Québec City is a lovely, European-style getaway for the family. But wear good walking shoes – much of the city is best seen exploring on foot!
Expedia.ca helped me with choosing the right hotel with all the amenities that we need for our long weekend family trip. borrowed an Acura MDX Elite for the ride (review to come). It was a comfortable ride, with leather seats, and a rear television with headphones for the kids to stay entertained. The navigation helped keep us on track!
After what seemed like a long ride due to long-weekend traffic, we finally arrived at the Hotel Manoir Victoria. We checked in to our lovely double-queen luxury room, dropped our belongings, and headed out to Rue St. Jean for some good eats.
We decided on Les Trois Garcons, a gluten-free friendly restaurant metres away from our hotel. This lively bistro is known for its freshly-made burgers with a ton of options, as well as poutine. I sampled gobbled the Garcons Original with bacon and cheese, on a gluten free bun – which I thought for sure could not be gluten-free as it was fluffy and delicious.
The best way to see Quebec City is by walking it; we toured the old city on foot all morning.
We trekked uphill to the Citadel and the Plaines d’Abraham, walking past the parliament buildings, and through the old walls of the city. Within the Citadelle’s walls enclose 300 years of military history in Quebec City spanning the French, British and Canadian periods.
The Battle of the Plains of Abraham was a pivotal battle in the Seven Years’ War, was fought by the British Army and Navy against the French Army on a plateau just outside the walls of Quebec City. The battle, which began on September 13, 1759, was a pivotal moment in the conflict between France and Britain over the fate of New France, influencing the later creation of Canada.
After our lesson in Canadian history, we stopped for lunch at Le Bureau de Poste, which was a 20-minute walk from our hotel, outside of the old town. Everything on the menu really is $4.95, but you can add things on for a little more. I had the nachos as a gluten-free option, while the boys had chicken wings (9 wings for $5 is a great deal).
The kids took a swim in the hotel pool while I caught up on some emails, and then showered and were out walking the old town once again. The boys must have went into every souvenir shop in the area! We couldn’t leave one shop without purchasing new Montreal Canadiens hats. I found a gorgeous shop called Boutique le Sachem on Rue des Jardins which specializes in the Native Indian art and artifacts. I bought myself a dream catcher necklace.
Next day, we walked through the old town to the waterfront just minutes away from our hotel. It was powerfully windy that morning and we were underdressed for the cool temperature. But we took in the beautiful view of the Chateau Frontenac. Quickly saluting Samuel de Champlain, we hustled into a nearby café to warm up and so I could caffeinate myself.
Before heading back to our hotel, we stopped into the stunning Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec. As it was a Sunday morning, we lit a candle and said a prayer. Built on the site of the first chapel constructed by Champlain in 1633, Notre-Dame de Québec Church was erected in 1647 and was called Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix. In 1664, it became the first parish church in North America.
For lunch we stepped into a little piece of France in Paillard, a boulangerie/patisserie in the bustle of Rue Saint Jean. Spoiled for choice with a selection of pastries, sandwiches, breads, the boys sampled several croissants and gelato – the Nocciolo (hazelnut) is absolutely divine. I enjoyed a coffee a lemon poppyseed macaroon to die for. The café has large communal tables as well as smaller café-style tables by the window, so you can people-watch.
Le Comptoir on Rue Saint-Jean for smoked meat sandwiches. This is a cozy little place with pleasant staff, and away from the tourist zone. Again, this is a family friendly restaurant with options for kids.