We land. Excited. Quebec City.
This city often plays little brother to its much bigger Provincial counterpart Montreal. QC stays relatively under the radar, makes some noise once in a while (winter carnival, ice hotel and politics) but overall stays pretty reserved. It’s a smaller town. Not very cocky. Little to no bravado.
But it does ever make a statement!
Quick facts about Quebec City:
- If you’re the type of traveler who prefers to arrive, check in, drop everything and hit the ground running, then 4 days in QC is one day too many. It’s a very walkable city that can be absorbed, seen and experienced in 3 days.
- It’s one of the oldest cities in North America (over 400 years old).
- The ramparts surrounding Old Quebec are the only remaining fortified city walls that exist in the Americas (north of Mexico).
- The Historic District of Old Quebec was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in ’85.
- The Plains of Abraham is considered to be the birthplace of Canada!
- The Quebec Nordiques (hockey team that got re-located to Denver in the 90′s) are still revered. You can still buy a jersey virtually anywhere.
- If you don’t eat Poutine while here, you haven’t lived!
The first time I visited was only for about 24 hours. That was 8 years ago.
This time, I spent 4 days exploring and appreciating it and took several pictures. Take a look and keep in mind, summer is probably the best time to visit. The winters here are brutal!
Wondering about the title of the post? Here’s the explanation.
If you’re flying into QC be aware of the following:
It does not have a consistent city bus that travels between the airport and Old City. The 80 bus goes to the airport only in the morning (to drop off airport employees) and goes towards the city in the afternoons (to take employees back home). It’s not meant to be a regular bus or route for anyone but airport personnel.
Which doesn’t make much sense considering it’s a tourist town.
Think about it. If you land in the morning in this town, you’re screwed!
It doesn’t have a subway system nor a shuttle bus service.
If you refer to the QC public transportation website before you go, you better know how to read and understand French. There is no option for English translation.
Besides, locals believe the public transportation system is a joke and nobody, and I mean nobody, knew what city bus to take or transfer to get to the Old City.
Nobody!! That should tell you everything.
So unfortunately, you’re best bet is to take a cab. And that’s going to run you $35.
If you decide to arrive by train, you’re in luck. The train station is centrally located and is a few minutes walk (uphill) to the old, fortified city.
Bring your stamina.
Jim Bamboulis has held several posts over the past 12 years, including National Sportscaster, Food Host and Writer, Talk Show Host, Olympic Researcher and Travel Film-maker.
Born and raised in Toronto, Jim learned early on that the combination of travel and food meant ultimate living. Combining his insatiable creative spirit and desire to document his travels, Jim took his unshakable travel bug and set off to explore. Add the fact that Jim also grew up in a Greek household and he learned that not only does Mom always make the best meals, but as importantly learned the importance of understanding and appreciating the countless beautiful cultures and the integral role food plays in every corner of the World.
In August 2009, Jim founded Travel Mammal, a site that brings together his travels and experiences (both good and terrifying) with the hope that others are inspired to share their own. We are all storytellers, especially when it comes to travel and food. He urges everyone to be inspired, explore and love the world and the people that share it with us. Or in other words, Live to Travel and travel to live!
