The city of Quebec is the capital of the province of the same name. Quebec is located on the left bank of the mouth of the Saint Lawrence River. The city was founded in 1608 as the capital of the first European colony in North America, New France. In 1763, according to the Treaty of Paris, Quebec became a part of Great Britain, but most of the French settlers remained here and began to fight for their rights. The French heritage has so strongly influenced the look and culture of the city that Quebec is more likely to be called a European city than a Canadian one.
According to Allunitconverters, Old Town (Upper Town) of Quebec is located on the top of a hill on Cape Diamant and is surrounded by fortress walls from the side of the St. Lawrence River. The fortress walls run along the upper edge of the slope that separates the ancient Upper Town from the Lower Town. The first sections of the walls began to be erected in the 17th century by the French. The fortifications of Quebec are the only remaining 17th century urban fortifications in North America and, due to their uniqueness, are under the protection of UNESCO. A pedestrian street runs along the fortress walls, from where a beautiful view of the St. Lawrence River opens. Within the walls of the fortress in 1831, the British erected the Citadel, in terms of having the appearance of a pointed star. It is now the residence of the Governor General of Canada.. Also in the Upper Town, many buildings of the 17th-19th centuries have been preserved.
Opposite the Citadel is Parliament Hill, where the building of the National Assembly of Quebec is located. It was built in 1886 in the French Renaissance style. The building of the National Assembly has 8 floors, and a tower rises in its central part. The total height of the building is 52 m. To the east of the Citadel lies the vast plain of Abraham. This is a historic place where in 1759 one of the most important battles between the British and French for the right to control the colonies in North America took place. In 1908, the Battle Park was founded on the plain.. Hiking trails are laid in the park, traveling along which you can see the remains of ancient artillery pieces and four Martello towers of the early 19th century, which were built by the British. Periodically, re-enactments of the battle of 1759 are staged on the plain of Abraham.
On the eastern outskirts of the fortress walls rises the majestic building of the Chateau Frontenac hotel, which is made in the form of a castle. The hotel was opened in 1893. Today it is one of the main symbols of the city. Near the hotel is the main Catholic church of the country – Notre Dame de Quebec Cathedral. The cathedral was erected in 1647. Its façade is in neoclassical style, while the interior of the cathedral includes numerous artworks from the 17th and 19th centuries. Notre-Dame-de-Quebec Cathedral is the burial place of four governors of the first European colony on the continent – New France – and the first archbishop of Quebec – Francois de Laval. Also in the vicinity of the Chateau Frontenac hotel, it is worth visiting the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Trinity of 1804 and admiring the breathtaking views from the Dufferin terrace. The oldest funicular in North America runs from the Château Frontenac up the slope to the Lower City.
In the Lower City, the Church of Notre-Dame-de-Victoire of 1688, the Museum of Civilization with collections on the history of the country, the city port and the restored artisan quarter of Petit Champlain are of interest. In the streets of the Lower City, such as Laurier Boulevard and Grand Alle, there are not only historical buildings, but also numerous modern shopping centers, souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes.
Great places to stay in Quebec are the City Aquarium and the Zoo.. The Quebec Zoo has about 300 species of animals, mostly birds. The City Aquarium is home to large mammals such as polar bears and whales, as well as reptiles and fish found in temperate and arctic waters of North America. You can also relax on Orleans Island, which is located in the center of the channel of the St. Lawrence River opposite the city port and in the suburban park Chute-Montmorency, where the highest waterfall in the province is located – Montmorency Falls, 84 m high. 30 km east of Quebec, it is worth visiting Sainte-Anne Cathedral de Beaupr. The cathedral was built in 1926 on the site of an old cathedral of the late 19th century. The cathedral and its surroundings are known for the most incredible facts of healing people, which annually attracts many pilgrims here. Mont Sainte Anne ski resort is located 40 km east of Quebec, which offers tourists an unlimited choice of slopes, one of the most extensive in eastern Canada. In total, there are 56 slopes and 13 lifts. The height difference is 625 m. Mont-Saint-Anne is a favorite holiday destination for snowboarders. About an hour from Quebec in the Laurentian Mountains is one of the best ski resorts in eastern Canada – Le Massif. The elevation difference within the resort is one of the largest to the east of the Rocky Mountains and is 770 m. Vacationers are offered 36 slopes, 30 of which are suitable only for experienced skiers. There are 5 ski lifts to the slopes. Le Massif is also known for its beautiful views, as the resort is located above the St. Lawrence River.
Since 1737, Quebec has been connected to the province’s largest city, Montreal – Royal Road. It goes southwest along the left bank of the St. Lawrence River through picturesque areas: Laurentides, lakes, forests, rocky shores, and ancient villages. This is the first road in Canada specifically designed for horse-drawn carriages. Lake St. Pierre is located in the center of the route, on the banks of which there is a biosphere reserve. It is the largest nesting area for waterfowl in North America. Every year, during the periods of spring and autumn migrations, about 300 species of birds settle here, among which is a rare snow goose. 50 km to the north is the La Maurice National Park with an area of 536 square meters. km. The park is located on the hilly Laurentian Upland among picturesque lakes. Most of it is covered with forests, 40 species of mammals and 180 species of birds live here.