Karryon was on location in Québec City recently for Destination Canada’s 2023 Rendez-vous Canada (RVC) Tradeshow and had the opportunity to walk, eat and party through this vibrant city – which is exactly how we recommend you do it too…
If you’ve travelled to other parts of Canada, arriving into Québec City feels like arriving into an entirely different country. On the surface it looks and sounds French, but that’s a simplistic portrayal of a city (and Province) with a rich, living history and diverse cultural background that’s curated its own unique joie de vivre.
Walk amongst living history and culture
French is the official language of Québec, and the melodic French sounds coupled with charming architecture, cobblestone streets and abundant patisseries make it easy to forget you’re not in France.
But the 400-year-old French heritage is mixed with British and American influences and is also pre-dated by Indigenous heritage by thousands of years, creating a complex cultural melting pot.
Québec’s Old City is the oldest walled city in North America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the capital of New France from 1663 to 1759, until the arrival of a huge British fleet, which although victorious, destroyed most of the city.
Within the walls today, you’ll see a mix of French and British architectural heritage, churches and religious sites, along with castle-like structures such as the old city gates and the world-famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.
A living museum, the old city’s historical drama and romanticism is not just embodied in the buildings, it’s also with the people.
Dive into the past and explore Québec’s Old City and historic sites on a walking tour led by a local guide portraying a historical figure (and sometimes one of their ancestors). Then take a stroll down Rue du Petit-Champlain, home to artisanal boutiques filled with local wares and delicacies. It’s one of the most charming streets in all of Canada.
Several First Nations had called the shores of what is now Québec City, home for thousands of years. Indigenous tourism is fast-growing in Canada and today you can discover Indigenous culture and experiences just 20 minutes from Québec City in Wendake, home to the Huron-Wendat Nation.
In Wendake, walk through the Huron-Wendat Museum and go on a captivating journey dedicated to the conservation and promotion of Huron-Wendat heritage. Hear stories and legends, eat and drink from the fire, feel the energy from a traditional dance performance and buy Indigenous arts and crafts.
You can also stay over in the 4-star First Nations Hotel – a boutique hotel inspired by teepees and longhouses, complete with Indigenous fine dining at Restaurant La Trait. In the evening, be enchanted by an immersive multi-media night walk through the forest and into the heart of Huron-Wendat culture at Onhwa’ Lumina.
Did you know? French explorer Jacques Cartier was the first European to call this region by the name Canada, a word he took from the Huron-Iroquois “Kanata,” which means village or settlement. With time, the use of the name spread into other regions and today Canada is the name of the second-largest country in the world.
Eat local flavours
The unique cultural mix extends to gastronomy and Québec City is a foodie’s heaven. Eating well is ingrained in Québec culture and the relationship between farm and table in the city is weaved into the roots of its history and recipes passed down from generation to generation.
Taste the roots of First Nations, French traditional cuisine and British influences throughout the city. Canadian favourites such as poutine and maple syrup are easy to find, along with croissants, tourtière (meat pie), award-winning cheese, locally cured charcuterie, wild salmon, pea soup, afternoon tea, craft beer and iced apple cider.
First Nations cuisine is all about bringing out natural flavours. Game meat and fish are major staples, as are native plants like wild mint, balsam fir (used to make jelly), wild berries, and black spruce. Bannock is a dough made with flour, yeast, salt, and water that’s rolled around a stick and roasted over the fire on every side until it’s nice and crispy.
Experience fine dining from renowned chefs of the city’s AAA 5 diamond restaurants, indulge in creative foods at neighbourhood gourmet restaurants, or sample the best of everything by going on a food tour.
Did you know? A short distance from Old Québec is Île d’Orléans, an island located in the St Lawrence River. Spend a day tasting your way around some of the island’s many producers of cheese, wine, beer, pastry, chocolate, ice cream and more.
Party at a festival or event
Quebecers love a good party and take every opportunity to get creative and celebrate at festivals and events throughout the year. The world-class Festival d’été tops the summer events calendar as Canada’s largest outdoor music event featuring 300 shows and 1,000 artists over 11 days. The 2023 lineup includes Foo Fighters, Imagine Dragons, Lana Del Rey, Weezer and Green Day.
Other summer events include the New France Festival – experience life as it was in the 17th & 18th centuries, KWE! Meet with Indigenous Peoples – discover Indigenous culture through cooking, dancing, singing, talks and more, ComediHa! Fest Québec – the comedy event in Québec City, The Festibière beer festival, as well as Crankworx Québec City – part of the summer series calendar of one of the world’s best known mountain biking events. There are also free fireworks, Grands Feux Loto-Québec, every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the month of August.
The fun doesn’t stop in winter, including an authentic outdoor European Christmas Market from late November to 23 December and New Year is celebrated with a winter village, DJs and fireworks.
The BIG international winter event is the Québec Winter Carnival, one of the world’s largest winter carnivals celebrated in February each year. Thousands of visitors flock to Québec to enjoy activities for all ages including, ice sculptures, night parades, ice canoe races, musical performances and Bonhomme’s famous Ice Palace.
Did you know? Bonhomme is a 7ft tall snowman and the winter festival’s famous mascot. He speaks English and French and loves to personally welcome visitors by giving out hugs and showing off his stellar dance moves.
Warm & Friendly Vibe
Everywhere you go, you’ll be met with a smile and cheerful “Bonjour”. Quebecers are known for being warm and welcoming, and it’s not just for show.
Speaking at RVC, Louis Michaud, Bonjour Québec’s Manager for Business Development said “(the word) Bonjour, it’s us. It’s a way to welcome people and when I say that we are really welcoming, we are really like that. We want to engage with you, we want to talk with you, we love to ask your story just to share moments.”
Québec City is a stand-out destination at any time of year. Include it in an epic road trip, rail, coach tour or cruise itinerary to the eastern side of North America.
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