As a “Solo Trekker”, I am constantly looking for new destinations that work well when traveling alone. After 5 trips to Quebec City (officially “Quebec”), it has become one of my favorites. From the US East Coast, it’s a fast and affordable flight. Holidays aside, prices are very competitive for both 5-star hotels and quaint bed and breakfasts. Plus, winter travel offers a variety of outdoor sports, from dog sledding to skiing and ice skating, or even a stay at the Ice Hotel.
Quebec City, one of the few remaining walled cities, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Entering through the Porte de St. Jean, you are immediately taken back to the 18th century.
Although older cities in North America exist, such as St. Augustine, Santa Fe, and Jamestown, Quebec has uniquely remained the site of important historical events well into the 20th century. Following its origins in the 16th century as a fort founded by Jacques Cartier, in 1608 Samuel de Champlain established a permanent settlement on the San Lorenzo seaway. Today, tourists can still visit the Plains of Abraham, the site of one of the most famous battles between the French and British. During the American Revolution, new skirmishes began from the south, prompting Quebeckers to build the Citadel, which is still functioning, for their protection.
In the 20th century, Canada and the US joined forces as staunch allies during World War II. Chateau Frontenac, now a key tourist attraction and premier hotel, was the site of a critical follow-up meeting between Churchill and Roosevelt prior to the D-Day invasion.
Beyond the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Civilization, the Place Royale and multiple historic sites, the cafes and bistros have a French countryside feel. This is enhanced by a stroll through the large enclosed market offering baked goods, groceries, and gift items. Shops range from a year-round Christmas boutique to t-shirt shops with moose cartoons throughout and fine art and antique galleries. Exploring the Upper and Lower Towns is easy via the tram/funicular for those who forgo the intimidating stairway between the two.
Of my many visits to Quebec, two stand out. The first was at Christmas. Right on cue, when I arrived, the snow began to fall. It formed a backdrop for ice skaters on the shore overlooking the St. Lawrence against a panoply of Christmas trees decorated with sparkling white lights. Christmas Eve chorus girls dressed in peacock blue velvet with gold trimmings roamed the Old Town singing Christmas carols. Jugglers, artists and buskers also made their way through the narrow streets throughout the day. After a festive dinner in the Chateau Frontenac dining room, I joined the French and English-speaking Christmas services for a fully bilingual celebration.
After the holidays, Quebec offered great outdoor options for those who don’t mind cold (very cold) weather. With my skis I headed to the intermediate ski slope about 45 minutes away by minivan or bus. I was lucky as there was enough snow to ski but no blizzards or total meltdowns.
A second visit was planned around dog sledding. With visions of the Alaskan Iditarod, I headed back to the starting point. Fellow tourists, from children to grandparents, were rare, as were a number of howling sled dogs, each opting for the opportunity to go for a run. As a solo traveler, I was paired with the leader of the group. As a result, my only skill required was to hold on and not fall on the way. Our day in nature ended with hot chocolate indoors.
Looking back on those specific trips and my repeated forays into Quebec City, I highly recommend it as a top destination for solo travelers as:
1. For history buffs, it combines a step back in time but with all the modern conveniences available.
2. It is easily accessible via Toronto or Montreal and is still affordable for solo travelers.
3. Hotels and bed and breakfasts, as well as the many bistros and more formal restaurants, are well priced.
4. For winter sports enthusiasts, the range of options is virtually limitless.
5. During the rest of the year, fall foliage, spring gardens and summer hiking trails are big draws.