Quebec Things to Do Tips by jamiesno Top 5 Page for this destination

Quebec Tours Guided tours Review

Most people know whether they want to take a tour or not depending on the time they have but here is a little bit of advice from my tours. I took two one city tour and the other a country side tour.

The city tour was approximately $29 CDN and the country side tour would have been around $50.

There was an error in communication between me and the telephone guy because I didn't want a city tour but ended up on it.

I don't recommend the city tour if you are able to walk. Old Quebec is so beautiful that walking is definitely the way to go. They are not long walks either so you can really soak up the atmosphere of the city. When I ended up going on the city tour I simply repeated it all again with a lesser view through a tinted window. I think I might of took 3 or so pictures, that's it.

The country side tour on the other hand was very nice. I could never of seen what I did by walking and I saw some amazing sights. I really recommend the country side tour. The Montmorency Falls though I warn you are very impressive and probably warrant a little more time. I would probably enjoy going back there for a half day to just relax.

So there is my two sense worth on the tours, in my off the beaten path tips you will see some of the highlights of my country side tour.

Traditional Huron Village ONHOUA CHETEK8E Review

In October 2005 while attending an Aboriginal Mining Conference our group was treated to a traditional Huron village. It took about 30 minutes or so to get from downtown Quebec to the site on a bus. If you type in "Village-des-Hurons, Quebec" at http://maps.google.com/ you will get a very good map and directions.

We were welcomed by a guide dressed with a traditional costume. A Welcoming Dance is also offered to our guest. This was fun and included some participation from the audience.

Other things on the visit included a visit to the Long House, Huron’s traditional housing, presentation on the Huron’s way of life, visit of the Smokehouse and the Drying tent. Comments on methods of food preservation. Sweating Tent. Presentation on purification techniques used by our ancestors. There was a stop at Giant Tee Pee. Information about the way of life of Indians from different Nations. Presentation on traditional means of transportation and on the making of canoes and snowshoes. Visitors are invited to take place in one of the great canoes to listen to the guide’s presentation.

Our guide was hilarious and had everyone laughing but she didn't understand what she was doing. It was funny.

There was an historical review of the trading that took place between the French and the Hurons in 1750 and a presentation on the present life of Hurons in the Village of Wendake. They have a healthy economy now for a small number of members.

I didn't buy anything at the extensive gift shop but found out when I had gotten home I actually bought a Huron drum earlier that year in downtown Quebec. So it was great to get back there and see where it came from!

The treat of the visit was the aboriginal feast. The appetizers where great, the buffalo was great and the maple dessert was great!

Overall a great time and would recommend you take a visit.

Address: 575, rue Stanislas-Kosca

Directions: Village-des-Hurons (Wendake)

Phone: 418-842-4308

Website: http://www.huron-wendat.qc.ca/

Only remaining fortified city in North America! Walking around Vieux Quebec Review

Québec is the only remaining fortified city in North America. This feature has contributed to Québec being named as a World Heritage City. The Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site tells the tale of over three centuries of Québec's military past.

Stretching over 4.6 km, the walls and ramparts bear witness to the evolution of Québec's defensive system from the 17th to the 19th century.

I think you will agree that the fortified walls add to the historic ambiance and charm of Quebec City.

In the winter it is far to slippery to walk along the tops of the walls and most of them are closed off for safety reasons. Beleive me I ventured up on top a couple of times following foot steps but quickly realized I didn't want to fall!

In the summer time though it would be a perfect way to explore the city and enjoy the amazing views.

Website: http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/qc/fortifications/index_e.asp

Tabagonning Terrasse Dufferin Review

During the winter only obviously will you find this. But in front of the Chateau Frontenac you will find a great tabagon run.

For just a couple of dollars Canadian you get a tabagon, you get to drag it up a large hill and you get the rush of riding it back down.

I can only imagine what the wind chill would be coming down but people certainly seemed to be having a blast doing it.

