Quebec City Announces New Four-Day Festival To Ring In The New Year. Tobbogan, New Year’s Nights Will Feature Music, Food And Fireworks

Quebec City – Quebec is introducing a brand new way to ring in the New Year. From December 28-31, Quebec City will celebrate the holidays and the arrival of 2020 with Toboggan, New Year’s Nights, a new music festival that will take place over four festive evenings.

Travelers looking for a unique holiday getaway can head to the magical setting of Old Quebec, which is ranked among the best small cities in the world by readers of Conde Nast Traveler, where they can dance outside to the sounds of the world’s best DJs while also enjoying a wide range of activities.

Starting at 1 p.m. on December 28^th, the Parc de la Francophone area will come to life with music, a Ferris wheel, carousel, foodie space, a bar and cocktail area, outdoor fireplaces, a happy hour and more. The city’s Grande-Allee will shine with a thousand lights and its famous terraces will be heated for the occasion. Light projections on the sites will add to the enchantment, highlighting Quebec City’s magical décor.

The scene will become electrifying at night. On December 28, 29 and 30, from 7 – 11 p.m., Place George V will be the site of musical performances that are sure to warm up even those most easily chilled:

• On December 28^th: European DJ and Grammy winner Zedd kicks off the celebration.
• On December 29^th: Hip hop sensation Schoolboy Q, Kendrick Lamar’s sidekick I the band Hippy, will get the crowd moving.
• On December 30^th: DVBBS joins the party for another epic electro night. The DJ duo has shared the stage with biggest names in electro, including Tiesto, Calvin Harris and deadmau5.

Passes for the three nights are $60 (CAD) for General Admission and $150 for VIP access. Information and tickets can be found here.

• On New Year’s Eve, there will be two free shows:
• At Place George V: Loud Luxury, Havia Mighty and DJ Max E
• At Place de l’Assemble-Nationale, a newly designed stage will host a traditional music party with Les Tireux d’Roches/La famille Painchaud

And after the New Year’s countdown, Quebec City will ring in 2020 with an impressive arsenal of multidirectional fireworks, creating an immersive experience that is sure to amaze spectators.

Toboggan, New Year’s Nights is presented by Bell and produced by 3E, the team behind the Festival d’ete de Quebec (FEQ), one of the largest and longest running music festivals in the world.

11 Surprising (And Insanely Charming) Facts About Montreal

 11 Surprising (And Insanely Charming) Facts about Montreal

Think you know Montreal? It’s bilingual, it’s got pretty architecture, it’s chilly in the winter. All true, sure, but there is a lot about this historic city that surprises visitors. Read through these facts about the largest city in the province of Quebec (stay tuned for: cheese, maple beer, underground tunnels, unsaintly saints, and a potential feud with New York City) and then start searching for your hotel — resisting a visit is futile.

1. Montreal loves cheese.

And we’re not just talking about the cheese curds on poutine (though there’s lots — tons — of that, too). Quebec has over 400 types of cheese and Montreal is a great place to dig in. Bring some breath mints.

2. You know what else they love? Maple syrup.

About three-quarters of the world’s maple syrup comes from Quebec, which, in practical terms, means you can’t walk a couple of blocks in Montreal without a whiff of the sweet aroma of maple cookies, maple butter, maple candy, maple salts, maple salad dressing, maple coffee, maple beer, or, well, you get the idea.

2. Their streets are named after fake saints.

Though Montreal is often called the “City of Saints” because of the many streets named after these holy figures, in many cases, they are actually just the names of wealthy and influential friends of the city’s early architect.

4. In the winter, you can cross-country ski right downtown.

No need to head out of the city to ski resorts — there are over 200km of trails in the city, including some in Mount Royal Park.

5. The first cat cafe in North America was opened in Montreal.

Nothing like a little coffee with a temporarily-adopted fur baby.

6. Montreal has its own kind of bagel.

It’s sweeter, more dense, and has a bigger hole than its New York cousin.

7. Montreal has the highest number of restaurants per capita in Canada.

And the second highest in North America after NYC.

