Weekend: The Ultimate Bathroom Dilemma 💩

This Canadian City Has (Almost) Everything Paris Does — Without the Hours-Long Flight

theSkimm

Another way to experience a European summer without crossing the Atlantic? Say bonjour to Québec City. Packed with old-world charm, small cobblestone streets, storybook-esque stone buildings, rich cultural attractions, lush parks and gardens, and lively outdoor cafes, Québec’s eponymous capital is often touted as a Paris dupe — minus the hordes of tourists and exorbitant prices. (Particularly important given the whole Olympics thing.) Not to mention, you can enjoy a world-class croissant without leaving the continent.

🛏 There’s no stay more iconic than the castle-like Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, which is perched above Old Québec (aka Vieux-Québec) and dates back to 1893. While the hotel has maintained many of its original features — including wooden paneling and stenciled ceilings — the guest rooms have more contemporary vibes, thanks to simple furnishings and shades of gray and cream. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, it’s worth dropping by for afternoon tea.

👟 Whether you join a walking tour or do your own thing, Vieux-Québec — a UNESCO World Heritage site and the only walled city north of Mexico — is best explored by foot. Make sure to stop at: Citadelle of Québec (a British-built fortress that offers spectacular views of the city); Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral (a 7th-century cathedral known for its beautiful neo-Baroque interior); and Place Royale, the precise location where the city was founded in 1608. And save some time for strolling through Quartier Petit Champlain, one of North America’s oldest shopping streets.

🌳 With highs in the 70s, summer is the ideal time to enjoy all the outdoors has to offer. That includes Montmorency Falls, less than a 15-minute drive from downtown. Admire the park’s majestic 272-foot-high waterfall (fun fact: it’s taller than Niagara Falls), hit up the hiking trails, or zipline in front of the cascading waterfall if you’re feeling extra adventurous. Another great option if you need a break from the city is a day trip to Île d’Orléans, a picturesque island where you can visit wineries (make sure to try the exceptional whites at family-owned Vignoble Ste-Pétronille), wander the six gardens at La Seigneurie de l’île d’Orléans, and sample the first type of cheese made in North America at Fromages de l’isle d’Orléans.

🍴 Visiting Québec City without trying poutine is like visiting NYC without trying a bagel. It’s Canada’s national dish and a must try. Specifically, at Chez Gaston, a no-frills spot in trendy Saint-Roch (basically, the Canadian equivalent of Brooklyn’s Williamsburg). Also in the neighborhood? Parisian-inspired bistro Le Clocher Penché, beloved by locals for its sophisticated seasonal dishes. Or, head to Nina Pizza Napolitaine, which uses a wood-fired oven imported from Italy to make its chewy, perfectly blistered Neapolitan pies.