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From Quebec City’s reminders of its illustrious past to its warm and welcoming embrace, the magical charms of Quebec City has already cast a spell over me. The beauty and grandeur of this enchanting city is no illusion.
Once the site of Samuel de Champlain’s first settlement, Quebec Old Town is the only city in North America to retain its defensive walls, ramparts, bastions, and gates. Known as La Citadelle, North America’s largest fortification has been continually occupied by regular troops since its initial construction in 1673, and is the official residence of the Governor General of Canada.
Old Town’s showpiece is the jaw-dropping Le Chateau Frontenac. It is one of the most photographed landmarks in the city. Although it has the appearance of a fairy-tale castle, it is actually a hotel.
Chateau Frontenac was built in the late 19th century as an ideal stopover for the Canadian Pacific travelers. This castle-turned-hotel was recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1980.
Place Royale is a small but picturesque plaza, considered the birthplace of French civilization in North America and the first permanent settlement in New France.
It was an unforgettable feeling to take a relaxing stroll through 400 years of history along the Place Royale. It was built on top of French fortifications that dated back to the 17th century. This lovely plaza is considered to be the birthplace of New France in the New World and home to Notre Dame des Victoires, the oldest stone church still standing in North America.
Quebec City’s official coat of arms depicts a shield divided into three horizontal fields: the top features three gold fleurs-de-lis on a blue background, symbolizing royal France; the middle section features a gold lion on a red background, which symbolizes English royalty; and the bottom section show three green maples leaves symbolizing Canada.
At 272 feet high, the Montmorency Falls are an imposing sight. It is higher than Niagara but much narrower. The area surrounding the falls is protected within the Montmorency Falls Park.
Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre, a village that stands along the St. Lawrence River, is a religious destination centered around a glorious two-spired basilica, one of Canada’s most famous shrines.
The centerpiece of the charming town of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre is the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre Basilica. Founded in 1650, the town has been a Roman Catholic pilgrimage destination ever since the first chapel was built by shipwrecked French sailors in 1658. The site of many miracles over the centuries, the stunning neo-Roman landmark that stands there today was constructed in 1923.
When I was in Quebec City, I felt as if I have been magically transported to France but I have just been caught up in the magic of one of Canada’s most beautiful cities.
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