8. The city has its own Mural Festival.

Street art is incredibly popular in Montreal (bet you thought it was all prim-and-proper, didn’t you?). Saint-Laurent is a good place to check it out.

9. Ice hockey was invented in Montreal.

The first indoor game was played in the city in 1875.

10. Montreal has an underground city.

With 18 miles of tunnels and shops, you could almost avoid the cold winter altogether.

11. Montreal is known for its festivals.

And not just in the summer when the weather is nice. Events like Igloofest keep residents and visitors partying all year long.

Gogobot’s mission is to help people find places to stay, eat, and play that are perfect for them. Plan your trip to Montreal on the Gogobot app for iOS and Android. 

5 Historic Highlights in Old Quebec City

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PHOTO: Chateau Frontenac. (All photos by Rosalind Cumming-Yeates)

Much of the old world beauty of Quebec City is centered around the 17th century architecture of Old Quebec. The looming fortified walls and the cobblestone streets really create the feeling of stepping back in time. It's a really walkable city so the best way to explore is on foot. There are lots of guided walking tours but if you love DIY excursions, here are some standout sites to visit:

Chateau Frontenac

More than any other site in Quebec City, the prominent, steeple-topped building of Chateau Frontenac symbolizes the history and 17th century aesthetic of the city. Located on a cliff overlooking the St. Lawrence River, the red brick exterior is patterned after the medieval chateaux in France's Loire Valley. Built in 1892 by the Canadian railway to lure tourists to the train system, the hotel's elaborate elegance continues to win over visitors. It's said to be the most photographed hotel in the world, and the fairytale castle layout reveals why. Sitting in the middle of Old Quebec and filled with crystal chandeliers and luxurious design, Chateau Frontenac is an essential landmark.

The Parliament Building

The grand facade of the parliament building is hard to miss. Perched on top of a hill and outfitted with 26 bronze statues, fountains and a garden, this 1886 structure is illuminated at night and attracts non-stop visitors. The building still houses the National Assembly as well as a restaurant, library and exhibits. You can take a guided tour or just roam the lovely grounds, like I did.

Cathedral-Basilica of Notre Dame de Quebec

Erected in 1647, the Cathedral-Basilica Notre Dame de Quebec was originally the first parish church in North America. It was declared a cathedral in 1674 and was re-decorated with stained glass windows, gold leaf and elaborate art. Several re-constructions from military bombardments and fires have established the cathedral as a restored historic monument. Bishops, cardinals and former governors of New France are buried in the cathedral's crypt and a gleaming sanctuary lamp that was a gift from Louis XIV are standout artifacts.

Aux Anciens Canadiens

It's easy to pass up this red-roofed building, it blends in well with the surrounding shops but this house was built in 1675, making it the oldest house in the Quebec region. It's been transformed into a restaurant that serves up authentic Quebecois food featuring caribou and lots of maple syrup. Each of the five rooms in Aux Anciens Canadiens displays a different theme and the staff wears period costumes for a thorough reminder of old Quebec.

Breakneck Staircase

There are almost 30 sets of stairs scattered around Old Quebec, linking the upper and lower parts of the town. I thought I was hearing a bad French translation when I heard the name of the Breakneck Staircase but once I learned that they are the city's oldest staircase, build in 1635, I understood the meaning. Rickety and narrow, the Breakneck Stairs connect Petit-Champlain with cote de la Montagne. It's said that the stairs are particularly treacherous when covered with the region's ubiquitous ice and snow, but I had a special adventure navigating the steps in the rain. Make no mistake, they aren't called breakneck just for the humor.

BY ROSALIND CUMMINGS-YEATES 

Quebec City: A Closer Pick Than Paris

Why Francophiles Are Flocking to Nouvelle France

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Quebec City on the St. Lawrence River

Why yearn for "April in Paris" when you can hum "Ete in Quebec" all season long. There may not be "chestnuts in blossom," but there's no need to cross the Atlantic to stroll the boulevards, practice your French, and linger at "holiday tables under the trees." The 400-year old outpost which was founded as Nouvelle France, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is thriving and one of the most charming, romantic -- and active -- cities in all of North America.

