Destination Guide: Québec City
If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Québec City, the capital of the province of Québec (nope, it’s not Montreal), get ready to be charmed by a city built on more than 400 years of history and culture.
The most charming - and most popular - area to visit is certainly the Historic District of Old Québec, or simply Old Québec. In 1985, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s easy to see why. With its stone buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and talented street performers, this part of the city will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Québec City is also home to the centrally-located Québec City Convention Centre which plays host to many national and international events every year. Business travelers will be happy to know that there’s free WiFi throughout the whole venue so it’s easy to stay connected.
Where to stay
Located within Old Québec’s Upper Town, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is the most photographed hotel in the world. In addition to marveling at its breathtaking Châteauesque architecture and feeling like royalty when you step through the doors, you can enjoy their state-of-the-art business center. Take advantage of workstations with 24/7 access to high-speed internet as well as photocopy and fax machine services.
Facing one of Old Québec’s famous gates, Hôtel Palace Royal is a four-star hotel that’s ideally located to give business travelers easy access to the main historic landmarks and attractions in the city. Everything is within walking distance, including the Québec City Convention Centre and the city’s Parliament Hill. The hotel offers free WiFi, nine reception halls, and comfortable meeting rooms.
As you can see, Old Québec is a great area to stay during your business travels, especially since it’s only a 15 to 20-minute drive from Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB). However, if you want to stay in the heart of downtown, Hotel PUR is a great option thanks to its proximity to the city’s most beautiful attractions as well as restaurants and bars. It offers complimentary high-speed internet access, work terminals in the lobby and 12,000 square feet of flexible meeting space with modern technology and equipment.
Where to eat
Québec City may not hit many top 10 cities lists for foodies, but look a bit closer and you’ll see that it’s a paradise for culinary adventures.
If you want to sink your teeth into traditional Québecois cuisine while basking in a warm and cozy environment, La Bûche is the place to do it. They’re open for brunch, lunch, and dinner so you can fill your belly early in the day or later in the evening. Make sure to try their Homemade Poutine or Shepherd’s Pie.
Sometimes all you want is an authentic smoked meat sandwich made with high-quality AAA beef brisket in a welcoming pub environment. Head on over to La Fabrique Du Smoked Meat to get your fill.
For an upscale gastronomic experience, check out Légende. This venue is popular with foodies thanks to its stylish decor, exceptional service, and most importantly, seasonal Canadian dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
iX Pour Bistro offers up quirky yet incredibly delicious cuisine in a casual setting that makes you feel right at home. A little unconventional? Yes. An excellent dining experience? Absolutely. It’s a small establishment run by two guys with a passion for their craft, so make sure to make a reservation in advance.
How to get around
Local buses are a great way to get around. The Réseau de transport de la capitale (RTC) provides access to most tourist attractions. Depending on how long your trip is, you can purchase three different passes that allow for unlimited travel for the specified time frame: 1-day, weekends, and five consecutive days.
If you skip public transport altogether, you won’t be disappointed. Québec City is very walkable and the best way to soak in a city’s sights and sounds is exploring on foot.
What to do
If you have spare time during your business trip and you love museums, get cultured at the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec and the Musée de la civilisation.
To get out of the hustle and bustle of the city and surround yourself with nature, make your way to the beautiful Montmorency Falls Park, which is only a short drive away from the downtown core. Here, you can marvel at the impressive 83-meter-tall waterfall that’s 30 m higher than Niagara Falls. You can even follow the footpath along the top of the cliff to the suspension bridge where you can bask in the splendid view. Keep walking along the path until you get to the 487-step staircase down the side of the cliff that brings you to the foot of the falls.