Last week we announced SAIL Challenge Cap Québec and with it our return to North America. The race will take place from July 19-21, and already hundreds of athletes signed up in the first week of registrations. This is no wonder, because not only will the race be spectacular, but the city of Quebec is more than worth a visit as well. Below we include some of the best must-see locations, taken from quebec-cite.com. For each must-see, you can find more information via this link.
Old Québec – Stroll North America’s oldest streets
Walk along the fortified walls surrounding this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the view from every angle. For all its 400 years of incredible history, it’s still very much alive: magical in the winter and popping in the summer. Full of charming little streets and local shops, Old Québec is best visited on foot and we highly recommend a walking tour to learn about its fascinating history.
Montmorency Falls – See a waterfall that’s 30 metres higher than Niagara Falls
Whether you’re riding the gondola, climbing the scenic stairway or crossing the suspension bridge, the views of the Montmorency Falls are simply breathtaking. Experience the power of nature, only 15 minutes from downtown.
Jacques-Cartier National Park – Explore one of Québec’s most dazzling glacial valleys
Jacques‑Cartier National Park, a vast and mountainous plateau crisscrossed by deep valleys and rivers, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. There are a multitude of ways to experience the park and its lush surroundings. Hiking along the many trails, you may encounter beavers, deer, and even moose in their natural habitats.
Île d’Orléans – Connect with local artisans on a day trip full of history and flavours
Stop in at the many artisan outlets and farm stands around the island for a delicious sampling of local products and the tastiest shopping you’ve done in years! Driving around Île d’Orléans is like a trip back in time to 18th century rural Québec, complete with centuries-old villages, farms, churches, and heritage homes. As the birthplace of French North America, it’s ground zero for many of our ancestors—families that arrived from France and went on to make their homes throughout the continent. The island is also home to 5 of Québec’s prettiest villages.
Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec – Appreciate fine art at the world’s largest collection of Québec art
Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ) houses a reference collection of more than 40,000 works—a comprehensive overview of Québec art from the 17th century to the present day. Visit the museum’s pavilions nestled in the vast expanse of the Plains of Abraham and take the full measure of the talented artists from here and elsewhere whose works are on display.
Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine – Spend a quiet moment at the oldest pilgrimage site north of Mexico
Follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims who have been coming to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine, one of 5 national shrines in Québec, for over 350 years to pay homage to Saint Anne. Step inside and admire the glorious stained glass, paintings, mosaics, and stone and wooden sculptures that adorn the basilica. Attributed with miraculous healing powers, Saint Anne is a popular saint among people who are sick and handicapped. You’ll see many objects hung from the sanctuary columns in gratitude for Saint Anne’s favours. In summer, a river shuttle connects Old Québec to the shrine.
Village Vacances Valcartier / Ice Hotel – Have fun at Eastern Canada’s largest theme park
Village Vacances Valcartier is a gigantic complex that boasts a huge outdoor waterpark and a brand new indoor waterpark open year-round! In the winter, you can go nuts in the biggest winter playground in the Americas and visit North America’s only ice hotel.
Aquarium du Québec – Enter the fascinating world of nearly 10,000 specimens from 300 species!
Aquarium du Québec is spectacularly located overlooking the St. Lawrence River. Visit the Awesome Ocean Discovery tunnel to check out the creatures that inhabit the depths of the Pacific, and find out about Québec’s rivers and streams too. Make acquaintances with marine species like polar bears, seahorses, and several species of seals. On the aquarium grounds you’ll find everything you need to spend an unforgettable day as a family: splash pads, picnic spots with a view of the St. Lawrence River, and a ropes course for the kids.
Musée de la civilisation – Learn something new at one of Québec’s most popular interactive museums
Join in hands-on workshops for the whole family on a wide range of current, historical, and sometimes unusual subjects. Musée de la civilisation sheds new light on diverse societies and moments in history through a mix of permanent and temporary exhibits with an international or Québec focus. This summer, there’s a challenging exhibition about climate issues and solutions.
Wendake – Explore Huron-Wendat ancestral traditions
Experience Huron‑Wendat culture in Wendake, the beating heart of the Huron‑Wendat Nation. Share in their long history, culture, and traditional knowledge as you take in dancing, hear stories and legends, and visit the Huron‑Wendat Museum and the authentic craft stores in the village, located a few minutes from downtown Québec City. Round out the immersive indigenous experience by tasting the finest Northern terroir cuisine, with subtle and succulent dishes featuring game meat and corn.