The lower part of town along the riverbank, where the city originated as an important St. Lawrence port, has been transformed into an enclave of meandering streets, art galleries, antiques shops, and boutiques set up in authentic stone buildings. Above on the bluff where colonial residents sought civility from the rough port trade, picturesque shops and galleries lead to the site of the battle where British forces overwhelmed and expelled the French on the Plains of Abraham in 1759, now a spacious national park and the scene of numerous reenactments and public events. 

Besides its renowned Winter Carnival, Quebec hosts festivals all year long. An invitation to July's major music celebration was the opportunity to experience the myriad charms of a city which also gives rise to -- feelings "no one can ever reprise."

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An outdoor concert venue

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That dot in the background is Mick Jagger strutting on stage

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Mainstage concert venue

ATTEND A FESTIVAL
Centerpiece of the summer is the eleven-day music extravaganza that is the 
Quebec City Summer Festival with international stars performing in three outdoor venues and on the streets -- over 300 acts in all. Attendees this year could see the Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Iggy Azelea, Megadeth, Deep Purple, Keith Urban. The charge for a pass covering all performances was around $80 US -- less than $10 per day!! 

0Costumed participants of the Fete de la Nouvelle France

August sees the colorful Festival de la Nouvelle France when the streets are crowded with participants wearing historic costumes, Quebec City Day commemorating the founding of the municipality, over 100 artists and craftspeople exhibiting at Plein Air Quebec, and other festivals devoted to opera, beer, Bordeaux wines, jazz, and Celtic culture-- and free fireworks spectaculars on six summer evenings. If Paris is the "City of Lights," Quebec is the "City of De-lights."

0Chateau Frontenac overlooks historic architecture

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Historic city gate

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Augustine Abbey bedroom

ADMIRE HISTORIC BUILDINGS
From stone buildings with corners rounded so goods unloaded from ships could pass through the narrow streets undamaged to roofs evolving from fire-hazard cedar to shingle and finally metal the city's architecture tells a story, a colorful theme exemplified by the reconstructed city gates and the turrets and exaggerated Mansard roof of the iconic Chateau Frontenac Hotel which towers over town. Opening this summer, the renovated 17th-century Augustine Monastery has been converted to a hotel and holistic center where guests attending wellness sessions can check into simple rooms where abbesses once resided.

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Musee national des beaux-arts du Quebec

0Streetside Art Installation

0Gallery Sculpture

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Soup can outdoor sculpture

0Albert Gilles Copper Art Studio

APPRECIATE ARTWORKS 
Housed partly in an historic prison, the National Museum is expanding into larger quarters. Art installations are scattered throughout city streets, often interactive to engage passersby. Art galleries, many housed in renovated buildings, showcase paintings and sculptures by local artists, craftspeople, and Inuit artists. Just outside the city, the skilled artisans of the Albert Gilles Copper Art Studio demonstrate the unique copper repousse method used to create church doors, plaques, jewelry. Visitors can view exhibits in the studio's museum and are given the opportunity to try the technique for themselves.

0Funiculaire connects upper and lower sections of town

0Carriage tour of the city

0Sidewalks Have Their Ups and Downs

GETTING AROUND
A handy finiculaire connects the upper and lower sections of town, but the city's multi-levels require visitors to step lively -- often up literally dozens of steps. Horse drawn carriages clip clop around town and the sightseeing Bus Rouge loop offers hop-on-and-off service with stops at the Citadel, Musee des Beaux-arts, and the Place Royale. Visitors can take to the water by trying the municipal ferry across the St. Lawrence or climbing aboard a Croisieres AML vessel for a bilingual cruise with breathtaking views of the city.

