Québec City, Québec 7 minutes / Windows Media Player

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As part of your journey across the province of Québec, we make a stop in Québec City, the captal of La Belle Provence.

Truly one of the most unique destinations in North America, Québec City has a historical European flare that is impossible to see without crossing an ocean.

Settled in 1686, Québec City is a completely fortified city. Within its walls are cobblestone streets lined with restaurants, cafes and bars. This is a great place for anyone looking to spend time relaxing and just getting away from the busy everyday grind.

In fact, Québec is so unique that it was designated UNESCO's only North American World Heritage Site. It was named as such n 1985 to commemorate the birth of French culture in North America.

By this point in the trip, we were really enjoying the features of our 2002 Acura 3.2 TL. Firmly set on cruise control, the trip was a pleasure, even though we logged about 15 hours of driving time over a long weekend.

We check into a beautiful hotel, Hôtel Le Saint-Paul, which like most in Québec City is quaint and beautifully decorated. It provides a great base for us located right by the Old City walls.

Heading out into the city for the first time, we're surprised that even in chilly weather, the cafes and patios are still full. So, we pull up a seat and enjoy the afternoon with locally brewed lagers and snacks to match.

Pulling uthe Hotel Le Saint-Paul in our 2002 Acura 3.2 TL.

The walls that line the old section of Quebec City, complete with a cannon to fend off historical attackers.

When it comes to dinner, you'll have no shortage of culinary options. Ranging from elegant French cuisine to casual pub fare, we walked through row after row of small, beautiful eateries.

Another refreshing difference in Québec City was the virtual absence of the large chain stores and restaurants. With a few exceptions, almost everything is local and has a unique Québecois charm.

 

The crowded evening streets along Rue St-Jean, people out in search of food and fun!

Le Pub Saint-Alexandre, one of the many great places to spend the night in the heart of the city.

There's no way to miss the living history that surrounds you in Québec's Old City. The cobblestone streets and historical buildings are a wonderful mix of genuine historical sites and newer development designed to match perfectly.

Nestled along the St. Lawrence River, Old Quebec is easily walkable, and also features a unique funiculaire which carries you up almost 200 feet from the lower village to the Chateau Frontenac.

For history fans, the Plains of Abraham are a must. These fields along the St. Lawrence River were the site of one of Canada's most renowned battle. The French and the English fought here for control of the region. The English victory was a major step towards building what has become modern Canada.

People out for a stroll through the historical streets.

The Plains of Abraham overlooking the St. Lawrence River.

Heading out of the city, the Montmorency Falls are also a great site to catch. Located a short drive from the city, they are actually 75 feet taller than Niagara Falls. A tram ride to the top offers a great view. In the winter, there is also a complete ice hotel and the ability to climb the ice that covers the falls.

While these are all great ways to keep busy, we found that the greatest way to truly enjoy the city was to not really plan anything at all. It always seemed to be a short stroll to relaxation and a perfect way to forget your life at home and spend a weekend away.

The Montomorency Falls are actually taller than Niagara.

People out enjoying the patios, even in the autumn weather.

The UNESCO monument designating Quebec City as North America's only world heritage site.

The Chateau Frontenac and the Dufferin Terrace at the top of the Funiculaire.