The Sophisticated Life
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Wine
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
The Sophisticated Life
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Wine
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
The Sophisticated Life
No Result
View All Result
Home Blog

15 Fun Quebec City Facts

by Nadeen
August 7, 2018
A A
15 fun facts about quebec city canada, travel to canada, canadian

In May I had the pleasure of traveling to Quebec City in Canada for the first time. I attended the Women in Travel Summit. The conference organizers picked a beautiful place for this conference. Not only was the city picturesque but the food was amazing as well. While in Quebec City, I found so many things to be enchanting and interesting. While I usually write long travel guides to destinations, I thought I would share 15 fun Quebec City facts instead. I hope you enjoy it and add Quebec City to your travel bucket list.

Quebec City Facts to Know:

1: This may be confusing but follow closely…Quebec City is also known simply as Quebec.

It is located in the Canadian province of Quebec. It is the capital city of this province and the second largest city located there. Montreal is the largest city in the province of Quebec. Other Canadian provinces you may be familiar with are Ontario, Alberta and Newfoundland.

2. Quebec is a French speaking province.

French is the official language of this province. Approximately 80 % of the residents speak French as their native language and close to 95% of “Quebecers” speak French. If you hear the term “Francophone” it refers to someone who speaks French as their native language. It is the oldest French speaking place in North America. However, English is spoken by most residents as well. I didn’t encounter any locals during my visit that did not speak English.

3. Quebec City was founded in 1608.

Old Quebec is surrounded by fortified city walls that were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985, making this one of my most historic Quebec City facts.

quebec city facts, 15 Fun facts about Quebec City, Quebec province, Canada
Beautiful street in Old Quebec

4. The Chateau Frontenac Hotel holds the Guinness World Record for the most photographed hotel in the world!

Our conference was held in the iconic Chateau Frontenac Hotel. It is currently managed by Fairmont Hotels. When I first saw pictures of this hotel I knew I had to stay there. It was absolutely stunning on the outside and on the inside. I can see why it’s the most photographed hotel in the world! Plan to stay there if you can.

quebec city facts, 15 Fun facts about Quebec City, Quebec province, Canada

5. Quebec produces a LOT of maple syrup.

I am a bit embarrassed that I did not know this. I love pouring maple syrup over my Belgian waffles, pancakes and French toast. However, I had no idea that Canada produces about 70% of the world’s pure maple syrup. Out of that 70% about 90% is from the province of Quebec. Most of the maple syrup produced in the U.S. comes from Vermont. Here are some numbers to give you an idea of how much maple syrup is produced in Quebec. In 2010 the Province of Quebec produced roughly 7, 989, 000 gallons of maple syrup while Vermont produced roughly 890,000 gallons.

6. Poutine originated in Quebec.

I have heard about the Canadian dish Poutine for years but I have never tried it. Although I have seen it on menus in America, I wanted to try this Canadian dish for the first time in Canada. Poutine originated in the Quebec region. It consists of French fries, gravy and cheese curds. I know that doesn’t sound very appetizing (or maybe it does 🙂 During the Saint-Roch walking food tour that I did in Quebec City, we were able to try it at the first place that served it in the area-Chez Ashton. To my surprise I liked it! I do love French fries and cheese and although I am not a fan of gravy it didn’t make the fries soggy. It tasted like good comfort food.

15 Fun facts about Quebec City, Quebec province, Canada
lots of Poutine!

7. Quebec isn’t just French… there are many Irish people here too!

While strolling around Old Quebec I noticed a lot of Irish pubs. I even took the picture below in front of one. Well, I did some research and thanks to Travel and Leisure I realized I was onto something. There is actually a large Irish community in Quebec. During the 17thcentury, Irish inhabitants of France were sent to Quebec to help populate the area. Historians estimate that about 40% of the population in Quebec is of Irish descent.

quebec city facts, 15 Fun facts about Quebec City, Quebec province, Canada
Photo credit Olivia Christine

8. The Quebec Winter Carnival Festival known as “Carnaval” is the largest winter festival in the world.

In 2006 1 million people attended this festival which gave it this distinction.

9. Quebec City has close to 30 sets of stairs!

You may run out of breath just climbing up and down the cobblestone streets. Be prepared and bring comfortable walking shoes.