0Canyon Sainte-Anne

0Bridge over Montmorency Falls

ENJOY OUTDOOR RECREATION Besides walks around the city walls and thePlains of Abraham, several sites for hiking and outdoor activities lie within half an hour of the city limits. Montmorency Falls, almost 100 feet higher than Niagara, plunges to the St. Lawrence near the bridge to vernal l'Ile d'Orleans where travelers can visit farms to sample local wines, raspberry cassis, berries, and apples. Another waterfall gushes through the Canyon Ste-Anne which visitors cross by zip-line, rock climb with ferrata safety cables, or merely stroll around the picturesque perimeter.

0Holiday tables under the trees...

0Dining on the Grande Allee

0Fish and chips at Panache

0Salmon tartare at Le 47ieme Parallele

0Local berries at the farmers market

SAMPLE THE CUISINE
With whole streets virtually devoted to dining, it's no wonder Quebec boasts a record percentage of restaurants to populace. Grande Allee, Cartier Street, and Saint Anne Street all are lined with indoor and outdoor cafes, bistros, and bars where locals, tourists, and visitors sample local fare. Fresh foods are sourced from the nearby l'Ile d'Orleans and the downtown bustling farmers market opens every day from 9-5. Fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and corn precede the annual apple harvest and are supplemented all year by dozens of local cheeses and, of course delicacies concocted of maple syrup.

0Favorable exchange rate

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXCHANGE RATE 
Icing on the cake this year is the currency exchange rate. With the Canadian dollar worth only around 80 cents American, visitors get what amounts to around a 20 percent discount on purchases. Avoiding the overseas airfare and taking advantage of the exchange bonanza are just two more reasons to spend the whole season in the charming city that is North America's answer to Paris.

From Sharon Hoge. Follow her on Twitter: www.twitter.com/SharonKingHoge

Travelore Tips: The Top 10 Things To Eat And Drink In Quebec City

Owner and chocolatier Eric Normand savors his chocolat chaud at Erico's Choco-Musée in Quebec City.

Photograph by Susan Seubert

Tell someone who has been to Quebec City that you’re planning a trip there and, if they love you, they’ll begin to share all of the reasons you should eat from dawn until dusk. With foodie routes celebrating everything from cheese to wine criss-crossing the province, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the capital city has more than its fair share of delicious destinations. But while Montreal has reaped the popularity of the masses for years, the much smaller Quebec City has quietly stayed in the shadows cooking incredible meals for those who happened upon them. Now that fortunate adventurer is you, and your job is simply to visit, sample the cuisine, walk to the next restaurant, and repeat. Here are ten top dining options:

1. Poutine

   The ingredients are simple (hot, thick-cut French fries, gravy, and cheese curds) but together they are a legendary mess of goodness. The once lowbrow Quebec food item has become an international success story, with shops popping up across North America (even McDonald’s boasts a version) to the delight of new fans. But while you may be able to get poutine anywhere, it's in Quebec that you’ll come closest to the original. Listen for the squeak as you bite into the cheese curds (a sign that they’re fresh) and expect the gravy to make its way to the bottom of your bowl. You’ll find a simple version at Quebec fast food giant Chez Ashton. Consider it your control, then venture out to sample all of the variables. The coq au vin poutine at Le Chic Shack and the pulled pork offering atTalea Bistro Urbain are two great places to up the ante.

2. Ice Cider (Cidre de Glace)

   Canada has long been known for its ice wine, and ice cider, its Québécois counterpart, is equally enjoyable. Craft cider producers dot the province's Eastern Townships. It was they who first thought to let the apples freeze on the trees before picking and turning the concentrated nectar into an alcoholic indulgence. And with this year’s bitterly cold and long winter, the harvest is bound to be plentiful. The end result is plenty of local offerings throughout the city. With a typical 12 percent alcohol yield in each bottle, a little bit will do you as an after dinner drink or served with dessert. Watch for it on food menus as well. It's often one of the secret ingredients in the region's cuisine.

3. Dessert

   Like their European counterparts, Quebec City locals have perfected the art of a good dessert. Expect tasty sweets that are as pretty to look at as they are enjoyable to eat. For a traditionalist, sugar pie is a good place to start. Fistfights can break out over where to find the best one, but you’ll find one worth your fork at Le Cochon Dingue. Though not original to Quebec, crème brûlée has also found a following here. At the new Tournebroche restaurant in Old Quebec, they’ve taken their passion for the dessert to new levels. Here, you’ll find a different flavor of crème brûlée each day of the week. Options include the very Canadian maple bacon, the surprisingly good milk chocolate with lime.

