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Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Many Americans think of Francophone Canada as a way to get a slice of Europe that's much closer to home, but you'll soon find that it has a unique charm of its own. Quebec City (QC) is a perfect example. Recently we had the opportunity to visit our neighbor to the north, and it was fantastique, albeit too brief.
If you happen to be traveling through Canada, the only way to go is on VIA Rail. Our trip from Montreal to QC was one of the most comfortable rides we'd ever taken, and the scenery was absolutely stunning. To top it off, the food and service were just about as good. The 3½-hour journey was so pleasant that it made us dream of taking a VIA Rail trip west across Canada to Vancouver someday.
Le Vieux et le Nouveau
For an introduction to Quebec City, kids will enjoy the 3D multimedia Quebec Experience (8 rue de Tresor, 418/694-4000). You'll take a thrilling journey through 400 years of history from the Amerindians to the French and English settlers, meeting Jacques Cartier, Samuel de Champlain and others through a sound and image show bursting with animatronics, holograms and amazing special effects.
Most tourists spend their time here in Vieux Quebec (the Old City). The narrow, winding and steep streets, as well as the ancient wall surrounding the old town evoke a European feel. We took the Funicular, a short, steep cable railway, (a must-do) down to Place Royale in the lower city, which is the site of Nouvelle-France’s first settlement. This well-preserved square is full of shops and restaurants, and is the heart of the city’s artistic activities. Don't miss La Fresque des Quebecois (Mural of Quebec), an amazing trompe l'oeil work depicting the city's 400 years of history.
Another great area to explore is rue St.-Jean, which extends past the walls of the old city and gives you a more authentic feel of contemporary Québecois life. Of special interest to kids and chocolate lovers alike is the Erico Chocolate Economuseum (634 rue St.-Jean, 418/524-2122) where everything is made on site, and you can learn the history of chocolate from the ancient Mayan discoveries through the present. Educational yet delicious! Another great stop is the Maison Jean-Alfred Moisan (699, rue St.-Jean), the oldest grocery store in North America, which has some unique Canadian products and teas.
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