Quebec City: The oldest fortified city in North America
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Food & drinks:
Quebec’s cuisine has a solid French culinary base, augmented by the flavors of the Amerindian people and other cultural communities that have made the province their home.
Some of the staples that can be found on most tables are items like the ice cider, micro-brewed beer, wine and a choice of over 100 varieties of cheese.
Maple syrup is the province’s specialty, producing nearly 80% of the world’s supply. But in Quebec, the syrup is used for more than just pancakes - it is used as a glaze for meat, it can be mixed with baked beans or desserts, and can also be made into loose sugar and candies.
A unique tradition here is that of the sugar shack, a family culinary tradition of eating maple products to the rhythms of Quebec folklore. People usually go as a group especially around the beginning of spring, to enjoy the sweet, sugary tradition.
Others local culinary specialties include the famous shepherd’s pie, sugar pie, pouding chomeur (sponge cake with maple syrup sauce), baked beans, tourtiere (meat pie), and cretons (a pork spread with onions and spices). However, poutine is what most visitors associate to the region. It is a plate of French fries, drowned in gravy, and topped with chewy white cheddar cheese curds. With temperatures dipping to below freezing, the calories are not counted in this part of the world. So forget your diet and indulge yourself while you are here.
Cultural fest:
Quebec plays host to many a festival all throughout the year, attracting crowds of varying ages and with varying interests. Some of the popular festivals are:
Envol et macadam - an annual contest-cum-festival of alternative music devoted to the latest musical trends featuring indoor and outdoor shows.
Quebec Ateliers Ouverts - held every two years is when professional artists and craftsmen open their workshops to the general public to showcase their works and techniques.
Le Carnaval de Quebec - the biggest winter carnival in the world is held over two weeks in February with the aim of raising the spirits during the long winter. It is the third-largest Lenten festival in the world with parties, ice baths, dog sled races, ice palaces, sculptures, snowmobile races and Viennese-style dance balls.
Birthday of Quebec City - held on 3rd of July every year, it has a plethora of events lined up for the whole family to enjoy. Major demonstrations will take place all summer in 2008 to mark the 400th anniversary of the founding of the city.
La Fete du Canada - celebrated on June 30th and July 1st in Old Quebec with activities and exhibitions. Plus you get free admission to the national historic sites of the city.
Les Fetes de la Nouvelle-France - a week-long extravaganza in August with various activities reliving the 17th century Nouvelle France, held in Old Quebec and the Royal Place. You can witness processions, animations, mock-ups of everyday life of the time, sport of Nouvelle-France, and people dressed up accordingly, to make you believe that you have surely stepped back in time.
Getting around:
Quebec City is connected to most major cities by Jean Lesage International Airport, located in the West of the city.
The city also has a large major port on the St-Lawrence. An efficient and inexpensive ferry service connects the city to Levis. Many cruises are offered on the St. Lawrence River, which is one of the world’s biggest waterways.
For those who like train travel, the city is served by VIA Rail. The city is also well-connected by a vast road network.
Within the city, a commuting option is to hire bikes since the city has an impressive network of bicycle paths. Or if you prefer a faster mode of transportation, try motorcycles. Many clubs within the city allow you to rent them. This way you can enjoy the wonderful scenery that the city has to offer, up close.
For those traveling on a budget, Allo Stop is a ride-sharing network. It allows you to reserve your spot in a car belonging to someone who is traveling to the same destination as you.
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