Soaring spires pierce the soft powdery clouds lingering in skies high and magical above Quebec City. Offset by a sparkling expanse of the St Lawrence River with views to distant mountains and lush green shores, Quebec City is the sort of place that leads you to linger over coffee at a pretty outdoor caf‚ or soak up steam and ambiance in the corner of a cozy restaurant just because you can. Quebec's capital, this medium-sized city has an air of history and enchantment that is hard to match elsewhere in North America.
Even without setting foot in a museum, it's hard to miss absorbing some culture amongst the historic architecture gracing Upper and Lower Town. Set apart from the rest of Quebec City by a fortification wall, "the wall", a walk through Old Town is a bit like having an intimate encounter with a bygone European era. Tour the Citadelle, stroll along the wall, get a dose of military history at Battlefields Park, stopping for a bit of art at Musee du Quebec before setting out for the Latin Quarter. Find enough museums to appease any cultural appetite and the graceful lines of landmark hotel, Fairmont le Chateau Frontenac. Detour to the Terrasse Dufferin for sweeping vistas out over the river and far blue mountains.
Having wandered the narrow streets of Lower Town, hop a ferry over to Levis for a lingering look at the city from another angle ? though even an afternoon away might have you longing for a speedy return to the alluring charms of Quebec City.
Quebec City is 168 miles northeast of Montreal and a short drive south of the Charlevoix region.