The oldest city in North America (Quebec City)

Member Name: Jude999

Product:	Quebec City
Date:	17/11/05 (4372 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A touch of France in North America

Disadvantages: Go with lots of warm clothes after the end of September

Quebec City is a World Heritage Site. What does that mean? It means that it's so interesting that the United Nations decided that it's worth preserving. As the oldest city in North America it has a very special place in the history of the continent, and luckily, unlike many old cities in the US and Canada it has managed to keep most of its old buildings and charm, not to mention the fort on the famous Plains of Abraham where the British and French armies fought for domination of Lower Canada.

For the visitor there is enough to see to last a few days. More than that and you would probably have seen enough and be ready to explore further afield - the Laurentien Mountains or the whales at Tadousac to the north. The striking thing for someone from Europe is to see French buildings in North America; this is what makes it a curiosity.

The city has a mass of restaurants, from fast food to haut cuisine, many mediocre but some good ones too. There are lots of shops and bars, narrow streets to explore and historic sites. The Chateau Frontnac dominates the skyline of the old city; once the seat of government and now a hotel. There is also the Museum of Civilisation that has many interesting exibitions that change periodically so check before you go, and the city is also known for its artists, from the avant garde to street artists painting views of local scenes.

The outskirts of the city are not too pretty, and Quebec is famous for its pot-holed roads. However, if you're in the province Quebec City is a must. Montreal, the largest city in Canada is about 3 hours drive away, which is where you would probably arrive, at Pierre Trudeau airport (previously Dorval) if flying direct from Europe.

Don't forget, it can get very hot and humid in the summer (30c) and very cold in winter (-30c). Winter comes early, but can be unpredicatable, with periods of warm changing rapidly to cold. So if you're visiting in the autumn or spring check the weather before you go as these periods can be the most variable.

Summary: An interesting city with many sites to see - worth a couple of days