Week 5: Canadian Summer Staycation Series!
This is the fifth in a series of 13 weekly blog posts highlighting one iconic Canadian experience in each Province and Territory.
In this weeks’ blog post we’re stepping back in time 400 years and visiting Old Quebec in the beautiful province of Quebec!
Located beside Ontario and within a driveable distance from where we live, we’ve been fortunate to have spent time in Quebec several times over the years.
The first was in public school when our class went on a week-long french exchange with another school in Joliette. Even though we were staying in a small town in Quebec, the kids from our exchange school seemed to be way more sophisticated than the kids at our school and it felt like we were visiting a completely different country.
A few years later I went back several times with my boyfriend at the time (now my husband) to visit his father who lived in Montreal. Since then we’ve gone back several more times taking the train from Toronto to attend a wedding and again driving to Quebec to watch a Formula 1 race.
Most recently we made our way back for a quick pit stop on our road trip to the East Coast of Canada.
It’s been a while since I’ve been to Old Quebec and I’m not really sure that I appreciated the beauty and historical significance of this place at the time of my visit. It was only when I went to Tuscany in 2016 and visited San Gimignano and Lucca, that I realized how lucky we are to have a walled city right in our own beautiful country.
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UNESCO World Heritage Site
Old Quebec is an historic neighbourhood in Quebec City overlooking the St. Lawrence River and is the only complete fortified city located north of Mexico.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated it a World Heritage Site in the mid 1980’s.
The colonial architecture is 400 years old and the city was made for walking with its narrow and windy cobblestone streets. It has the charm of other European cities without having to leave Canada.
In addition to the quaint shops, hotels and restaurants, there are several must see places to visit while in Old Quebec.
Rue de Tresor
If you love art, this is the place to be. Rue de Tresor is a side street that resembles an open-air art gallery with paintings lined on both sides.
You can purchase an original piece of art and meet the local artists. When I was here, I spent a few minutes with one of the artists who created a caricature for me to take home. Unfortunately it’s packed away in one of our moving boxes and I couldn’t find it in time to post a picture of it here.
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
It was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway and opened in 1893 and is said to be one of the most photographed hotels in the world. Take a selfie in front of the hotel or book a tour where you can learn about it’s history and the famous people who have stayed here before.
Better yet, if you can afford to splurge a little, book an overnight stay here and spend more time exploring this amazing city.
Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica Cathedral
It just happens to be the oldest church in Canada and the 1st in Canada to be elevated to the rank of minor basilica with the Catholic Church.
It was originally built in 1647 and has been been rebuilt a few times over the years after having been burned down.
I suggest visiting the Cathedral museum and the crypt while you are there.
Citadelle de Quebec
Built between 1820 and 1850 it is still an active military site today and designated a National Historic Site of Canada.
It was once the largest British fortress in North America, built to secure Quebec City against the potential of an American attack. When looking down on the site from above, it resembles a star shape.
It’s one of the few places in the world where you can still witness a changing of the guard ceremony.
I’ve only touched on a few of the amazing things to see here so the next time that you are in Quebec, and if you haven’t been to Old Quebec before, take some time to explore this beautiful and historic city.
Have you been to Quebec or Old Quebec before or a walled city in another country? We would love to hear about it in the comments section below.
Stay tuned next week for part 6 of our 13 part Canadian Summer Staycation Series!
Here are the links to our other blog posts in this series…
Newfoundland and Labrador: Iceberg Alley
Nova Scotia: Tidal Bore Rafting
Prince Edward Island: All Things Anne
Saskatchewan: Notoriously Moose Jaw
Alberta: The Drumheller Dinosaurs
British Columbia: Rainforest and Beaches
North West Territories: The Northern Lights
Nunavut: Inuit Culture in Iqaluit
If you haven’t had the pleasure of traveling for a vacation within Canada before, now is the ideal time to do so.
With a decrease in the number of international tourists expected to visit because of the Covid-19 travel restrictions in place, popular tourist destinations within Canada will be less crowded this summer. Hotels and resorts have been offering discounted room prices and free room upgrades to entice travelers to book accommodations.
