Paris on the St. Lawrence River

Quebec City, Canada is certainly the most Europeanweekdays, to a public restaurant providing a view of
destination in North America and it is definitely worththe inside of the building.
a visit by teachers and students. If you areJust as local French speech is skewed with a
considering student group travel in this region, thenCanadian influence, the local cuisine is largely French,
here is a brief guide to what Quebec has to offer.with a touch of indigenous ingredients like maple
Quebec City is an astounding student tour find.syrup, wild berries and caribou steak.
Perched on one of the most beautiful riversideQuebec City is set out in terraces overlooking the
settings in North America, Quebec is the only walledwater. Above the city is La Citadelle, a star-shaped
city in Canada or the United States. It is fourfortress inherited from the French and improved by
centuries old.the British to protect the port from
Old Quebec is set out on terraces of land shelved upre-encroachments by the French. Below the city, the
from the wide, blue river. It has beautiful rampartsold trading quarter of Lower Town has been
and stone arches. The streets are cobblestone andrevitalized into a vibrant arts, hotel, shopping and
redolent with some delicious but vaguely unfamiliarrestaurant district, one main thoroughfare of which is
cooking. As you walk through town, the air rings withRue du Petit-Champlain.
church bells on the hour.Between La Citadelle and the Lower Town is the
The city has been so beautifully preserved thatUpper Town, surrounded by thick stone walls and
UNESCO designated Quebec a World Heritage Site incrowned by the centerpiece of a romantic and
1985. With great proximity to the United States, thisgravity-defying luxury hotel, the Chateau Frontenac.
dramatic, French-speaking destination offers a quickThe turreted, brick and copper-green Chateau
trip from the United States to a city which gives youFrontenac is the most memorable landmark in a city
the feel of a European vacation.with enough ingredients to provide you with a rich
In 1535, Jacques Cartier discovered the site ofsupply of travel memories.
Quebec City along the St. Lawrence River and inOne of the joys of Quebec City is the way the
1608 Samuel de Champlain founded New France ininhabitants embrace every season.
this area. It remained under French control until theSpringtime comes late to this northern climate. In
British captured it during a half-hour battle onApril, you can witness the annual ritual of
September 13, 1759. Despite the British victory, andsugarshacking, the local harvesting of maple syrup. In
200 years of subsequent British control, almost theMay, you will see the return of the wild geese and a
entire half million native Quebec City inhabitants claimbounding natural rebirth of flora and fauna from the
French as their native tongue.long, blue-white winter.
Quebec still has the feel of a rugged outpost city, asThe tourist high season begins in July, during which
well as the feel of a civilized city of refuge, a seat ofQuebec City hosts the musical events of the
old-world culture, and an epicurean capital.International Summer Festival, now in its 35th year.
The 19th-century Louis XIV style Parliament BuildingsAll of this is enough to make Quebec City a can't
are home to the National Assembly of 125 provincemiss North American student group travel destination.
representatives. If you are visiting the parliamentSo, if you haven't been there yet, put it high on your
buildings, here is a tip: "door three" of the frontlist of places to visit next.
Parliament entrance admits you, during most