normanbates

hi. im planing to go to quebec in april, so i need some info before i book ticket and hotel.The plan is to stay 6 nigths.
1.i have been looking at a hotel called manior victoria located in old quebec, any one stayed there, and what do you think? its look very good to me.
2.what is your must see in quebec?( i like historic things, but open for any thing)
3. how to get to ile d orleans, should i rent a car for one day, or take the bus out there? i think a car will be ok, cause i think there are a lot to see out there.
4.any good pubs etc to go out for a beer or two?
4. anything else you think i should see out side quebec city?

thanks.

laverendrye

1. I've not stayed at Manoir Victoria, but friends have and they recommend it. It's well situated in the heart of the old city.

2. What not to see? The city itself is one great historic site. Simply walk around and there are historic buildings and streets at every turn. Among the highlights I would suggest visiting the Fortifications and La Citadelle, la Place Royale in the lower town, the Cathedral, the Plains of Abraham, and the Museum of Civilization. There are many more. Check the official tourism websites:
http://www.quebecregion.com/e/index.asp

http://www.bonjourquebec.com/ca-en/quebec0.html

3. Renting a car for Ile d'Orléans is the best idea. You should stop at Montmorency Falls on the way.

4. I have three favourite pubs: Pub Saint-Patrick, Pub Sainte-Alexandre, and Pub D'Orsay. They are all in the old town and you can easily walk from one to another.

5. With 6 nights, you should also have time for a day trip to the Charlevoix region, down river past the Ile d'Orléans. The landscape is beautiful and there are many interesting small towns, especially Baie Saint-Paul. You could also take a cruise from Québec to Grosse Ile, a fascinating National Historic Site.
http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/qc/grosseile/index_E.asp

normanbates

hi. thanks a lot.
charlevoix region sounds great, perhaps i should rent a car for more then one day,or can i do ile d orleans and charlevoix region in one day? how is the weather in q.c. in late april? anyone else who have more input?

normanbates

ttt

QuebecFan

My wife and I have been to Quebec City every year for the last 15 years. It is a can't miss destination.

The Manoir Victoria is perfectly situated and a nice place. You will quickly learn that the Chateau Frontenac is the center of Old Quebec's universe and everything revolves around it. The Victoria is only about 2 minutes away from the Frontenac by foot.

There is no need for a car while in the Old City (Vieux Quebec). Everything is walking distance, bring proper footware. The pubs and beer are good but you may want to shift gears and think cafes and wine. You will see when you get there.

If you want a real French Canadian Pub experience then you should take the ferry that goes across the river to Levis. It is cheap and only about a 10 minute ride. Right across the street from the ferry landing is a small pub named Pub St.Louis. Drink the local microbrews. They are strong and good. Go around 5:00 for Happy Hour. If Paul is there he is a great translator and an expert on everything.

Secret breakfast place for great croissants and coffee - Chez Temporel. Short walk from hotel, around corner from Pub St.Patrick. Ask for directions. Worth it.

Ile d'Orleans is a must and you need a car to appreciate it. Combine with trip to Montmorency Falls. Both are very close to Quebec City, about 10 minutes. Get a guide at the tourist office at the top of the hill and drive around the island counter clockwise. Discover at your own pace but we would highly recommend stopping at: Cassis Monna et filles, producers of blackcurrant liquer, Domaine Steinbach, producers of hard ciders and preserves, the Fromagerie (only one on island), Richard Boily, for old fashioned maple syrup production, Moulin St Laurent for a gourmet lunch. If you stop at one place it must be at the Chocolate Shop in Ste.Petronille. Get the ice cream dipped in chocolate. Careful, you may faint.

Charlevoix is beautiful but a long drive. There is a beautiful casino and a breathtaking hotel, Manoir Richelieu, side by side on the St. Lawrence. Not really a day trip.

Things to do in Old Quebec - Tour of Chateau Frontenac. Horse and carriage ride. Walk, shop, eat, drink. Make sure you explore the upper town and lower town (get the ferry from the lower town).Stroll outside of the walls down the Grand Allee for even more cafes.

Best meal in Quebec City- Le Saint Amore. Make reservations for 8:00 and eat in the courtyard.

I could go on for days. This should get you started.

QuebecFan

Correction to my prior post- Drive around island clockwise. Basically a left turn out of Tourist Office. You want to start with Creme de Cassis and finish with chocolate.

laverendrye

The Ile d'Orléans and Charlevoix are really to much for a single day trip. You could combine them with an ovenight stop in Baie Saint-Paul or la Malbaie. You could also do two separate day trips from Québec.

normanbates

hi. thanks a lot for all the info.
im going to start booking air ticket and hotels next week, and i have added one more day. this sounds great. i have been to montreal, so im starting to think, perhaps ottawa is a town i should see, so is it possible to take the train from q.c, down to ottawa, and just see some of the sights there, and up to q.c in one day, or us this just gonna be stress? thanks again.
john (norway)

laverendrye

Québec to Ottawa is 5 hours by train, plus time to connect in Montréal, so it's just not feasible to do it for a day. Ottawa is certainly worth a visit, but you would need a full day there as a minimum.

normanbates

thanks. i will post a trip report.