Québec City is the capital of Canada's largest province, Québec. Québec's Old Town (Vieux Québec), the only fortified city north of Mexico whose walls still exist, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. Founded by French explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1608, this city is the heart and soul of French culture in North America. It has a population of 169,076 (2001), while the metropolitan area has a population of 682,757 (2001).

Located on the beautiful Saint Lawrence River, Québec City is place of breathtaking scenery. Its picturesque landscape includes stunning vistas of mountains, lakes, and rivers, which are a point of attraction for many. A variety of activities are available for those who love the great outdoors. Hiking, mountain-biking, white-water rafting, horseback riding, and golfing are only a couple to mention.

Québec City is a North American treasure with a European ambiance. This site of French civilization is ornamented with cobblestone streets, sidewalk cafes, museums, and many historical sites. During the time of our stay, the Musee national des beaux-arts du Québec will be presenting a world class exhibition entitled Camille Claudel et Rodin (Fateful Encounter). This exhibition is a showcase of over one hundred works by artists Camille Claudel and Auguste Rodin, an event that you will not want to miss.

The Québec International Summer Festival (Festival d'été de Québec) will be held in Vieux- Québec from July 7 to July 17, 2005 to celebrate the 38th anniversary of the Old City. This event features over 800 artists that participate in 500 performances on large outdoor or indoor stages, or even on the streets of Old Québec. Every year this festival attracts approximately 750,000 people who excitingly come together to enjoy this time of celebration.






Entry Requirements
US citizens do not require a visa to visit Canada.

• Click here to see if you require a visa to visit Canada
• Click here to find your nearest Canadian Consulate

Before leaving home, you should organize a health insurance plan to pay for any hospital or medical services you may need while in Canada. In most cases, you will need a valid passport, proof of identity or other travel documents.

If you are intending to bring pets or plants into Canada, you should be aware that fees now apply to some inspection and quarantine services provided by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

From the Airport
Jean-Lesage International Airport, (code: YQB), is located about 19 km northwest of the center of Quebec City. Buses into town are operated by Autobus La Québécoise (tel. 418/872-5525). The 12-mile trip costs CAD$9. Buses leave roughly every 1 1/2 hours from 8:45am to 8:45pm Monday through Friday, and every 2 hours between 9am and 8:30pm Saturday and Sunday. A taxi into town costs about CAD$24-$28.

Currency
The legal tender is the Canadian dollar, divided into 100 cents. One cent is called "a sous." Current exchange rates.

Time
Quebec City is on Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) in the summer months, 4 hours from the Greenwich meridian. For easy reference this is the same time zone as New York City.

Electricity
The voltage is 110 volts, 50 cycles, AC (same as the USA).

Climate
The climate is temperate with four distinct seasons, a mild spring, an often hot summer, a chilly autumn, and a snowy, cold winter. July temperatures average 78 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius).

Language
An estimated 96% of the Quebec City region's population of more than 650,000 list French as their mother tongue. Both French and English are the official languages.

Tipping
Restaurant tipping is left to customer discretion, but the customary (and expected) amount is 15 percent. Many restaurants automatically add a gratuity to the bill for large groups.

It is also customary to tip bellhops, luggage handlers and taxi drivers, at your discretion.

Business Hours
Most office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Most shops are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 or 6 p.m., Monday to Wednesday, and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 8 or 9 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and most stores are open Sundays 12 noon to 5 p.m.

Tax Refunds
You may qualify for tax refunds on personal items purchased while in Canada. View this webpage for more information and for official forms.



We have hired a Destination Management Company, Octopus DMC, to organize local tours providing highlights of Quebec City and the surrounding area. Please make reservations directly with Octopus DMC. For more information, please download the Optional Sightseeing Activities (PDF file).

Museum events for July 2005 include:

• History of Quebec (Le temps des québécois)
• The Odyssey of Light
• Ils causent des systèmes- Acquisitions récentes en art actuel
• Dieu le tsar et la révolution

Jean-Lesage International Airport
www.aeroportdequebec.com

Rail Gare du Palais, Quebec City Station (Phone: 418/692-3940) VIA Rail, Carrier (Phone: 888/VIA-RAIL (842-7245), website: www.viarail.ca)

Bus Greyhound, from USA (Phone: 800/231-2222) Orléans Express, within Canada (Phone: 418/524-4692)

Taxi Service Taxi Coop de Québec (Phone: 418/525-5191). Taxi Québec (Phone: 418/522-2001).

Canada Tourist Information
Official Site of the Canadian Tourism Commision
Frommer's Guide to Canada
globalEDGE: Canada

Québec Province Tourist Information
Québec Province Tourist Information in English

Québec City Tourist Information
Official Québec City Website
Frommer's Guide to Québec City
Lonely Planet Destination Québec City
Québec City Area Tourism and Convention Bureau

Foreign Embassies and Consulates in Canada
Foreign Embassies and Consulates in Canada from Yahoo.com