While the romance of the capital is largely contained within Vieux-Québec's Lower and Upper towns, there is much to experience outside the Old City. On your third day, try to make time for at least one or two of the following attractions, toward the western end of Parc des Champs-de-Bataille (Battlefields Park). Start: Musée des Beaux-Arts.
1. Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec
Inside Parc des Champs-de-Bataille (Battlefields Park, which contains the Plains of Abraham) is the capital's most important art museum. It focuses on Inuit sculpture and the works of Québec-born artisans. The original 1933 museum is connected to a newer structure by a glass-roofed pavilion that has a reception area, museum shop, and cafe.
Walk outside into:
2. Parc des Champs-de-Bataille
Get some fresh air with a stroll through the 108 hectares (267 acres) that comprise Canada's first national urban park and the city's playground. Within its rolling hills are two Martello towers, cylindrical stone defensive structures built between 1808 and 1812, as well as cycling and rollerblading paths and picnic grounds.
Head back to the main street, Grand-Allée, and cross over to the perpendicular street:
3. Avenue Cartier
Just a few blocks from the museum, avenue Cartier is part of the laid-back residential Montcalm district. There are intriguing shops and restaurants here.
4. Café Krieghoff
This cheerful cafe has an outdoor terrace a few steps up from the sidewalk. On weekend mornings, it's packed with artsy locals of all ages, whose tables are piled high with bowls of café au lait and huge plates of egg dishes, sweet pastries, or classics like steak frites. 1089 av. Cartier. tel. 418/522-3711.
5. Grande-Allée
Walk back to Grande-Allée and turn left to get back to the Old City. There's a gentle downhill slope. After about 3 blocks, the shoulder-to-shoulder rows of cafes and clubs begin. One great way to end the day is with a stop at L'Astral, the restaurant and bar atop Loews le Concorde Hotel, at the corner of Cours du Général-De Montcalm. The room spins slowly and lets you look back at all the places you've been.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
