Seniors – Québec City Beckons

It’s a ways up there, senior travelers, but well worth the visit. Gorgeous landscapes; natural, cultural, and historical attractions; outdoor activities minutes from town; internationally renowned festivals and events.  Let’s find out why Quebec City  is Canada‘s jewel, and one of the world’s most beautiful cities!

Vous Parlez Français?

Oui, Québec City is French.   You’ll love the Château Frontenac, the world’s most photographed hotel, the centuries-old architecture, and the historic sites. Whatever the time of year, senior visitors will enjoy horse-drawn carriages, street entertainers, singers, and artists, particularly at Old Québec’s open-air art gallery.

Québec is the only fortified city in North America north of Mexico, with close to 4.6 km of walls and imposing gates to explore. For many, the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine has been a “place of miracles” for the past 350 years. It’s well worth a visit, whatever your beliefs.

Frommer’s notes that Québec City seduces from first view. Situated along the majestic Fleuve Saint-Laurent (St. Lawrence River), much of the oldest part of the city — Vieux-Québec — sits atop Cap Diamant, a rock bluff that once provided military defense.  As picturesque as a coastal town in the motherland of France, senior visitors will find it  as romantic as any in Europe.

Seniors See and Hear a Lot of French in Québec City

The city is almost entirely French in feeling, spirit, and language. Almost everyone — 95% of the population — is Francophone, or French speaking. But many of its 622,000 residents do know some English, especially those who work in hotels, restaurants, and shops.  Most of the Québécois are uncommonly gracious.

And Why the Name Quebec?

The name Québec comes from the French explorers who, coming down the St. Lauwrence (St. Laurent) seaway, noted the “beak” that was sticking out into the waters. They named it “Qué-bec” meaning “What a beak!” You see the geography of the area and you will understand how it got its name.

Québec City is the capital city of the province of Québec.  The city has a remarkable history, as the fortress capital of New France since the 16th century. Although the town’s day-to-day life leaves things a little yawny at times, the vibrant historical centre makes for an incredible senior citizen visit. Despite its 400-year-old history, Québec has a new crop of artists and entrepreneurs that are imbuing it with a youthful energy and spirit.

Québec City area boasts 12 must-see attractions, including one experience that’s not to be missed! Various festivals are held annually including the Summer Festival, and Winter Canival.  TripAdvisor offers lots of help for finding great hotels.  Alors, amusez-vous bien ici!  jeb