15 Fun facts about Quebec City, Quebec province, Canada
photo credit Olivia Christine

10. You can sleep in a nun’s cell in Old Quebec!

In the 1600s Augustine nuns established a hospital in Old Quebec. Hotel-Dieu de Quebec National Historic Site of Canada is a religious and hospital complex that was the first of its kind on the North American continent north of Mexico. Part of this complex is now a wellness hotel. My friend Olivia Christine of O.Christine Blog stayed at this hotel during the Women in Travel Summit and wrote about her experience.

11. Although Paris is well known for its Notre-Dame Cathedral, there is also the Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Quebec.

The name stands for “Our Lady of Quebec City”. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese that resides here is the oldest north of Spanish colonies in New Mexico and Florida. It is a National Historic Site of Canada and part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Quebec.

12. Double-check your t-shirts here

Lately while traveling I have enjoyed taking pictures of T-shirts in shop windows. I like reading what the popular sayings are for that area. While in Quebec City I took the picture below. I got a kick out of “Straight out of Quebec” :-). I do not speak French so I did not know the meaning of the French sayings. Well, my Facebook readers told me that 2 of them were curse words. After some research, I learned that many Quebec profanities are derived from Catholicism. They are called “sacres”-translaton to consecrate. “Tabarnacle”, derived from tabernacle, is used by French Canadians as an insult. It is a loose equivalent to the “F” word in English. “Calice” is the French word for chalice. Saying just “calice” is the equivalent of saying “damn”. “J’Men Calice” could mean “I don’t give a damn” or “I chalice myself”. Both terms can be used together as in “calice de tabernacle”! So, now you know how to swear like a Quebecer.

quebec city facts, 15 Fun facts about Quebec City, Quebec province, Canada

13. The first commercial brewery in Canada was started in Quebec City by Jean Talon in 1668.

It was called “La Brasseries du Roi” which means “the kings brewery”. During this time there was a lack of safe drinking water and a surplus of grain. FYI: The legal drinking age in Quebec and Quebec City is 18yo vs 21yo in the United States. This is something to keep in mind if you are planning a multi-generational trip.

14. There are waterfalls in Quebec City

The Montmorency Falls is located on the Montmorency River in Montmorency Park. It is roughly 7.5 miles from Old Quebec. Here is the fun fact: the falls are about 270 feet tall which makes it about 100 feet taller than Niagara Falls.

15. Since I love culinary travel I am ending with a fun food fact. Quebec has their own version of Shepard’s Pie.

It is called “Pate chinois” which means “Chinese pie”. However, there is nothing Chinese about it. I have read several different versions of how this pie got its name. One theory is that Chinese cooks made it for French Canadian workers during the building of the North American railroads. The French Canadians enjoyed it so much that they brought it back to their communities. I did not get to try this dish but it is on my list for next time.

quebec city facts, 15 Fun facts about Quebec City, Quebec province, Canada
Old Quebec

Honorable mention goes to the funicular! I didn’t get to ride it this time but it deserves mention as one of the fun Quebec City facts.

I hope you have enjoyed these 15 fun Quebec City facts. As you can tell, I love delving into the history, culture and food of any place I travel to.

Don’t leave without checking out my other posts on my trip to Quebec City. Saint-Roch Walking Food Tour in Quebec City and 2018 Women in Travel Summit-Tips & Advice from First-Timers.

Have you been to Quebec or Quebec City? If so share your thoughts with us below. For more information visit their website.

Pin this post for future reference..

quebec city facts, 15 Fun facts about Quebec City, Quebec province, Canada

 

Subscribe to the newsletter & receive FREE Packing & To-Do lists for your International Vacation!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Tags: 15 Fun facts about Quebec Citycanadaquebec cityquebec city factsQuebec provinceTravel
Previous Post

The 2018 Women in Travel Summit (WITS): Tips & Advice from First-Timers

Next Post

Chateau Elan Winery & Resort: A Luxurious & Romantic Atlanta Getaway

Nadeen

Nadeen

Dr. Nadeen White is a "Blogger by Day, Physician by Night". She is an award-winning travel blogger, Amazon bestselling author and speaker. The Sophisticated Life Blog covers affordable luxury travel, culinary travel and wine. Her domestic and international travel guides gets people to the destinations of their dreams. So, if you are living the sophisticated life or desire to do so, this is the blog for you!

