A Taste of French Canada:

Five Days in Qubec City and Charlevoix

Photo by Francois Gamache

There is arguably no other city in North America that is as culturally and historically rich, a distinction
recognized by UNESCO which has included the citys historic district on its list of World Heritage Sites. It
is the only city in North America that still has its defensive ramparts intact, and it is the cultural heart, as
well as the political capital, of francophone Qubec.
With this itinerary, you can get a quick taste of French culture in three daysand all less than two hours
from New York.

Judy Perl Worldwide Travel

636 Broadway, Suite 1101, New York, New York 10012

idemartin@judyperltravel.com

Day 1:

Qubec City's Upper Town

After you arrive, youll transfer to the Fairmont Le Chteau Frontenac, perhaps the most photographed
hotel in the world, looming over the city like a grand castle with sweeping views of the St. Lawrence
River.
After settling in to your room, stroll along the promenade and then wander the streets of the Upper
Town, visiting the citys two cathedrals (one Roman Catholic and one Anglican), the Augustinian
Monastery (where Judy recommends stopping at its restaurant, which serves healthy and flavorful food,
for lunch), and the Morrin Centre, home to the citys jail in the 19th century and later a Qubec City
outpost of Montreals McGill University.
Continue on to visit the Plains of Abraham, where New France officially came to an end in 1759 when
British troops led by General Wolfe defeated French troops led by General Montcalm. The area is now
the green lungs of Qubec City, and also the home of the Muse national des beaux-arts. Qubec City
has countless excellent restaurants serving French and Qubcois cuisine.
On your first night youll dine at Restaurant Saint Amour, one of the citys top restaurants and less than
ten minutes on foot from your hotel.

Judy Perl Worldwide Travel

636 Broadway, Suite 1101, New York, New York 10012

idemartin@judyperltravel.com

Day 2:

Qubec City's Lower Town

After breakfast at your hotel, descend to Qubec Citys Lower Town on the funicular that connects the
two halves of the city. Here youll find the old port and the earliest surviving buildings. The symbolic
heart of not only the historic district but the entire province of Qubec is the Place-Royale where
Samuel de Champlain founded the settlement in 1608. Today the cobblestone streets of the
neighborhood are lined with boutiques, small hotels and welcoming restaurants.
Along rue Saint-Paul, youll find antique shops while foodies will want to continue on to the March du
Vieux-Port with its food stalls and restaurants. Its the perfect place not just for lunch but also to pick up
Canadian products from maple candies to dried blueberries. History buffs who want to dig deeper
should stop at the Muse de lAmerique Francophone, with its recent finds from the Cap Rouge
settlement established in 1541, and the Muse de la Civilisation that offers a global perspective, with
exhibitions on cultures around the world.
For this nights culinary adventure, youll dine in the Lower Town at Panache. This restaurant in the
Auberge Saint-Antoine combines a historic setting with innovative contemporary cuisine.

Judy Perl Worldwide Travel

636 Broadway, Suite 1101, New York, New York 10012

idemartin@judyperltravel.com

Day 3:

Montmorency Falls and le d'Orlans

Today youll go on a quick country escape with a morning drive to some of the sights just outside
Qubec City. The first stop is the dramatic Montmorency Falls, at 84 meters (275 feet) they are the
tallest in the province and even taller than Niagara Falls. An aerial tram connects the base of the falls
with their peak, and offers stunning photo opportunities en route.
Hop back in your car and continue on to the le dOrlans. Part of the charm of Qubec City is that this
rural escape is so close to the urban center. The island is home to wineries, many specializing in ice
wine, apple orchards, and maple syrup shacks. Its an opportunity to meet the farmers who grow the
products that end up on the tables of Qubec Citys leading restaurants. Have lunch at the Auberge de la
Goliches Restaurant Vue, which lives up to its name with water views, before heading back to the city.
Spend your final afternoon visiting some of the citys charming shopping streets like Rue Saint-Jean or,
outside the historic district, the Avenue Cartier.
For your final dinner, youll head to Lgende, a restaurant that specializes in boreal cuisine, serving
only local, seasonal ingredients from cocktails to dessert.

Judy Perl Worldwide Travel

636 Broadway, Suite 1101, New York, New York 10012

idemartin@judyperltravel.com

Day 4:

Charlevoix
Today youll head to Baie-Saint-Paul in the Charlevoix region, just over an hours drive from Qubec City.
Located between the splendid St. Lawrence Waterway and the Laurentian Mountains, it is a perfect
destination for both outdoor and cultural activities.
After you check into your hotel, the Hotel Le Germain Charlevoix, head over to the Parc national des
Grands-Jardins. Youll get a taste of mountain climbing as you traverse the parks via ferrata, where
safety cables make the experience ideal for the novice climber. The views from heights of more than
2,600 feet above the valley are unforgettable.
In the afternoon, youll get wet on a four-mile kayaking trip on the rivire du Gouffre. Judy can arrange
other activities based on your interests including a drive along the Charlevoix coastline and visits to the
Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park and the Charlevoix World Biosphere Reserve.
At the end of this day, you deserve a beer. At the Saint-Pub Microbrewery, you can get a lesson in their
home brews with samplings while also enjoying the selection of pub grub, Qubecois-style.

Judy Perl Worldwide Travel

636 Broadway, Suite 1101, New York, New York 10012

idemartin@judyperltravel.com

Day 5:

Return HomeOr Travel Deeper into Qubec

After breakfast, take some time for a stroll around the charming streets of Baie-Saint-Paul, lined with
boutiques and galleries, before returning to Qubec City and your flight home. Or, instead, cancel that
reservation and dive deeper into all that Qubec offers.

Judy Perl Worldwide Travel

636 Broadway, Suite 1101, New York, New York 10012

idemartin@judyperltravel.com