We are taking a break from ports in the Caribbean this week to discover that you do not have to travel far from the major Northeastern US cities to find yourself in a culture that is a world away from where you just left. On a cheap cruise to Quebec City you will swear that you crossed the Atlantic and with cruises at a fraction of the price the Canadian city is quickly becoming a must visit destination for those wanting a break from US big city life.
Discovered in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, Québec City was the first European colony founded north of Mexico’s Rio Grande and old Quebec still holds much of that European charm to this day. Often refered to as the most romantic city in Canada it is an International heritage site, and the only fortified city in North America today. A day in port can easily be spent just wandering some of the narrow European style streets taking in the old stone churches and houses the likes of which are not found anywhere else on the continent.
A great way to discover the city is by horse drawn carriage where you can travel the streets and go back to the origins of New France. Visit the Musée de la civilization, a daring museum that aims to link the past, the present, and the future, through a number of interactive exhibits that are fun for all the family. The museum is known for its variety and its exhibits change constantly so no two visits will be the same.
The Aquarium du Québec is well worth a visit and allows visitors the chance to see all kinds of different marine ecosystems and environments in a building that holds over 10,000 specimens of reptiles, amphibians, fish, and even mammals. The aquarium is home to polar bears, seals, and walrus, which make this an aquarium on a scale unlike most others in the world.
Quebec City is perhaps best known for its festivals, and if you are lucky enough to be in the city when either the summer festival or winter carnival is taking place they are must visit events. The summer festival takes place over the first week of July and features a huge music and arts scene. This varies from street performers to full out concert events and total attendance over the course of the festival can reach up to a million people.
The winter carnival events include a winter amusement park with ice sculptures, skiing, and snow rafting taking center stage. In addition there is a giant table soccer game, a dog agility course on the snow packed fields, and an extreme canoe race on the frozen St. Lawrence River. No wonder visitors are encouraged to follow the local tradition and drink the hot alcoholic Caribou to keep warm!
Quebec City really is a world away from the rest of the continent. It is this culture clash that makes it a port of call worth exploring at any time of year on your cheap cruise.
Photo via palestrina55
