A Holiday Visit to Quebec City - Part 1

I've often heard that visiting Quebec is a way to visit Europe while still staying in North America.  A historic city  - with buildings dating back  to 1608 - and one of the oldest in Canada, Quebec City feels like a small European city. (It is the only fortified city north of Mexico) I enjoyed an early December visit there a year ago (right before Covid) and truly enjoyed my first time to this French Canadian city. 

Old Quebec, the oldest part of the city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and safe and walkable. It's where we stayed as we booked a package deal with Air Canada that included flights and hotel. We rented a car for one day - Mr. UR walked to the rental car agency to pick it up - but for the rest of our stay everything was walkable and close to our hotel. And it was a fairy tale world of Christmas lights, snow and European architecture. 

Things to Do in Winter in Quebec City

Petit Champlain

Le Petit Champlain is the heart of Quebec City. This picture perfect street, one of the oldest commercial streets in North America is lined with restaurants and shops. At the holidays it turns into a magical winter wonderland - there are visits with Santa, outdoor fire pits and carollers singing.

We visited Petit Champlain a few times over our visit. We stopped at a couple establishments for a snack or beverage, shopped in a cute chocolate shop and had the most delicious french onion soup in the most unique restaurant.

There are two unique ways to get down to Le Petit Champlain - the funicular and Escalier Casse-Cou, the Breakneck Steps. We entered the historic quarter both ways. 

The funicular has been in operation since 1879 and offers its passengers a wonderful view of the historic neighborhood. It's a very short and inexpensive way to get to Le Petit Champlain. And it's the warmest way to descend! (The lower entrance to the funicular was the home to Louis Joliet, built in 1683, the man who discovered the Mississippi River)

Escalier Casse-Cou, or the Breakneck Steps, is the oldest staircase in Quebec City. What originally began as a path is now one of the most photographed spots in the city.

Marche de Noel allemand de Quebec City (German Christmas Market)

This annual Christmas market is held in the heart of Old Quebec. We visited several times - admission is free, you just can wander - and enjoyed different things at different times. We were entertained by carolers and a brass band, enjoyed hot mulled wine, shopped a little, took photos and tried some free samples of Canadian and European items. You shouldn't miss this if you are in Quebec City.

Place Royale

Place Royale, the city's original square,is where Quebec began. It's where Samuel de Champlain built the first permanent French settlement in the Americas. Built in 1608, the first building was a a residence, fort, store and trading post all rolled into one. 

Notre-Dame-des-Victoires is the oldest stone church in North America (erected in 1688) and it is the heart of Place Royale. We were extremely lucky as our visit coincided with a choir - complete in fur robes - singing Christmas songs in French for the small crowd that had gathered. One of my favorite memories of our trip!

Chateau Frontenac

Chateau Frontenac is the city's most famous landmark and is said to be the most photographed hotel in the world. You may stop in for a visit or take a guided tour. We happened to be visiting when there was a Festival of Christmas Trees that were being auctioned off for charity. 

Il de Orleans (Day Trip)

Il d Orleans is an island in the middle of the St. Lawrence River just outside of the city - this is the day we rented a car for, the island is 15 minutes outside of the city - and it's known for artisan outlets and farm stands. We were visiting for a day of vineyard touring. Unfortunately, the weather was pure misery. We started out with a cold rain and it improved to just gray and dreary. I was pretty sure there would be nothing open - even the visitor center was closed - but happily we were able to visit at least 5 wineries - some made with black currents -  and stop for poutine after. Because when in Quebec...

I thought the Il d Orleans was a fantastic place to visit - the people were incredibly friendly, the scenery with it's stone houses and small villages was dreamy -and  I would absolutely love to go back in the summer. Gonna have to make that happen!

I highly recommend a trip to Quebec City - once Canada opens its borders - at the holidays. As I said before, it's a magical winter wonderland of a place!

How about you? Have you visited Quebec City?

Linking up with: My Corner of the World at Photographing New Zealand!