DESTINATION:
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After crossing the street that divides the cruise terminal from
the rest of the Lower Town, you soon come to the Place Royale, the site of the first settlement in New France. Its name dates from 1686 when a statue of King Louis Xiv was erected there. The square has been nicely restored and it is a gathering place for both young and old. The buildings surrounding the square house shops and an interpretation center. The church is the Église Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, first built in 1688 and then rebuilt in 1759 after being damaged in the British capture of Quebec. Its name commemorates two French military victories over the British that took place prior to the arrival of General Wolfe. The church stands on the site of Samuel Champlain's house. Nearby is the Muse de la Civilisation. A modern museum, it has two permanent exhibits - - one that focuses on the history of Quebec and one centering on a Native American longboat found on the museum site and believed to be the oldest of its kind in North America. The museum also has rotating exhibitions on different eras (e.g., the Ancient Romans). The Centre d’interprétation de la vie urbaine is housed in a restored Lower Town house once owned by wealthy merchant Jean-Baptiste Chevalier(below left). It is one of the few heritage houses open to the public. |
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Chateau Frontenac dominates the Quebec skyline. It was built in 1893 by the Canadian Pacific Railway Company as part
of a string of luxury hotels across Canada with the object of promoting tourism by rail. The Chateau was the site of the 1943 Quebec Conference between U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, during which Allied strategy in World War II was decided. Today, the Chateau remains a luxury hotel. Guides in period costumes give tours of the hotel. Tea in one of the Chateau's dining rooms is also popular with cruise passengers. |
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Running along the crest of the hill from the Chateau Frontenac
to the Citadel is the Dufferin Terrace. This wide boardwalk promenade offers panoramic views of the St. Lawrence and of the Lower Town below. It is also the scene of various events such as military re-enactments and book fairs |
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The uniformed people guarding the Citadel are not re-enactors but rather serving soldiers of the Royal 22e Régiment, a French-speaking unit of the Canadian Army. Nicknamed the "Vant Doos" by English speaking soldiers who had difficulty with the
French words for 22 (vingt-deux), this formation has a distinguished history running from World War I to Afghanistan. The star-shaped Citadel, built atop Cap Diamant between 1820 and 1850 is the regiment's ceremonial home and location of its museum. During the summer, there is a changing of the guard ceremony and a firing of a cannon. The citadel complex also houses the Governor-General's residence, which has rooms open to public view.
French words for 22 (vingt-deux), this formation has a distinguished history running from World War I to Afghanistan. The star-shaped Citadel, built atop Cap Diamant between 1820 and 1850 is the regiment's ceremonial home and location of its museum. During the summer, there is a changing of the guard ceremony and a firing of a cannon. The citadel complex also houses the Governor-General's residence, which has rooms open to public view.
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On the far side of the Citadel is the Plains of Abraham. The site of the decisive 1759 battle between the British and French, the area is now a park, Parc des Champs-de-Bataille, encompassing 250 acres with monuments and a discovery center. Not only does one get a panoramic view of the river from the cliffs at the edge of the park, but one can see what a formidable task it was for the British soldiers to climb from the river to the battlefield.
Today, the park is used for more peaceful activities such as outdoor concerts by the likes of Paul McCartney and Céline Dion. The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec with its collection of Québec art is nearby.
Today, the park is used for more peaceful activities such as outdoor concerts by the likes of Paul McCartney and Céline Dion. The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec with its collection of Québec art is nearby.
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OUTSIDE THE CITY
The area surrounding Quebec City has natural beauty. A significant part of this area belongs to the Huron-Wendat nation, a self-governing territory within Quebec. The nation has recreated an authentic Huran village to document Native American traditions and their way of life (above left).
Nearby is the scenic Parc de la Falaise et de la chute Kabir Koubae (above right). Its highlight is a 28 meter tall waterfall that cascades through a 42 meter gorge.
Along the same lines, Montmorency Falls, which is taller than Niagara Falls, tumbles majestically into the St. Lawrence near Quebec. The park in which it is located has hiking trails and a gondola.
In the center of the river is the Ile'd Orleans, a small rural island known for its picturesque villages and farms.
An important religious site is the Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. Saint Anne is the patron saint of Quebe and
more than a million people visit the shrine, which is housed in a gothic-style cathedral.
Cruise destination travel guide - - Canada - - Quebec City - - Attractions