Quebec City Attractions

Founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1608, Quebec City celebrates its 400th anniversary this year. Visitors from all over the world are invited to attend the celebration, and the city has erected a brand new pavilion, Espace 400e, at the waterfront for the festivities. While the largest events are scheduled for July 3-6, throughout the year special events and attractions will be set up in honor of the anniversary. When they're not attending a festival, concert or fireworks show, visitors may want to explore other aspects of the city.

With its old-world trappings and French cultural influences, the charming Old Town of Quebec City offers one of the most intriguing cultural experiences west of the Atlantic.  Designated a UNESCO world heritage site, the Haute-Ville (Upper Town) sits on a rocky bluff overlooking the St. Lawrence River and embarks visitors on a journey into the past. The stone walls surrounding the city, the Fortifications-de-Quebec, were built by the British in 1832 and offer visitors a 2.8-mile walkway with magnificent views of both city and river. The Fairmont le Chateau Frontenac, an exquisite hotel resembling a European castle, is situated atop the bluff and forms the focal point of this historic district.

Not only is Quebec City the oldest European settlement in North America, but it's also home to La Citadelle, where Canada's only French-speaking military regiment, the Royal 22e, resides. Built by the British in the 19th century, La Citadelle encompasses over 25 buildings and is the largest occupied military fort in North America. Accessible through guided tours, the massive complex is surrounded by four bastions and houses an informative on-site museum filled with weapons, uniforms, medals and even art associated with Quebec's military, from the letters of Montcalm (written during the French and Indian War) to Chaussegros de Léry's sword. Every morning from late June through the end of the summer, the Regiment's red-coated soldiers and marching band appear at the Changing of the Guard.

Evidencing the work of Catholic missionaries who arrived shortly after the city's founders, numerous churches and cathedrals fill the town. In honor of the anniversary, a special mass will be held at the city's oldest church, Basilique-Cathédrale Notre-Dame, but if you're not able to attend this service, be sure to visit  the site on your own. A bell tower, constructed around 1647, flanks the cathedral, and elaborate paintings, Baroque gilding, sculpture and stained glass adorn the interior. Bishops, archbishops, priests and other church leaders are buried in the crypt, and the on-site Francois-de-Laval Animation Centre, dedicated to Quebec's first bishop, provides fun, educational films and activities.

Several large, inventive museums provide an additional draw to the city. Located in Battlefields Park, the Musee National des Beaux Arts du Quebec occupies three fascinating buildings: the original Neoclassical structure, the old City Prison and the modernistic Grand Hall, built with glass walls and eco-friendly roofing. In preparation for all the visitors in town for anniversary festivities, the museum has secured a special exhibition of 270 works from the Louvre, including pieces from the Egyptian Antiquity, Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquity and Islamic Arts departments, to be displayed at the museum from June-October 2008. Ranging from 17th century to contemporary, permanent collections focus on Quebec and North American works, including an assortment of Inuit art.

The city's other must-see museum, Musee de La Civilization in the Basse-Ville, focuses on the land, people and history of the region through use of artifacts, film and hands-on exhibits. This summer, the museum uncloaks several temporary exhibits such as Urbanopolis, a timely project that examines the future of city life with awesome large-scale models and video displays.

If this exhibit evokes your curiosity about new developments in Quebec City or you need a change of pace from museums and walking tours, head out to the artsy, revitalized St-Roch district, where fun specialty stores, eateries and cafes occupy refurbished storefronts. While you won't find the historic appeal of the Old City here, you will find modern art galleries and studios, the inviting Parc St-Roche lined with flowers and benches and some fabulous food. Peek inside the striking L'eglise St-Roch, an early 20th-century cathedral known for its impressive stature and marble interior, and if there's not an event lined up, stay for the evening and enjoy the neighborhood's dynamic nightlife.