Choosing a perfect destination for your group can be a real challenge. Maybe a historic city with centuries-old architecture is appealing, but you need a high-tech convention center for your tradeshow. Or maybe you want to be near upscale farm-to-table dining, but also want to explore the wilderness, far from any metropolis.
Would you believe us if we told you that you can have all of that and more in just one city? Quebec City is a city filled with surprises – between the rich history, modern facilities, bustling food scene and being surrounded by Canadian wilderness, everyone in your group is sure to find something In Quebec City to fall in love with! While there are countless reasons to visit this incredible city, we’ve narrowed it down to 5 main reasons:
History – Being one of the oldest European settlements in North America, Quebec City is the only city North of Mexico who’s fortified city walls still exist. Inside Old Quebec City, a UNESCO world heritage site dating to the 17thcentury, charming cobblestone streets take you through a maze of Greystone shops, restaurants, churches, and historical monuments. For a real sense of Old Quebec, stay at the famous Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, the crown jewel of Quebec City. Opened in 1893, the Chateau Frontenac is a lavish Chateauesque-styled building that has been graced by visitors such as Charles Lindbergh, Charles de Gaulle, Alfred Hitchcock, and representatives of the British Royal family.
Modernity – Despite maintaining the Old-World charm of ages past, Quebec City is a modern-edge city with all the conveniences required and expected in the 21stcentury. Rather than tear down and replace the iconic historic buildings, Quebec City architects specialize in repurposing old buildings, updating the interiors without destroying the exterior beauty. The famous Quebec City Armory, for example, suffered a tremendous fire in 2008, destroying nearly everything except some of the exterior walls. The city of Quebec rebuilt, however, and restored the exterior of the building to exactly duplicate its original splendor. Inside, the armory is now a state-of-the-art events venue featuring exceptional acoustics, high-speed internet, and in-house A/V. Another example of the city’s dedication to staying ahead of the technological curve is the massive downtown Quebec City Convention Centre. Not only does the Convention Centre offer exhibition space, meeting space, breakout rooms, exhibit halls, convention halls, boardrooms, an outdoor terrace, and a total capacity of 9,000 attendees, but they also offer free WiFi to all groups and in-house catering.
Food – The wave of farm-to-table, local and foraging food trends that have become so popular in recent years are just as prominent in Quebec City as any big city. While you can still find a big comforting bowl of poutine or Canadian maple syrup-slathered pancakes, you can also enjoy locally caught wild boar, quail, house-smoked salmon, venison steaks, foraged mushrooms, apple ice cider, and rabbit croquets. One restaurant took the concept of local food to an entirely new level. Chez Boulay: Bistro Boreal, located at the luxurious Monoir Victoria hotel in Old Quebec, uses only local, in-season ingredients in their dishes. And when they say only, they mean only local foods. For example, since olives do not grow in Canada, they do not use olive oil. Instead, they find an alternative oil or fat that is native to the area. It is truly a taste of Canada!
Nature – One of the hardest things to find in a bustling city is green space. Feeling the energy of a big city through its food, entertainment and fast-paced nightlife is great, but being able to enjoy the outdoors is a welcome respite. Canada is known for its vast expanses of wilderness. Located either in the city itself or only a short drive away, there are countless outdoor activities to enjoy year-round in Quebec including hiking, biking and zip lining. Enjoy beautiful rolling hills on the Plains of Abraham located in Old Quebec, take a kayak tour down the St. Lawrence River, or take a short drive to see Montmorency Falls – a waterfall even taller than Niagara!
Winter – You may think that travelling to Canada in the winter months is a bad idea. The truth is that Quebec City is an amazing winter destination! Locals wait anxiously for the first snowflakes to fall each year, as winter is when everyone bundles up, and heads outdoors! Ice hockey, skiing, snow mobiling, ice fishing, and of course, the famous Quebec City Winter Festival! Maybe test your bravery by staying overnight at Hotel de Glace, the ice hotel! Or, if that’s a little too adventurous for you, maybe just grab a drink at their ice bar.
Interested in learning more about this amazing city? Let the professionals at Global Management Services send you a proposal customized to fit your groups’ exact needs!
