Québec City is a place unlike any other in North America. Its cobblestone streets, and centuries-old architecture give it a European vibe. The connection to France is undeniable in the language, food, and history. Yet Québec City is also Canadian, and Québécois — and still very much its own. Join me in June 2025 for our tour Québec City Arts and Culture: Vive la Différence. To help you start planning, here are five of my favourite places in the city.
1. Chez Temporel: Echoes of Song and Story
Just steps from the converted Augustinian monastery that will be our home in Québec City, Chez Temporel has been a cherished part of Quebec’s cultural fabric for over 50 years. Once a “boîte à chanson,” or cabaret, for Quebec’s singer–songwriters like Félix Leclerc, it’s now a bistro serving delicious French fare like onion soup and cod with capers. Fans of Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache will recognize it as a place where Gamache himself might have met the police chief to discuss the investigation in Bury Your Dead. Pull up a chair with me and soak in the history.
2. Place Royale Mural: A Window Into the Past
In the heart of Lower Town, the Place Royale mural, known locally as the Fresque des Québécois, is a colourful tribute to the city’s and province’s history. The giant mural brings together figures from the city’s historical and literary past in a trompe-l’oeil extravaganza. It’s like walking through time, accompanied by those who have made Québec City what it is today. How many famous Quebecers will you spot?
3. Dufferin Terrace: A View That Evokes History
Standing on Dufferin Terrace outside the Château Frontenac, you can gaze out over the St. Lawrence River and imagine the drama of 1759. It was from this vantage point that Québec City’s citizens would have seen the British fleet approaching, their ships heading ominously toward the cliffs of the Plains of Abraham. Our local guides will get your blood pumping as they take you back to this fateful day.
4. Bar 1608: A Toast to Champlain
Inside the Château Frontenac, Bar 1608 is an elegant yet casual spot named for the year Samuel de Champlain founded Québec City. Its circular bar, crowned by a stunning chandelier and surrounded by wooden bookshelves, is a great place to take in the view of the St. Lawrence. The strawberry-elderflower flavoured Rubis d’Asie is summer in a cocktail glass. Or, if you like your drinks more on the savoury side, try the Divine Comédie. Santé!
5. Wandering the Cobblestone Streets: Pure Joy
There’s a special magic in simply wandering Québec City’s narrow cobblestone streets. As North America’s only walled city, Québec City offers an ambiance that’s impossible to find elsewhere. Each turn reveals something new — a charming boutique, a quiet café, or an art gallery. It’s an experience that’s different for everyone in this ever-evolving city.
Join me, our specialist bilingual guides, and a group of culture-loving travellers this June. This CAD-priced tour is a terrific value for Canadian and international visitors alike.
Image credits: Place Royale Mural, Michael Rathwell on Wikipedia/Creative Commons; Dufferin Terrace, The Cosmonaut on Wikipedia/Creative Commons; Petit Champlain at night, Picryl
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