4. Tourtière

   The traditional Québécois meat pie—typically made with minced beef, pork, or wild game, and cubed potatoes—remains a popular menu item in the city. You’ll find versions of the dish in supermarkets, but for the real deal you need to eat one made by a stickler for tradition. Try the pie at Aux Anciens Canadiens before sampling it elsewhere so you have a standard to measure all others by.

5. Local Cheese

   Quebec is world renowned for its award-winning cheeses. You’re here! It would be a mistake not to try as many as you can. Grab a basket and pop down to the farmers markets for a wide variety of local options. Both Marché du Vieux-Port and J.A. Moisan have great selections that won’t disappoint. Make sure to ask cheese mongers for Le Baluchon, which picked up the top spot at the Canadian Cheese Awards this year (the province netted a total of 14 awards). Want to sample in a more refined atmosphere? Pop in for a cinq-à-sept (after-work drink) at Le Moine Echanson. The menu is in French but the waiters are always happy to translate.

6. Melted Cheese

   You’ll have to decide if you’re a dipper or a scraper before you settle in for your melted cheese meal in this city. Dippers will want to partake in one of the city’s many popular fondue spots, including La Grolla, where a long fork and a choice of meats, vegetables, and breads meet their melted cheese demise in a simmering pot of the good stuff. Scrapers will want to try Le Petit Coin Latin (8½ rue Sainte-Ursule, Québec). It’s where the locals head for raclette—melted cheese scraped onto plates with potatoes, vegetables, and meat. The food is great but the atmosphere and history will impress as well. The restaurant is well known for being featured in Bury Your Dead, a murder mystery set in Quebec.

7. Maple Syrup

   The French-Canadian sugar shack may be a spring staple, but the products that result from maple sap that's been boiled for hours at a time are a year-round reward. To hoist a bottle of anything but real maple syrup in Quebec City would be sacrilegious (Aunt Jemima is a no-no). Expect to taste a bit of maple flavor on more than just your pancakes. From ice cream to baked goods—and even mixed with cream as a dip for homemade bread—you’ll find the sweetness is everywhere. Like it? Make a mental note to return in the winter for tire sur la neige, a cool, sticky treat where the syrup is carefully poured on snow and wrapped around a Popsicle stick. Maple Delights offers plenty of options for sweet souvenirs.

8. Local Craft Beer

   The city's brewpub scene has been building since the opening of L’Inox—one of the first modern microbreweries in Quebec City—in 1987. Today you’ll find more than 80 breweries and brewpubs in the city and surrounding areas. L’Inox is still going strong. Their full-flavored, low-alcohol-content offerings are meant for long, lingering afternoons people-watching on La Grande Allée. On the other side of town, La Barberie offers the same in the up-and-coming St. Roch area. Build your own brewery tour with these at its base and be sure to include La Korrigane and, if you’re willing to hop in a cab, L’Archibald as well.

9. Crepes

   Forget what you think you know about crepes. Thin and tiny? Not here. Expect offerings the size of small pizzas before they're folded over into fork-and-knife-worthy triangles. The most popular choice is Casse-Crêpe Breton, where you’ll forget the long lines after you’ve sampled the apples-and-Swiss cheese option.

10. Hot Chocolate (Chocolat Chaud)

    True, it’s most popular in the colder months, but the slightest evening chill or a much needed morning pick-me-up can be the perfect excuse for this hot and sweet treat. Add some education to your sampling with a visit to Erico’s Choco Musée (634 rue Saint-Jean). The hot chocolate menu offers choices that range from the milk chocolate-based Ti-Mousse to the pudding-like Italian. While you wait, learn all about chocolate production at the small museum inside.
11. Contributed by Heather Greenwood Davis
12. Follow us on Twitter: @TraveloreReport