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| Old Quebec |
Hubby and I explored the streets of Old Quebec on a rainy weekday
last summer. There were many boutiques to take cover from the rain. As well,
the Museum of Bad Art (MOBA) exhibition was on (coming from Massachusetts) and
it turned out to be a great place to wait out the weather! Here are some top
things to do and see in the area:
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| streets of Petit Champlain |
1. Petit-Champlain --We parked in one of the many paid
public parking areas near the Cruise Port and headed to Petit-Champlain. Petit-Champlain
is one of the oldest commercial streets in North America with multiple shops and
restaurants to explore. With its European feel and cobblestone paths, it is
truly beautiful. The buildings reflect French architecture. Along with the souvenir
shops, there were many shops featuring local artisans selling jewelry, art,
fudge and more! |
| Notre dame des Victoires and Place Royale |
2. Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church—the oldest stone
church in North America. The church was nearly destroyed during the Battle of
the Plains of Abraham but is now fully restored. Today, the church is a
National Historic Site. Place Royale is the square near the church, where Quebec
was officially founded by Samuel de Champlain
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| Fresque des Québécois |
3. Murals—there are a few murals upon the sides of
buildings in the city. A notable one is the Fresque des Québécois mural which recounts
the story of Québec City and pays homage to historic figures and various
authors and artists.
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| Old Quebec funicular |
4. Old Quebec Funicular—We took the funicular (which
has been in operation since the 1870s!) for $4/per person one way to go from
the Lower Town to the Dufferin Terrace. I think the walk up can be managed, but
it may be difficult for others. The ride had a wonderful view of the
neighbourhood and of the St. Lawrence River.
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| Dufferin Terrace |
5. Dufferin Terrace—we took a stroll along the long
wooden sidewalk located next to the Château Frontenac. It had stunning views of
the St. Lawrence River and surrounding area. At the end of the terrace, there
is a staircase with several landings to get to the governors' promenade, which
runs along the Citadel. The staircase is beside the wooden sledding runs where
you can go tobogganing in winter.
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| Château Frontenac |
6. Château Frontenac--In the Upper Town, you will
be greeted by the majestic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. This historic, Chateau-style
hotel was built by Canadian railway companies in the late 19th and early 20th
centuries to encourage tourists to travel on their railways and is a National
Historic Site. There are many other shops and restaurants as well in this part
of the city.
7. La Citadelle is also a couple of kilometers walk
from the Frontenac on Cap Diamant. We were here in a trip over a decade ago but
did not go here in this trip. The citadel contains the oldest (and still active)
military building in Canada, and forms part of the fortifications of Quebec
City. Quebec City is one of only two cities in North America still surrounded
by fortifications, the other being in Mexico
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| Going downhill from Upper town--Quebec City |
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| Escalier Casse-Cou |
8. Escalier Casse-Cou --On the way down, we walked
the winding streets on to Escalier Casse-Cou (Breakneck Steps) to get back to
Petit-Champlain. It is said to be the oldest staircase in Quebec City.
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| Goblin Red Door in Quebec City |
9. If you are a K-drama fan, the famous Red Door
from the series, The Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God) is also in
Petit-Champlain. It is actually the exit of the Théâtre Petit Champlain.
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| Museum of Bad Art |
10. MOBA--I know this is a temporary installation
(only to October 2022), but it was worthwhile to check out and I recommend this
if you get a chance to see it—the Museum of Bad Art. There were two floors filled
with strange and ugly (to the eyes of the beholder) art. Some works may not
have been intended to be awful or even funny, but the descriptions were very witty
and downright hilarious!
Would recommend a full day (or two) to explore all the sites
Old Quebec has to offer.
