It's a venerable age for any new world city to reach, but Québec City's 400th birthday - set to be celebrated in considerable style in 2008 - is particularly impressive given its humble roots as a modest French trading post. From a small settlement on top of Cap Diamant, it grew into the city of 500,000 that dominates the mighty St Lawrence River today and is one of Canada's most elegant, romantic and charming cities.
Out and about:
Québec City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and best explored on foot. A walk from the old city walls to the Grand Allée and the bars and boutiques on St Jean Street will give you plenty of opportunity to meet the friendly locals and pick up some tips on what to see and do during your stay.
The Old Town retains a distinct flavour of Brittany and Normandy with its cobbled streets, stone houses and, of course, language - French is widely spoken. But the British have left their mark too; you can even watch the changing of the guard in the summer.
The Petit Champlain near the Old Port is the oldest part of the city, full of narrow streets lined by beautifully restored historic buildings. As you might expect, there are no shortage of bistros, galleries, boutique hotels and the like here. Place Royale the heart of it, has "Québec's Mural" featuring scenes from the history of the city and an extraordinary copper-roofed Victorian train station is nearby. The area is also home to a farmers market, making it the place to pick up local specialities.
New St Roch, away from the popular tourist areas, is where ethnic supermarkets and alternative shops nestle next to chic boutiques and restaurants. It is a very popular hang-out for locals and is well worth a visit.
For a walk you won't forget in a hurry, start at the iconic Chateau Frontenac Hotel and follow Dufferin Terrace high above the river to Battlefields Park, the site of General Wolf's historic victory 250 years ago.
Food:
Québec is well-known for its ingenious chefs creating new explosions of flavour. For the full Québec experience, you've got to try a plate of poutine: chips with fresh cheese curds and gravy. Trust us, it sounds lowbrow but is a famous delicacy. It is widely available - try one of the many branches of the Chez Ashton fast food chain around the city.
Meanwhile, St Roch is a great place for restaurants whether your tastes are for sushi or more traditional french inspired food. You'll be tripping over possibilities, so follow your nose ... or head to L'Utopie on Rue St.-Joseph where neither the decor or the food will disappoint.
Where to stay:
Plenty of hotels are available to suit all budgets but if you possibly can, make a beeline for the iconic 5-star Chateau Frontenac, which peers over the city from Dufferin Terrace, high above the river.
Chateau Frontenac
Search for hotels... Exploring further afield
There are some cracking areas to explore just out of town, so rent a car and check out the city's spectacular surrounds. Fifteen minutes away from the Old Town is the 83-metre Montmorency Waterfall. A cable car runs to the top and a suspension bridge over the fall allows stunning views of the area - and a heart-stopping view downwards.
Thirty minutes north of the city is Jacques-Cartier Park. There are well marked trails through the deep forested valleys - you might get lucky and spot a moose or a beaver. The park's miles of rivers give plenty of canoeing and white water rafting opportunities.
Spring, summer, autumn, winter
Don't just consider Québec City for a summer break. In autumn, the spectacular landscape is ablaze with gold, red and orange, and thousands of snow geese visit on their annual migration south. Come winter, the St Lawrence River freezes and snow transforms Québec City into a fairytale wonderland. The snow also brings endless winter sports opportunities, from skiing to dog-sledding, and the chance to spend the night at the only Ice Hotel in North America.
Québec City also hosts the largest winter carnival in the world. Carnaval de Québec is famous for ice and snow carvings, parades and an insane-to-outsiders canoe race across the river's ice flows.
Getting there
Zoom, Air Canada, BMI and British Airways are among the carriers flying direct to Montréal from the UK. Search for flights...
