Quebec City

Quebec City is one of Canada’s most ornate, historic destinations and the only walled city in North America. Its citizens are fiercely proud of its French heritage, epitomised in the motto “je me souviens” (I remember), and the cobblestone streets, murals and statues of French heroes take visitors on a delightful step back to colonial times.

The city’s walled upper town is dominated by Château Frontenac, while the Citadelle is still active today and commands fantastic views over the St Lawrence River. The lower town is centred around Place Royale, enclosed by colonial buildings and Notre Dame Basilica, the oldest stone church in North America, while the nearby Musée de la Civilisation charts Quebec’s history from First Nations to colonial and modern times.

The cuisine in Quebec City is excellent – from grabbing snacks like poutine (French fries with rich gravy and cheese) to haute cuisine in the bistros and restaurants. The bohemian quarter of Saint-Jean-Baptiste is a particularly good area to sample local delicacies.