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Québec City: A Colourful Blend of Old and New

Québec City: A Colourful Blend of Old and New

By Nicole Samkange

As one of the oldest European settlements in North America, Québec City still bears marks of its colonial past as the only remaining fortified city north of Mexico.  With the St. Lawrence River closing just east of the city, the areas name originates from the Algonquian ‘kébec’, meaning ‘where the river narrows’; first recorded by its French founder Samuel de Champlain in 1608.  Interwoven with the quaintness of cobblestone streets and faint echoes of horse-drawn carriages, the late Renaissance grandeur of Québec’s architecture pays homage to the country’s history. 
 
Amid French speaking citizens and café lined streets, local bistros innovatively infuse Québec cuisine with French flavours and flair, and visitors here may be forgiven for feeling far from Canada whilst strolling along.  A capital with unmistakable European charm, the compactness of Québec City makes it easy to walk around and all summer musicians, acrobats, and actors in period costumes take to the streets to entertain passersby. 
 
Perched on a hill overlooking the St Lawrence River, Old Québec has been an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 and with half of the buildings predating 1850 is the main historical point of interest among sightseers.  Split between the upper town, surrounded by a wall built by the French and British armies, and the commercial lower town with a funicular connecting the two, the Old Town’s skyline is dominated by Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, the most photographed hotel in the world.   Positioned atop the Cap-Diamant and inspired by French Loire castles, this majestic hotel offers guests unparalleled levels of comfort alongside stunning views of the river.
 
Over 11 architectural styles can be found across the city and the most spectacular constructions include La Citadelle, North America’s largest fortified base, and the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral, the first cathedral built in North America where those who enter will be amazed by its extravagant art and golden interior.  Perhaps most intriguing is Hôtel de Glace, the region’s only ice hotel; even the furniture is carved out of ice, and the hotel’s fur-draped guests can enjoy a soothing hot chocolate and the uniqueness of their surroundings.   
 
Like the weather, activities seasonally differ across the city.  Festival fever infects those visiting during the summer months of June to September and winter months December to February as the city stages its annual festivals, making these time periods better for visits.  Spring and autumn months tend to attract smaller crowds, but those venturing during springtime can taste the maple syrup season whilst autumnal tourists can marvel at the colourful leaves.

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