Québec City Tr@vel News - April 2014

The 350th anniversary of the Notre-Dame Basilica-Cathedral

Notre-Dame de Québec is both the first cathedral built on the continent and the first Catholic parish established in the Americas north of the Spanish colonies. The celebration of this milestone will not only highlight different aspects of Québec City society (faith, history, families, heritage and culture), but will see an important legacy be bequeathed to future generations. In addition to the many activities organized in association with the 350th Jubilee, Notre-Dame de Québec will also have the honour of having the first Holy Door installed outside Europe. The faithful are encouraged to follow in the footsteps of the city’s founding residents and embark on a pilgrimage to pass through the Holy Door. The religious heritage across the Québec City region comprises over 130 churches, twenty convent chapels, two cathedrals and two basilicas. Each of these ancestral sites bears witness to the origins of the many immigrants who settled in what once was the colony of New France. notredamedequebec.org/en/

Major annual events in Québec City

Québec City hosts a wide range of major family, artistic, cultural and sport events all year long. See the calendar of events for more information. www.quebecregion.com/en/media/activities-attractions/major-events

Îlot des Palais opens its doors on July 3, 2014

Fascinating new interactive exhibit Îlot des Palais — Revelations This impressive historical and archeological site will soon be open to the public, where 18th century vaults can be explored by means of a new interactive exhibit featuring cutting-edge technology: floor maps, projections, 3D imagery and more! Visitors of all ages will experience what life was like at this site some 300 years ago. The many institutions and businesses once located at this site include the Jean Talon and Boswell breweries, the Intendant’s Palace, and the royal prisons and magazines. L'Îlot des Palais 8, rue Vallière Vieux-Québec Basse-Ville 418 692-1441, poste 224 lilotdespalais@videotron.ca

A girls’ night out or a weekend with the boys?

If you like going out and having a good time, then you’re in luck! The Québec City region has a vibrant nightlife you won’t want to pass up! We have great shopping for the ladies (tonnes of stores and boutiques to choose from!), and lots of X-treme sports, pro sports games and concerts for the guys. In Québec City, you will always have the opportunity to have fun and party! You and your girlfriends (or you and that special someone) may want to relax and be pampered during your stay in the Québec City region. Visit one of the many wellness centres and spas, where you can get a soothing massage; take a Turkish, steam or whirlpool bath; get a body wrap; take a hydrotherapy treatment; or sit in a Finnish sauna. These wellness centres are open year-round to provide a relaxing getaway. Enjoy the benefits of alternating between hot and cold treatments at a Nordic spa in the countryside, or choose from among the full range of services offered at a wellness centre downtown. Gentlemen, if you want to prove how tough you are, then the Québec City region is ready for you! We have a whole range of physically and mentally challenging outdoor activities that will put you to the ultimate test. White-water rafting? We got it. Rock climbing? Your pick: standard cliff-face or waterfall. Mountain biking? Check. And there are a lot more things to try! Take a look at our offer and see for yourself! And you can cap off the day spent having fun with your friends with a delicious gourmet meal! www.quebecregion.com/en/what-to-do/activities-attractions/young-adult   Photo : Steve Deschenes, Sépaq.

New France Route

This spring, explore the fascinating historical and cultural attractions of the Beaupré Coast by following the New France Route. Experience natural beauty and the arts in a gorgeous setting! You can sample the wares of the Domaine L’Ange-Gardien vineyard, whose fortified white wine L’Ange-Gardien won the 2011 public’s choice gold medal. Domaine L’Ange-Gardien only produces wine and iced wine of the highest quality made from superior grapes carefully tended and harvested onsite. So savour a glass of the Beaupré Coast’s finest. Visit Atelier Paré, the wood sculpting Economuseum, where Québécois legends are told through wood or fibre-glass sculptures. The perfect place to learn about oral tradition, the ancestor of social media and tweeting. Meet craftspeople who share their love of sculpting and use their works of art to tell local myths and legends. Spring into spring on the Beaupré Coast! David Dorion CLD de la Côte-de-Beaupré 418-827-5256, poste 207 david.dorion@cldcdb.net www.cotedebeaupre.com/en

One of North America’s favourite airports

In the last four years (2010, 2011 and 2013), Jean Lesage International Airport has been rated as North America’s favourite airport in its category three times in the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) survey conducted by the Airports Council International (ACI). What’s more, passenger traffic at YQB has risen for eleven years straight. A record number of 1 475 717 passengers travelled through YQB this year, a 9.9% increase from 2012. Work on the second phase to modernize the terminal continued in 2013. As of the fall of 2014, several other projects will be launched to expand the international flight area. Jonathan Trudeau Aéroport international Jean-Lesage de Québec jtrudeau@yqb.ca www.aeroportdequebec.com/en/