Related Posts

Audacity Fest, Audacity Fest Memphis, 2nd annual Audacity Fest, The Black Travel Movement, Memphis Tennessee, Nomadness Travel Tribe
Blog

Audacity Fest: the conference the Black travel community needs & deserves.

November 19, 2019
porto portugal, visit portugal, portugal travel guide, reasons to visit portugal
Blog

11 Awesome Reasons to Visit Portugal Now!

November 23, 2019
pacific northwest road trip for wine lovers, pacific northwest vacation, pacific northwest itinerary
Travel

Pacific Northwest Road Trip for Wine Lovers.

September 20, 2019
harmony of the seas cruise ship review, royal caribbean cruise ship, cruising, oasis line of cruise ships, cruise review
Blog

Harmony of the Seas Cruise Review: 50 Things You Should Know!

June 10, 2019
Australia, 21 things to love about australia, 21 things I love about australia, best things to do in Australia, planning a trip to Australia, travel to Australia, Australia travel tips
Blog

21 Things I Love About Australia (& 8 Things I Don’t)

March 29, 2019
travel, 2018 travel, travel experiences, arizona, australia, new zealand, sundance film festival
Blog

My Top 5 Travel Adventures of 2018!

December 31, 2018
Next Post
Chateau Elan Winery & Resort, Atlanta getaway, Chateau Elan weddings,

Chateau Elan Winery & Resort: A Luxurious & Romantic Atlanta Getaway

overlooking grand canyon

Canyon Country Itinerary: 2 Days at Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon & the Grand Canyon

Follow TSL

No Result
View All Result

Meet Nadeen

Hello! I am Nadeen. The Creator and Editor of the Sophisticated Life. Read More

Subscribe for updates!

Subscribe for updates!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Best-selling Travel Ebooks Available for Download

Travel Guides to Your Favorite Destinations

USA Wine Guide for Travelers

Culinary Travel Guides: Food & Wine

Recent Posts

Travel

Fall in Atlanta: Fun & Fabulous Places to Visit

by Nadeen
October 16, 2020
Wine

Rosé Wine 101: An Introductory Guide to Rosé Wines.

by Nadeen
August 31, 2020
  • The Bernie memes have been giving me life since last night! I had to get in on the fun!! This is called the 
“Where is Bernie?!” Edition lol. 
Can you guess the countries?!

#berniesanders #berniememes #berniesandersmemes #inauguration2021 #inaugurationday #inauguration
  • #WineWednesday 🎉🎉🎉 ISSSA CELEBRATION!! What did you pop open today?!!! Oh it’s been wayyyyyyyy too long since I have posted a normal post like this. 
But today is a great day to start!!! 

If I’m being honest I popped open this bottle last night lol. I got the party started a little early. I have been saving this bottle of Sekt since I visited Mosel Germany 🇩🇪 for harvest in the fall of 2019. I wanted to drink it for a special occasion. And today is most definitely special!!! Whooohoooo!!! 

So as you may now Champagne 🥂 can only be called “Champagne” if it’s made in the Champagne region in France. It is sparkling wine made in the Champagne region of France by the traditional method. When it’s made in other regions of the world it’s sparkling wine and has different names based on the country or region so Sekt is the German word for sparkling wine. It’s usually made with the Riesling grape. This is the Brut style so it’s dry. Most Germans actually prefer dry Rieslings although in the US people associate Rieslings with being sweet. 

What did you pop open today?!! Whatever it was CHEERS!!! 🥂🥂

#inauguration #inauguration2021 #inaugurationday #wineblogger #wineandtravel #winenot #winetourism #womeninwine #blackwomeninwine #winewriter #winelover #oenophile #blacksinwine #winewithfriends #sekt #germansekt #rieslinglover #rieslingwine
  • Today is for all Queens!!! Ladies wear your crowns!! Throw on those pearls and diamonds and whatever else you got lol 
Because today we celebrate 🎉 Today we are victorious!! 
Today the first female Black South Asian Vice President was sworn into office!!! The daughter of immigrants!! 

