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27 Fun, Interesting & Useful Facts About Quebec City
November 22, 2012
I don’t know of anyone who’s been to Quebec City who hasn’t loved the place. It’s got a 400 year history set against the backdrop of a walled city filled with narrow, winding cobbled streets. The place oozes history and charm in a manner reminiscent of old European cities. The last time I spent any time in the city was back in university days when the Chateau Frontenac was actually the hotel we used for a week long ski trip. Those prices are long gone but still I think I’m overdue for a visit.
If you’re heading to Quebec City you might enjoy reading these 27 fun, interesting and useful facts.
"Old Quebec City"
Old Quebec City
Jacques Cartier, a French explorer landed here in 1535. It wasn’t until 1608 when Samuel de Champlain arrived that a permanent wooden fort and fur trading post were set up.
Quebec City – not Montreal – is the capital of the province of Quebec.
The word “Kebec” is an Algonquin word meaning Where The River Narrows.
Quebec City’s location is at the intersection of the St. Lawrence and the St. Charles River.
Quebec City’s 400th anniversary was celebrated in 2008. It’s the oldest French speaking community in North America.
Quebec City is the only walled city north of Mexico. It has 4.6 kilometers of walls.
The oldest part of Quebec City was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
The population in 2011 of Quebec City was 516, 622. The metropolitan area has a population of approximately 765,706.
Only about 1.5% of the population speaks English. Over 95% of the population is French speaking. But more than a third of the population can speak both English and French.
Quebec City’s median age is 43.5 – the oldest median age of any major city in Canada.
The city’s main event is the Quebec Winter Carnival which takes place every year in February.
"Ice sculpture at Quebec's Winter carnival"
Ice sculpture at Quebec’s Winter Carnival
The Chateau Frontenac is the world’s most photographed hotel.
"Chateau Frontenac"
Chateau Frontenac
The Plains of Abraham is the site of the 1759 battle between General Wolfe and Montcalm. This is where Quebec’s biggest holiday – St. Jean Baptiste Day gets celebrated every year. It’s also a 103 hectare park used by tourists and locals alike on a year round basis. It’s got a great skating rink in winter.
Skating rink on the Plains of Abraham
Skating rink on the Plains of Abraham
On the winter solstice the sun rises at 7:27 am and sets at 3:59 pm.
On the summer solstice the sun rises at 4:51 am and sets at 8:43 pm.