Local Quebec City Tours

#1 Quebec City Food Tours

2014

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Quebec City: 10 Local Tips for a Great Trip

Everyone wants to have a good time while on vacation, so here are the best tips to follow while traveling to Quebec City!

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Picture Credit: Pierre Arnaboldi

10. Wake up early

Avoid the crowds and get to attractions early. You’ll also benefit by having a longer day ahead of you. (This is also a magical time to take pictures).

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Picture Credit: Rene Bourque

9. Dress smartly

Dress appropriately, if you know there’s going be snow, rain or hot temperatures bring suitable clothes. There’s nothing that will ruin a trip more than feeling uncomfortable throughout it.

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Picture Credit: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca

8. Meet up with that friend of a friend that lives there

Meeting up with a local is one of the best ways to discover a city, and people really do enhance your travel experiences (plus people love to show off their home town).

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Picture Credit: Robert Deutschman

7. People watch!

If you really want to get the feeling of the place, spend a few hours to just look around. Observe, smell, and listen.

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Picture Credit: http://www.islandgirlwalkabout.com

6. Take lots of pictures

Lots and lots. You may only be here once in your life, or you may want to remember a specific detail. In the end, they are the ultimate souvenir.

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Picture Credit: Chensiyuan

5. Shop at local farmers markets

You’ll get to interact with people from the community and taste local produce.

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Picture Credit: http://www.islandgirlwalkabout.com

4. Eat the traditional dishes

Eat like a local, and eat a lot of it. Don’t be afraid to ask the locals to recommend you their favorite restaurants or eat street food.

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Picture Credit: http://travel.allwomenstalk.com

3. Take your time

Relax, you are on vacation! Don’t plan too much, and slow down- otherwise you might miss out on what’s right in front of you.

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Picture Credit: http://oldguysandblacktop.blogspot.ca

2. Don’t stick too much to the guide book

Get lost, deviate from the beaten path, you’ll never know what you may find. I know it’s cliché but seek out those uncommon, unusual experiences. Make a wrong turn on purpose!

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Picture Credit: http://www.flightcentre.ca/

1. Say yes… to everything!

You’ll never know if you don’t try, as the saying goes. Say yes to something you wouldn’t normally attempt and be impulsive. It’ll make the trip more interesting and may end up being your favorite thing about the trip.

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Picture Credit: http://virginiescinema.blogspot.ca/

 

 

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The Top 10 Fun Places to visit in Quebec City!

363_365_dec28-3By Kimberly Handfield Between the sidewalk cafes and cobblestones streets the capital of the province is waiting for you to discover it. In all seasons this city is both picturesque and widely vibrant.

 

10. Stroll around the streets of the Quartier Petit-Champlain

Le Quartier Petit-Champlain is one of Quebecs quaint neighborhoods. Lined with boutiques, artists, shows, cafés and restaurants, one could spend a whole day discovering its streets and backstreets. 363_365_dec28-8

Picture Credit: Martin New

 

9. Go on a helicopter tour with Go Heli

This is a tour you’ll never forget. Go Heli offers helicopter rides that allow you to discover Quebec’s amazing landscape and beauty. It is simply breathtaking!

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Picture Credit: http://www.gohelico.com

 

8. Sip some ice wine at theVignoble Ste-Pétronille

Quebecs ice wine is one to try. Ste-Pétronille Vineyard is one of the best vineyards in town and serves various ice wines along with a charming atmosphere. vignoble-sainte-petronille-1

Picture Credit: http://tourisme.iledorleans.com/

 

7. Have a traditional French meal at Aux Anciens Canadiens

Make sure you that when you visit Quebec you have a traditional Quebecois meal. At Aux Anciens Canadiens you will eat delicious, authentic, homemade, old-fashioned Quebec food. Along with great service, superb atmosphere, and excellent service, Aux Anciens Canadiens is a must try. 20110409-quebec-city-restaurant-aux-anciens-canadiens-rue-saint-louis-web Picture Credit: David Giral

 

6. Go to a Nordic Spa

A popular trend here in Quebec, the Nordic Spa consists of alternating and soaking in different outdoors baths. It is relaxing, therapeutic, and very romantic! Try Spa Stoneham situated only 25 minutes from downtown Quebec.

