Quebec City is a gem amongst Canadian cities, and it even stands out amongst cities all around the world. Many people refer it to the Paris of the Americas, and it is no wonder. It is beautiful, elegant and welcoming.
History of Quebec City
Founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, Quebec City, caught in the midst of the English world, brings alive in North America France's grace and beauty. Though its inhabitants speak mainly French, Quebec City has something of a dual nature. Founded by the French, the city was taken over by the English during the Battle of Quebec in 1759. Two symbols represent the masters and the conflicts of the old city: the French fleur-de-lis and the English VR (Victoria Regina), a conflict that still rages today in the French Parliament.
But the city itself belies the fire beneath, calming the visitor with vestiges of times gone by. Cobble stone streets greet you as you walk into the heart of old Quebec City. As the only remaining fortified city in North America,
stone walls stand tall at almost every bend. The turreted buildings and the cottages that line the walkways take visitors back in time. If you can't make it to Europe, Quebec will give you a taste of that continent.
Old and New Quebec
Quebec City is divided into two areas: Old Quebec and Lower Quebec. Though Lower Quebec has some interesting sites, the majority of the attractions lie in Old Quebec. The best way to see Quebec is by walking. The city is too compact to allow for driving. Grab a map and stroll down the avenues.
The Chateau Frontenac stands as the icon of the whole city. Lying along the edge of the St. Lawrence River, the Chateau Frontenac graces the skyline like a fort protecting its home. The river itself would look more at home in the Carribean with its clear blue waters than in the sometimes frigid areas of Canada. The Canadian Pacific Railway built the chateau to house its wealthy passengers. Started in 1893 and completed in 1925, the chateau has accommodated many well-known people. Winston Church and Franklin Roosevelt held two wartime conferences here. With 613 rooms and suites, this impressive100-year-old hotel dominates the entire area.
Basilica-Cathedral Notre-Dame de Quebec
Outside the hustle of the main attractions, The Basilica-Cathedral Notre-Dame de Quebec, rebuilt three times on the same site, has become a place of pilgrimage for the faithful. First destroyed by the British in the 1700s and then by fire in the 1920s, the present church was modeled after old photographs. Stained glass windows were presents to the beloved cathedral from different families within the Notre-Dame parish.
Despite its many beautiful adornments, nothing surpasses the cathedral's collection of organs. These three organs were made by the Casavant House and installed in 1927. With their four keyboards and 5234 pipes, the organs are still used in masses today.
The cathedral's crypt, renovated in 1952 by Cardinal Maurice Roy, acts as the final resting place for four of New France's governor's: Callières, Frontenac, Jonquière and Vaudreuil.
Towards the middle of the city, perhaps one of the most beautiful buildings makes its home. The Hotel du Parlement (National Assembly) was built for political use in the 1886. In the park that surrounds the building, statues grace the area. Perhaps, even more impressive are the multitudes of bronze statues that fill every notch on the outer walls. An Indian with his bow and arrow stands ready in the entrance. In the fountain, a fisherman grasps his net, hoping for a good yield.
Just as impressive is the inside. Paintings and murals fill most of the wall spaces.
Decorative furniture makes the place seem more like a museum rather than a governmental meeting place. A guided tour is offered free of charge. Check tour times because they often change without warning. A few must see sights are the Assembly Chamber and the Room of the Old Legislative Council.
Quebec City is provincial France close to home. Small restaurants with hanging ivy exteriors and lace curtains adorning its windows comfort the weary traveler. Friendly cottages attract the picture hungry tourist, leaving you feeling sorry for the poor souls that live inside. Its main attractions keep their past grace despite the invasion of tourists. Quebec City- a picture perfect spot of old time life.
Misty Faucheux - Misty Faucheux has been a freelance writer for over 10 years, and she has written for both online and offline publications, including ...
