Tuesday, August 15, 2017

STYLISH DESTINATIONS - QUÉBEC CITY

By Eva Fydrych

The Soul of the Province
How to Enjoy Québec City in Style

Photos by Eva Fydrych and courtesy of GoHelico (4) Click to enlarge



Québec City, the only fortified city north of Mexico, has been ranked among the best travel destinations not only in Canada, but also internationally. This charming city, located in the predominantly French-speaking province of Québec, attracts over four million tourists each year.

Being the cradle of French America, Québec City is steeped in a rich and varied past. Notable historical sites are located in Old Québec which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

The city offers everything from the bustling streets and a thriving cultural scene to sophisticated dining, eclectic architecture, and nature at its doorstep. Fashion Studio Magazine selected six can't-miss experiences to help you plan your Québec City trip in style. Enjoy!



1. See the city from above with GoHelico




Taking a scenic flight over Québec City is an unforgettable experience. GoHelico offers several different aerial tours and tour packages including flying over Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier as well.

During the 15-minute flight over historic Québec City you will see: The Château Frontenac overlooking the majestic Saint-Lawrence from the Dufferin Terrace, Québec City Fortifications and the Citadel, Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Cap Diamant, the highest natural point in Québec, Battlefields Park (Plains of Abraham), Promenade Samuel-de-Champlain, Québec Bridge and the Pierre-Laporte Bridge.

Don't forget to visit the Complexe Capitale Hélicoptère’s Le Commandant restaurant-bar which serves exquisite, fine dining dishes created from local products by Chef Mario Gagnon. The restaurant features modern, sophisticated interior design and is an excellent place to relax after the flight.



2. Explore Old Québec and experience its exquisite dining, shopping, and art galleries


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The narrow streets of Old Québec are always busy and bustling with life. It's the place where you can find colourful street performers and musicians entertaining the never-ending groups of tourists. And if you get tired of walking around, there are countless restaurants and cafes serving both local and international cuisine.


DID YOU KNOW?

Québec City has one restaurant per 369 residents, a number much higher than Manhattan’s with 450 per capita. (Source: quebecregion.com)



3. Take a cruise on St. Lawrence River


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There is nothing more relaxing than a river cruise! Croisières AML, a family owned enterprise established in the province of Québec since 1972, offers historic guided cruises from the Cap Diamant to the Montmorency Falls.  

The cruise is the perfect combination of nature and culture where you can discover the history of Québec City, the river and the surroundings. For first-time visitors it is a great introduction to the city. There is an indoor bistro service as well as outdoor dining on the terraces. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the views!

The historic guided cruise lasts 1.5h and is available from May 1 to October 22. For more cruise options, click here.



4. Visit Montmorency Falls Park




Montmorency Falls Park is one of the province's most spectacular sites. Views of the falls from various platforms along the way are simply stunning. For the most adventurous visitors, there are outdoor activities such as zip lining, hiking, and ice climbing. 

Montmorency Falls Park is a few minutes from downtown Québec City, across from Orléans Island, on the boundary of the Côte-de-Beaupré tourism region. The site is accessible year-round with no admission fee.



5. Stay at the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac


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The most photographed hotel in the world doesn't really need an introduction. Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is located at an elevation of 54 m and overlooks the Old Québec and the St. Lawrence River (don't forget to ask for a room on a high floor). This iconic hotel perfectly blends the old with the new and offers one-of-a-kind travel experience.


DID YOU KNOW?

In 1953, this hotel was used as the filming location for Alfred Hitchcock's film I Confess, featuring Montgomery Clift and Anne Baxter.



6. Go shopping!


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Any city break wouldn't be complete without a bit of shopping. La Maison Simons is a go-to place for local people and they appreciate it for a variety of reasons: affordable prices, great selection of clothes, and keeping up with the latest fashion trends. 

Simons' iconic department store at 20 Côte de la Fabrique in Old Québec is definitely worth a visit. Have a look at its gorgeous interiors here.

The store is open from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Monday - Saturday) and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Happy shopping!






A bientôt à Québec!

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*Special thank you to Québec Region for organising our trip in August 2017.
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