Bordered by the St. Lawrence River, Old Québec or Vieux-Québec is the historic heart of the modern day City of Quebec. Divided into two distinct parts, the Upper Town and Lower Town, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a gateway into the history of the province. The Upper Town is set atop the Cap Diamant and is the city's historic administrative and military hub. Its most iconic landmark, the Citadelle with its star shaped design is an arresting edifice while the Chateau Frontenac is a mesmerizing vision of Victorian grandeur. The Upper Town is also one of the sites of the Carnaval de Quebec, considered to be among the largest winter festivals on the globe. The Lower Town, at the base of the mount, is the livelier of the two with a bustling market and vibrant Old Port. Amid hundreds of historic buildings, tourist attractions, pubs and restaurants lie dozens of boutiques, galleries, souvenir shops and other distinctive establishments. The Church of Notre-Dame-des-Victoires is another of Old Québec's many treasures.
This most beautifully preserved area of Vieux-Québec is also one of the city's cherished shopping districts. Quartier Petit Champlain is certainly heavily thronged to and many establishments cater to the visiting hordes. There are, nonetheless, many unique boutiques to be unearthed. Quebec fashion designers are featured heavily on the rue du Petit-Champlain, including Oclan, Point de Mire, Les Vêteries and Zazou. Numerous art and crafts galleries provide everything from souvenirs to high-end housewares; well-known stores include Brin de folie and the Galerie d'Art Bégin and Pauline Pelletier. High-quality jewelry is on offer at the magnificent Pierre Vives and Louis Perrier Jewelers. The district abounds with cafes and restaurants.
Galerie d’art inuit Brousseau et Brousseau, in Quebec's Vieux-Quebec neighborhood, was established by Raymond Brousseau in 1974. This gallery was where Brousseau could showcase his collection of sculptures by local artists, that he has been accumulating since 1956. In 1999, he opened the adjoining space as the The Brousseau Museum of Inuit Art. The Hydro Quebec Room is a permanent zone that showcases the original collection by Raymond Brousseau. Beautifully crafted sculptures by local Inuit artists, mainly revolving around their culture and beliefs, comprise the artworks on display at both these galleries.
Place Royale is a collection of buildings and narrow streets born in 1608 when explorer Samuel de Champlain established a secure fur trading post. It changed hands between the British and French, surviving fires and battles and eventually became Quebec City's version of "downtown." After a complete restoration, Place Royale is now the city's most picturesque place, sporting restaurants and cafes, as well as many tourist attractions. Be sure to visit the Maison Chevalier, the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church and the Interpretive Center.
This is one of Quebec City's most popular parks and historical attractions. Commemorating the daring 1759 attack in which Quebec fell to the British under the leadership of General Wolfe, Plaines d'Abraham features two striking Martello Towers offering rotating displays and great views over the St Lawrence River. The interpretive center is housed in the Musée du Québec.
La Barberie is a micro-brewery that serves up some delightful varieties of local beers with their menu that changes on a daily basis, so you are sure to have something new here every time you visit. Some of the kinds of beers you are likely to find include Classic White, Blonde Bucolic, Light Rousse and Sure Cherry. They organize beer tastings on a regular basis, but one can order their sampler anytime they visit. The taproom has a warm feel, while one can also sit by their patio on a sunny day.
Housed in a two-story structure, in Quebec's Montcalm neighborhood, Galerie Linda Verge has been delighting visitors with exquisite works of contemporary art for over 30 years. Artworks by renowned names along with creations by upcoming artists are showcased here, providing a great platform to promote this form of art. Paintings, that reflect the vibrancy and technique of color, and sculptures, that reveal skills of moulding, are the kind of works displayed at Galerie Linda Verge.
La Grande-Allee is a bustling street in the famous Saint Jean-Baptiste neighborhood of Quebec, boasts of a hip and happening nightlife. There are plenty of nightclubs, pubs and bars on this street, and so are party animals. Get a glimpse of the vibrant nocturnal activity in Quebec City. And what's more, restaurants are not too far away enjoy the feast!
The alternative music scene of Quebec City got a new lease of life with the opening of Pantoum in May 2012. Since then several local as well as international indie bands like Karneef, X-Ray Zebras and Popeleon have performed at the intimate performance studio. However, the event schedule at Pantoum is not just restricted to music as it also hosts dance shows and theater events regularly. Pantoum also doubles up as a recording studio and rehearsal space in the city.
Théâtre Premier Acte is a wonderful performance space, located within the Centre Culturel et Environnement Frédérick Back building in central Quebec. Accommodating an audience of only 80 members at a time, the theater is an intimate space. The aim of Théâtre Premier Acte is to offer upcoming theater groups a platform to showcase their talents. These groups function on a shoe-string budget, thus this modest, but well-equipped space is sufficient for them. The acts performed here are enthralling and you will surely be captivated by the thought and performances of each play.
With a firm focus on classics and independent cinema, Cinema Cartier is a firm favorite among cinema-enthusiasts. From acclaimed regional movies to renowned international cinema, the theater offers a rich program throughout the year. Besides this, the theater is also host to film festivals and other cinema-related events.
Théâtre Periscope is a popular name in the field of theater and is home to some of the best artistic performances in the city. Theater lovers will adore the passel of exotic and charming theatrical shows staged on the dais from time to time. Discover innovative acts even as you treat your senses to a brilliant amalgamation of visuals, conceptual solidity and auditory brilliance. The theater comprises of 4 main entertanment zones: the main theater, the Salle Bleue; which hosts intimate cultural and corporate dos, meetings and conferences, the studio Marc Doré and the exhibition space, Le Foyer. Also, you will find theater companies like Niveau Parking, Blanc, Les Nuages en Pantalon and Gros Becs, situated in the premises of the Periscope, performing often in the theater. Check website for more details on current and upcoming events.