A truly unique location which cruisers travelling the North American continent are sure to find intriguing, Quebec is one of the finest cities in Canada, not least because of its storied history and rich cultural heritage.
This stunning township is the only city in North America to still have its original city walls, a result of a rigorous campaign to preserve its colonial beauty- which to the delight of its visitors, has thoroughly succeeded. The city was the fortress capital of New France in the 16th century, meaning that many of the buildings are superb examples of classical European architecture, from the rustic cobbled streets at the very centre, to stunning complexes like Chateau Frontenac.
Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec
Anyone who is interested in the history and culture of Quebec will be compelled to spend hours at a time within this beautiful museum, which is easily the finest in the region. The range of paintings alone will have art lovers in raptures, as the museum is home to permanent exhibitions featuring the works of Jean Paul Lemieux and Jean-Paul Riopelle, French colonial masters whose works are still breathtakingly beautiful. As well as these gorgeous highlights, make sure to visit the Brousseau Inuit Art Collection, which is home to 2639 pieces created over the span of 50 years.
Cathedral of the Holy Trinity
Originally built between 1800 and 1804, this glorious cathedral was the first Anglican Church to be built outside the British Isles, and its historical significance still rings astoundingly true today. The interior is decorated with stunning features that are as beautiful as they are intriguing. With the construction of the church completed, King George III sent the parish a treasure trove of silver and gold pieces include candle sticks, chalices, and ornate silver brackets. These can still be seen today, proudly displayed within the classical splendour of the church vault, making it a rare cultural hotspot for cruisers.
Parc des Champs de Bataille
This beautiful park space is both a wonderful place to stroll, and a prime spot to get a panoramic view of the grand historic splendour of this unique cityscape. From the highest point in this lush, cliff-top park, visitors can get an impeccable view of the city's walls, rustic red roofed houses, and classical churches. Make sure to visit the centre of the park, which is home to colonial cannons, monuments, and statues, as well as a thrilling multi-media museum which brings the exciting history of the area to life.
Shopping in Quebec
For designer clothes that are cutting edge, while retaining traditional craftsmanship, make sure to head to Simons. This pioneering store was founded in 1952 by the descendants of a Scottish immigrant, and has been leading the fashion scene in Quebec for years.
Eating Out in Quebec
The cuisine in Quebec is delectable all round, with French dishes blending with staple Canadian seafood delicacies to outstanding effect. For a gourmet French meal, make sure to head to Aux Anciens Candiens, which is revered for serving Quebec specialities like Caribou in blueberry wine sauce.
