Québec is one of the oldest cities in North America having been permanently settled by 1608. It's the only fortified city north of Mexico, where the walls still stand. Today those wall define the Old town or Vieux-Québec,
The population of Quebec in the early days was very small today it has about 500,000 people.
There were three battles here during the French & Indian War and the city was captured by the British in 1759 and held until the end of the war in 1763. During the American Revolution and the War of 1812, there was hope that Canada would join the United States. On December 31, 1775, American revolutionaries and British defenders fought the Battle of Quebec in the city and the Americans suffered a huge defeat and had to retreat. After the battle, the British reinforced the city and used it as a base to attack the Americans in the Hudson valley.
Much of the city's most notable architecture is located east of the fortification walls in Vieux-Québec (Old Quebec) and Place Royale. This area has a distinct European feel with its stone buildings and winding streets lined with shops and restaurants.The Upper Town is linked by the Escalier « casse-cou » (literally "neck-breaking" steps) and the Old Quebec Funicular to the Lower Town, which includes such sites as the ancient Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church, the historic Petit Champlain district, the port, and the Musée de la Civilisation (Museum of Civilization). The Lower Town is filled with original architecture and street designs, dating back to the city's beginnings. Murals and statues are also featured. The Lower Town where we are staying is also noted for its wide variety of boutiques, many featuring hand-crafted goods.
We're looking forward to taking in all the sites and enjoying some good cuisine.
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