Quebec+City-February+Break+Vacation+Destination

Looking for a place to go over February break? You should consider Quebec's old town, the only fortified city north of Mexico in North America. Every building, and street is overflowing with history, as Old Quebec played a very important role In the French and Indian War. The Petite Champlain Quarter, nestled along the Saint Lawrence River, is loaded with delightful cafes and boutiques, and protected by cannons that remain from 200 years ago. The Dufferin Terrace provides a breathtaking view of the Saint Lawrence River, and above it all rises the majestic Frontenac. Only 4 hours away from Burlington,Vermont, Old Quebec is an ideal vacation spot for families looking for a small, uncostly vacation. Popular Tourist Destinations The Petit Champlain Quarter: Take the oldest staircase in North America, or a large glass elevator called the Funicular down into this little winter paradise. From the first snow to mud season, the shop window boxes are overflowing with evergreens, ornaments, and bells. Over the main street, are hung giant metal snowflakes connected to the buildings by boughs of evergreen. Painted on the side of one of the buildings is a mural depicting the Old Town's history that tourists from all over come to view. There are many cute restaurants that serve traditional Quebec foods.

The Dufferin terrace: This centuries old terrace overlooks the Petit Champlain Quarter and the frozen Saint Laurence River. It's lined with giant blue and white striped umbrellas named after the famous settlers of Quebec. Underneath is a museum of castle ruins that can be accessed during business hours.

Toboggan shoot au 1884: Take this fun ride down to the Dufferin terrace. A three-lane toboggan shoot lined with ice, this crude ride is very bumpy but also exhilarating. You can reach speeds up to 70km/hour, all the while staring straight ahead at the chateau Frontenac or to the left at the ferries boats crossing the river. Cost per ticket is 2.50 or 3 for 6 dollars. These tickets can be purchased at the cafe and tourist shop dedicated to the tobbogan shoot.

Citadelle: Take a walk within the walls of old Quebec. This museum is a great place to go for information on the settling and history of Quebec. The home of the twenty second royal regiment, it is very easy to imagine yourself there long ago when battles were taking place, what with the uniformed soldiers walking around.

Horse drawn carriage ride: On your first day it is a good idea to take this horse drawn carriage ride with a native québécois. The driver will show your around the old town as you keep warm under horse blankets. You will see views of the semi-frozen Saint Laurence River, as well as the oldest hospital in North America. Along the way your driver will point out good places for coffee or a croissant or dinner. As well transporting you back to a time when France and England were still at war, this horse drawn carriage ride is also very helpful when you are still deciding what you would like to do in Quebec.

Place D’youville skating rink: This rink is situated right outside one of the four gates leading into the walled city. It is small but smooth and easy to skate on. As you glide along the ice, you have the Palais Montcalm on one side and the capitol building to another. If you go over February break, the christmas decorations on the capitol building should still be up. Midday, there is a zamboni that comes out to re-smooth the ice. During this time the skaters are taken into a waiting area in one of the buildings lining the rink. Warm drinks and yummy snacks are offered here.

Smith’s Coffee Shop: As you may hear on the Horse drawn carriage ride, if you decide to take it, Smith’s Coffee shop is the best coffee place in town. There are two locations, one in the Petit Champlain Quarter, and one a few streets up. They also sell delicious syrup glazed waffles and hot chocolate.

Chateau Frontenac This majestic castle, built two hundred years ago, can be seen from almost any point in the old city. It is now owned by the Fairmont hotels company, and visitors may stay overnight. The rooms are very modern and big. The entire first floor is filled with shops selling anything from postcards and maple pops to expensive designer clothing. Among the shops is a museum depicting the history of the Frontenac. The tourists who are not staying overnight are not allowed past the first floor. But the first floor is is amazing by itself. The ceiling is decorated with carvings and murals, and there are plush chairs lining the main hallway.

Hotel: While I was staying in Quebec City, my family stayed at the Auberge Des Places D’armes. There are a variety of room choices here ranging from regular rooms, to suites, and deluxe rooms. Unlike a regular hotel, every room has character of its own. No two rooms are the same. As with the horse drawn carriage ride, these rooms also transport you back two hundred years to the time of Samuel de Champlain. The walls in most rooms are bare brick or old stone, with wooden beams across the ceiling. It is all very old-fashioned and charming.

Besides the look, Auberge des Places D’armes is in a wonderful location. It is less than a block away from the Dufferin Terrace, Chateau Frontenac, Petit Champlain Quarter, and plenty of good restaurants. The people at the front desk are more then happy to recommend some restaurants for you, and show you the way on a map. Free breakfast is also included. The hotel restaurant Le Pain Beni is rated as the third best restaurant in all of old Quebec.