Skiing replaces running
The average temperature along the St. Lawrence River in January is -8 to -18°C, but the cold here is no reason to cancel your daily practice of endurance sports. So instead of sneakers, Quebecers wore theirs skis and the well-groomed rings of the city rush with enthusiasm. Near the Parc de la Riviere in the Saint-Charles park, a classic and very accessible cross-country trail of more than 8 km runs every day along the districts of Limousin, Saint-Sauveur and Saint-Roch. Similarly, the Plains of Abraham, a huge urban park and historic site south of Old Quebec, features 14 km of trails for different levels with views of the river. This site has also been recognized by the world elite of the discipline and received a World Cup skiing stage.
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Extreme sports are going urban
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There is a sport whose practice seems unimaginable elsewhere than in a wild and mountainous environment, and which nevertheless has its place in Quebec; the iceberg. Located 5 minutes from the center, the Montmorency waterfall facing the Ile d’Orléans bridge attracts many tourists throughout the year. The setting is spectacular and the 83m falls are 30m taller than Niagara Falls. The ice on the rocks surrounding the waterfall here offers climbers with crampons and ice axes routes ranging from 40 to 100 meters for all levels (Grade 2 to Grade 5+). The mountaineer who reached the top smiles to us all his feelings. “It’s extraordinary, the exposure is ideal, the fall next to ‘bumps’… It’s crazy. And all this right in the city. »
Now it’s time to try an equally extreme activity. ice boat, On the St. Lawrence. What was originally a means of transport between Quebec and the banks of the Lévis has become a sport with its own license holders and its own competitions, the most famous of which has been taking place for 67 years in connection with the Quebec Carnival. in February. With experienced staff and incredible equipment: neoprene socks and shoes, shins, crampons and… Lifejacket (!); we find ourselves on the frozen shores, facing a boat 8.60 m long and weighing 100 kg. A crew of rowers must cross the river by pushing the boat over a maze of ice, and when it becomes liquid again, jump off the boat to row between real icebergs; An unforgettable experience charged with adrenaline and tested in sport mode at -30°C. But it can also be experienced in much milder conditions, allowing you to indulge in guided tours, including a hot chocolate break.
Skating brings everyone back to childhood
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As we walk under the snowflakes, we discover ice rinks in the bends of every street, from where we hear the cries and laughter of young and old breaking the ice. There are 96 outdoor rinks in Quebec.
These fields are also where the sport that runs in the veins of all Canadians is practiced; hockey ! So many of them come home from school in the evenings or on weekends to put on jerseys and protective gear, grab their crosses to go full speed ahead. These district glaciers, often free, alternative hockey schedules with public skating slots for the whole family to enjoy.
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And whoever says sliding, of course says sledding, regardless of age. on the one hand, symbolic Dufferin Terrace Slides, which have made young and old scream in front of the castle since 1884. And not far from there is the largest winter sports center in America. Valcartier village. A 43-track site designed and dedicated to pure and simple sliding, on huge inner tubes… Or how to find your 10 years on the slide.
Of course, this country is synonymous with wide open spaces, nature, the wild, the beautiful are everywhere, and it only takes a few minutes to drive there, follow bear tracks, fish on frozen lakes and take your dog sledding… But simple happiness. When it comes to playing in the snow and ice skating, Quebecers know how to capture it in the heart of the city and keep their spirits up.
Good addresses in Quebec
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Skiing
Fields of Abraham. free access to 13.9km of trails for beginners, intermediates and experts. There are also two heated relays and an equipment rental point.
835, avenue Wilfrid-Laurier – Quebec, QC. Such. +1 418 649 6157. www.lesplainesdabraham.ca
Pointe-aux-Lièvres website. the path stretches over 8 km from the Aqueduc pedestrian bridge to the Dufferin-Montmorency bridge, on the edge of the Saint-Charles river. The rental trailer is located at Parc de la Pointe-aux-Lièvres. Free entry.
332, rue Domagaya – Quebec, QC. Such. +1 418 691 4710. www.societerivierestcharles.qc.ca
ICE WEATHER
Due to construction at Montmorency Falls, ice climbing is currently unavailable. But there are plenty of other spots outside the city, such as Saint-Alban Portneuf Regional Natural Park, ideal for beginners and intermediates, about an hour’s drive from downtown Quebec.
As well as : initiation and refinement at Grimpe en ville in a magical setting in the center of Rivière-du-Loup.
Aventurex, 5300 Boulevard Sainte-Anne, Beauport, QC. Such. +1 418 647 4422.
ICE CANOE
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The 3-hour trip on a tidal schedule includes supervision, equipment, basic instruction in technique and leader conditions, and one hour on the river. Calculate CAD $185 per person.
Canoe à Glace Québec, Salle du Quai du Cap Blanc – 615 Boulevard Champlain, Québec. Such. +1 418 438 2996.
ice skating
Place d’Youville, home to the city’s must-see skating rink, with music and outdoor light effects to the Capitol. Free admission, $8 skate rental.
995, place D’Youville – La Cité-Limoilou. Such. +1 418 641 6256.
Quebec City’s website provides daily updates on the condition of its many ice rinks. www.ville.quebec.qc.ca heading leisures.
SLIDES:
Dufferin Terrace At an altitude of 80 m, the view of the Chateau Frontenac, the St. Lawrence River and Lower Town is stunning. A must-have tourist trick that still allows you to spin at 70km/h. $3 per slide.
Place Terrasse Dufferin, Quebec, QC. Such. +1 418 528 1884. www.au1884.ca
Valcartier village Amusement park atmosphere, but incredibly efficient in terms of skating. Laughter and adrenaline are guaranteed. Entrance from 26 dollars, also open in the evening.
1860 Valcartier Boulevard, Valcartier. Such. +1 888 384 5524. www.valcartier.com
Travel
GO
Air France, Air Canada or Air Transat offer several daily flights from Paris. To lower the ticket price, choose the Paris-Montreal trip and connect to Quebec City by bus (average 3 hours by car).
OR SLEEP?
The German
A very nice boutique hotel ideally located in the heart of the historic Old Port district. Unparalleled reception and service and a tastefully decorated and very comfortable room. A warm and elegant atmosphere at the same time. We love the hot chocolate and tea served on request throughout the day. From $163 for a double room.
Hotel Le Germain, 126 rue Saint-Pierre, Quebec. Such. +1 888 833 5253.
Capitol
The historic 1900 theater reopened its doors last fall, completely renovated and equipped with a 109-room hotel offering panoramic views of the Old Town and the Laurentians. Starting from 119 dollars for one night in a double room.
Le Capitole, 972 rue St-Jean, Quebec. Such. +1 418 694 4444.
GOOD TABLE
Do it
This is the address that currently has the wind in its sails. The menu is unique and comes in 5 courses. Seasonal and local products are in the spotlight. crab from Gaspésie, strawberries from Quebec, organic vegetables from Charlevoix… And the chef, who is French, disappears the boundaries between the dining room and the ovens, the waiters and the cooks. $70 menu.
Arvi Restaurant, 519 3rd Ave. Quebec. Such. +1 581 742 4202.
Ask about: www.quebec-cite.com & www.quebecoriginal.com.
Source: Le Figaro
I’m Ashley Mark, a news website author for Buna Times. I specialize in writing articles about current trends and breaking news stories. With my passion for uncovering the truth behind every story, I strive to bring readers the most up-to-date information available.