Long Overdue: Quebec City!

If you're planning to go to Montreal, Quebec City is something that you shouldn't miss. Better yet, spend more time in Quebec than in Montreal! UNESCO didn't recognize the city as a world heritage treasure for nothing. Quebec is, I think, the closest thing to Europe that you can get in North America. It's so very French!

The best way to get to Quebec (if you're coming from Montreal) is by bus. This is highly recommended if you drove to Montreal. Riding the bus can save you time and energy especially if you have the whole day devoted to sight-seeing. We checked in at the Hilton Quebec which has a very convenient location as it is within steps to Old Quebec.

Right outside our hotel is the National Assembly of Quebec. The imposing and beautiful building is where Quebec's laws and bills are passed. The Inuksuk (Canada's Inuit indigenous people's symbol) was the one who greeted us on our way to the site.

The Inuksuk

The facade of the building and landscaping is very beautiful as well.

We then moved our way to Old Quebec. Entering the town is like stepping back in time. Very charming and picturesque. We thoroughly enjoyed walking through the area.

Shops and restaurants lined the streets

Cobblestone streets and quaint little houses

The colorful murals

All roads in Old Quebec lead to Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. It's a five-star hotel and Quebec's most famous and historical landmark. Queen Elizabeth once stayed here =). I heard standard rooms go for $500 a night. It has a great view of St. Lawrence river and some parts of the city from the boardwalk.

But what I think is the highlight of our Old Quebec tour is stumbling upon Quartier Petit Champlain. Quartier Petit Champlain is one of the best shopping districts I have found in all of our travels. I say this even though it is the oldest commercial district in North America and is devoid of any of the well-known commercial brands. There were so many options here of what to buy as souvenirs... from chocolates, local art, wood carvings and all the possible trinkets you can think of. This area would even be more charming during winter when the streets are covered with snow, lights and Christmas trees. Definitely enough reason to come back.

Oh and have I mentioned food? Au petit Coin Breton serves the best crepes ever!! Well worth the 1 hour wait we had to do just to be seated.

We only had this day to explore Quebec and there is still so much more to see. We're planning on coming back... on winter months this time for a totally different experience.

Quebec at night

More Quebec pictures here.