Quebec City? Any info?
 

Hello. <BR>my friend and I are planning a trip to Quebec city at the end of April. we are staying at a holiday inn and, of course, one night at the Chateau Frontenac. Can anyone give me an suggestions for things we should visit? we are on a tight budget (due to the costly room at the Frontenac) but are looking for some great things to see. Anything we should be weary of? Any info you can provide at all would be wonderful. Thanks in advance <BR> <BR>Shannon

I didn't find anything in Quebec to make me weary, except for walking around the Old Town and the Plains of Abraham Battlefield. But the place is so interesting we just kept going. <BR> <BR>There are two places that I thought were noteworthy. The Canadian Park service has a visitor center type of building on the site of the Plains of Abraham battle. There is a multi media presentation in both English and French that is worth viewing and hearing. <BR>The battle was a decisive point in the history of North America. Had the French won, I might not be writing in English. <BR>The other place is Chute Montmorench a little north east of Quebec City. We had a rental car so getting there was no problem. I am sure, however, that tour buses go there from downtown. <BR>The waterfalls are spectacular. <BR>By the end of April, they will surely be thawed out and flowing freely. There is a pedestrian bridge that goes over the falls right above the brink. Watching the water plunge over the cliff and crash onto the rocks way below is quite spectacular. Caution: if you are afraid of heights, or tend to suffer vertigo, I suggest that you not venture out onto the bridge. There are also numerous viewing areas around the banks of the falls where you can get some gorgeous snapshots if you have a camera. <BR>I guess the third thing about Quebec, one that would not grow weary of, was the places to eat. The food is a treat if you select your restaurants wisely. <BR> <BR>I might add the the visitor center near the old wall on the uphill side of the Old Town is staffed by a most helpful group. The ones I spoke with were fluent in English.

OOPS. Chute Montmorency <BR>If I am going to tell you about it, I should at least spell it correctly. <BR>

Thanks for your response Bob. We'l be sure to check out those places. One more thing...after a little more research about our chosen hotel-the holiday inn (we selected it on the advice of a friend) I realize it is way way out, north east of the core of the city. My friend is now unsure if she took cabs or not (I don't know how one forgets these things!!) which is something we want to avoid. Do you have any suggestions? We're looking for a nice place like the Holiday inn with reasonable prices. Any ideas or recommondations. This doesn't mark the end of our trip but the added ease of a better location wouldn't hurt. <BR> <BR>Thanks again, <BR>Shannon

With the great exchange rate, it wouldn't make sense to stay anywhere but downtown. There are several large hotels right outside the entrance to the old city - you can walk right into the old city. I prefer to stay at one of the many B&B's on Rue St. Ursline (sp?), very inexpensive, right in the heart of the old city. If you have an auto, a very nice drive is out to Ile de Orleans, a beautiful agricultural island a few minutes away from the downtown. <BR>The only bad place we've ever encountered was the Huron Indian reservation, a real tourist trap, not very interesting.

Shannon, <BR> <BR>Are you talking about the Holiday Inn in Ste-Foy? <BR> <BR>Ross.

no Ross, its the one north of the city...its called holiday inn select downtown.. its alright..I have since cancelled my reservation there and opted for a smaller bb for half the price and its right in the heart of old city

Hi Shannon <BR> <BR>Whatever you do, DON'T stay outside the city walls. Honestly the only place to stay is a B & B in the old city. Forget the modern hotels - leave them to DC, NY etc. I would concur with dougd - round the Rue St Ursuline. We stayed at Hotel Cap Diamant (really a B & B, not a hotel) - fantastic.

before you go, be sure to read 'shadow on the rock', by willa cather. the simple story takes place in 1697 - and is a wonderful introduction to the places you will visit. not sure why the <BR>quebecois don't use it as a tourism <BR>lure - perhaps because the writer is <BR>american. <BR> <BR>

<BR>I have been many places in Canada and feel QC is the best as far as city goes, with Victoria a close second. I do believe your switching to a B&B was a wise move. That is what I usually choose when in Canada as the hosts can give you incredible advice and insiders tips. Have a wonderful time!