A Travel Guide to Free Activities in Quebec City
By David H. Urmann
Quebec is the only Canadian province that has French as its
official language. It has numerous natural landscapes and
historic sites. Consider some traveling tips to Quebec for
maximum pleasure during your stay.
Quebec is a peaceful province in Central Canada. Throughout the
country, it is the only province whose official language is
French due to its predominant French-speaking population. Aside
from this, the Civil Law Legal System is a French tradition and
is strongly practiced in this province.
Quebec is the largest province of Canada according to land
area. It also ranks the second largest as the country’s
administrative division. The larger portion is Nunavut.
Quebec is bordered by James Bay, Hudson Bay and Ontario to the
west. It is surrounded by Ungava Bay and Hudson Strait to the
north, the Gulf of Saint Lawrence as well as New Brunswick,
Labrador and Newfoundland to the east; New York, Vermont, New
Hampshire and Maine are to its south. When it comes to maritime
borders, Quebec shares it with Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
and Nunavut.
Following Ontario, Quebec is ranked as the second most populous
province. In fact, most of its residents are situated along the
Saint Lawrence River, which is in-between the capital, Quebec
City, and Montreal. Along the northern half of Quebec, you will
find Aborigines sparsely occupying it.
Quebec is noted for it natural resources which mainly
contributes to its economy. Other contributing factors would be
aerospace and communication technology knowledge, biotechnology and their
pharmaceutical industries.
Going on a Trip to Quebec
When planning a leisure or business trip to Quebec, the oldest
city in North America, you are in luck because 2008 happens to
be its 400th year of the city. Throughout the year, a range of
festivities and special events are carefully planned which
includes a free summer concert of no less than their very own
Celine Dion.
Quebec Attractions
Quebec boasts of many natural landscapes and historic sites.
This would include the following:
The Citadelle de Quebec is a tourist attraction also noted as
the “Gibraltar of the Americas.” It occupies Cap Diamant’s
highest point, around 100m over the St. Lawrence River. It is
not only part of the “Fortifications of Quebec,” it is also the
home base of the French-speaking Canadian Forces regimen. As the official
residence of Canada’s Governor General, it also acts as
a military installation.
The Battlefields Park is a tourist attraction created in the
year 1908, marking the 300th anniversary of the foundation of
Quebec. This park occupies an area of about 108 hectares, having
no less than 6,000 trees as well as shrubs that belong to more
than 80 species. Aside from this, the park can be grouped with
the Des Braves Park and the Plains of Abraham.
Also visit the magnificent Place Royale. It is considered as
French America’s birthplace and the Palace Royale’s historical
site which welcomes hundreds to thousands of guests every year.
Its picturesque and narrow streets have actually witnessed 3
magnificent years if its history. Most of Place Royale’s
buildings are components of the so-called “cultural complex”
managed by Musee de la Civilisation. It is the one responsible
for the interpretation and animation of the site.
Travel Guide to Quebec City
Whether you will be going to Quebec City by plane, car, bus or
train, you should always be updated with the current news and
recent events in the region. You really don’t need to bring a
lot of money to go to Quebec. In fact, the most favorable
attractions here are free. A good example would be the 3-day
museum pass which includes 20 attractions and museums along with 2 days of
convenient public transportation.
You can try walking around the UNESCO-designated wall
surrounding Quebec City.
From the tourist office, secure a walking tour map. You can try
walking at the well-signed, brand new VivaCite Stroll which
features some very interesting landmarks.
On the “Plains of Abraham”, you can attend an open-air free
concert.
Every Wednesday, you can check-out the Museum of Fine Arts for
free.
You can catch fascinating views of Quebec City when you ride a
ferry to Levis.
Join their numerous carnivals and street festivals.
In Rue St. Jaques, along Lower Town’s Saint Roch District, you
can try having lunch on the delectable sidewalk hotdog place.
Along Rue St. Jean’s main street, you will find Chez son Pere,
you can listen to the traditional Quebecois Music for free. This
is by the upper level bar.
You can go to Simon’s Department Store along Rue St. Jean for a
new pair of cheap Quebecois designer wear. This institution has
been existent and trusted for more than 100 years now.
In Lower Downtown, look for the Farmer’s Market, where in, you
can sample their tapenades, fruit wines and local cheeses.
