Québec City Celebrates 400th Anniversary [Photo Gallery]
By Andrew L. Jaffee, netwmd.com
Calling Quebec City “picturesque” is an understatement. The center of French culture in the Western Hemisphere, it is perched above the mighty St. Lawrence seaway. Outdoor activities like whale-watching, cross-country skiing, biking, and roller-blading are the norm. Arts and artists abound, from opera to street musicians, to galleries, to art museums. First-class restaurants cater to almost any palate. Since 1608, the Quebecois have tenaciously preserved their beautiful culture and are celebrating their capital city’s 400th anniversary.
Vieux-Port of Quebec City (old port). Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
In 1535, French explorer Jacques Cartier landed near present-day Quebec City. Another French explorer, Samuel de Champlain, officially founded the city in 1608. Through various trials and tribulations, the Quebecois have preserved and enhanced French culture in North America. Quebec is home to one of the largest French populations outside France. Indeed, nearby Montreal is the largest French-speaking city outside of France. I say “French-speaking” because first and foremost, most of the people of Quebec consider themselves Quebecois, and consider Quebec their homeland — not France.
Parliament Building (Hotel du Parlement) - Quebec City. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
You may have heard first- or second-hand accounts claiming that Quebecois are “unfriendly.” In my many travels to Quebec, I have never experienced any hostility. I find Quebec to be almost idyllic: clean, safe streets; highly-educated people; friendly people; beautiful architecture; breath-taking nature; a strong entrepreneurial work ethic; and strong families.
I once spent a summer working in an Egyptian-Jewish-owned army surplus store on the French side of Montreal. That was a hoot, an eye-opener, and a whole adventure in itself. Quebec is one diverse place, and not just a Quebecois phenomenon.
Designed by architect Bruce Price, the Château Frontenac was one of a long series of “château” style hotels built for the Canadian Pacific Railway company. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Many tourists flock to Quebec City for obvious reasons (look at the pictures on the right). But one thing a traveler to Quebec City will notice is the huge number of local Quebecois bringing their children to experience their living history and culture. It is truly a moving experience to immerse oneself in such a healthy society. Of course, trying to practice your French always brings smiles of respect from the locals.
If you’re planning a trip to Canada this summer, I suggest you head for Quebec City to participate in the 400th anniversary celebrations. You can think of a vacation there as “Europe-on-the-cheap,” though Quebec is uniquely North American. Visit the following sites to find out more:
Please enjoy my pictures from last summer, going all the way down this page.
Merci beaucoup! Veuillez s’amuser!
Vieux Quebec (old Quebec City) from across the mighty St. Lawrence river. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Local street performers. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Rue du Petit-Champlain. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Marché du Vieux-Port de Québec (old public market). Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Humpback whale ahoy! on the St. Lawrence. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Jazz festival - le quartier Saint-Roch. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Dalhousie St. in the Vieux-Port of Quebec City. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Le Capitole de Québec - theater, cabaret, hotel, restaurant. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Château Frontenac (one of the most photographed sites on earth). Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Hot air ballooning. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Humpback whale ahoy (in the St. Lawrence)! Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Orca(?) whale ahoy (in the St. Lawrence)! Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Since the 17th century, Artillery Park has played an important role in defending Québec. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Bénédiction des chiens à l’intérieur de l’église Saint-Roch (blessing of the dogs/pets). Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Parc de la Chute-Montmorency (Montmorency Falls). Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Èglise Notre-Dame-de s-Victoires (Notre Dame Church), in the square where French explorer Samuel de Champlain founded the city in 1608. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Rue du Petit-Champlain. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Parliament Building (Hotel du Parlement) - Quebec City. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Parliament Building (Hotel du Parlement) - Quebec City. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Rue Saint-Jean - modern Quebec at night. Photo (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC.
Story and photos copyright (c) 2008 microIT Infrastructure, LLC and may not be copied, downloaded, redistributed, or exploited in any manner. All rights reserved.
