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UpdatedJuly 18, 2007-> |
About Quebec CitySpectacular Québec City | Natural Québec City | Gourmet Québec City | Cultural Québec City | Meet in Québec City | Québec City | Québec City 1608-2008 Natural Québec CityA four-season outdoor playgroundRare are the cities on nature's very doorstep, where urban living melds seamlessly with outdoor enjoyment. Québec City, much to the delight of visitors, is one of them. Within minutes of the center of town are mountains, lakes, rivers, protected wilderness areas, rolling farmland, and much more. Right in the heart of the city are the Plains of Abraham, an immense urban park where people love to ski, stroll, mountain bike, picnic, inline skate, and simply enjoy themselves. In fact,July 13, 2007level. Every season has special appeal Quebec City is a unique year-round destination, with seasons that roll together in an ever-changing symphony of colors and sensations. Winter is crisp and clean with fresh, white snow and brilliant sunshine. Spring arrives in a burst of greenery and warming breezes. When summer makes its appearance, the whole city moves outdoors to enjoy the sidewalk cafés, parks, outdoor concerts, and lively street life. Then fall arrives in a breathtaking cavalcade of color, with its hint of the rosy-cheeked holidays to come. Summer a perennial favorite
One direction follows the St. Lawrence River out to the Montmorency Falls on a circuit that even young cyclists can complete easily in an afternoon. Another follows the lazy banks of the St. Charles River as it winds its way through town. Yet another takes an old railway right-of-way out to the natural surroundings of Portneuf on a route that passes by the Huron native reserve. Awash in outdoor enjoymentWater sports of every description are very popular. Valcartier Vacation Village in suburban Québec City features water slides and wave pools, and the area's numerous lakes and rivers offer swimming, boating, and fishing.
With the St. Lawrence River right at hand, sailing is also a big summer attraction. The international Québec/Saint-Malo Transat sailing race held every four years starts from Québec City, cheered on by thousands of spectators along the river's shores. A cascade of attractionsA favorite destination in summer for city residents and tourists alike is Montmorency Falls Park. The waterfall, located within city limits, is nearly 100 feet (30 m) higher than Niagara. It is bordered by trails and features a cable car to the top, a panoramic stairway, and a suspension bridge. The region offers opportunities for rock climbing, paragliding, mountain biking, nature observation, and golfing, along with a plethora of outdoor events and happenings in Old Québec and on the Plains of Abraham. The annual Marathon des deux rives draws thousands of participants who compete on a circuit over both shores of the St. Lawrence River. Falling under Québec City's spellAutumn in Québec City marks the start of an outdoor season with special appeal. The days and nights grow cooler and the spectacular fall foliage attracts visitors from far and wide. Fall is a particularly popular season for St. Lawrence River cruises. Hiking and bird watching are among other favorite activities. Another popular outing is to observe the thousands of snow geese in nearby Saint-Joachim during the annual fall migration of these magnificent creatures. Fall is a great time for hunting and fishing. Sépaq, the government agency in charge of parks and wildlife reserves, offers numerous packages for outdoor enthusiasts in nearby Laurentides Wildlife Reserve. A winter wonderlandWinter in Québec City means guaranteed snow and outdoor enjoyment. Skiers throng to the city for the incredible conditions and runs at nearby Mont Sainte-Anne and Stoneham. Cross country skiing is a huge attraction with the region's great variety of top quality trails. In town, skaters are well served at the outdoor rink at Place d'Youville in Old Québec and the Gaétan Boucher Skating Oval in Sainte-Foy. For children, tobogganing is always a favorite, on the Plains or on the special snow slide beside the Fairmont Château Frontenac with its spectacular view of the river far below. Opportunities for snowshoeing, dogsledding, and snowmobiling abound. In fact, the Québec City area is directly linked to the 30,000 km (18,000 mile) Trans-Québec network of groomed snowmobile trails. Winter is also a time for outdoor competition. The Mont Sainte-Anne Loppet pits cross country skiers against each other in 5, 25, and 50 km races. For extreme sports enthusiasts, the Grand défi des glaces canoe race features three return sprints across the icy floes of the St. Lawrence River. Every winter Mont Sainte-Anne hosts the Snowboard World Cup. In February after the Québec Winter Carnival, the International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament brings young competitors to Québec from all over the world. The sweet taste of springWhen Nature reawakens once again in spring, it's time for one of the most cherished outdoor activities of the year-the annual maple syrup harvest. Families and friends gather at the sugar shack-or cabane à sucre-for a taste of maple, including delicious maple taffy obtained by pouring boiling maple syrup onto troughs of fresh, clean snow. While others endure hours of bumper-to-bumper traffic on their weekly trek to the cottage to escape the pollution and sprawl of the city, Quebecers have the best of nature right out their doors, ready to enjoy whatever the season. Fortunately for you, they're always pleased to share! Find more information on the Québec City Area at:
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Summer is the busiest tourist season with its warm, comfortable weather free of humidity and discomfort. It is a time of year particularly well suited to outdoor pursuits.
Some of the most popular outdoor activities are found right within the city. One is the area's network of cycling/inline skating paths that leaves directly from the Old Port district in the center of town and fans out through the city. 
Canoeing and whitewater rafting are two big favorites at nearby Parc de la Jacques-Cartier. This stunning wilderness park only minutes from the center of town is one of Québec City's best surprises-River magazine terms it a good example of the "commonly held maxim that the best place to hide something is in plain view."