I think most Americans are surprised when they visit Quebec City, Canada for the first time. For one thing, it feels like an ancient city. It’s the only city in North America with its original city walls. Quebec is very dramatic, perched high on a cliff overlooking the St. Lawrence Seaway. It has a long and fascinating history. It was the capitol of New France in the 16th century.

Quebec was founded by the French in order to stake their claim on the new world. It is situated on cliffs 200 feet high above the St Lawrence River, giving it stunning views of the countryside and the nearby Laurentian Mountains. Under French rule, the fur and lumber trades flourished. The French lost the city to the British in 1759 and most of the French Nobility returned to France. The French were able to maintain their language, religion and culture, however. The city saw a huge Irish influx during the Potato Famine of 1850. The ships had to be quarantined at Grosse Ile due cholera and typhus outbreaks among the immigrants, however, and many died. Those that didn’t survive the disease or the journey are buried there. The city remained under British Rule until 1867 when the Dominion of Canada was formed.

English is widely spoken in Quebec, although French is the official language, and some attempt to use the language is appreciated. Most road signs are printed in both English and French, and things like menus tend to be bi-lingual as well.

It is pretty easy to get around Quebec. Everything most people want to see is in the Old Town (Vieux-Quebec). And Old Town is divided into two distinct areas: the upper walled city called Haute-Ville (Upper Town), and the area between the Haute-Ville and the river, called the Basse-Ville (Lower Town). So when someone gives you directions, knowing if it’s in Haute-Ville or Basse-Ville makes it really simple. To get between the two, you can negotiate a steep set of stairs called the Escalier Casse-Cou (Breakneck Stairs), or take the funicular, which is a little tram.

The most recognizable landmark in Quebec City is the Chateau Frontenac, the huge historic hotel that overlooks the city. The Chateau dominates the skyline with its castle like architecture, and is the scene for many events. Legend has it that it is the most photographed hotel in North America.

To explore Old Town, you will want to put on a good pair of shoes and walk. Everything is fairly close, and you don’t want to miss a thing. You will see lovely old buildings, quaint shops, flower-bedecked buildings, and a still-life around every corner. Take your time, take your camera, and revel in the unique charm of Quebec City.