The Historical Romance of Quebec City

Last Updated on April 15, 2021 by Editor

Facing Château Frontenac from Terrasse Dufferin, Quebec City's boardwalk.If ever a place looked like a movie set, it’s Quebec City in springtime. Pristine stone walls brightened by jewel-tone doors and kaleidoscope window boxes seem to have been plucked from a historical romance. Buildings don’t appear to have withstood a day in the elements, let alone hundreds of years.

In reality, Quebec City was established in 1608, making it one of the oldest cities in North America. And because it retains its original ramparts, this exceptional example of a fortified colonial city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

History makes Quebec City an interesting destination to explore on foot, but it’s the old world European ambiance that makes it so romantic–and such a delightful choice for our 18th wedding anniversary.

Château Frontenac front entrance.Where To Stay In Quebec City

Arriving at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is a bit of a production. Liveried doormen stand guard at a front door that opens up on a private driveway, well sheltered from city streets.

Château Frontenac lobby.

Designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1980, Château Frontenac was the first of a series of Chateau-style hotels often referred to as “Canada’s Castles” built by railway companies in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to encourage luxury tourism.

Today, the image of Château Frontenac dominating the Cap Diamont promontory is one of the most recognizable images of Quebec, but the hotel interior is full of jaw-dropping beauty too.

Château Frontenac painted ceiling

Château Frontenac painted ceiling

After the grandeur of Le Château Frontenac’s public spaces, our room was a bit of a disappointment. By comparison, it seemed a little bland and lacking in the period furnishings or architectural detail seen elsewhere.

Château Frontenac guest room

The bathroom made the most of a small space, and the marble tile was attractive, but again, it lacked any wow factor. Also, the toiletries provided were skimpy and somewhat masculine, not what I expect in luxury accommodations.

Château Frontenac guest room bathroom

Not that we wasted any time staring at the room decor, not when our view from the 12th floor was so spectacular. We could see for miles and miles, over spikes and spires and flags waving in the wind in Old Quebec to the Laurentian Mountains on the horizon.

Château Frontenac scenic view

Springtime rates range from $436 to $2020 for the Churchill Suite.

Things To Do In Quebec City

What I most loved about our stay at a Canadian castle was its location. From the hotel, we could exit right onto the Terrasse Dufferin, the boardwalk along the Saint Lawrence River. And with 37 National Historic Sites of Canada in Quebec City, it almost didn’t matter which way we went, we were bound to run into something noteworthy.

Quebec City ramparts on a sunny Spring day.
Built in 1620–1665, the Ramparts of Quebec City are the only remaining fortified city walls in North America north of Mexico. They were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

Without an agenda, Dave and I wandered aimlessly, stopping to take photos and wine and dine. We stopped a lot.

Horse-drawn carriages in front of the Quebec City Ministry of Finance.
Horse-drawn carriages await passengers in front of the Ministry of Finance, just outside Château Frontenac’s private driveway.

Exiting Château Frontenac through its front door and tunnel driveway placed us on Rue Saint Louis, in front of the Ministry of Finance and a little park where horse-drawn carriages line up.

A five-minute walk brought us to the Old Quebec Funicular, a short railway that took us to the Lower Town. The $5 roundtrip fare is a bargain when you consider the other option, steep hills or steps such as the infamous “Breakneck Stairs.”

Quebec City Funicular
Open since 1879, the Old Quebec Funicular links the Upper and Lower Town, $2.55 per person each way.

Quebec City’s Lower Town includes the port, the Museum of Civilization, Notre Dame des Victoires church, and Petit Champlain district, the oldest commercial district in North America.

Quebec City Mural - Place Royale - Quebec
Mural in Old Québec’s Place-Royale recounts the story of Québec City. Look closely to spot 15 historic figures and nearly a dozen of Québec’s leading writers and artists.

Strolling through Petit Champlain, we found many one-of-a-kind boutiques and souvenir shops, and even one or two such as Mouche à feu which remind visitors of Quebec’s role in North American fur trade history.

Mouche à feu - fur - Quebec City

Everywhere we went, we found talented street performers.

Guitarist on the steps at Quebec City boardwalk.
Guitarist on the steps at Quebec City boardwalk.

And since we explored at our own pace, we were free to stop, listen, and be entertained, whether it was by a guitarist in period attire…

Historic Musician - Quebec City

…or a Dog and Drummer busking duo.

Dog and Drummer Busker - Quebec City

Walking Tours: Quebec City Tourism lists many different ways to get to know the area on foot, from classic walking tours to food or ghost tours. Or you can sign up for a guided tour by bus, bike, cruise, horse-drawn carriage, or even in a hot air balloon. Independent sorts may want to check out self-guided tour itineraries.

Rasberry Martini - Ristorante Il Teatro - Quebec City
Cheers! Rasberry Martinis at Ristorante Il Teatro are yummy.

Where To Eat In Quebec City

Breakfast/Dessert:  Breakfast? lunch? dinner? Sweet or savory crepes are perfect anytime, but we dropped in at Le Casse-Crêpe Breton on Rue Saint-Jean at breakfast time and went with a hearty ham, egg, and asparagus combination.

Crêperie le Petit Château - Quebec City
58 kinds of crepes and live music at Crêperie le Petit Château.

BRUNCH: 58 kinds of crepes on the menu–we shared lobster and lemon curd crepes–and live music at Restaurant Le Petit Château – 5 Rue Saint Louis, neighboring Château Frontenac.

Ristorante Il Teatro - Quebec City

EAT/DRINK: While away an hour or two or three just on cocktails and appetizers–do try the carpaccio and foie gras–at Ristorante Il Teatro on Rue St-Jean.

Le Lapin Sauté Restaurant - Quebec City

EAT: When in Quebec, you have to sample poutine, the fast-food dish that originated in the province. Traditionally made with french fries topped with gravy and cheese curds, variations abound.

At Le Lapin Sauté on Rue du Petit Champlain, we savored a Rabbit Poutine which adds shredded rabbit meat. The restaurant itself is adorable, looking like it was pulled out of a Beatrix Potter storybook, with its outdoor garden and rabbit motif.

L'Oncle Antoine - Pub - Quebec City

PUB: Open even when little else is, L’Oncle Antoine on Rue St-Pierre serves a limited but satisfying menu–pizza and French Onion soup are popular– and a decent roster of bottled and on-tap local craft beers. Do peek in regardless to see the barrel-vaulted stone cellar of one of Quebec’s oldest houses (dating back to 1754.)

Window Box - Quebec City

Quebec Getaways

Extend your Quebec getaway, here are nearby destination guides:

History makes Quebec City an interesting destination to explore on foot, but it’s the old world European ambiance that makes it so romantic. #Quebec #romanticgetaway

Author

  • Sandra Foyt

    Sandra Foyt is a storyteller, road trip junkie, and award-winning travel photographer. A veteran of many cross-country road trips, she drove Route 66, the Lincoln Highway, the Fossil Freeway, the Extraterrestrial Highway, and even “The Loneliest Road in America.” Sandra is based in Upstate New York, with family homes in California and the Caribbean. Her work is influenced by tropical colors and warm relationships. And she believes that the best travel photography connects us across time, place, and culture.