Québec City is like no other urban centre in North America. With a distinct European flair and a well-preserved architectural history, visitors could easily mistake the streets for Paris. There are so many festivals and attractions that no matter what you like to do on vacation or your bliesure time, you’ll have a great experience. Now, consider the Canadian exchange to the American dollar at the moment. It all adds up to why Americans should visit Québec City right now.
Note: Québec Tourism covered the costs of some of the activities mentioned in this post during a recent visit. As always, opinions are my own.
Travel Value
Of course, everyone should visit the spectacular Québec City regardless of where they live, but for Americans it’s a great deal. At the time of writing this post, the U.S. dollar was valued at $1.30 CAD. So a nice $75.00 meal will only cost you about $57 USD. On our recent visit, I found prices comparable to most major U.S. cities.
It’s also right next door! Compare the cost of a flight to Paris and it’s about half the price—even cheaper coming from a border state if you drive. If you want to make your travel dollar stretch, Québec City is the place.
The value also comes from the fact that Québec City is truly unlike any other city on the continent.
Québec’s Distinct Culture
You will not feel like you are in North America. Québec City has maintained its historic architecture very well. Old Québec City is designated a heritage site by UNESCO and it truly feels as though you’ve stepped back in time when you stroll this area.
Originally the site of an Iroquois village, the history of the region includes a back-and-forth battle between the British and French for colonial domination. Britain eventually prevailed, but French culture and practices remained dominant. In 1775, American revolutionaries unsuccessfully tried to capture Québec City. When Canada officially became a country in 1867, Québec City was named the capital of the province of Québec.
The province maintains a distinct culture within Canada (and North America) today. The official language is French and pop culture comprises a star system virtually unrecognizable in the rest of Canada (certainly among English-speaking Canadians). There is no other place like it, which makes it a fascinating travel destination.
English is Spoken Widely
Despite the fact that French is the first language of Québec City, as a visitor, you will not be reaching for Google translate every time you need to order food or ask for directions. English is spoken widely. Yes, you will be greeted in French first, but at the first sign of of your Anglo accent, the rest of the conversation will be in English. On the other hand, if you speak a bit of French as I do and want to practice, let your waiter or shop clerk know. My experience has been that they will accommodate you. Give these folks a break though, if it’s a busy time or during a rush of customers – just get on with it in English.
This French-first-English-if-required environment is great as a tourist. You don’t have the anxiety that sometimes comes with not speaking the language, but you are surrounded by French signage and conversations. Again, it very much feels as though you are not in North America.
Festivals, Museums, Historic Reenactments
There is a ton of high caliber things to do in Québec City, particularly in the summer months. When we visited in June, we were bummed to learn we just missed the start of the 11-day Le Festival d’été de Québec City. This eclectic music festival attracts more than a million attendees and this year featured big-name stars such as Sting and Peter Gabriel, Ice Cube, City and Color, and Selena Gomez.
Photo courtesy of Québec Tourism: Yves Tessier, Tessima
Nevertheless, we had a great time taking in the following attractions:
Musée de la civilisation
I loved everything about this museum – the architecture, the exhibits, and the many ways curators have built interaction into learning about the human adventure. We could have spent a lot more time here than our two hours.
We took in a provocative exhibit on nanotechnology, which had me completely undecided on whether it is a beneficial pursuit or one we should embark upon with an abundance of caution.
Filmmaker Hugu Latulippe’s Uprising X 25 was also a very cool exhibit that uses archival film and first-person accounts of 25 events and social movements that have shaken the world since the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The Like Cats and Dogs exhibit was a super fun way to learn about the world of our four-legged friends from their perspective. Games and activities make this a hit for kids and adults alike.
Musée du Fort
Photo courtesy of Musée du Fort
I have a low tolerance for history lessons that focus on dates and military strategy. Give me a story! Musée du Fort will give you the run down on Québec City history (military sieges included) in just 30 minutes. Not only is it short, it’s dynamic. Using a large model of the city circa 1750 as well as light and sound effects, the show really does make history come alive.
Observatoire de la Capitale
Everyone loves a bird’s eye view and the the Marie-Guyart Building offers a 360° panoramic view of the city. Interactive touch screens displaying images of exactly what you’re looking at allows you to tap on locations to get more information. It’s a great way to get the lay of the land.
Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec
Get a fabulous view from a different perspective aboard this funicular while saving your feet from the steep trek between upper and lower Québec City. It was built in 1879 and offers a great view of the St. Lawrence River from a 45-degree angle. It’s pretty cool.
Our short stay was completely inadequate in terms of experiencing all the attractions Québec City has to offer. Visit Québec Tourism for a complete list.
The food!
Québec City has fabulous restaurants for every budget. English menus are standard upon request. Here are three of our top experiences from our visit.
The adorable salad in a jar at Restaurant La Piazzetta, which is situated on one of the best corners for people watching. Very yummy pizza!
The fixed price lunch menu at Bistro L’atellier. A great value at $16- $19 for three courses.
A glamorous dinner at Café du Monde. Snag a seat on the terrace overlooking the river if possible.
Photo courtesy of Québec Tourism
Convinced?
As a Canadian, visiting Québec City is an opportunity to delve into our nation’s history and to experience a special joie de vive that you can’t find anywhere else.
For our neighbours to the south, it’s all that plus a one-of-a-kind cultural experience that delivers outstanding value for the greenback. Visit soon. You never know when the Canadian loonie might tip the balance in our favour again.
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Would love to go to Quebec City. Last year l was in Montreal and fell in love with the French Canadian vibes!
Jessica, if you loved Montréal, you would be over the moon in Québec City. Really is like a little slice of Paris (but, you know, Canadian). You need to go! 🙂
Great article Deb! Another fun thing to do is a river/dinner cruise on the St. Lawrence, or a horse-drawn carriage ride through the cobblestone streets (cheesy touristy thing, but still fun). It’s just an amazing city!!!
Thanks Al! It is an amazing city. I love that it feels a part of Canada while at the same time feeling like you’re somewhere else entirely. Also love practicing my French and deluding myself that I know more than I do.