Spend a Day in Quebec City

Quaint Quebec City, sitting on the Saint Lawrence River, has long been seen as a cultured alternative to trekking to Europe. Old Quebec, the only walled city north of Mexico and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was officially founded in 1608 by explorer Samuel de Champlain (making it the oldest city in North America) and French remains the main language in Quebec.

Start your day at the Rue Saint Jean, ice skating at the massive rink in Place d’Youville before grabbing a hot cocoa and continuing on your way. Stroll along the Rue Saint-Louis and Rue Sainte-Anne, where the city’s best shopping and cafes are clustered, before heading to Rue du Petit Champlain and Place Royale, where Champlain built the first few structures of the original city. North America’s oldest church, Notre-Dame-des-Victories, sits in the square as well as the Fresque des Quebecois, which details the history of Quebec.

© Songquan Deng | Dreamstime

In the nearby Place des Champlain, take the funicular, dating from 1879 and operated from the 1683 home of Mississippi River discoverer Louis Jolliet, to the Dufferin Terrace. Be sure to visit Chateau Frontenac, built in the late 19^th century, and now a Fairmont Hotel, to take in expansive views of the Saint Lawrence River, Ile D’orleans and the cityscape from the Dufferin Terrace.

Day or night, take in the Toboggan run at the Terrace. Head next to Parliament Hill to see the city’s seat of government, and the Fontaine de Tourny, a gift to Quebec on its 400^th anniversary. Finish your day by visiting Battlefields Park, and the historic Plains of Abraham, for views of the city and in summer to luxuriate in lush fields that host cultural events.