QUEBEC CITY, Quebec

With a name originating from the Algonquin word ‘kebec’, meaning “where the river narrows”, this is a part of the country steeped in First Nations history.

It also happens to be one of the most picturesque port locations anywhere in the world, a statement backed up by numerous number ones in ‘favorite cruise port in the world’ polls in recent years. Rightly so too, as ships sail directly into the downtown area of Old Quebec, greeted by its dramatic cliffside views, highlighted by one of the worlds most famous hotels, the Chateau Frontenac. Whilst Montreal might be the worlds largest French speaking city by population outside of France, Quebec City takes the cake for being North America’s oldest French speaking city. The ‘old’ quickly becomes apparent by taking a walk through the cobblestone streets and lanes of both the lower and upper parts of the Old Town, which are connected together by the city’s funicular.

Once in the upper Old Town, you can walk along the Terrasse Dufferin, which provides sweeping views back over the port and out into the distance of the Saint Lawrence River.

A stop in Quebec City isn’t complete without dining at one of the many amazing French Canadian restaurants, or even a street snack of the (in)famous poutine. If you’re wondering why the produce is so fresh and plentiful here, you don’t have to look far to see where a lot of it comes from. Just upriver is the Island of Orleans, which is a step back in time to beautiful estates and rolling farmlands, and is a place highly recommend to visit during the foliage change season.

Other out of town options include Montmorency Falls as well as The Basilica of Sainte Anne de Beaupre, which lies about 18 miles /30km north of Quebec City.

If you are staying local, the city is filled with stunning architecture, buildings of religious significance, museums and more, with the highlight perhaps being the Citadel, with origins dating as far back as 1750.

Really the hardest part here is trying to figure out how to fit it all in within the time you have on your port call!