Canada is an amazing country, with many places to visit and historical sites to visit, one better than the other! When I traveled there, I spent a few days in Quebec City, one of the biggest cities in the country. In the three days I spent there I was able to visit many places, such as parks, museums and historical buildings.
And if you are thinking about traveling to Canada, visiting Quebec needs to be on your list! Without a doubt, these places I'm going to mention here, you should also consider visiting and enjoying just like me. Want to see some travel tips and what to do in the city? Continue here and enjoy reading!
1. Basilica Notre-Dame de Québec
There is no way you could not start with this church! It is considered a Canadian and UNESCO heritage site, with unique architecture in the dominant classical style. The church was started in 1647 and only finished in 1843, which means 196 years to build it!
It is full of arches, all very nicely finished, full of gold details (probably gold, but I'm not sure). The ceiling is the most beautiful fresco, with paintings of clouds to symbolize the sky and the divine.
There is also a museum in the church, with historical pieces of the city and of priests and important figures of the city, but you have to pay an entrance fee, which can vary. But if you want to go to mass, it is free! If you go to the museum (which I highly recommend), you can separate at least the morning or afternoon of your day to stay there.
2. Quebec's Fortifications
Quebec is one of the only cities in North America with walls, which were erected to defend the territory at the time. Today, you can walk along them and enjoy a good view of the city.
My tip is to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, because if you walk the whole way, you'll get a little tired. After all, it's 4.6 km long, an hour or so of walking, depending on your pace. But, if you want to take pictures, you can add another 30 meters.
3. National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec
Who doesn't like to travel and enjoy good art, right? At the Musée du Québec you will see many paintings by Jean-Paul Riopelle, a Canadian expressionist. The vast majority of his works are abstract, which makes the visit even more enjoyable, since you can have different understandings and enjoy it much more.
But there is a cost to enter the museum, but when I went there on Wednesdays the price was always half price, which made up for a lot, - even more if you go in more people.
4. Navigate the São Lourenço River
The ride on the São Lourenço River is incredible, it was one of my favorite things to do in these days! Besides having the thrill of the boat ride, enjoying the river, you will have an incredible view of the whole city, seeing historic buildings and the movement in the center.
Best of all is the tour guide, there is a guide who speaks both French and English, and along the way he will tell you the history of the city, facts and curiosities about the area.
It is also quite common for some tourists to take a whale watching cruise from Quebec out to sea. I have not taken this tour, - but I really wanted to!
Toronto is another great Canadian city to visit, go there and check out what to do there!
5. Montmorency Falls and Orleans Island
I left this tour for the last day so I could enjoy it and not rush around, and I recommend the same to you. The waterfalls are further away from the city, in the rural area, so the ideal is that you get a team of guides for this route, to make this process simpler and safer.
Besides enjoying the walking tour and the view, you also have the chance to meet amazing people from all over the world who are there walking around, just like you!
My trip was a bit of a rush, but I still managed to enjoy the main spots I wanted to, but if you go with more time, there are many other interesting places for you to travel, such as:
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Citadelle in Quebec;
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Maurice Nightclub in Quebec;
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Chatêau Frontenac in Quebec;
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Observatory of the Capitale de Québec;
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Vieux-Québec;
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Quebec Aquarium;
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And many others!
Oh, and if you're thinking of traveling, be sure to check out our international travel checklist so you don't forget anything!
You see, even if you only stay a few days in the city, it is possible to visit incredible places with a lot of history and knowledge. Besides these places, the city is full of stores, from the simplest to the richest. Oh, and of course, the city's gastronomy is delicious, combining the best of the local food with French classics!
Did you like the content? Here, at Happy Tours, you will find many more tips on what to do in Canada and in other countries around the world - browse through our blog and check it out. See you soon!