Things to do in Québec City
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J.B. Laliberté
Founded in 1867, this furrier has grown into one of Canada’s major players. You’ll find fancy collections of furs, coats, accessories and more, quite reasonably priced.
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IMAX Les Galeries de la Capitale
Like all IMAX theaters, this shopping-mall wonder screens specially produced adventure, nature and historical films on oversized screens. Most films are in French, and families love it.
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Le Théâtre Capitole
A terrific, historic old theater that now stages everything from musicals to concerts. Check out the sumptuous attached hotel. This is where Hitchcock held his I Confess premiere.
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Le Cercle
Restaurant, art gallery and show venue, this very cool joint draws a hip crowd for its underground DJs and bands, ranging from indie rock to electronica. Affordable tapas sweeten the deal.
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Le Grand Théâtre de Québec
Le Grand Théâtre is the city’s main performing-arts center with a steady diet of top-quality classical concerts, dance and theater. The Opéra de Québec also performs here.
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Fruits & Passion
This well-known international chain of natural aromatherapy bath and beauty products sells lovely, familiar products whose scents and sense of pampering are a welcome relief to road warriors.
reviewed
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Paul Gaston L'anglais
Affable archaeologist Paul gives excellent, novel, thematically diverse walking tours (eg beer brewing, cemeteries of Old Québec, parks) when not zipping around town researching on his bike.
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Chez Dagobert
Multifloors, multibars, multiscreens – the capital’s classic disco behemoth has everything from live rock to naughty DJs. The music may change; the young, randy crowd stays the same.
reviewed
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L’amour Sorcier
The tamer atmosphere at this café-bar is mainly enjoyed by lesbians, but gay men are welcome too. The gay community may be small but the lesbian one is even smaller and this is the only horse in town.
reviewed
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Running Room
This Alberta-based chain sells running shoes and accessories but also has free group runs led by an employee. Just meet at the store. It also has fantastic route maps that you can download from its website.
reviewed
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Fixion
Québec’s love affair with all things Latino is bizarre but heartfelt. This Latin nightclub features live bands, DJs and dancing to reggae, salsa, bachata and merengue. Olé.
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Galerie d’estampe Plus
A terrific gallery specializing in prints by Quebecers. The artists’ biographies are pasted on the walls and there are plenty of postcards and greeting cards if you can’t afford the real thing.
reviewed
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Vêtements 90 Degrés
Set up by a Québec City artist who decided to slap simple, strong images and cheeky French text onto T-shirts and tank tops, this store is now going gangbusters. Even non-French speakers are taken with the shirts.
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La Petite Cabane À Sucre du Québec
Maple syrup is a massive industry in Québec, and this adorable little shop sells it in every shape and form: candies, delicacies, ice cream, snacks, syrup-related accessories and, of course, the sweet stuff itself.
reviewed
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Le Petit Cochon Dingue
Just down the street from Le Cochon Dingue, this dapper little café and patisserie is a fine destination for coffee, desserts, salads, baguette sandwiches or grilled panini. The helpful staff keep the crowds moving.
reviewed
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Musée de L’abeille
Northeast of Québec City on Hwy 138 is honey store and bee museum Musée de l’Abeille. It gets good reviews from families (kids for the ‘safari, ’ parents for the honey wine!).
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Les Salons D’edgar
The unofficial ‘official’ hangout for the city’s theater community. The eavesdropping here is as much fun as the drinking – you’ll be privy to conversations on roles lost and roles gained.
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Le Pape Georges
With live music at least three nights a week (more in the summer) from 10pm, this charming wine bistro located in a 300-year-old house also serves cheeses, meats and baguettes with a healthy dollop of Québécois culture.
reviewed
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Giant Toboggan Slide
Whether summer or deepest, darkest winter, Québec City locals take to the outdoors. Outside the Château Frontenac, the scenic Terrasse Dufferin along the riverfront stages the giant toboggan slide during the winter.
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Myco Anna
Old meets new at this bright and daring women’s fashion line’s signature shop. Launched in 1996, Myco Anna is known for bright, patchworky, flirty and sexy dresses – all made from at least some recycled material.
reviewed
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Epicerie de la Rue Couillard
Hidden on one of Upper Town’s pretty backstreets, this pleasant little bakery and gourmet grocery whips up delicious fresh-baked goodies and tasty sandwiches, and is something of a local secret. Stop in early for the best selection.
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Pavillon de la Jeunesse
The city’s brand-new basketball team, the Québec Kebs play at the 5000-seat stadium of Pavillon de la Jeunesse. In the Atlantic division of the Premier Basketball League, the Kebs play from December through March.
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Aviatic Club
This elegant wine bar and restaurant is nestled in the historic Gare du Palais train station and attracts a professional crowd. A rotating list of 50 wines is served by the glass, and a vibrant terrace, featuring live DJs, is open during summer.
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Le Petit Coin Latin
For a French-style breakfast, try this excellent, European spot near Rue St-Jean for croissants, muffins or eggs. In summer you can eat the low-priced lunch specials out on the patio. A wide variety of fresh salads and soups rounds out the menu.
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Les Tours Voir Québec
This group offers a handful of excellent tours covering the history and architecture of Old Québec City. The popular two-hour ‘grand tour’ takes in the highlights of the old quarters (adult/child/student $22/11/20). Reserve ahead.
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