Quebec City in August
Jul 23rd, 1997, 11:46 AM
#2
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Quebec City is absolutely gorgeous and there's plenty to do. I would recommend taking a guided tour of the Citadel -- very interesting and lovely views of the city from up there. Just walking around the old part of the city is a lot of fun, seeing the quaint little shops and cafes etc. Wear comfortable shoes, though: Quebec City is one of the hilliest places I have ever been. Better than working out on a Stairmaster.
If you'll have a car I'd recommend you drive out to the east to some of the townships along the St Lawrence. Definitely visit Montmerency Falls, which are only about 15 minutes from downtown. Beautiful views, and the kids will love it, especially the suspension bridge that goes across the falls. And if you have a chance continue eastward to Ste Anne de Beaupre and visit the Basilica. I'm usually not one for touring churches but this one is really one of the most breathtaking places I've ever seen. It's as spectacular as any I've seen in Europe. (The kids may not love it, but the adults will).
There is also an aquarium in Quebec City that's supposed to be nice, but unfortunately I haven't been there.
If you'll have a car I'd recommend you drive out to the east to some of the townships along the St Lawrence. Definitely visit Montmerency Falls, which are only about 15 minutes from downtown. Beautiful views, and the kids will love it, especially the suspension bridge that goes across the falls. And if you have a chance continue eastward to Ste Anne de Beaupre and visit the Basilica. I'm usually not one for touring churches but this one is really one of the most breathtaking places I've ever seen. It's as spectacular as any I've seen in Europe. (The kids may not love it, but the adults will).
There is also an aquarium in Quebec City that's supposed to be nice, but unfortunately I haven't been there.
Jul 23rd, 1997, 12:15 PM
#3
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The previous response was right Ste Anne is well
worth it but I passed it last Sept and it was getting a major face lift so don"t be to disapointed
You must visit the Chateau Frontenac it is an old
land mark. You can also get city tours through
Step On Guides which do on foot or by bus tours for
a fair price. For the kids there is a very large
water park just a little outside Quebec you can
spend the day there and there is always something
going on to keep them busy. If you also walk along
the Plains of Abraham the are real little forts
you can visit along the way. The food is great along
the terraces you will find outdoor eating. You will
feel like you have steped back in time to old france. You can also ask around but I think there
should me a Mideviel fest. around that time with
parades and costumes. Enjoy!!! French Words which
will help you Bonjour (hello) Merci(thank-you)
combien (how much) Bonne Journee (have a nice day)
Sil-vous-plais (please) don't get me wrong there
are people who speak english it is just if you get
in a bind these words might help. Have fun!!!
worth it but I passed it last Sept and it was getting a major face lift so don"t be to disapointed
You must visit the Chateau Frontenac it is an old
land mark. You can also get city tours through
Step On Guides which do on foot or by bus tours for
a fair price. For the kids there is a very large
water park just a little outside Quebec you can
spend the day there and there is always something
going on to keep them busy. If you also walk along
the Plains of Abraham the are real little forts
you can visit along the way. The food is great along
the terraces you will find outdoor eating. You will
feel like you have steped back in time to old france. You can also ask around but I think there
should me a Mideviel fest. around that time with
parades and costumes. Enjoy!!! French Words which
will help you Bonjour (hello) Merci(thank-you)
combien (how much) Bonne Journee (have a nice day)
Sil-vous-plais (please) don't get me wrong there
are people who speak english it is just if you get
in a bind these words might help. Have fun!!!
Jul 24th, 1997, 06:17 AM
#4
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We are also a family of 5 with children of similar ages. We took a Quebec vacation last summer and it was one of the more memeorable family vacations we've ever had. Stay in and tour on foot the old city as the 2 rpevious responces detail. Its great and so different from American cities, it gives the kids a tiny taste of Europe. If you can, stretch the vacation a few days...we took a trip up the St. Lawrence River to Tadousac. The scenery was gorgeous, English practically non existant, and we went on a whale watch and of course spotted plenty. In fact we went kayacking in the bay and came practically eye-to- eye with a whale. Great memories!
Jul 24th, 1997, 08:01 AM
#5
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Re: Cynthia's report of construction/renovations at the Basilica: I was there in May and all the work is over. Things are beautiful and perfect now. I'm sure it would have been disappointing to be there in the middle of the work, though. As for the French, in the most tourist-oriented places there are always people who speak English, but in a lot of places off the beaten path it's French or nothing. I got by fine with my rusty old college French and found that the effort to try was well appreciated by the locals. If you're looking for a cheap but nice place to stay I'd recommend a little place called Motel L'Abitation in Ste Foy. It's not much to look at on the outside, but the rooms are large, clean, and pleasant, and the location is convenient to the Old City if you have a car and within walking distance are two big shopping malls and plenty of family-friendly restaurants (we had breakfast and dinner several days at a great little place called -- get this -- "Le Truck," which is right next-door).
Jul 24th, 1997, 11:34 AM
#6
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I have spent some time in Quebec, City. I think you wil have a fabulous time. With or without children, I have never heard anyone speak badly of the place. Frommers (Sorry Fodors) has a small pocket guide to Montreal and Quebec City. I have
used it many times an found it quite helpful. All the previous suggestions are right on. I would suggest staying at the Chateau Frontenac since they have an Indoor Pool. The Frommers guide has a section on what to do with kids. The kids seem to like the Frontenac since it is like a castle. The only down side of staying at the Frontenac is when you are inside, you are deprived of viewing the outside towering structure. Frommers reccomends small hotels with views of the Frontenac, for the budget minded. I am not clear on the summertime rates at the Frontenac, but as an American, I have always taken advantage of the great exchange rate between our dollars. I have had fabulous views of the Saint Lawrence River from my rooms at the Frontenac. If you can swing it, stay there. Definitely ask for a room with a view of the Saint Lawrence. You can always go out to the promenade to take in the view of the hotel structure. There is enough to keep you and your family occupied for easily 3 days. I once toured the Isle of Orleans and found it great for a diversion from the old city. I toured the entire Island by car in about 2 hours. I did not need a diversion, since the old city is so beautiful but am glad I chose the Isle. You will have a great time.
used it many times an found it quite helpful. All the previous suggestions are right on. I would suggest staying at the Chateau Frontenac since they have an Indoor Pool. The Frommers guide has a section on what to do with kids. The kids seem to like the Frontenac since it is like a castle. The only down side of staying at the Frontenac is when you are inside, you are deprived of viewing the outside towering structure. Frommers reccomends small hotels with views of the Frontenac, for the budget minded. I am not clear on the summertime rates at the Frontenac, but as an American, I have always taken advantage of the great exchange rate between our dollars. I have had fabulous views of the Saint Lawrence River from my rooms at the Frontenac. If you can swing it, stay there. Definitely ask for a room with a view of the Saint Lawrence. You can always go out to the promenade to take in the view of the hotel structure. There is enough to keep you and your family occupied for easily 3 days. I once toured the Isle of Orleans and found it great for a diversion from the old city. I toured the entire Island by car in about 2 hours. I did not need a diversion, since the old city is so beautiful but am glad I chose the Isle. You will have a great time.
