Québec City · Canada

Overview

Québec City is widely considered to be the most French city in North America; roughly 95% of the people who live here claim French as their mother tongue. It is the capital of Québec province and includes the only walled city north of Mexico, Vieux-Québec (Old Québec). The old city is split into two tiers, separated by steep rock against which are more than 25 escaliers (staircases) and a funicular.

Along the banks of the St. Lawrence River is the Lower Town, or Basse-Ville, the oldest neighborhood in North America. Its time-worn streets brim with up-to-the-minute shops, charming restaurants, and art galleries, as well as touristy stores, all housed in former warehouses and residences. You can see the rooftops of the Lower Town from the Terrasse Dufferin boardwalk in Vieux-Québec's Upper Town, or Haute-Ville. The most prominent buildings of Québec City's earliest European inhabitants stand here. One often-photographed landmark is the castlelike Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, a hotel with copper-roofed towers and a commanding view of the St. Lawrence River. Many military sites -- fortifications and battlements -- and a number of museums and other attractions encircle the city. Beyond the town walls, old and new government buildings intermingle with the structures of a modern metropolis that grew up in the 20th century. Rue St-Jean is one of the city's trendiest neighborhoods, home to many eclectic and affordable restaurants.

Vieux-Québec is remarkably compact and walkable, even though it's not flat. The city can be a trial for drivers, and private cars are not allowed at all within Vieux-Québec, so it's best to make use of the city's good public transportation and to bring your walking shoes.

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