The 20,000 works at Musée National des Beaux-arts du Québec range from the traditional landscape paintings of Cornelius Krieghoff to the controversial abstraction of Paul-Émile Borduas and the avant-garde sculptures of Serge Tousignant. Non-Quebec artist Arthur Lismer's lovely St-Hilarion is one of the Museum's prized possessions. A huge slate of activities awaits art, music and cinema lovers. The museum hosts numerous events and exhibits throughout the year, so call ahead for more information.
History, which is everywhere in the city, is most evident in its beautifully preserved fortifications that date from the early 17th Century. As the only remaining walled city in North America, Quebec has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors are free to walk along the nearly five kilometers (3.10 miles) of walls witnessing the Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site. The interpretation center offers an intriguing look into the military and architectural design features. Guided walking tours offer further insights.
The beautiful Museum of French America (Le Musée de l'Amérique française) offers many multidisciplinary insights into the history of North America's French communities. There are two permanent exhibits: The Settling of French America is a multimedia trip from France to the colonies, while The History of the Collections Séminaire de Québec boasts an unmatched assortment of religious art and scientific instruments. Guided tours are available in both French and English.
Baie de Beauport is one multi-faceted port. Various fast food joints catering to hungry mouths present themselves here. The food is absolutely delicious to say the least. Activities like fests and family picnics, not to forget camps and boating and career fairs too take place on a regular basis. The admission to the port is free but boating activities will cost you. Check the website for event details, timings and prices.
Le Domaine Maizerets is a beautiful park that is always flooded with people during the summer, largely because of its location on the bike path that extends from the Montmorency Falls to the Old City. With its large grassy areas, arboretum, gardens and historic buildings, the park is a great place to enjoy nature in the city. In the summer, free concerts and plays take place in the outdoor area. Nature and bird-watching conferences occur frequently. In the winter, cross-country skiers take over the grounds. Admission to the park is free.
Les Artisans du vitrail is a welcoming place where artisans are busy working on their masterpieces on stained glass. While taking a tour, visitors come to understand how intricate pieces of stained glass art are created. The museum also educates visitors about the history of art of stained glass. Here, artisans are involved in restoring old stained glass work as well creating new masterpieces like lampshades, doors, and other articles. Visitors can buy products such as glasswares, frames, candles etc as a token of remembrance from here as well.
L'Anglicane was once a church which has now been converted into a medium sized theater. It is also a heritage site. The theater hosts nearly sixty shows every year. These shows range from music to comedy and from jazz to classical music. The Anglican is a great place for entertainment and is known for its hospitality in local circles. Check website for upcoming shows and packages.
Want to stay fit but hate the gym? If you're looking for a fun workout, try indoor wall climbing at Centre d'escalade Délire. The center has several walls of varying difficulty levels that are ideal for anyone from kids to grown-ups. They have special programs for kids as well. The instructors are helpful and take care of your safety.
This magnificent boardwalk, Promenade des Gouverneurs links the Dufferin Terrace with the National Battlefields Park. Anchored on a sheer cliff and offering indomitable views over the Saint Lawrence River, the boardwalk extends nearly half a mile, under The Citadel, and provides the most enjoyable link between Vieux-Québec and the Upper Town. The boardwalk is free and open year round, but there is no snow removal in the winter so the walk can become quite treacherous.
This quaint museum pays homage to the poet Félix Leclerc through a permanent exhibition that offers a glimpse into the poet's world through a chronicle of his life and work. Besides the museum's exhibits, the space also encompasses an intimate concert hall, an art gallery, audio and video documentation, and a gift shop. The concert hall hosts local French musicians and budding artists, while the art gallery, along the staircase to the second floor, features contemporary artwork by a variety of artists. Surrounding the museum is a nature trail that invites visitors to explore the surrounding landscape, offering a glimpse into the poet's inspiration and life on the island. At the Espace Félix Leclerc the artistic spirit of the island's locals and its bountiful natural beauty are showcased, inviting visitors to join in the celebration and discover all that the island has to offer.
History, which is everywhere in the city, is most evident in its beautifully preserved fortifications that date from the early 17th Century. As the only remaining walled city in North America, Quebec has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors are free to walk along the nearly five kilometers (3.10 miles) of walls witnessing the Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site. The interpretation center offers an intriguing look into the military and architectural design features. Guided walking tours offer further insights.
The 20,000 works at Musée National des Beaux-arts du Québec range from the traditional landscape paintings of Cornelius Krieghoff to the controversial abstraction of Paul-Émile Borduas and the avant-garde sculptures of Serge Tousignant. Non-Quebec artist Arthur Lismer's lovely St-Hilarion is one of the Museum's prized possessions. A huge slate of activities awaits art, music and cinema lovers. The museum hosts numerous events and exhibits throughout the year, so call ahead for more information.