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Picture Credit: http://www.bonjourquebec.com

 

5. Eat at the restaurant Le Tournebroche

Chicken fanatics adhere! Le Tournebroche, situated in Old Quebec, knows its rotisserie chicken. Its chef Stéphane Roth from Jura France, has created a new genre of rotisserie that transmits his passion for fresh, local and extraordinary foods. tournebroche

Picture Credit: http://www.tripadvisor.ca/

 

4. Take a local food tour with Quebec City Food Tours

Tour the charming St-Roch neighborhood and satisfy your craving for both scrumptious food and culture. Québec City Food Tours is an original walking tour that allows you to explore and uncover local favorites. La Barberie - Quebec City Food Tours

3. Take a side trip to Île d’Orléans

The Île d’Orléans is a gorgeous island just 15 minutes away from downtown Quebec City. It is home to many farms, historical houses, a chocolaterie, vineyards and much more! 0038OR001 Île d'Orléans Picture Credit: Jean Sylvain

2. Eat a cupcake at Loukoum-Cupcake

Loukoum Cupcake’s are seriously the best cupcakes in town. They focus on seasonal and local products, but also encourage customers to try their more globally flavoured creations inspired by Japan, Spain, Italy, and France. Loukoum offers sweet products of high quality and originality, make sure to try one on your next visit!

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Picture Credit: http://www.loukoum-cupcake.com

1. Go on a thrilling toboggan ride at the Terrasse Dufferin

La Terrasse Dufferin is set at the base of the Chateau Frontenac, Quebec’s most picturesque hotel. Apart from the the breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence River, la Terrasse Dufferin is a wide boardwalk featuring ice-cream stands and street performers in the summer and a giant toboggan slide in the winter!

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Picture Credit: Martin New

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Top 10 Fun Things to do in Quebec City this Fall

By Kimberly Handfield

Quebec is an explosion of colors in the fall. It blends greens, reds, oranges and golden yellows until the white flight of snow. Autumn is the perfect time for hikes, celebrating Halloween, and savoring an authentic Quebec meal.

10. Visit Quebec city’s historic cemeteries

With Halloween just around the corner why not visit some of the most important burial grounds of Quebec. Here is a list of some important historical and urban cemeteries.

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Picture Credit: http://www.quebecregion.com/

9. Have an amazing meal at Le Tiers Temps

Le Tiers Temps is a restaurant situated in the St. Roch neighborhood. This place serves some serious comfort food. Its authentic, diverse, local and simply delicious. Not to mention that the wait staff is courteous and very knowledgeable!

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Picture Credit: Caroline Grégoire

8. Spend Halloween at the Plains of Abraham

The Plains of Abraham have plenty of Halloween activities lined up for fall. There are plenty of thematic decorations and haunted tours!

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Picture Credit: http://www.bonjourquebec.com/

7. Go on a Food Tour

Discover Quebec City’s hip, up and coming district: Saint Roch. This 3 hour walking tour narrows down the best places to eat at in the neighborhood. You will taste: classic home-made pea soup, a beet, goat cheese and balsamic vinegar salad, some local apple cider…to name a few. Foodies should not miss this opportunity!

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6. Watch the sunset from the Vallée Bras-du-Nord

La Vallée Bras-du-Nord is a place for kayaking, hiking, walking, biking, horseback riding, canyoning, skiing, and more! Enjoy its various activities and gaze at its the natural beauty (especially during the colors of fall).

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Picture Credit: http://fr.canoe.ca

5. Take the panoramic gondola in Mont-Sainte-Anne

This 8 person gondola offers breathtaking views of the mountain, landscape and region. Once at the top make your way to a pedestrian trail for a hike through nature.

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Picture Credit: Fraser Britton and Colin Meagher

4. Savor a modern sugar pie topped with maple cotton candy at Laurie Raphael!

Laurie Raphael Restaurant is a creative culinary experience, rooted with a Quebec twist. Autumn is the time for delicious seasonal dessert, and we have fallen in love with their maple flavored cotton candy.

