Canadian spot crowned top 'fairytale city' that feels like Europe
For many Canadians, a trip to Europe can be expensive. But luckily, you don’t have to cross the Atlantic to experience cobblestone streets, Gothic architecture, and charming town squares.
There’s a spot right here in Canada that offers all that and more, at a fraction of the price.
Travel outlet Travel Off Path recently released its list of 10 North American cities that feel just like Europe, and Quebec City came out on top.
Dubbed a “fairytale getaway without the jet lag,” Quebec’s capital was compared to a historic French alpine village, earning praise for its authentic French culture, romantic winter atmosphere, and impressive fortified walls.
In fact, Quebec City is the only remaining fortified city north of Mexico, making its historic charm all that more special.
One of its most impressive landmarks is the Citadelle of Quebec, a star-shaped active military fortress built by the British between 1820 and 1831 on Cap Diamant. The city is also home to the Fortifications of Quebec, a 4.6-kilometre network of stone ramparts, bastions, and historic gates surrounding Old Quebec’s Upper Town.
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And if that’s not enough to make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Disney movie, Quebec City is also home to North America’s only ice hotel: Hôtel de Glace.
Every winter, visitors from around the world bundle up to spend a night or two at the unique hotel equipped with hand-sculpted suites, fur-covered beds, tasteful ice sculptures, and walls made entirely of snow and ice.
Travel Off Path also gave a special shoutout to the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, the iconic five-star hotel that “dominates the skyline and makes the whole city look like a postcard.”
According to the Province, American architect Bruce Price designed the landmark in 1893 for the Canadian Pacific Railway. Its Châteauesque architecture was inspired by the medieval castles of France’s Loire Valley, with steep copper roofs, dramatic turrets, and imposing stone walls.
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And for anyone dreaming of a trip to Paris, a stroll through Quebec City’s Quartier Petit Champlain might be the next best thing — minus the Eiffel Tower, of course.
Known as one of the city’s most picturesque neighbourhoods, the historic street is filled with narrow cobblestone streets, stone buildings, dozens of boutiques, and bistros that mirror the ones you can find in Europe.
Quebec City has also earned plenty of international recognition over the years. Iceland’s JustCover has recognized it as one of the most colourful cities in the world, while Condé Nast Traveler has named it an underrated travel spot.
Getting there from elsewhere in Canada will certainly be cheaper than flying across the ocean.
Round-trip flights to Quebec City from Vancouver with Porter Airlines cost around $681, while flights from Calgary average around $580, according to Google Flights.
Of course, once you get there, you could splurge on a stay at the Château Frontenac, where rooms range from $455 to $4,000 for a suite. But the great thing about the city is that there are plenty of other more affordable hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs.
And Quebec City wasn’t the only Canadian destination to make Travel Off Path’s list.
Vancouver, B.C., and Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, also earned spots among the 10 North American cities with old-school European vibes.
See, you really don’t need a passport to enjoy a European escape this winter.