A good place to start exploring is Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the last remaining walled city north of Mexico. Stop at the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, the Old City’s beautiful stone church dating from 1687. Next, stroll through the charming Petit Champlain district where you’ll enjoy fine dining, excellent shopping — and every picture you take will look like it belongs on a postcard. As you walk around the Old City, you won’t be able to help but notice the majestic, castle-like Chateau Frontenac, one of the most opulent hotels you’ll ever see. After all that walking, take in even more of Old Quebec’s charms with a horse-drawn carriage tour.
Just outside Old Quebec’s walls stands the city’s stately Parliament Building, which looks like it belongs on some grand boulevard in Paris. Completed in 1886 and the home of Quebec’s Parliament, it’s adorned with sixteen bronze statues honoring the province’s most celebrated leaders. Don’t miss the lovely fountain (Fontaine de Tourny) on the building’s east side.
Quebec City is adjacent to plenty of natural beauty as well and only about 25 miles away from some terrific skiing. The Mont-Sainte-Anne resort boasts a 2,050-foot vertical and 66 invigorating trails. Also just out of town is Montmorency Falls, which are almost 100-feet higher than the more well-known falls at Niagara.