Today we’re going to Québec City, Canada. Although I’ve been to Québec when I was younger, I unfortunately did not get a full experience out of the trip because I went in the middle of an awful, snowy winter. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy all the things to do in this amazing city! Québec is the capital of the Québec Province in Canada and the second largest city after Montréal in the province. The flag of the province also includes the fleur de lis, also the symbol of my sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma! Québec city was founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1608 and is one of the oldest cities in North America. It is also the only remaining fortified city in North America north of Mexico, which means that there are walls that surround the entire city. Check out some of these sites to visit the next time you make a trip to Canada!
Château Frontenac is the world’s most photographed hotel for its beauty and lavish architecture. This hotel is hard to miss because it dominates the skyline of Québec City. Once a real palace, the building was restructured as a hotel by architect Bruce Price and William Van Horne, the General Manager of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the late 19th century. The name was inspired by the French governor, Louis de Buade, Count of Frontenac. Located in the Old Québec district, you’ll love the historic and antique places to check out. There are horse-drawn carriages, street entertainers, singers, and artists. If you like to check out the local art scene, the Rue du Trésor offers an open-air art gallery for all the aspiring artists to flaunt their talents.
If you are feeling up for a challenge and are planning a winter trip to Québec, then you should most definitely visit the Ice Hotel. This is an experience that you just cannot miss out on while you’re there! Otherwise the hotel will literally melt away in the spring. The Hôtel de Glace, first built in 2001, is constructed every year to last for four months. It is made of 15,000 tons of snow and 500,000 tons of ice! You can have a comfortable stay at the hotel while your luggage storage, meals and showers are offered at the Four Points Sheraton Québec. These packages might seem a little pricey, ranging from $400 to $600 per person, but they are so worth it. Some offer dogsledding rides with a shuttle service or a visit to the hotel’s sauna and hot tub, while every package comes with ice cider cocktails in ice flutes. Whether you’re looking for a winter adventure or a romantic getaway, the Hôtel de Glace offers a unique experience you will never forget.
As well as these awesome places to visit, there are plenty of places in Québec if you want to grab a bite to eat. The Restaurant Le Patriarche, which is also located in Old Québec, is famous for its French and Canadian cuisine. It offers courses made from local farm products that are simply to die for. However, if you’re looking around on a budget, you should try out the most famous and highest rated restaurant in town called Casa Calzone. This Italian restaurant is conveniently located right downtown and offers mouthwatering calzones that visitors and locals cannot resist. So plan a trip to Québec City the next time you are looking for a cool getaway!
