Onsite Review: Quebec City—History, Culture & Cuisine

PIERQuebec City: History, Culture & CuisineBy Lydia GregoryAs cruise lines increasingly recognize Quebec City’s allure, this UNESCO World Heritage site is fast becoming the go-to destination for passengers looking to enrich their pre- or post-cruise experience with a touch of French-Canadian flair. Recommend recently spent a fun few days engaging with the Quebecois, who are rightly proud of their lovely city and eager to share it
with visitors.Iconic AccommodationsOur pied-a-terre in Quebec was the legendary Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac—the most photographed hotel in the world. Grand and castle-like, it has been the city’s most recognizable landmark since 1893. The massive hotel is within the historic district’s Upper Town, on the southern side of Place d’Armes on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. With 610 guestrooms and suites, the Chateau is ready to welcome everyone on your client list, including your VVIPs, thanks to its Fairmont Gold experience—think private check-in, a lounge exclusive to Gold Guests, dedicated Fairmont Gold Concierge services and more (the hotel has seven Les Clefs d’Or Concierges, the establishment with the most Clefs d’Or Concierges in Canada). Fun side note: PR Director Andree-Ann Groleau pointed out that VVIPs have included everyone from Queen Elizabeth to Princess Grace of Monaco and any number of modern celebrities, plus it served as the host hotel for the Quebec Conferences of World War II in 1943, where Allied heads of state held talks that led to the end of the war. We also visited the 95-guestroom- and-suite Auberge Saint-Antoine in the heart of the Old Port. This Relais & Chateaux museum hotel, located in a restored 18th-century building, offers a unique blend of history and tres chic design. The property houses an extraordinary collection of historical artifacts found during the restoration projects, which are now part of its decor. Ask about the Panoramic & Spa Suite with a terrace overlooking the St. Lawrence—your clients will not be disappointed. ROOMPort of Quebec Your cruise client’s first experience of the city will be the modern Port of Quebec, which currently homeports for Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, but, says Marie-Andree Blanchet, Director, Cruise Development and Business Ecosystem, “it’s also a niche port in that we have a lot of European brands and smaller brands. So, when you look at the Quebec market, we welcome all cruise segments and ships of all sizes.” The Port has two cruise terminals, the second of which was completed in 2020, and can accommodate ships of up to 4,000 passengers. However, Blanchet noted that Quebec City is working hard to prevent overtourism. The main building is also home to Cafe du Monde, a must for traditional lunch fare with a view, and an afternoon of splashing about in its pools. Exploring the Old CityClients spending a couple of days in Quebec will find several ways to explore the Old City. One is a walking tour with Xavier from Tours Accolade, who takes you on a stroll along the narrow streets to discover hidden gems and learn fascinating stories about the city’s 400-year history. Another is by e-bike with Tuque & Bicycle Experiences—we cruised along the St. Lawrence on impeccable bike trails for a couple of miles to the Le Grand Marche market (a must), where we tried out all kinds of local cheese, fruit and more before heading back. Of note: Owner Emilie Pelletier has a fleet of e-bikes, fat bikes and other conveyances and offers tours year-round; plus, she rents out winter wear so your clients can come and play in Quebec’s legendary snow. Because, as Destination Quebec Cite’s Pascale Boivin says, “There’s no bad weather, only bad clothing.”Culinary DelightsFoodies will find Quebec City’s culinary scene reflects a rich cultural heritage and commitment to local, seasonal ingredients. The Fairmont Chateau Frontenac’s Le Champlain, under the guidance of Chef Gabriel Molleur-Langevin, offers an exquisite fine dining experience. The restaurant’s emphasis on local products and refined cuisine makes it a must-visit for gourmands. The Cellar Experience took us on a dive into a New Brunswick caviar board, while the Discovery menu was an exquisite collection of small dishes paired with a delightful assortment of wine from around the world. Of note: In addition to the caviar, the Cellar contains rare cheeses, aged meats and spectacular spirits. At the Auberge Saint-Antoine, Chez Muffy presents what they call “high-end comfort food,” offering contemporary twists on local Quebec specialties. Chef Muller’s “farm-to-fork” menu, which sources ingredients from their own farm on Ile d’Orleans, was as fresh as it was Instagram-ready. The restaurant is housed in a restored maritime warehouse from 1822, adding to its charm. Of note: The hotel is a perfect size for a take-over, think a grand family reunion or a sophisticated wedding. The Old City truly has a surplus of places to dine, from the casual Cafe La Maison Smith for quiche, fresh-baked pastries and chocolates to the eclectic Le Clan, the brainchild of Chef Stephane Modat. Considered one of the newest and best fine dining destinations in Old Quebec, his tasting menus showcase ingredients from various regions of Quebec and local game, which, at times, he hunts himself. This gourmet voyage of flavors is served in four or six courses, with or without a wine pairing. Of note: Chef Modat’s magical sommelier, Laura-Emilie Lemaire, speaks poetry when describing each wine. Recommend the pairing. STREET CAFESEpicurean AdventuresAn epicurean tour with Danny from Conciergerie du Terroir to the nearby Ile d’Orleans is a top recommendation. This picturesque island, just a short drive from the city, is often called the “Garden of Quebec,” thanks to its lush orchards and farms. On our visit, we stopped at the marketplace for fresh-picked fruit and maple syrup (naturally); Cassis Monna & Filles, a family-owned winery specializing in black currant wines and liqueurs for lunch at their seasonal La Monnaguette restaurant (where every dish has a touch of black currant); Tigidou, a jam factory that creates unique flavor combinations using local fruits; and the Chocolaterie de l’Ile d’Orleans for handmade chocolates and ice cream.R&RNo visit to Quebec City is complete without a trip to the majestic Parc de la Chute-Montmorency. Located just a few minutes from downtown, these falls are nearly 100 ft. higher than Niagara Falls. Don’t miss a walk on the suspension bridge and a ride in the cable car for the best views. Open year-round, the Strom Spa Nordique is a Nordic retreat in the city, complete with indoor/outdoor pools, saunas, relaxation areas and more—all with a view of the St. Lawrence. Contact InformationAuberge Saint-Antoine: saint-antoine.comConcierge du Terroir: conciergerieduterroir.com/enDestination Quebec Cite: quebec-cite.com/enFairmont Le Chateau Frontenac: fairmont.com/frontenac-quebec/Port of Quebec: portquebec.ca/en/Strom Spa Nordique: stromspa.com/vieux-quebec/enTigidou: tigidou.ca/enTours Accolade toursaccolade.com/en Tuque & Bicycle Experiences: quebecfatbike.com/en
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