I can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday than on a tour bus… whether it is an iYellow Wine Club tour or on a guided tour of the very historical Quebec City - it is always worth it! The best part is that you don’t have to plan a thing and you get led through some of the best picture opportunities available to you in the city.Touring around Old Quebec City reminded me of something you would see in Europe. The streets were lined with foreign speaking people, French culture, great local food, wine everywhere you look - and even on tap! And other than the presence of snow, you would never know you were even in Canada. During our bus tour we visited (and learned about) many historical spots such as: Place Royale, Hôtel de Ville (City Hall - built in 1833), and the Citadel amongst others.
To your left I have attached a few of the pictures that we took during our tour through the city. For lunch we enjoyed a local 
food staple the Croque Monsieur -a french delicacy. and for dinner we attending a fabulous restaurant called "Conti Cafe" where we enjoyed a great bottle of Italian Barolo, some lobster bisque, beef carpacio and much much more!! Dinner was simply delicious.
food staple the Croque Monsieur -a french delicacy. and for dinner we attending a fabulous restaurant called "Conti Cafe" where we enjoyed a great bottle of Italian Barolo, some lobster bisque, beef carpacio and much much more!! Dinner was simply delicious.I/we finished the evening off with a glass of Inniskillin Vidal Icewine and local cheese plate at the hotel bar. The fireside couch, great company, and delicious cheese and wine, made me feel as if I had died and gone to heaven.
Some quick historical Facts about Quebec City:
- Quebec City was founded in 1608 by the French explorer Samuel de Champlain and is situated along the banks of St. Lawrence River
- Quebec City is the Capital City of the Province of Quebec
- It was founded in 1608 and it is the oldest City in Canada
- It is over 400 years old
- Old Quebec City was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985
- The most photographed landmark in Quebec City is Château Frontenac
- 95% of the residents in Quebec City speak French as their mother tongue
- Quebec City the second largest town in Quebec after Montreal
Some Cool facts about the Chateau Frontenac:
Did you know The Chateau Frontenac...
- Was discovered long before the the nineteenth Century
- Was designed to have a "castle" like feel for all of its guests
- Has been visited and celebrated by celebrities, dignitaries and Royalty
- It was named after the Former French Governor Comte de Frontenac
- The original architect of the hotel was named Bruce Price
- The hotel was designed to imitate a French/France style Chateau in the Loire VAlley
- More architects were brought on board to extend and build the hotel - such as Walter S. Painter and Edward and W.S. Maxwell, Guathier & Deschamps, Dorval & Fortin, and more!
- Was reconstructed due to fire and water damage in 1926 causing over $760,000 dollars worth of damage
- Was remodeled in 1973 and also went through an extensive 65 Million dollar renovation and modernization process in 1989 - with the purchase of it from Canadian Pacific Hotels and Resorts.
- Currently has over 610 guest rooms and 4 luxury suites, one of which is on 2 floors
- Is a true Iconic hotel - that is a must visit for any Canadian, historical buff, or world traveler
Most people have impressions and associations that the French are unfriendly and unwelcoming. Throughout this trip, I have experienced the complete opposite. The majority of the people we have met have been very pleasant and willing to help.As I write this article (on Sunday morning) the Cathedral bells are ringing outside, and there is a true hustle and bustle inside the hotel as well as outside in the cold. With Spring Break this weekend and continuing this week, it seems that the Chateau is a very popular place to visit and
relax at for many people. There are conferences and families all around, but the hotel still feels elegant despite the amount of people and has a true essence of romance which can make any couple fall in love for the first time, or fall in love all over again!So as we make our way to enjoy Sunday in Quebec City, I have to say that this has been a true Canadian cultural getaway. Not only is the location far enough away to feel like you've left the city, but this mini vacation (which is much closer than France) is a perfect way to explore what our local landscape has to offer with regards to history, culinary expertise, culture and people.
I have certainly fell in love with everything that Quebec City has had to offer. And boy do I sure feel Canadian visiting during the winter months. However, I would love to spend some time here when the sun is shining and the temperature is above zero degrees :)
I have certainly fell in love with everything that Quebec City has had to offer. And boy do I sure feel Canadian visiting during the winter months. However, I would love to spend some time here when the sun is shining and the temperature is above zero degrees :)
Get yourself to Quebec City!
I am off to enjoy this beautiful Sunday - Stay Tuned for the next re-cap!
Cheers,
Ange
To learn more about the history of Quebec City click here
I am off to enjoy this beautiful Sunday - Stay Tuned for the next re-cap!
Cheers,
Ange
To learn more about the history of Quebec City click here
