QUEBEC CITY

Québec City Airport is an easy spot to fly into if you’re coming from the United States. American Airlines and United Airlines are the two main airlines out of America offering flights to Québec City. Air Canada also has some good options. You can also use Amtrak to get to Québec City by boarding in New York to get to Montréal before using VIA Rail’s Montréal-Québec City route to arrive! What makes Québec City such a convenient holiday spot, even if it may seem a little far away for you, is that it has a well-developed transit system. That means that a lot of the work of figuring out how to navigate a new city is done for you. You also don’t have to worry about renting a car if you plan to stay in the city. However, you will see tons of familiar rental brands if you do decide to rent a car. Budget, Enterprise, Avis and Hertz all operate out of Québec City. When visiting Québec City, the idea of staying near Old Québec intrigued me. Ultimately, I was able to enjoy what was an exquisite stay at Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac on Rue des Carrieres for around $200 per night. You can also get just a little further away from the center of Old Québec in a much cheaper room that includes free breakfast if you choose Hotel Chateau Bellevue.

The Top Things to See in Québec City

Having an affinity for Old Québec, this is my starting point. This neighborhood is incredibly charming in the winter because light dustings of snow and outdoor ice rinks paint the neighborhood. The cobblestone roads, inviting cafés, galleries and old city gates all conspire to make you feel like you’re in a miniature Paris. Getting deeper into the city, a visit to Terrasse Dufferin is a must-do adventure! This is a large walking and biking path that follows the seaway. As you walk, amazing views of the St. Lawrence River and Old Québec will come into sight. If you cover the entire 1-kilometer stretch, you’ll be treated to glimpses of the city’s old walls, the Citadelle and Promenande des Gouverneurs. My appreciation for the quaint side of Québec reached its peak when I discovered a popular public square called Place Royale. A gathering place for centuries, this cobbled square is lined with old houses, shops, restaurants, museums and a church. Most of the “commercial” buildings on the square have been converted from French-style homes built between the end of the 1600s and the start of the 1700s. Adding to the Parisian feel of my Québec City vacation was a trip to the Basilique Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec. This 17th-century church is distinguished by its soaring ceilings and ornate stained glass. The church is an especially delightful place to see when it is decorated for Christmas with beautiful bows and a detailed crèche scene. During my Québec City vacation, I learned that Québec is home to falls that are higher than the famed Niagara Falls! At 275 feet, the falls at Parc de la Chute-Montmorency are worth the trip! You can enjoy views by either hiking your way to the viewing area or using the cable cars. It’s only a 15-minute drive from Québec City’s center to Parc de la Chute-Montmorency. You can use the city’s bus system to get off at the Brideau stop to reach the falls. The last spot on my must-see list for Québec City is the Citadelle. What Americans will find fascinating about this historic fortress is that it was built to protect the city against a potential attack by American forces over a period spanning from 1820 to 1850. Situated next to Québec’s Plains of Abraham, this historic site offers exceptional views of the St. Lawrence River and Québec City.

Final Thoughts on Seeing the Full Québec City

I want to recommend taking a little time to see Québec City from the water before wrapping up my tour tips! I learned during my trip that you could take of $3 ferry ride right out of Old Québec City to enjoy views from the water. This quick excursion only takes about 15 minutes to cross the water in either direction. Overall, Québec City is my pick if you want to plan a “European” holiday without actually budgeting for or planning a European holiday!

ALBUQUERQUE:

A Southwestern Gem on the Rio Grande

A visit to Albuquerque is absolutely transformative if you’re coming from a part of the country that doesn’t have rust-colored rock formations, raw deserts, and missions dating back centuries. The mix of time-honored and modern attractions here makes New Mexico’s largest city a must-visit spot to remember the next time you get hit with a case of wanderlust. Let’s talk about how to let Albuquerque put some Southwestern style into your veins in just a few days.