QUEBEC
Area: Quebec
Country: Canada


Location:
In E Canada, in S part of French-speaking Quebec province. 160 miles NE of Montreal. Old city 12 miles NE of airport.

Telephone code from UK:
1 418

Website:
http://www.quebecregion.com

Position:
On N bank of broad St Lawrence River, spread across plateau and hills (some steep around town). Skiable mountains to N and E.

Description:
The Province of Quebec's capital and principal cultural centre, the city has a distinctly French culture that is fervently maintained by its French-speaking population, and emphasised by the province's continuing clamour for political and economic independence from federal Canada. Remarkable as N America's only fortified city and a UNESCO world heritage treasure, the old quarter (Old Quebec) is a compact maze of narrow, often hilly, cobbled streets, quaint squares and fountains, overlooking the St Lawrence River and old port. There are many steps and a funicular takes you from the old quarter to the river front. A combination of grand colonial architecture, more unobtrusive 17th-, 18th-century and Victorian terraced dwellings and ornate ecclesiastical monuments help to create an old-world provincial European charm unequalled on this side of the Atlantic. Modern Quebec has expanded in all directions beyond the city walls in the traditional N American manner of busy highways and large shopping centres but this pales against the historic, scenic attractiveness of the original riverside settlement.

Suitability:
Primarily a bustling summer destination for international tourists, history buffs and educational groups wishing to explore the historic walled city centre, its renowned gastronomy and scenic beauty. Some streets can be quite steep. Given over to convention and exhibition fraternity in the winter months as well as skiers commuting to the province's largest winter resorts.

Accommodation:
Spectrum of hotels to suit all pockets and tastes. Range of 1- to 5-star hotels, apartments, chalets etc around Old Quebec, downtown and in the suburbs. For hardier souls, there's even an ice hotel! Apart from the famously photogenic Hotel Chateau Frontenac, most properties within the city walls are smaller and far more characterful than the comprehensively equipped tower blocks on the fringes. Generally busy all year, particularly those with business facilities.

Shopping:
Old Quebec's almost labyrinthine network of narrow hilly streets is full of delightful antique shops, art galleries, fashionable boutiques and souvenir shops _ most occupying well-preserved 17th-, 18th- and 19th-century buildings. Plentiful art shops. Good choice of underground shopping malls found beyond the fortifications and in outlying suburbs.

Entertainments:
Daytime: primarily a historic cultural centre with Old Quebec providing a host of interesting museums and architectural sights celebrating the city's rich colonial past and fervent independence; there is also a chocolate museum. Art galleries. Many tours on offer, by foot or bus; riverboat tours. Dufferin Terrace boardwalk provides a popular scenic walk around the city ramparts. Outdoor concerts in Battlefield Park. In summer, the old port comes alive with street entertainers and musicians; several summer festivals. Winter carnival every February includes dramatic longboat race through the ice floes of the St Lawrence. Nightlife: alfresco dining at pavement cafes and restaurants is the most popular summer pursuit. Many varied bars. Lively jazz clubs and cabarets. Metropolitan area offers array of theatres, one or two nightclubs and cinemas showing French- and English-language films; shows; concerts.

Eating:
Strong French influence has resulted in a gastronomic experience unmatched anywhere in N America. Huge choice of chic bistros, restaurants and pavement cafes that wouldn't look out of place in central Paris; fine gourmet and a la carte restaurants; various ethnic European, Asian, American, vegetarian and seafood options. One revolving restaurant in hotel. Fast-food and sandwich outlets; patisseries.

Public-transport:
A bus service operates inside the city ramparts, mainly picking up or depositing visitors from the outlying hotels and suburbs. No bus service to airport. Plentiful taxis.

Local-excursions:
Skiing and snowmobiling opportunities Dec_April at Quebec Province's largest ski area, Mont Sainte Anne (26 miles NE of centre) or at Stoneham (20 miles NW). Jacques-Cartier nature resort, N of Stoneham.