Quebec

THE CITY OF QUEBEC

Québec (or Quebec City) is the capital of the Canadian province of Quebec and is located within the Capitale-Nationale region. A far as population is concerned, it is the second city in the province – after the city of Montreal that lies about 233 kilometres to the southwest. Quebec lies on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River. At the 2006 Canadian Census, the city has a population of 491,142.

The name of the city comes from its geographical situation. “, Kébec” is an Algonquin word that means "where the river narrows", referring to the narrowing of the Saint Lawrence River approximate to Quebec City and Lévis. The city was founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain and is the second-oldest existing European settlement in Canada. It was first the capital of New France under the French regime (1608-1759), later the fortress-city of the English colony and capital of lower-Canada under the English regime (1763-1867). In 1967 Quebec became the provincial capital at the time of the creation of the Canadian Confederation.

This historic city is divided in two distinct parts by steep bluffs into the Upper Town where the old quarter of Quebec is situated, and the Lower Town. Perched atop Cap-Diamant, the old quarter is the only walled city in North America and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage in 1985 as the 'Historic District of Old Québec'

Quebec City is internationally known for its Summer Festival, Winter Carnival, and the Château Frontenac, a hotel which dominates the city skyline.

THE PORT OF QUEBEC

Quebec is a popular port-of-call for cruise ships sailing along the St. Lawrence River. Ships dock at the Old Port where the Saint Charles River enters the St. Lawrence. The Old City is situated on two levels, Lower Town, at the Port, and the Upper Town and at a quick walk from the terminal.

Since 2002 the Cruise Terminal in Pointe-à-Carcy welcomes cruise lines and their passengers into Quebec. It allows ships of all sizes to stop over or to tie up and terminate a cruise journey in Quebec City.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN QUEBEC

Quebec City's main sight is the Old Town, the upper part of which is surrounded by a stone wall built by both French and British armies Attractions located in the Upper Town (Haute ville) are: the Citadel, the Château Frontenac, the Plains of Abraham and the Quebec Parliament. Here the visitor will also find an abundance of shops, restaurants, stands and markets. The Lower Town (Basse Ville) houses the Naval Museum of Quebec, the Old Port, as well as the Place Royale which was the site of the first permanent settlement in New France.

Quebec City looks very European because of the wonderful old buildings, cobblestone streets and imposing stone walls. The entire walled Vieux-Québec (Old City) has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985. Outside the walls of the Old City lies the Plains d'Abraham where French and British armies fought each other during the Seven Years War.

The Château Frontenac is Quebec City’s greatest icon and might well be the most photographed hotel in North America.

The Dufferin Terrace is a boardwalk situated alongside the Chateau Frontenac. From here a great view over the St. Lawrence River can be had

Located in Battlefields Park, the Musée national des Beaux-arts du Québec (National Museum of Fine Arts) promotes and preserves Québec art of all periods.

The Citadel is a fortification situated at the juncture of the Old City wall and Grand Allée. Every morning there is a changing of the guard ceremony 10. .

The Plains of Abraham Battlefield Park are outside the Old City walls. This is the site of the 1759 battle that saw the British conquer Quebec. The plains are now used for public events, sports, and leisure activities.

The Observatoire de la Capitale is one of the tallest buildings in Quebec. It offers a great panoramic view of the whole city.

Place-Royale is the spot where Samuel de Champlain landed in 1608 and founded the first French settlement in North America. It is now one of the most visited and photographed places of Quebec City.