Congratulations to former Senator now VP @kamalaharris the daughter of an Indian mother and Jamaican father 🇯🇲 

I relate to her story so well. My parents immigrated this country in the late 1960s from Jamaica to NYC. They had hopes of pursuing the “American Dream”. They made enormous sacrifices. When I was growing up they told that there was nothing that I could not do. When I told them I wanted to become a doctor, they told me OK-do it. And that’s what I did. Black female physicians are called “unicorns” because we make up only 3% of ALL physicians. 

So today I say don’t let anyone deter you from your dreams. When I look at women like @kamalaharris and my forever FLOTUS @michelleobama I know all things are possible even in America 🇺🇸 where things are so divided right now. I am so elated today!! I pray for the safety of our new leaders and I hope that change is coming!!!

#kamalaharris #vpharris #elections2020 #election2020 #inauguration2021 #inaugurationday #michelleobama #inauguration
  • For me #martinlutherkingjrday hits differently this year. 

It’s always a day of reflection and remembrance. But this year I keep thinking, what if Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. where alive? What would he think of what’s going on in America 🇺🇸 right now? What would he say about it? What would he do about it? How would he lead us? 

On one hand this year should be a feel good year with massive celebrations especially here in his hometown of Atlanta Georgia. 

Our state turned blue in the presidential election for the first time in almost 30 years sending the first Black/Indian female Vice President to the White House!!
Then....
In an incredibly tight senate race again here in Georgia, we elected our first Black senator Reverend Dr.Raphael Warnock from Dr.Martin Luther King Jr.’s former church-Ebenezer Baptist Church. What an amazing accomplishment!! 

But at the same time I keep thinking about the insurrection at The Capitol on January 6th. I keep seeing pictures of the confederate flag in the the Capitol. Those pictures make me sick and give me chills knowing that flag had never been carried in there before that day. I think about 2020 and all the BLM protests because of the assault on black lives. George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Jacob Blake...

I think of the 70 million +people who voted for a racist, lying, bully, tyrant, dangerous, dictator in office. I see the preparations for inauguration that will not be like any before because of him. I hear talks of civil war and people arming themselves and I think how can this be. Why? It’s 2021. Are we ever going to “get along”?! 

I pray for this country. I pray for leaders to help us get thru these tough times. I pray for our incoming administration. I pray for our new President Biden and Vice President Harris. May they stay safe. On this day I pray that we remember the SACRIFICE Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. made for ALL of us at such a young age. That maybe one day we shall overcome. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

#drmartinlutherkingjr #martinlutherkingjr #martinlutherkingjrquotes #weshallovercome #blacklivesmatter #blacklivesmatter✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 #blacklivesstillmatter #blackcontentcreator
  • What’s your favorite time of the day? Since I am NOT a morning person 😏 sunset is my FAV! Here are some pics from Sunsets on 🌅 Miami Beach 🏖 last week. Take me back!! I ❤️Atlanta but we are landlocked. Definitely something that’s hard to get used to after living in Florida for 8 years. I will need to retire near the ocean or at least on a lake. Yes retire..I’m 50 now so I need to start thinking about retirement lol 😂 

#sunsetsofinstagram #wineandtravel #travelbloggerlife #winenot #travelfly #blackgirlstraveltoo #hardlyhome #winetourism #luxurytravel #blackwomeninwine 
#travelcontentcreator #blackcontentcreator #blacktravelmovement #travelisthenewclub #nomadness #travelnoire #essencetravels #blacktravelhackers #blacktravelfeed #southbeachmiami #miamibeachlife #sunsets_captures #sunsetgram
  • The Beach 🏖, Mojitos 🍹, 
Sunshine 🌞, Sunsets 🌅, Magnificent oceanfront views 🌊...I may never come home....How is your Monday going? 😁

#wineblogger #wineandtravel #travelbloggerlife #winenot #travelfly #blackgirlstraveltoo #hardlyhome #winetourism #luxurytravel #womeninwine #blackwomeninwine #winewriter #winelover #oenophile #blacksinwine #winewithfriends 
#travelcontent #blackcontentcreator #blacktravelmovement #travelisthenewclub #nomadness #travelnoire #essencetravels #travelfly #blacktravelhackers #blacktravelfeed

Black-Owned Businesses & Bloggers

holiday gift guide, black-owned businesses wine and spirit businesses holiday gifts, wine and spirit books, mixers, food

Wine & Spirits Holiday Gift Guide featuring Black-Owned Businesses!

