What should we see in Quebec City?

[FranP]

DH and I are travelling to Quebec City in July for 5 days - flying on Continental and staying at Le Chateau Frontenac - this is the same hotel that my parents stayed at on their honeymoon 61 years ago!! Can anyone give us some additional information about places we must see, things we must do and places where we must eat??? We are planning a tour to the Montmonarcy (SP??) Falls and Shrine of St. Anne de Beaupre because those are places that my mom remembers visiting. I would appreciate any info or web sites that I could look at, or even books that I could buy that would help.

Thanks, all!!!!!

 

[Anjiebaby]

A great place to eat is Le Petit Chateau it is just around the corner from car entrance to the Chateau Frontenac. They have fantastic Fondue!!!!!

 

[rewok]

The best thing to do in Quebec City is to wander around in the Old City! You'll be staying right in the heart, so that should be easy. There are little streets with outdoor merchants, lots of artist & artisans, fine jewelry shops. The Civilization Museum (right in the Old Town) usually has some interesting stuff (I go everytime). You should definitely walk to the Citadelle for a guided tour, lots of stuff to learn & see about the French-English battle, and the walled City.

As for the Montmorency Falls, they are indeed very nice. But just so you know, you'll have to leave the old town to go there and to Ste-Anne de Beaupré, and driving the short distance in/out is quite terrible & congested.

About the Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, I must warn you that it has become a very commercial place, very sad indeed for a place of worship. They have installed TVs for everyone to see, etc. It is still a very stunning basilica. Whatever you decide, just do not drive there on Saturday, everyone is leaving Quebec City for the week-ends, and roads get congested.

For restaurants you have so many choices directly around your hotel, it is mind boggling. Some personal favourites: Gambrinus, right across the street from Chateau Frontenac (15$ for lunch on weekdays, 35-40$ for a complete meal at night) & l'Entrecote St-Jean, a good steakhouse, at 1080 St-Jean street. There is also the Laurie Raphael, which is very fine cuisine indeed and can run up to 100$/each for a complete 7 course meal, on par with what you'd get at Victoria & Albert (you could probably get a 3 course meal around 60$/each). This one would be by reservations only, but you should get one without 3 months advance unlike WDW! Finally, don't forget to at least try out a Poutine at Asthon, it's fries with cheese and brown sauce, a local speciality.

You could spend 2 full days exploring the Old City & visiting, and do a combination day with Montmorency Falls (great place for a picnic) & Ste-Anne de Beaupré. I don't know how much running around you want to do, or how relaxing you want your holiday to be, but there are plenty of other things in the area. Hope this helps, and I'll be happy to help more if you'd need.

 

[amjt660]

We went last August for the 400th anniversary and had a great time
We also stayed at the Frontenac and were there for 4 nights (after 3 in Montreal).
Take the guided tour to learn about the history of the hotel. The tour guide will be dressed and act based on a past time period.
We took a caleshe (sp) ride (horse and buggy) and enjoyed it. It does depend on the driver though.
Tour the Citadel (the british fort) and learn about the history.
But most of all (as mentioned already) just stroll around the old city and soak in the history (and the shopping - which my wife and daughters really enjoyed)

 

[amjt660]

I forgot to mention to remember to go down to the lower part of the city. Take the venicular (sp) (sort of a cable car elevator) down the hill and explore the oldest street in Canada.

 

[eveandlo]

You have gotten some great tips so far. I don't know if there are children involved in the trip, if so, a trip to Village Vacances Valcartier is always fun.

Oh, and a must every time I visit (I lived there for two years), is some CREPES! My fave is a little hole in the wall, called Casse-Crepe Breton on St Jean. It is quite a busy place and I always make room for two crepes. One meal crepe (usually pepperoni, tomato sauce and cheese) and one desert crepe. The butter and sugar one is SO GOOD! It is such a beautiful city. I am sure you will have a grand time!

 

[eveandlo]

Oh and there are some nice little cafes and restaurants on Cartier Avenue. There is also one I remember closer to the University called Cafe du Temps perdu (of lost time).

 

[abirdd]

We love staying at the Chateau, especially when they do their summer specials

I agree with all the previous posters - plenty to see and do in the Old City. The little cable car is steps from the hotel, and you'll pretty much be in walking distance to everything.

If you do rent a car, and decide to leave the city for a day trip - right opposite Montmorency Falls is a wonderful Island called L'ile d'Orleans. Aside from the wonderful tour around the island, there was nothing like stopping at the vineyard or chocolate store. Also, there are plenty of artisan shops - my hubby LOVED the samples (and bought a bottle) of the blackcurrent liqueur. Have not done the trip to the Island in a couple years, but I doubt much has changed - it's really beautiful there...

No matter what, enjoy the righ culture and beauty Quebec City offers

ETA: Here is the tourism site for IO - http://www.quebecregion.com/e/ileorleans.asp

 

[yk2]

Wow, 5 days is a little too much, we finished the walled city in one day, I can't imagine spending more than 3 days there. How about go to Montreal for a visit, or Mt. Tremblanc? Quebec City was wonderful until we went to Europe (Prague, Vienna, etc.)

 

[FranP]

Thanks for all your suggestions everyone. Are there any particular dress codes for some restaurants? DH does not want to have to wear a jacket ane tie.

Also, when you account for travel time on Monday when we arrive an Friday when we are leaving, it really is only 3 days (and a little bit). I was thinking about spending some time at the hotel pool and maybe having a massage, so I don't think we will be bored. Also, we might be a little slower than most LOL.

 

[rewok]

No dress code per se, even the best of those restaurants you can go with just nice pants and shirt. No one will mind, my boyfriend and I never dress up, but always just look "put together" . And with only 3 full days, you will have plenty to do in/around the Old Town (+ a day outside like you talked about), if you take it slowly and enjoy...