This week we are throwing some well deserved love to our neighbors of the north – Canada. Quebec City is located on the Saint Lawrence River in Canada’s mostly French-speaking Québec province. The city’s deep French roots are immediately display at it’s dozens of boulangeries, creperies, bistros and wine bars in the middle of town. The buildings architecture almost instantly transports you to France with stone buildings and narrow streets. Air Canada, which flies from the U.S. through Montréal or Toronto, is the most popular airline that takes you to this beautiful destination. However, WestJet, Alaska, and United are other good options. All flights arrive at Québec City’s main airport Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB), a quick cab ride into downtown.

Best Times to Visit: The best times to visit Quebec City are June – September and December – February. During the summer and winter months, the city’s social calendar is booked solid with festivals.

Things to do:

Spend the afternoon strolling Old Quebec. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is so well preserved from its 17th-century construction, you’ll feel as though you stumbled into France, minus the transatlantic flight. With narrow cobblestoned streets and twinkling lights, the area has the exaggeratedly romantic appearance of a real life winter wonderland. The area is home to the most prominent feature of Québec City’s skyline, the Château Frontenac. Spend some time at the local cafes or boutique along the old street.

Take a ferry ride to Lévis. To get the best view of Quebec City, you need to see the beautiful city scape by water! There’s a ferry service between the capital and its adjacent neighbor, Lévis, which means that for a handful of change you can cross the St. Lawrence River, sit back, and enjoy the view that unfolds before your eyes.

Taste the local cuisine through a food tour. Arguably the best way to experience a new place and culture is by sampling its authentic fare. This three hour Old Quebec Food Tour walk you through the city’s vibrant, and diverse foodie scene. You will visit a variety of notable establishments and enjoy enough delicious bites and sips to make up a hearty and satisfying lunch!

Pour yourself a tall brew-sky. The citizens of Quebec take their beer very seriously… which is why there are micro breweries everywhere! Some local favorites are Griendel, La Souche, La Barberie, La Korrigane, and Noctem.

Feature Hotel: Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, Auberge Saint Antoine by Relais and Chateaux, Fairmont Tremblant

• This is a French speaking province… and they take it seriously. French must be the predominant language on signs, retail or food service employees always greet customers in French, and there are even laws dictating whether parents can send their children to English or French school.

• They have their own national holiday. Canada Day is on July 1, and while Quebecers still get that day off, those celebrations are muted compared to those of St. Jean Baptiste Day, known as Fête Nationale, held a week earlier on June 24.

• The best of this city is experienced in winter. If you want a true Canadian experience, we recommend braving the cold to enjoy some local favorites – ice fishing, snowshoeing, etc.

  Check out more information HERE.