Few things you should not miss out on if you’re to visit Quebec :
1. Chateau Frontenac If you’ve ever seen photos of Quebec, you’ll have seen the impressive castle with its green copper roofs. Originally built as a luxury stopover for wealthy clients of the Canadian Pacific Railways, it has since become a luxury hotel. It’s been host to some very big names indeed, such as the King and Queen of England, Grace Kelly who was Princess Grace of Monaco, Charles de Gaulle, Charles Lindbergh, President Ronald Reagan, Fergie the Duchess of York and Alfred Hitchcock who filmed the movie I Confess at the hotel. Now, it may not be for every budget, but you seriously should not miss out on at least having a cup of coffee there and drinking in the centuries of history within its walls.
2. Museums There’s hardly anything you could imagine that Quebec doesn’t have a museum about. From First Nations to foreign indigenous cultures, through history and art, all the way to brewery, chocolate and golf, there’s a museum for everyone in Quebec
3. Vieux Quebec Who could possibly miss out on Quebec’s remarkably picturesque old town? Enclosed in ancient fortified walls Quebec’s old town is the oldest European city on the North American continent. Its myriad cobblestoned streets, its charming European houses and endless choice of shops, bars and restaurants is enough to keep you occupied for days. Take one of the guided tours that are on offer, or simply amble your way through the streets and have yourself an unforgettable discovery.
4. Restaurants Canadian cuisine is a fantastically curious mix of three very different cultures. When the first settlers arrived, there wasn’t more choice than simple ship food and local offerings. As time went by and logistics improved, there was much added to the mix. The original staple foods such as wild game include caribou, cranberries, Saskatoon berries and fiddleheads. The original French settlers added their knowledge to the mix, and the addition of British flavourings and foods made it into a culinary culture quite unlike any other in the world. Make sure you sample some of the local dishes when you visit Quebec. Sure, poutine is the first one on the list, but you’ll find many restaurants throughout Quebec in all price ranges to give you a fantastic sample of Quebec cuisine.
5. Canadian people You’ll have heard that Canadians are among the friendliest around, right? Well, I’m no scientist and I haven’t read any reports on it, but I have a theory that it may have to do with the origins of Canada as a modern nation.
The Canadian territory was first colonized by the French in the 17th century. After that, when French culture had firmly established itself, the French had to let go of Canada and cede to Britain. Now doesn’t it make sense if you think about it: the typical English manner of being polite, combined with the typical French easy-going attitude, and you’ve got a country full of relaxed, helpful people. It’s there for you to discover, even if you don’t speak Canadian French. Of course, it’s a great opener when you’re able to say: “I love Canada” in Canadian French, but even if all you speak in English, you can meet Canadians and experience the famous Canadian friendliness for yourself.
2021-12-27
