Imagine exploring a destination that captures the charm and elegance of Europe while remaining in North America—welcome to Quebec City, Canada. Founded in 1608, Quebec is one of North America's earliest settlements. Its history as a French colony in New France and its subsequent transformation into a British colony and Canadian providence attest to its enduring spirit. Despite these changes, Quebec City has maintained its charm, with France's lasting imprint on its architecture, food, culture, and language further enriching its history.
The Journey Begins
After a 10-hour drive, my charter bus arrived at my hotel as snow fell and covered the ground. On this trip to Quebec, I was joined by 49 other people who were either as tired as me or ready to party. The exhaustion from the journey was real, and although I wanted to venture into the city, my body called for sleep, so I stayed behind to unpack and rest for the upcoming activities. As I lay in bed, I couldn't help but feel excited about the adventures that awaited me in this charming city.
Exploring Old Quebec
To understand Quebec's history and culture, I booked both a walking and a bus tour. While it may seem redundant, each offered unique perspectives—the bus tour sheltered me from the cold, while the walking tour created a more intimate experience.
My tour guides led me through Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec), the city's oldest neighborhood. We explored the Lower Town with iconic sites like Place Royale and Quartier Petit Champlain. We then took the funicular to the Upper Town, visiting Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Terrasse Dufferin, and Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral. In French-Canadian accents, my tour guides explained how Quebec's architecture and historical sites, like the Fortifications and City Hall, have been preserved despite enduring numerous wars and diplomatic agreements.
The final stop on my bus tour was the Montmorency Falls, an iconic 272-foot waterfall 15 minutes from Old Québec. The experience was unforgettable. I was hit with a bone-chilling breeze from the winter air when I stepped onto the suspension bridge and cliffside boardwalk. January is Quebec's coldest month, so the falls are mostly frozen. As I ventured closer, the temperature dropped, numbing my fingers. Although the breeze was almost unbearable, the panoramic views were amazing.
Winter Activities Galore
My group and I traveled to Mont-Sainte-Anne, a ski resort in Beaupré, Quebec, just 24 miles from downtown Québec City. The resort, known for its various outdoor activities, was our playground for the day. We signed up for a full-day package that promised a day of adventure: dogsledding, snowshoeing, and the much-anticipated gondola ride atop the mountain. However, as you'll soon find out, our excitement was short-lived as we missed the gondola ride.
The first activity of the day was dogsledding. We were greeted with a chorus of howls from the huskies when we entered the location. Before starting the activity, the instructors taught us to manage the sled and gave us commands for the dogs like Aller (go), Due (slow down), and Whoa (stop). Accompanied by trained professionals, our sled was pulled by six well-trained huskies through the snow-covered terrain of Mont Sainte-Anne. The winter scenery was breathtaking. I discovered that dog sledding was a unique challenge, requiring multitasking to ensure both the sled's operation and the dogs' safety. After our ride, we toured the Canine Village, home to the Huskies.
With the snow still falling, my group and I tried snowshoeing for the first time. We were unsure what to expect, but we figured it out as we hiked. Aside from the occasional skis scraping on the snow, the environment was quiet and almost unmoving. However, reality set in, and this winter wonderland hike slowly turned into a hardcore workout of five-kilometer trek. We had to stay alert to navigate between the ski trails and our snowshoe path.
Snowshoeing can be challenging for those not used to physical activities like hiking. I had to stay behind my inexperienced group member, which slowed our pace and required frequent breaks. As a result, the five kilometers felt longer than expected, and we missed the gondola ride.
Savoring Quebec’s Cuisine
Quebec's food culture is unique because of the French and British contributions during the providence's inception. I couldn't stick to my everyday comfort foods while I was in here. "When in Rome, do as the Romans do?" or, in this case, Quebec. I started with poutine as a staple meal to fully immerse myself in French-Canadian cuisine. Poutine is an iconic Canadian dish that originated in Quebec, consisting of french fries, cheese curds, and brown gravy. The dish is worth the hype. However, the city has more than just French-Canadian cuisine.
One of the culinary gems that caught my eye was Au Petit Chalet, a restaurant just a few steps away from my hotel. The appeal of their brunch-centric menu, offering the unique experience of waffles for dinner or a breakfast burger for breakfast, was irresistible. After a day of exploration, I found myself at the restaurant for brunch, a decision I did not regret.
Since I was on a group trip, we had to have a group dinner for our last night together. We went to Le Cafe du Monde. The restaurant is a Parisian-style bistro located near the St. Lawrence River. I ordered Beef Tartare as a starter and Pork Osso Bucco as my main meal. I had never tried Beef Tartare, a dish made from raw, minced beef, so the experience was a bit nerve-wracking but exciting. The dish was well-seasoned, but the raw texture was not my favorite. I had some redemption with the Pork Osso Bucco, which was delicious. The best part was the tender pork and the mashed potatoes. I love mashed potatoes, so that made the meal even more enjoyable.
Reflections
Quebec, Canada, was not on my radar for locations to visit. However, I jumped at the opportunity when I was given the chance to go. It was a no-brainer decision. I’m grateful to experience Quebec’s rich French-Canadian culture and breathtaking Laurentian mountains. The continuous snowfall during my time there proved that Quebec is truly a winter wonderland.
Reflecting on the adventures, the unexpected twists and turns made the experience more exciting and memorable. Embracing the random moments and finding humor in the hiccups were key lessons from my Quebec trip. If I was given the chance to go back to Quebec, sign me up!