While in Montreal, Québec, on a business trip, a colleague, Annie, and I decided to jump on a tour bus and visit Old Québec City for the day… in -14°C weather. Brrrrr. We bundled up in our winter gear and were ready for anything the weather would throw at us!
There is something magical about a historic city decorated for the Christmas season—walking the cobblestone streets gave my spirits a boost. Not looking to purchase anything, we meandered through the streets and into shops that caught our interest. The question I asked myself is “Do I neeeeeed this?” Of course I do. I always need a new purse, scarf, or tech gadget. It’s who I am. 🙂
At the centre of Old Québec City is the funicular/funiculaire linking the Upper Town (Haute-Ville) to the Lower Town (Basse-Ville) which travels 210 feet at an angle of 45°. Looking upwards from the base, I was grateful it’s not a set of stairs!
In the Upper Town, we discovered the oldest restaurant in Canada and had their famous pea soup for lunch. Okay, we devoured it…
We came across Place Royale, where the French first settled in North America. At the centre is Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, North America’s oldest stone church. Standing in Place Royale, the sense of history is so present. I could have stared at the Fresque des Québécois on Côte de la Montagne for hours. This breathtaking mural tells the story of Québec City and includes many historic figures blended into the artwork. Pictures don’t do it justice…you need to see it for yourself and see many more works of art in mural form.
Visiting Old Québec City was like stepping back in time. We enjoyed the atmosphere and exploring the old city, and experiencing the food and culture. Next time I’ll brush up on my French, though. 🙂
Old Quebec city looks so quaint! I also really love the photos in this post! I think I need to book a trip so I can step back in time here like you suggest it feels. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much Kristen! It’s worth a visit, especially decorated for Christmas!
Thank you so much Christie! Let’s hope I can adapt this style of photo editing to multiple locations. 🙂 I should have tried poutine instead of pea soup, next time!
I’ve been dying to visit QC! And it’s actually pretty (well, sort of) close to me so it’s definitely doable! I love how charming and romantic these photos look!
Thanks so much for your compliment on my photos. It is a nice place to visit, you’re lucky to live so close (ish)! This would make a nice weekend getaway. 🙂
Quebec City is one of my favorite places! I visited May of last year and was completely charmed! I loveeee your pictures btw. I hope to one day explore it during Christmastime.
Thank you Lily, I appreciate it! I’d like to explore in the summertime too, and see the waterfall when it’s warmer. 🙂
Quebec is so gorgeous! I always want to go there the most between all my Canadian & US bucket list. And it’s far more beautiful during festive season! So pretty.
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Thanks! I loved my short visit. I would definitely go back again. 🙂