Quebec City has a charm that permeates throughout its cobblestone roads, up and down the dank pubs which peek out beneath stoic, gray buildings.
It is a city that revels in its rich culture and history, different and unique from other parts of Canada. Quebec is a province in Canada, but Quebec City, the epicenter of the French culture that in intrinsically tied with everything within the city, is a quaint town that is as lovely as it is relaxing.
The aging fortifications still stand throughout the city, with chateaus still in wonderful condition, and the old-world charm still detectable even in the year 2009.
In many ways, it is much more like a European city than a North American one. While the city is by no means behind the times, (technologically speaking,) the city’s residents fiercely protect the image of a peaceful, relaxing and eternally beautiful city.
Buildings and castles that seem as if they were built hundreds of years ago are seen as a source of civic pride, and something to be cherished rather than to be torn down in favor of something new.
Relics from the past are protected and revered here, and the pride is audible in many citizens’ voices when speaking about the beauty of Quebec.
The city has a lot to offer Arabs, since the city itself is a marvel to look at. It’s a great honeymoon spot or the perfect place to take your family vacation. It has a lot of museums, shopping districts, sightseeing and great parks. The following are just a few suggestions on what to see:
1) The Citadel: It’s a four-pointed polygon structure that is so packed with history, scenic views and vast fields for play, that the tours get packed in the summertime. Great place to take the family and very informative about the history of the city.
2) Vieux Quebec (Old Quebec): This part of town is where the heart of Quebec City lies. Amid all the raucous street bands performing, the delicious bakeries and funky craft shops, you can find the history of the city alive and well. During the spring seasons, purple, yellow and red flowers blossom along the paved roads into a burst of Quebec pride.
3) Lower-Town: It’s the city’s original settlement and now filled with charming shops and offers a great view of the city. Take horse-drawn carriages from here, rest on the ever-present benches, and sip carefully on scalding hot cider with foam during the cold season.
4) Les-Sept Chutes: One of the wonders of the city, this vast park offers a great place to picnic, seven waterfalls to capture your attention, hiking trails for the whole family, and great birds-eye views of the city. It’s a little out of the way, but offers a relaxing getaway from the city itself. Think of it as the Central park of Quebec City.
No matter what you decide to do in Quebec City, take your time and soak up the experience. Travel is supposed to open up your mind, not be hurried and rushed through. Whenever possible, sit in the many plazas and squares and people-watch.
The residents are friendly and make sure you have some handy French colloquialisms on hand to get you around the city.