Winter destinations: Quebec City, Canada
Perched on a hill overlooking the St. Lawrence, Quebec City, the capital of the province of Quebec Canada, has a feel of an old European town. in fact, it's old town is unique in north america in that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The old city still has the original city ramparts, and holds most of the historical landmarks. Château Frontenac, with its many cannons, is as picturesque as any spot you would see across the pond in Europe.
The old town is by no means the only area worthy of visiting. On foot, through the staircases surrounding the historic city, visitors can access the other interesting areas.
"Upper Town" and "Lower Town" come to mind.
The latter has, Place-Royale, the spot where the first French settlement in North America was founded by Samuel De Champlain in 1608.
The climate is harsh during the winter in Quebec City, But the Quebecois have learned how to create a party from the frozen winter-land it presents. When the cold comes, and the cannon muzzles are barely peaking over the packed snow, the city holds a very large winter carnival that is unparalleled the world over and one of the oldest, since the Quebecois have been honoring this tradition for over 100 years during the first two weeks of February.
Every year a giant ice palace is built in the Place Jacques-Cartier, outside town there is one of the worlds few and most unique ice-hotels. teams from everywhere in the world come to compete in the carnivals International Ice Sculpture Competition. The carnival even has a mascot, which, naturally is a snowman.
