I thought it was most appropriate that I picked my top Canadian destination for my first travel blog. Moreover, this place is no joke. A trip to Canada without stopping here would be a rather hard to make up for. Where am I speaking of?
Old Québec
I can only imagine that if you're living overseas and Canada is on your list of places to see that it may be a little bit intimidating deciding where to visit in such a vast country. I like lists. So I have a list of five reasons why you should include Old Québec in your trip to this lovely country.
1. It's OLD
It's not called Old Québec for nothing. Dating back to the 17th century this city has truly built up quite the history that can be seen not only in local museums and art displays- but still in the city that stands today. There is the impressive fortifications that you can explore which surround the city, La Citadelle de Quebec (still an active military barracks!) and the Plains of Abraham, as well as some old citadells if you like churches.
2. It has a square
Let's face it, all the best tourist hotspots in Europe have a "square" packed full of cute (overpriced) restaurants, sketchy street performers trying to rip you off, and shops selling tiny plates with some of the city's icons plastered all over them. Well guess what? Old Québec has one of those (Place Royale) too! If that doesn't prove that this city can compete with the best of 'em I don't know what can.
3. This cannonball stuck in a tree
What's your theory of how it got there? OK I'll be a partypooper and reveal that it was likely just left sitting beside the tree and it grew around the cannonball. But similar to the likeness of the Manneken-Pis in Brussels, this quirky little tourist spot really reveals the true potential and character of the town.
4. You'll want to take a picture every 10 steps
Isn't the point of an adventure to be awestruck around every corner you turn? You'll have that here. I'm not sure about you but to me tourist spots are fine and dandy, but the true value in traveling in my opinion is venturing down side-streets and seeing what the real town looks like.
5. Accommodations
Below is where I stayed: at the lovely Château Frontenac. All you successful Steemians out there with deep pockets- check this place out! Overlooking the majestic St. Lawrence River this is an ideal spot for a romantic getaway if that's what brings you to Canada. Not quite that successful on Steemit yet? It's still worth stopping by and taking a nice walk along La Promenade des Gouverneurs dividing the upper and lower towns.
... just kidding, below is where I actually stayed. When I was completing basic training with the military I was at a base not far from Quebec City so these were my accommodations for a few months. Just as nice as the Château if you ask me.
BONUS: #6. Proximity to other locations in Canada
Do the "East Coast" in all one trip! If you're fortunate to have a lot of time to travel between provinces I highly recommend that you do something like this:
- Fly into and see Toronto
- Ottawa
- Montréal
- Quebec City (and Old Québec)
- New Brunswick / Prince Edward Island / Nova Scotia
- Newfoundland
I wish you the best of luck planning your trip and I hope my advice helped in the process. :)