Here’s How to Visit Europe Without Leaving North America
Got eyes on Europe but don’t have the time or money? Quebec City is a great alternative
f11photo / Shutterstock
If you’ve ever dreamed of strolling through the cobblestone streets of Paris, sipping espresso at a sidewalk café in Rome, or getting lost in the medieval charm of Bruges—but don’t have the time or budget for a transatlantic flight—there’s a city right here in North America that delivers an experience so authentically European, you might just forget you're still in Canada.
Quebec City is a slice of Old World Europe, sitting proudly on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, where French culture, architecture, and cuisine create a travel experience unlike any other on the continent.
The Architecture: A Time Capsule of French and British Influence
Anne Richard / Shutterstock
Quebec City is the only fortified city north of Mexico, and its Old Town, or Vieux-Québec, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking through its gates is like stepping into a living museum of European history. The upper and lower towns are connected by steep staircases and a funicular, much like the hilly cities of France. The Château Frontenac, an iconic, castle-like hotel that dominates the skyline, looks straight out of the Loire Valley. It’s said to be the most photographed hotel in the world, and once you see its fairytale turrets, you’ll understand why.
Wander down Rue du Petit-Champlain, one of the oldest commercial streets in North America, and you'll find stone buildings with wooden shutters, wrought-iron balconies, and hanging flower baskets—details reminiscent of a village in Provence or Alsace. The Place Royale, a charming square with 17th-century stone houses, is where Samuel de Champlain founded the city in 1608. Stand there for a moment and soak it in; you could easily be in a town square in Normandy.
Recommended Quebec City Experiences
For an even deeper dive into history, visit the Citadel, an active military fortress with star-shaped walls designed in the style of European defenses. It's a stronghold that has stood since the 17th century, offering stunning views over the river and a glimpse into Quebec’s role in North American history. At dusk, the street lamps of Old Quebec cast a golden glow over the stone streets, making it feel like you’re in a fairytale town frozen in time.
French Culture Without the Transatlantic Flight
Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock
Quebec is the heart of Francophone culture in North America, and the locals take pride in their European roots. French is the official language, and while many people speak English, the city feels worlds apart from the rest of Canada. The café culture thrives here—lingering over a café au lait and a buttery croissant at Paillard feels just as authentic as any Parisian experience.
Everywhere you go, there’s an unmistakable joie de vivre. Street musicians play the accordion in the summer, and art galleries line Rue du Trésor, an open-air street gallery reminiscent of Montmartre in Paris. Even the pace of life feels more European; people walk more, meals last longer, and the emphasis is on enjoying the moment rather than rushing through it.
For a deeper cultural experience, time your visit with the annual New France Festival, where locals dress in 17th-century period costumes, reenact historic events, and bring the city's French colonial past to life. This festival, held in August, feels like a scene straight out of a French historical drama.
A Culinary Scene That Rivals Any French City
JohnInNorthYork / Shutterstock
Quebec City’s food scene is unapologetically French, with a touch of Canadian flair. Bistros serve up classics like coq au vin, duck confit, and escargots, while bakeries dish out pain au chocolat and tarte au sucre. If you want to go full French, head to Le Saint-Amour, a fine-dining institution where the dishes look like they belong in a Michelin-starred Parisian restaurant.
For a more casual experience, stop at Aux Anciens Canadiens, housed in a 1675 stone building, for a taste of old-school Quebecois cuisine—think tourtière (a spiced meat pie) and maple-laden desserts. And of course, no visit would be complete without trying poutine, a Canadian staple elevated to gourmet status in Quebec City’s best eateries.
If you love wine and cheese, you’re in the right place. The region’s fromageries produce artisanal cheeses that could hold their own in any French market, and the nearby Île d’Orléans offers wine tasting experiences that will transport you to the vineyards of Bordeaux. For an immersive experience, visit Cassis Monna & Filles, a vineyard specializing in blackcurrant liqueurs, and sip their crème de cassis while overlooking the rolling countryside.
A Winter Wonderland Straight Out of the Alps
Visiting in winter? Lucky you. Quebec City in the colder months is the closest thing to a European Christmas market this side of the Atlantic. The German-style Christmas Market, with its twinkling lights and wooden stalls selling mulled wine and gingerbread, could easily be mistaken for something you'd find in Munich or Strasbourg.
The annual Winter Carnival is one of the largest in the world and brings all the fun of Alpine festivals—ice sculptures, tobogganing, outdoor concerts, and even a canoe race through the frozen St. Lawrence. The carnival’s Bonhomme, a jovial snowman mascot, is as famous in Quebec as Santa Claus is in Europe. If skiing is your thing, Mont-Sainte-Anne and Le Massif de Charlevoix are just a short drive away, offering powder-covered slopes that feel like they belong in the French or Swiss Alps.
And then there’s the Hôtel de Glace, a hotel made entirely of ice, where you can sip cocktails from ice glasses and sleep under thermal blankets in a structure that looks like something out of a Nordic fairytale.
The Romance of Old Europe, the Convenience of North America
Quebec City offers all the charm, beauty, and history of a European getaway, without the jet lag, currency exchange, or long-haul flights. Whether you’re sipping wine on a terrace, exploring centuries-old streets, or indulging in a decadent meal that could rival any in France, you’ll quickly realize why this city is one of North America’s best-kept travel secrets.
For those who crave adventure, Quebec also offers an easy gateway to the great outdoors. The stunning Montmorency Falls, just a short drive from the city, are taller than Niagara Falls and provide breathtaking views in both summer and winter. For something even more off-the-beaten-path, explore Jacques-Cartier National Park, where dramatic fjords and river valleys make you feel like you’ve stepped into a European alpine retreat.
If you've ever wanted to visit Europe but haven’t quite made the trip, Quebec City is the next best thing—and possibly even better in its own unique way. Pack your bags, brush up on your French, and prepare to be transported. Bon voyage—without ever leaving the continent!
Read Next
