Quebec city

Language

The official language spoken in Quebec is French.

Currency

The currency in this city is the Canadian Dollar.

Best travel time

Quebec City has a humid continental climate therefore there are four very distinct seasons. The summers are quite warm with temperatures ranging between 25°C and 30°C. Winters can get very cold with heavy snowfall and temperatures ranging between -8°C and 3°C. Spring and autumn have both very unpredictable temperatures, it can be warm one day and quite cold the next, therefore temperatures range between 5 °C and 15°C.

Visa requirements

Depending on which country you come from you might need a visa, however when coming from most European countries a visa is not required to enter Canada. One has to bring a valid passport.

Vaccinations

Other than the standard vaccinations, when travelling to Quebec there are no special vaccinations needed.

Traditions and Culture

Customs / Culture / Traditions Quebec City is the capital of Quebec and is an extremely popular city. The name Quebec means “where the river narrows” and was given to the city due to the rivers proximity to the city. Quebec City is also one of the oldest cities in North America. Surrounding Old-Quebec are “Ramparts” which were declared as the “Historic District of Old Québec”. Quebec City is extremely rich in history and culture. One of the cultural famous trademarks is the “Chateau Frontenac”. There are many festivals which also express local traditions.

Religion

The dominant religion in Quebec City is Roman Catholic and Christianity.

By bus

Within Quebec City the public transportation service is under responsibility from the “Réseau de transport de la Capitale”. The RTC operates buses and trams which rotate within the city and further distances. The Rail system is operated by “VIA Rail” and is the network for long-distances.

By plane

The local Airport in Quebec City is “Jean Lesage International Airport” which receives international and domestic flights coming in and out on a daily basis. There are no public transport services from this airport except an RTC bus which only rotates a few times during the day though. It is possible to rent a car at the airport, this should be ordered in advance, or simply to take a taxi from the airport to the Centre of Quebec City.

By taxi

Taxis can be found at taxi stands, at the airport, on the road or can simply be ordered via the hotel or by calling the central taxi service.

Experience and enjoy

Events / Lifestyle There are many events and festivals which occur in Quebec City throughout the whole year. These also show the lifestyle of the local inhabitants especially indicating their pride towards the city. Amongst these events are: - Winter Carnival in February - International Ice Sculpture Competition - Saint-Jean Baptiste Celebration in June - Festival d’été in July - Edwin Bélanger Bandstand from June to August - Festival of New France in August - Quebec City International Festival of Military Bands in August.

Sights

Quebec City offers various different types of things to see, ranging from historical, cultural to modern sights. Some of these include: - Visiting the old town district - Chateau Frontenac - Dufferin Terrace - Musée national des Beaux-arts du Québec - Musée de l’Amérique française - The Citadel - Plains of Abraham Battlefield Park - Observatoire de la Capitale - Place-Royale - Musée de la civilisation - Parc du Bois-de-Coulonge

Food

The local cuisine in Quebec City includes a variety of Quebec cheese from farms with the specialty of brie or camembert. Local specialty dishes include “Tourtiére” which is a meat pie made of pork and lard, smoked meat, “Paté chinois” which is known as Chinese pie, “Bouilli” which is a ham and vegetable pot-roast, “Poutine” which is a dish of French fries with gravy, cheese and meet, bagels and “Oka cheese”.