Why Go
Want to visit a European city and introduce the kids to a different culture, language, cuisine and beautiful sights? So often we forget about our northern neighbor, Quebec, which provides a European vibe with just a short flight.
The magical city is an ideal summer and winter destination, and intimate enough to enjoy for a long weekend. Your family can walk along cobbled streets, eat cheese fondue, walk above waterfalls and practice speaking French with a visit to this charming city.
Where to Go
The heart of Quebec City’s city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, within the fortifications of the original Quebec, more than 400 years old. The iconic Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac stands sentinel above the city and the St. Lawrence River and not only makes a beautiful backdrop to your family photos, but is the grand dame of hotels in the city. (It’s especially beautiful at Christmas time, with a lobby filled with Christmas trees).
What to Do
Besides taking in the romantic Old Quebec streets, most visitors beeline to the Citadelle, which is a museum and fort that has witnessed some of the city’s most historic events. Be sure to take the stairs down to Port Quebec and Petit Champlain, where the pedestrian streets are filled with boutiques, art galleries and intimate restaurants.
Just 10 miles outside of the city, Montmorency Falls features a suspension bridge to provide peak views of the falls, which are higher than Niagara. The Canyon Sainte-Anne is a collection of falls with various bridges and hiking areas to take in the cascades from different vantage points.
Getting Around
Quebec City is easy to maneuver by foot, but you may want to rent a car so you can visit its neighboring town of Sainte-Anne and the nearby waterfalls and hiking trails.