enough to get around.

it all depends where you're going.
if you're in laval & the west island(/montreal) area there is alot of english spoken there, i lived there for 8 yrs and just knew basic french, so it's all good.
and if you're in touristy areas they'll speak to you in english.
all you have to do is when they say "bonjour" just say "hi"/"hello" and they'll know to talk to you in english.

of course there are some serious snoots, but you probably won't come across very many. In the area that it sounds like you're going to be you shouldn't have any problems at all, there's alot of english spoken in that area.

Hope you have fun! And take some pics to show us when you get back!!

 

[Talons]

If you're going to Upper and Lower town in Quebec City, stay in Upper town the majority of the time - Good shops and nice little cafes. Lower town, however, had a lot of sex shops as I recall Then again that was 4 years ago so things might have changed

 

[Babyjustrun]

Btw, I'm not sure if you're aware...
But if you DO end up actually going to Quebec City (which I think we've come to the conclusion that you aren't), this year is Quebec City's 400th anniversary and there's tons of things going on around the time you're going.

And you're going rather close to Canada day.

 

[shelby&stitch]

i loved qubeq we went on a 7th grade trip and had so much fun in the old city.

 

[swimer3]

Thank you all very very much!

I bought a french travel book thing so i can learn some phrases.

And I'll post plenty of pictures when I get back!

And I heard theres some big celebration thing, oh well. sounds fun.

Sex shops? sounds dangerous.

thanks!