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Picture Credit: http://www.cntraveler.com

3. Go to pirate night at the aquarium

This is the 8th year in a row that the Aquarium du Quebec holds a Halloween event. During this event visitors: get to visit the aquarium by torch light, are greeted and scared by various spooky characters that haunt its halls, and get to interact and play many games and activities!

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Picture Credit: Véronique Demers

2. Go to the Quebec City Film Festival

Young filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts gather! Founded in 2011, this film festival presents over 100 short films and feature films from all over the world. The festival also offers free activities and interactive installations.

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Picture Credit: http://www.bonjourquebec.com/

1. Go for a romantic walk, café au lait in hand in Parc du Bois-de-Coulonge

Fall is such a romantic time: the leaves changing colors, the brisk air, and the hot drinks. Alongside your partner stroll the parks gardens, footpaths, and make sure to stop and take in the breathtaking view of the river.

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Picture Credit: http://www.bonjourquebec.com/

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Top 10 Quebec City attractions you need to visit this year

Discover the beauty, history and culture Quebec City has to offer. Here are 10 of the top places to visit and activities to do!

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Picture Credit: Martin New

10. Go visit La Citadelle: the star-shaped fortress

This national historic site represents over 300 years of Quebec’s history. You can visit the fortress, its museum, and even take a night tour!

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9. Take part in Quebec City’s Carnaval de Quebec

From January 30th to February 15th take part in one of the largest winter festivals in the world: Quebec City’s winter carnival. There are parades, ice sculptures, public parties, shows, amusement parks, sleigh races and much, much more!

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Picture Credit: http://montrealtips.com/

8. Go on a food tour of the trendy St. Roch neighborhood

Are you a self-confessed food junky? If yes- make sure you discover some of the finest, local foods, dishes, and beverages that Quebec city has to offer. The Quebec City Food Tour takes place in the St. Roch district only a few minutes from the downtown area. Tours are offered Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 12:00 and 1:00 pm.

Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – See more at: http://quebeccityfoodtours.com/food-tours/st-roch-quebec-city-food-tour/#sthash.eI4Kovpa.dpuf

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7. Ride the Quebec Funicular!

The Quebec funicular is a 130 year old tradition, linking the Upper town to the Lower town. Previously used as a water ballast system of propulsion, it is now a fun cable car ride for those who are not up for the steep stairway.

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6. Cross country ski at the Plains of Abraham

The Plains of Abraham offers a scenic view of the St. Lawrence river and provides a 12.6km beginner trail for cross country skiing, a 3.8-km trail for snowshoeing, and 5.6 km of walking trails for free in the winter time. Make sure to warm up at the heated rest areas along the way!

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Picture Credit: http://www.bonjourquebec.com

5. Visit Place Royale

Take a step back in time and visit where Samuel de Champlain first founded his “habitation” in 1608. You’ll feel like you are walking around in old Europe. Make sure to visit the Place-Royale museum and the oldest church in North America: Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church.

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Picture Credit: http://www.kamariage.com

4. Go to the Quebec City World Press Photo exhibit

The Quebec City World Press Photo exhibit takes place from July 31st to August 24th! This photo exhibit features a series of the best photos from 45 different countries taken by different journalist-photographers. These are the pictures that were not necessarily published in newspapers or seen in any other media outlets. Make sure to check out these fine works.

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Picture Credit: http://www.worldpressphoto.org

3.Visit the impressive Musée de la civilisation de quebec

This museum has plenty of wonderful exhibits and permanent collections. Currently there is a mythological showcase of a Greco-Roman collection of Berlin called “Masters of Olympus” until March 2015. The museum also offers guided tours, hands-on activities and group packages!10249373_706617169389081_848947074_n

Picture Credit: Le Musées de la civilisation de Québec

2. Visit the most photographed sight in Quebec City: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

This castle-like building was built in 1893 as a hotel for the Canadian Pacific Railway and today remains one of the most luxurious hotels across Canada. A must-see while visiting!

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Picture Credit: Martin New

1. Take a ferry and mini-cruise across the St. Lawrence River to Levis and back

This is hands down the best way to see Quebec City’s beauty and architecture. Once you have crossed over you can either stay on the ferry or get off and walk around the town to visit its little shops or relax at a cafe.

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Picture Credit: http://www.larouteaccessible.com

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