Arriving in Quebec was one of the highlights of my trip. After traveling through Europe, it felt both familiar and completely new. I was welcomed at the local OWHC office, where people took the time to explain the city’s heritage and gave me tips on where to go. It was a friendly start that made me feel connected right away.
Quebec’s old town is like stepping into France on another continent. Narrow cobblestone streets, small cafés, and colorful houses climb up the hill towards the Château Frontenac, the grand hotel that looks like a castle watching over the city. Walking through the upper and lower town, I could feel how much the French heritage still shapes daily life here. People speak French, the food has its own local twist, and the atmosphere feels both European and North American at the same time.
Beyond the city, I also visited Jacques Cartier National Park. It is a huge natural area only a short drive from Quebec, with mountains, rivers, and endless forests. Hiking there showed me another side of heritage. It is not only the old walls and streets that matter, but also the landscapes that have been preserved and protected. In the park I had moments of quiet, looking at the wide valleys, that balanced the lively city experience.
For me, Quebec brought together many layers of heritage: the cultural history in the old town, the iconic landmark of the Château Frontenac, the living French traditions, and the natural heritage of the surrounding wilderness.