November 24, 2020
black-owned atlanta restaurants, atlanta black-owned restaurants, soul food, southern food in atlanta, restaurants in atlanta, atlanta food

35+ Black-Owned Restaurants in Atlanta You Should Support!

August 30, 2020
black-owned wineries, black winemakers, frichette winery, black wine, napa valley, california, wine country, black wine businesses, black-owned wine businesses,

45+ Black-Owned Wineries & Businesses You Should Follow & Support.

June 5, 2020
amazing black travel bloggers, black travel, travel bloggers, travel blogs

50 + Amazing Black Travel Bloggers You Should Follow!

June 7, 2020

Explore the U.S.A

atlanta in the fall, fall in atlanta, atlanta fall festivals, atlanta fall events, places to visit in atlanta

Fall in Atlanta: Fun & Fabulous Places to Visit

October 16, 2020
us national parks, national parks in america, visiting us national parks, yosemite, yellowstone, grand canyon, great smokey mountains, travel to national parks, adventure travel

4 Epic U.S. National Parks To Visit This Summer!

August 6, 2020
things to do in Memphis Tennessee this weekend, Memphis, traveling to memphis, visiting Memphis, memphis vacation,

Things to do in Memphis this weekend!

November 20, 2019
Audacity Fest, Audacity Fest Memphis, 2nd annual Audacity Fest, The Black Travel Movement, Memphis Tennessee, Nomadness Travel Tribe

Audacity Fest: the conference the Black travel community needs & deserves.

November 19, 2019
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Myrtle Beach Restaurant Guide for Foodies!

The Best Myrtle Beach Restaurants: A Guide for Foodies!

August 6, 2020
15 fun facts about quebec city canada, travel to canada, canadian

15 Fun Quebec City Facts

August 7, 2018
black-owned atlanta restaurants, atlanta black-owned restaurants, soul food, southern food in atlanta, restaurants in atlanta, atlanta food

35+ Black-Owned Restaurants in Atlanta You Should Support!

August 30, 2020
Polo match in long island, visit long island, exploring long island, a long weekend in long island new york

Weekend Getaway to Long Island: Things to Do

April 3, 2020
Dubai Trip

Dubai Travel Guide for First Time Visitors!

How I spent 5 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi! A Desert Safari, Camel rides, Burj Khalifa, High Tea at Burj Al Arab, Shopping in Souks, Visiting the Grand Mosque and so much more!!

How I Spent 5 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi!

Visit Jamaica: Land I Love!

Cruising the Mediterranean Sea on Norwegian Epic!

7 compelling reasons to take the covid-19 vaccine, covid-19 vaccines, coronavirus, pandemic, pzifer vaccine study, moderna vaccine, mRNA vaccines, operation warp speed,

7 Compelling Reasons to take the COVID-19 Vaccine (including travel!)

January 15, 2021
holiday gift guide, black-owned businesses wine and spirit businesses holiday gifts, wine and spirit books, mixers, food

Wine & Spirits Holiday Gift Guide featuring Black-Owned Businesses!

November 24, 2020
atlanta in the fall, fall in atlanta, atlanta fall festivals, atlanta fall events, places to visit in atlanta

Fall in Atlanta: Fun & Fabulous Places to Visit

October 16, 2020
rosé wine, food and wine, rosé wine 101, rosé wine guide, wine information, red wine, red wine, wine tasting, wine pairings, wine festivals, rosé wine food pairings

Rosé Wine 101: An Introductory Guide to Rosé Wines.

August 31, 2020
The Sophisticated Life

  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

© 2021 The Sophisticated Life

The Sophisticated Life

  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
Menu
  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

© 2020 The Sophisticated Life

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Wine
  • Food
  • Contact
  • Work With Me
  • Privacy Policy

© 2020 The Sophisticated Life