There’s a city that boasts a unique blend of French and Canadian style, culture, and architecture: Quebec City. Let’s explore this one-of-a-kind city with Sophia Wan, and experience the beauty of this city.
Quebec City – the capital of the Canadian province of Quebec, also known as the “Europe of North America”. Being one of the oldest cities and the only remaining walled city in North America, Quebec City was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985.
With its rich history as a former colony, Quebec City retains many French influences in its language, architecture, food, and cultural traditions, it has a charm that cannot be rivaled. Strolling along the streets paved with cobblestones, accompanied by historical relics that have been honed over time, and experience Canada’s unique European splendor. This is a city brimming with stories, and a friendly, safe destination to travel.
Olivia Ouellette, 33, a local tour guide, is passionate about promoting both popular and hidden gem places of Quebec to visitors.
“If you haven’t visited Quartier Petit Champlain when you come to Quebec, then it’s safe to say that you haven’t truly experienced the essence of the city,” said Olivia.
The Quartier Petit Champlain (Petit Champlain District) is a historic neighborhood located in the heart of Old Quebec City, near the bustling waterfront area. It is renowned for its enchanting atmosphere, picturesque cobblestone streets, beautifully preserved architecture, and an array of delightful boutiques, art galleries, artisan shops, cafes, and restaurants.
The city’s architecture showcases a blend of French and North American influences. “Dating back to the 17th century, Quartier Petit Champlain is one of the oldest commercial districts in North America. Its buildings showcase a charming blend of European and North American architectural styles, with colorful facades, ornate details, and quaint storefronts that transport visitors back in time.”
The Quartier Petit Champlain is an immersive journey into the rich history and vibrant culture. “Whether you’re drawn to history, fascinated by architectural marvels, or simply crave a charming and picturesque setting, Quartier Petit Champlain is well worth a visit. It offers a perfect blend of architectural splendor, cultural richness, and a unique shopping and dining experience that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who explores its enchanting streets, ” she added.
“You would also regret it if you left Quebec without visiting the Montmorency Falls.” It is a scenic waterfall attraction located near Quebec City, which is just approximately a 15-minute drive from Old Quebec City.
One of the reasons why Montmorency Falls is worth visiting is its impressive height, which is taller than Niagara Falls. The power and beauty of the cascading water are truly mesmerizing. “You can witness the falls from various viewpoints, like standing right at the foot of the cliff and feeling the refreshing mist on your face. The sight of that rushing water against the backdrop of the surrounding natural scenery is something you won’t forget,” she added.
Montmorency Falls also offers a more intimate and less crowded experience compared to the bustling Niagara Falls, which attracts millions of tourists each year, Montmorency Falls provides a quieter and more serene atmosphere. “ You can enjoy the beauty of the falls and the surrounding nature without feeling overwhelmed by the crowds,” said Olivia. “ This allows for a more peaceful and tranquil experience, where you can truly appreciate the beauty of nature.”
Alexandre Brown, 46, runs a small business restaurant in Quebec City, committed to preserving and passing on the original and traditional taste of Quebec cuisine.
Alexandre said: “It’s not just about the poutine, Quebec has so much to offer, and you’ll be amazed by the diversity and richness of this place once you start exploring. We’ve got a treasure trove of traditional foods and mouth-watering French-Canadian dishes that will leave you craving for more.”
Québec City has a unique culinary scene that beautifully intertwines the use of local ingredients, the rich culinary traditions, and the ever-evolving food culture in the city. Alexandre introduced one of the most classic French-Canadian dishes that embodies the essence of every Quebecer, which is Tourtière. It is a traditional French-Canadian meat pie dish originating from Quebec, made with a flaky pastry crust and filled with a mixture of ground meat, typically pork, beef, or veal, mixed with herbs, spices, and vegetables.
“Tourtière is often enjoyed during the holiday season, I remember my grandma would always whip up a delicious tourtière for us to enjoy on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. It is a dish that has been passed down through generations, with each family having their unique recipe and variations,” he added.
To this day, tourtière holds a special place in Alexandre’s heart. He said: “ It has also become a symbol of French-Canadian culinary heritage. It represents the traditions, history, and sense of community that are an integral part of Quebec’s food culture.”
“If you ever find yourself in Quebec during the holiday season, make sure to try a slice of tourtière.” In addition to the traditional main course, Quebec is also known for its delectable dessert called Pouding Chômeur, also known as “Unemployed’s Pudding”.It consists of a sponge cake-like batter topped with a rich caramel sauce.
Alexandra said: “Pouding Chômeur is far more than just a dessert; it has a meaningful story behind it.” Dating back to the Great Depression era in the 1930s, the dessert was invented by female factory workers in Quebec who were looking for a delicious yet affordable dessert that could be made with basic pantry staples for families during tough economic times.
Pouding Chômeur reminds Quebecers of their heritage and the resilience of their ancestors during challenging times. “The name “Pouding Chômeur” reflects the economic hardships faced by many during that era, with “chômeur” meaning “unemployed” in French,” he explained. “ It has also become a staple in many Quebecois restaurants and is widely appreciated for its simplicity and the nostalgia it brings.”
Jack Siu-Kai,20, an exchange student studying at McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, chose it as the destination for study exchange because of the city itself.
Captivated by the allure of Québec City’s diverse French-Canadian culture and the preservation of the French language, prompting him to fly all the way from Hong Kong to Montreal, Quebec. “When I first stepped onto the land of Quebec, I was amazed by its picturesque landscape and the beautiful French-Canadian-style buildings. I thought I took the wrong flight to Pairs,” he added.
Jack took a French class to be more integrated into local life and socialize with local people. He said: “The French language spoken in Quebec, and in France share many similarities but also have notable differences. There are variations in vocabulary and terminology between Quebec French and European French. Quebec has adopted some English loanwords and developed its slang and expressions.”
“It is amazing to see how much effort they put into keeping Quebec French alive and thriving. From language education programs to media representation and language policies, they’re doing everything they can to make sure French remains strong here,” said Jack.
“If you’re looking for a travel destination that’s not overrun with tourists but still offers an incredible experience, come to Quebec City! From the language and history to the architecture, landscape, and food, you can truly feel the vibrant coexistence of French-Canadian cultures in this charming city.”
