Sunday, January 06, 2008
Life, Travel
Party like it’s 1608
Quebec celebrates quatra-centennial with 10-month-long blowout
CREDIT: Courtesy of Carnaval de Québec |
IF YOU GO
Helpful Web Sites
Quebec City 1608–2008: monquebec2008.com
Quebec Office of Tourism: bonjourquebec.com
Winter Carnaval: carnaval.qc.ca
Festival d’été: infofestival.com
Le Château Frontenac: fairmont.com/frontenac
The Ice Hotel: icehotel-canada.com
Île d’Orleans: iledorleans.com/eng |
Quebec celebrates quatra-centennial with 10-month-long blowout
By Matt Robinson
As the oldest city in Canada, Quebec City has long been a hub for international immigration and tourism. Strongly rooted in its French culture, the city offers a wide array of international flavors that range from the Old World to the New World and from Native American crafts to contemporary French cuisine. And while it has always welcomed visitors from all over (and treated them to age-old hospitality and modern-day convenience), in 2008, Quebec City is inviting the rest of the world to share in its international and inter-generational bounty as part of its 400th anniversary celebration.
Though Jacques Cartier officially set foot on what is now Quebec City on July 3, 1608, the anniversary party opened with a New Year’s Eve celebration rivaling Times Square and close with the first public performance of Cirque du Soleil. Along the way, the 400th anniversary will incorporate the city’s famous Winter Carnaval and the acclaimed Festival D’ete (a warmer weather celebration of music, art and culture) and will also feature such diverse elements as a performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 8, the 2008 International Hockey Federation’s world championship tournament and an ever-changing visual installation by world-famous artist Robert LePage.
“We are putting together a unique program of activities that includes all the city’s key players of the cultural stage and artists from all over the world,” says organizing committee president and CEO Pierre Boulanger. “We want to make sure that the locals will be proud of their festivities and the visitors will also be amazed.” While in Quebec City, guests have the choice of exploring, dining and even staying within the impressive confines of one of only three walled cities in the Americas or of venturing out into the more contemporary expanses of the provincial capital.
From the luxurious Chateau Frontenac to the more spartan (yet no less intriguing and potentially romantic) Ice Hotel and from quaint and cozy inns and bed and breakfasts to the stunning Loews Hotel with its rotating rooftop restaurant, Quebec offers a myriad of lodging options that makes finding a place to call home easy—no matter how long you plan to stay.
Hungry? Grab a plate of local favorite poutine (a hearty mix of fried potatoes, gravy and cheese curd that is surprisingly delicious), or drop by one of the many farms on Île d’Orleans (home of many of the city’s founding families) for handmade wines, ciders and other treats. Quebec also offers a wide array of international fare, including traditional French, Italian and Middle Eastern.
After dinner, wander through the winding streets of the walled city, or head up to
Grand Allee to take part in Quebec’s cosmopolitan nightlife scene. Looking for something a bit more adventurous? Then head a few miles out of town for amazing skiing at Mt. St. Anne or for golf, horseback riding and a glimpse of the glorious falls at Montmorency (which are actually larger than Niagra)—the site of the city’s annual international fireworks competition.
No matter where you go or what time you arrive, there will be plenty to see and do. “The celebrations are a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Boulanger says, “and you certainly don’t want to miss it!” And whether you’re more likened to days packed with adventure or leisurely explorations of natural beauty and historic architecture, Quebec is sure to make for a memorable trip. SP