In addition to a less expensive and more enjoyable travel experience, the tourism industry in Canada has been hit hard by Covid-19 and they are going to need our help to recover as quickly as possible with our tourism dollars.
Let’s all do our part and help support our own economy and tourism industry to recover by choosing to spend money on Canadian travel experiences this summer.
is a Canadian lifestyle and travel blogger, sharing stories, information and resources about family travel and everyday family life.
I love these Canada staycation posts!
Thanks Alexis!!
Wow these are some great ideas! I’ve always wanted to visit Canada and see what it’s like so I will definitely be keeping these in mind! 🙂
Thanks Stefani!
I visited Old Quebec when I was 13 (so many decades ago now). I would LOVE to go back and practice my very spotty French. I also have visited the Vatican, which I guess counts as a walled city, even though it’s technically another country. 🙂 Oh, plus Jerusalem! I guess that counts too.
Kristin…I also loved visiting the Vatican but haven’t been to Jerusalem yet 🙂
Old Quebec looks amazing! I’ve never been to Canada, but hope to visit soon. I will definitely add this to my list if visiting the area. I would love to check out the open-air art gallery.
It really is a pretty amazing place to visit Jordan! Thanks for reading.
I have never visited old Quebec.. but your beautiful post is making me ready to take a trip soon! Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome Holly…thanks for reading this post!
Wow, I had no idea how cool Quebec is. It looks like Europe. I would love to see this in person!
It reminds me of Europe every time I’m there Tricia.
Old Quebec sounds amazing. Definitely adding it to my list of places to go.
That’s great Sabrina – it’s worth the trip.
I haven’t been to Canada since I was a teenager (which is, admittedly, a long time ago) and would love to go back to see the sites!
Thanks for reading this post Danielle!
Old Quebec is one of my favorite places in Canada! I spent lots of time there growing up in Ontario and my memories are still vivid to this day.
Casandra – I’m glad to hear that you’ve been there before. It really is a special place.
Old Quebec looks like an amazing place to visit.
It really is Leeandra. Thanks for reading this post
This is on my bucket list! I would love to visit Quebec!
That’s great to hear Lisa. Thanks for reading.
I’ve been to Canada many times but you’ve given me more places to visit that I’ve never been to! The photos are beautiful too!
There are so many amazing things to do Amy that it was hard to decide on only 1 for each province.
I’ve been told before that I need to visit Old Quebec, given my love for Italy. Thanks for sharing! Definitely on my list of ‘must see’!
It would be great for a girls road trip Nadia!
LOVE LOVE LOVE Old Quebec! Feels like you are in Europe! We have been for both Carnival and for the German Christmas Market, and we can’t wait to go back! I have stayed in the Chateau Frontenac many years ago, but its gotten a little too pricey to stay in now.
Marianne – it really does feel like Europe and I haven’t been to Carnival yet – it’s on my list!
This looks so interesting! I’d love to explore!
Thanks for reading this post Barbara
Wow. Your photos are so pretty! I’ve only ever been to Vancouver but want to visit Quebec so badly!
Chelsea – We love Vancouver but it’s worth a trip East to visit Quebec.
I love your travel blogs! I pinned this for later. I would love to get to these places. Your pictures are amazing!
Thanks Erica
We cannot wait to visit Canada! Your blog and pictures are amazing!
Thank you Lisa!
My brother in law is from Canada and I’d love to go and visit one day.
Having relatives in Canada is a great reason to visit Sara!
I haven’t been to Quebec since I was a child. Great memories!
Suzan, it might be time to go back to Quebec.
Wow, I must put this city on my bucket list of “must see” places.
Old Quebec is a great bucket list destination Alice.
I have always wanted to stay in the Chateau!
Me too Charlene. I’ve only toured but haven’t stayed…yet
I’ve always wanted to go here! I’ve been wanting to do a Canada road trip and visit Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec.
That would be a great road trip for sure Eva
How lovely! Would love to spend some time in Canada!
I love your summer staycation series!! Another great place to visit!!
Thank you Annette
I’d love to visit Canada. Old Quebec looks like a fascinating place to explore!
It is a great city to explore Cindy