Quebec, a North American treasure, offers culture, history, and cuisine that will transport you to Europe. Where else in North America can you walk through terrain reminiscent of the French countryside, stroll down charming European-style shopping streets, and enjoy a traditional British afternoon tea? Here are some of the best things to do in Quebec to experience Europe.
Visit A Chateau Or A Manoir is the best way To Enjoy Europe In Quebec
The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is a Quebec City landmark and the world’s most photographed hotel. The chateau, located on a promontory with beautiful views of the Saint Lawrence River, exudes old-world European charm combined with modern North American amenities. The hotel is built on the grounds of the Saint-Louis Forts and Chateaux National Historic Site, which served as the official residence and seat of French and British governors for over two centuries.
The Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, another picturesque property, is located near the lovely village of La Malbaie in the scenic Charlevoix region. Le Manoir is nestled among mountains and forests, with stunning views of the Saint Lawrence River. You’ll feel like you’re on a luxurious European vacation if you enjoy the view over the bluff, play golf on the expansive course, or have a cocktail or afternoon repast in this historic French-style castle.
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Immerse Yourself in the History of Quebec City
The fortified city of Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage site that should not be missed. Walk around the Old City, taking in the walls and gates that surround it. They were built for protection by the French 400 years ago. The Place-Royale was the first French settlement in North America. It was here that Samuel de Champlain first settled, and it also houses Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, North America’s oldest stone church.
The Old Port is another great place to get a sense of Quebec’s connection to Europe. The port area is bustling with activity thanks to the abundance of small shops, sidewalk cafes, and art galleries. Rue Saint-Paul, once home to warehouses and wholesalers, is now a bustling shopping street and antiques district, brimming with antiques dealers, art galleries, and art deco accessory stores.
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Travel to Charlevoix Europe In Quebec
The charming Charlevoix region provides another European-style experience in the province. Charlevoix is nestled between the Saint Lawrence River and the Laurentian Mountains, offering breathtaking views in all directions. The landscape is dotted with rolling hills, small farms, and villages. The Saint Lawrence River allows for sailing and even whale watching.
Baie-Saint-Paul is an excellent place to begin. This charming town has a main street brimming with galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and shops selling handcrafted local goods. You’ll most likely stay at a gite or an auberge, which are similar to French country inns. Take a scenic drive through the countryside to La Malbaie, a vacation resort town popular with the English and Scottish upper crust. This small and lovely town once hosted the G7 summit, but most visitors come for the breathtaking scenery and year-round activities.
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Take a stroll down European-style shopping streets in Quebec
In Quebec, you will find charming shopping streets reminiscent of those found in Europe. Wander down Rue du Tresor in Quebec City, an outdoor gallery reminiscent of the Place du Tertre in Paris’s Montmartre quarter. The charming boutiques, specialty food shops, clothing stores, and souvenir vendors line Rue Saint-Jean. Quartier Petit Champlain, which dates back to the 17th century, is North America’s oldest shopping district. The cobblestone streets are lined with artisanal shops, art galleries, restaurants, and historic homes.
Sainte-Catherine Street in Montreal is famous for its shopping, people-watching, dining, and entertainment. While the west end of the street is dominated by English shops and department stores, the east end is dominated by well-known French brands. The entire area has the feel of a modern European shopping zone, with delightful boutiques, international and Canadian stores, shopping malls, restaurants, bars, theaters, cinemas, and more.
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Go to Montmorency Falls Park – Europe In Quebec,
While the European character of Quebec reminds us of France, we also discovered a significant amount of Britain here. The beloved Montmorency Falls Park, where General James Wolfe’s British troops camped before embarking on the famous Battle of the Plains of Abraham, is one fantastic place to visit. The breathtaking waterfall is nearly 250 feet high, and the park is a lovely place to explore Quebec’s natural beauty. History buffs will appreciate a visit to Manoir Montmorency, formerly known as Kent House after Queen Victoria’s father, the Duke of Kent. Pub Kent House serves a lavish Sunday brunch as well as pub meals and pints.
Enjoy The Ile D’Orleans
The Ile d’Orleans, where a few hundred French families settled in the 1700s, offers a taste of the French countryside. When you see the charming heritage homes that dot the land, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to rural France. The many artisan shops and farm stands on the island delighted us, and we sampled many delicious local products.
To get a sense of this birthplace of French North America, take a bus tour or drive around the Ile d’Orleans. Over 600 historic structures have been restored to preserve the history of the area’s French founding families.
Foodies will enjoy the island’s gastronomic bounty. Stop at a cider house, pick up some fresh cheese, and enjoy seasonal fruit, delicious wine, and delectable chocolate from friendly producers all over the island. Even better, pick up some goodies and enjoy a picnic in the countryside while gazing out at the Saint Lawrence River.
Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral.
It’s fascinating to see both French and British history come to life in the many churches of Quebec. The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, the first Anglican cathedral built outside the British Isles, is one of the most important British churches. It was built in the early 1800s by British artillery officers who modeled it after London’s famous Saint Martin-in-the-Fields church.
Inside, we enjoyed The King’s Gift exhibit, which featured a stunning silver Communion service presented to the cathedral by King George III. The cathedral also houses a rare English chamber organ from 1790. And the magnificent stained glass windows, many of which were designed in London, cast a lovely light on the numerous monuments to British officers, nobles, and blue bloods.
Take Advantage of French Cuisine in Quebec
French cuisine infuses Quebec with European flavor, from bistros to boulangeries. No matter where you go in Quebec, you’ll find delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere. Quebec has it all: traditional French haute cuisine, modern French fare, and French-inspired Canadian cuisine.
Bonaparte is a restaurant in Old Montreal near Pointe-a-Calliere. Traditional French culinary favorites are available, as well as a magnificent degustation menu, a six-course tasting menu with a little bit of everything.
Les Travails in Baie-Saint-Paul puts the farm-fresh country French tradition in the heart of the action. Diners can sit at tables or at the four-sided counter that surrounds the chef and his team, and the kitchen is open on all sides. As he prepared seasonal dishes inches away, we spoke with the chef about his cooking philosophy and favorite ingredients. The menu changes with the seasons, and the kitchen team sources fruits, vegetables, and herbs from the restaurant’s garden and responsible local producers.
Chez Boulay Boreal offers a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. Years of culinary training and a passion for ingredients sourced from the boreal forests of the northern territories result in a stunning display of inventive cuisine by the French chefs. We had a whimsical meal with new flavors like the delicious cloudberry.
