Quebec City Accommodations

Quebec City Information

Considered by many to be a genuine taste of French culture on Canadian soil, Quebec City creatively bonds the charm of old country hospitality with the modern comforts expected by today's traveller. Part of the settlement founded in 1608, Old Quebec or Vieux-Quebec is much like a city within a city. It sits within the original walls and has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
From quaint B&B's and boutique hotels in historic Old Quebec, to modern luxury hotels throughout the city, there are accommodations to suit many varied personalities and needs. Self contained apartments, studios and condominiums are popular options with styles varying from one location to another..

The impressive Chateau Frontenac, with its aged copper roof and turreted castle design, stands onthe site of what was the military and administrative centre of New France. Named for the Comte de Frontenac, governor of the colony from 1672 to 1698, it holds a beautiful and commanding view of the St Lawrence River and is Quebec City's most celebrated landmark. Rebuilt as a luxury hotel in 1893, it was considered the most prestigious accommodation imaginable at the time, offering guest rooms with fireplaces, bathrooms and marble fixtures.

Over the years many celebrities and historical figures have stayed within the well appointed walls. In 1943 and 1944 Le Chateau Frontenac hosted both Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt for critical World War II conferences. Guides dressed in 19th century style costumes offer tours of the luxurious property.

Named after the river pilot Abraham Martin, the Plains of Abraham is the site of the battle that secured Quebec for the British in 1759. Both the French General Louis-Joseph Montcalm and British General James Wolfe were killed on the site and monuments to both men are prominently displayed. People enjoy in-line skating in the park in the summer and cross country skiing in the winter. Summer bus tours are available both in English and French. The onsite Discovery Pavilion hosts a multimedia display called "The Canada Odyssey" which reviews the 400 years of Quebec's history.

In 1957 the Fortifications of Quebec were declared a Canadian National Monument. Originally built in 1690 from wooden palisades and earthen barriers these walls were intended to protect Upper Town from invasion. After the fall of New France the British, fearing French retaliation, gradually replaced the earth and wood with the massive stone cut wall that stands today. These stone structures create the only remaining fortified city in North America save those in Mexico.

The star shaped La Citadel was added after the War of 1812 and is the largest fortified base in North America that still houses troops. Since 1920 the Royal 22nd Regiment has used the fortress as a base. An onsite museum, thoughtfully called the Royal 22nd Regiment Museum displays firearms, uniforms and decorations dating back to the 17th century. Visitors may tour the Citadel and museum as well view the changing of the guard ceremonies from June 24th to Labour Day.

Quebec City is the capital of the province of Quebec and the Parliament Buildings, constructed between 1877 and 1884 are popular visitor attractions. A 30 minute tour of The Renaissance style structures, designed by architect Eugene-Etienne Tache, is offered in French, English or Spanish and includes the President's Gallery, the Parlementaire Restaurant, the National Assembly Chambre and the Legislative Council Chambre.

Quebec is one of the premier ski destinations in Canada and there are several world class ski hills within easy driving distance of Quebec City. Shuttle service is available from Vieux Quebec and offers service to Mont Ste Anne and Le Massif among others. Closer to the city, Stoneham is about twenty minutes north and offers both beginner and intermediate ski runs. Snowboarding has also grown in popularity.

From December until March locals and visitors alike test their skating legs at the Patinoire de la Terrasse adjacent to the Chateau Frontenac or at the Place de Youville outside the St Jean Gate. Adults and children also enjoy barreling down the Glissades de la Terrasse, a 700 foot snow slide that is created next to the Chateau Frontenac each year.

Quebec is the birthplace of the snowmobile and there are several outfits just outside the city where you may rent these high speed snow toys to explore the more than 32,000 kilometres of trails in the area. Visitors may also try their hand at dog sledding, snow shoeing, ice fishing or even enjoy a romantic sleigh ride. Check with EasyRez for more information on these winter past times. They are also available in Montreal, Mont Ste Anne, St. Beaupre and at Mont Tremblant Ski Resort.

What does one do in a city that is considered one of the snowiest in Canada? Why, you throw a giant party and celebrate every one of those 384 centimetres. Winter carnivals have been a snowy treat in Quebec City since 1894, though interrupted by two World Wars and the depression of the late 1920s and early 1930s. In 1955, afresh with new financial backing and the creation of the mascot Bonhomme, the first official version of the Quebec Winter Carnival was held. It has been an annual February family affair ever since, with sporting events, parades and traditional foods on offer. Winter packages are available. Some residential areas host hidden bed and breakfasts that give visitors a chance to mingle with the locals at this popular time.

Warm weather brings opportunities for boating, biking and of course golf. The region has a total of 18 golf courses within easy driving distance of the city centre. Le Sainte Ferreol in Les Ferreol des Nieges is a half an hour north and is considered to be one of the best 18 hole courses in the region. Those wishing to explore the countryside will find they are about an hours drive from rural Sainte-Anne de Beaupre. Summer is also a great time to check out last minute discounts for an impromptu vacation or weekend getaway.

Dufferin Terrace, the wide wooden boardwalk high above the St Lawrence River offers incredible views. It is especially romantic on warm summer nights when street musicians provide background music for an evening stroll. The sunsets, whether observed on a romantic walk, or cuddling on one of the six covered pavilions are enchanting. The Frontenac Kiosk houses the top end of the funicular, sort of a cliff side elevator/trolley that runs down to Old Quebec's Lower Town. Thispopular strolling spot is within easy walking distance of luxury hotels, quaint bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels in historic buildings.

EasyRez offers an assortment of summer packages and can help you plan the perfect Quebec vacation.