By clicking on the link I have provided you can see the video I took of this activity. You will need Real Player from www.real.com to view the video :-)

Website: http://www.jamiesnook.com/videos/travel/tabogan.rm

National Assembly of Quebec Parlement de Quebec Review

Quebec City is the provincial capital of Quebec Province and as a result there are approximately 40,000 civil servants.

The city is normally a buzz as well with all the local political gossip.

The National Assembly is one of the cities nicest buildings espeically during carnaval as you can see in this picture.

The lights make it beautiful as well. The building also has statued everywhere depicting past leaders.

Website: http://www.assnat.qc.ca/

Ice Sculptures Carnaval de Quebec Review

During the famous Winter Carnaval most of the businesses in the Petit Champlain district have ice sculptures in front of their businesses.

With the night lights and the sculptures it really makes the district beautiful.

Apparently the same guy done them all, the renowned Michel Lepire.

I notice that the sculptures usually depicted what the specific stores had to offer.

You will only see this if you are travelling to Quebec during the Carnaval time :-)

Website: http://www.quartierpetitchamplain.com

La Citadelle Citadelle de Quebec Review

La Citadelle of Québec is the most important fortification built in Canada under British rules. It was designed according to a defence system developed by a French military engineer named Vauban and built under the supervision of Lieutenant-colonel Elias Walker Durnford. The construction of the outer walls began in 1820 and it took 30 years to finish its construction. La Citadelle is in the shape of a four-pointed polygon, with each point forming a bastion and covers 37 acres. It contains two buildings constructed by the French and numerous others very well preserved.

During the time of my visit in January the Citadelle was offering free tours everyday at 1:30 pm.

I didn't do a tour because I was just so busy doing other things but I bet the history would be great and the changing of the gaurd in the summer months would also be interesting.

You will not miss the Citadelle when you are in Quebec its so big you can't miss it.

It's hard to take a picture of from the ground because it is so big but I got the best vantage point from the L'Astral Restaurant!

Website: http://www.lacitadelle.qc.ca/

Joan of Arc Garden Plains of Abraham (Battlefields Park) Review

Created in 1938 by landscape architect Louis Perron, the garden has its own special style: rectangular in shape and built slightly below ground level, it combines the French classical style with the British-style beds. Visitors have an opportunity to admire over 150 species of annuals, bulbs and, especially, perennials. From April to October, visitors are enchanted by the multitude of colours and scents.

There wasn't much for me to enjoy in January month but once again not far from the monument where some great views!

Website: http://www.ccbn-nbc.gc.ca

Plains of Abraham Plains of Abraham (Battlefields Park) Review

The Plains of Abraham is one of the most prestigious city parks in the world. Battlefields Park got its popular name from Abraham Martin, one of the first laymen to settle on the heights of Québec. Abraham Martin never owned or even live on the land which today bears his name, but used it instead to graze his cattle. The name "Plains of Abraham" therefore originates from a popular designation. It is the people themselves who referred to the plains by that name.

Personally I felt the Plains of Abraham were amazing offering the best views of the St. Lawrence River. It was also the site for some Carnaval activities, I a can only imagine how nice it must be in the summer and fall months to stroll throughout this park!!

This history and battles that ensued in this area are also interesting to learn about obviously but be sure to soak in the views!

Website: http://www.ccbn-nbc.gc.ca/

Great Murals Place Royale & Le Petit Champlain Review

Life in Quartier Petit Champlain captured in a magnificent mural. You can find this mural at the end of Petit Champlain. It is very nice obviously and adds to the walking experience in old Quebec.

A trompe-l'oeil mural measuring 100 square metres (900 square feet). You don't have to be an artist to appreciate the beauty of this outdoor work of art, located at 102 rue du Petit-Champlain, on the wall of the building owned by the Coopérative des artisans et commerçants du Quartier Petit Champlain.

This mural illustrates the origins of the Cap-Blanc neighbourhood, the bombardments in 1759, fires, landslides and other disasters to have befallen Quartier Petit Champlain over the years, as well as the strength and courage of those who built, lived, developed and breathed new life into this part of Quebec City.

For a full indepth interpretation of this mural you can visit the web site I provided. Cheers :-)

Website: http://www.quartierpetitchamplain.com