Québec City Arts and Culture

More than 400 years after its founding, Québec City remains one of the most distinctive places in North America. What’s its secret?

Discover for yourself the charm and dynamism of this UNESCO World Heritage site as you trace the history of Québec City from its founding as a small French settlement to a 21st-century cultural hub. Walk the cobblestone streets with a local historian who will tell the dramatic stories of the showdown between the English and the French on the Plains of Abraham in 1759, and the cliffhanging moments of the referendums on Quebec sovereignty in the late 20th century. Take in monumental works at the contemporary and Inuit galleries at the Museum of Fine Arts that show the visual connections and divisions between the Quebec of past and present. In this multifaceted journey through Québec City, you’ll explore what it means to be Québecois — and what Québec City means to you.

Guided tours with a local historian will help us trace the path to revolution, from the founding of Québec through the present. We’ll also follow in the footsteps of detective novelist Louise Penny, whose works frequently address the idea of a changing Québec. Through visits to cultural institutions like the Maison de la Littérature and Le Diamant, you’ll come away with an appreciation for contemporary literature and a better understanding of how 20th-century educational, political, and social reforms made today’s Québec.

All this while enjoying one of North America’s oldest and most beautiful cities. June offers warm weather and long days, with plenty of time to enjoy the city’s charming historic streets, outdoor dining scene, and gorgeous views over the St. Lawrence River from the Château Frontenac and other landmarks.

You’ll unwind from the day’s activities in distinctive accommodation. Le Monastère des Augustines is a former monastery run by the Augustinian sisters, who arrived in 1639. The cells and cloisters have been turned into bright, comfortable rooms and public spaces with a focus on relaxation and healing.

Join us to explore the fascinating multicultural and multilingual literary heritage of Québec City, UNESCO City of Literature.