Quebec, Canada introduction

Quebec City This oldest French city in North America is located at the top of the cliff above the St. Lawrence River, with picturesque old streets, making it a gorgeous and enticing place. Amazing architecture Quebec City's dramatic setting certainly enhances its appeal, with postcard-perfect views of the St. Lawrence River (or even the Laurentian River on clear days) from the elevated Terrasse Dufferin boardwalk. But its beauty is not all God-given; humans have played a role in shaping this pretty face too. Simply walking the streets here is an aesthetic pleasure. The historic center of this city is unlike anywhere else in North America, with hundreds of gorgeous double-pitched roofed, ancient stone buildings clustered within the perfect frame of the city walls' saw-toothed outline. Life Museum Quebec City is one of the oldest and most magnificent settlements in North America. Its picturesque old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring narrow cobblestone streets, 17th and 18th century houses, towering church spires, lively museums, and the magnificent Fairmont Le Château Frontenac and other iconic buildings. Despite having a T-shirt shop on every other corner, the classic taverns, sidewalk cafes, and neatly trimmed squares exude more than a hint of old Europe. History buffs will especially enjoy the 19th-century mountaintop castle and two museums in Quebec City, which offer graphic representations of the battles fought between France and England for control of the city. Heart connected to French. Quebec City has something else: the heart and soul of the province, as well as the strictest control over the identity of French-Canadian and the use of French language. This is what the people here have fought and sacrificed for, and it is also something they deeply cherish. Quebecers learn English from a young age, but because the English-speaking minority is very small here - only 1.5% of the population speaks English as their mother tongue - they rarely use English outside of major tourist areas. Most city residents are bilingual, but if you venture into the surrounding countryside, you will quickly discover that French is the province's official language. Food, festivals, and fun. Quebec City offers wonderful dining options and is known for its local cuisine due to the abundance of agriculture on nearby Orleans Island and Ile d'Orleans. The capital city goes out of its way to welcome visitors. Throughout the summer, musicians, acrobats, and actors dressed in period costumes take to the streets, while wonderful festivals fill the air with fireworks and song. In the coldest months of January and February, Quebec's Winter Carnival is the largest and most colorful winter festival in the surrounding area. Fall and spring bring beautiful foliage, sparse crowds, and significantly reduced prices.