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Now that the sun shines a little less hot and that cooler evenings are more frequent, it is very pleasant to walk around town and explore its charms from a closer perspective. Did you know that Québec City is home to several fresco wall paintings that depict its rich history and that of its inhabitants in an original and appealing manner? We would like to present a few of them, and put in a some attractions nearby to complement the tour.

A Fresco Story

The practice of painting frescoes largely spread in twentieth century Europe and North America. Given the extremes of Quebec climate, most notably the shifting of seasons, numerous precautions are taken to preserve the beauty of frescoes, and ensure their durability. Frescoes found in Québec City are mainly of historical nature. They are recent works, performed mostly in the framework of a corporate order related to the 400^th anniversary of the founding of Québec City. They are the result of the hard work of Murale Création, a Canadian group made up of artists from Lyon and Quebec. Albeit recent, Québec City frescoes are already part of the city’s cultural heritage, and capture the interest of strollers, local people and tourists alike.

La Fresque des Québécois

Painted in 1999, La Fresque des Québécois is the first of the mural paintings. It covers 420 square feet, from Maison Soumande’s wall to the immediate vicinity of Place Royale.

The decor integrates architectural features such as the ancient houses on Place Royale, the stairs connecting uptown and downtown, and the fortification wall circling Old Quebec. The artists also depicted the alternating seasons with the colour-changing vegetation.

Trompe-l’oeil characters allude to the city’s history: we can discern Québec City founder Samuel de Champlain, Ursuline nun Marie de l’Incarnation, New France intendant Jean Talon, and more contemporary figures such as singer-songwriter Félix Leclerc… And even fictional ones such as Bonhomme Carnaval!

This fresco also reflects the different cultural communities of the capital: Native Americans, French and British settlers, Irish immigrants and, of course, today’s Quebecois from a multicultural background.

To do in the area While you are in this very nice district, make sure to visit one of many art galleries. Craving a snack or a meal? Grab a bite in the wonderful vaulted cellars of the Pub de l’Oncle Antoine (29, Saint-Pierre Street) or enjoy a square meal at one of the numerous restaurants on Sous-le-Fort and Saint-Pierre Streets.

La Fresque du Petit-Champlain 

Located at 102, Petit-Champlain Street, near Place Royale, this fresco adds to the charm of the street, which is one of the oldest in America.

This wall painting is another trompe-l’oeil that depicts the daily life of this working-class, port district located between Cape Diamond and the St. Lawrence River. Life-sized inhabitants and historical figures can be seen performing fishing and maritime trade activities. For instance, it portrays Lord Nelson, a British officer who fell in love with a Quebecoise, and Captain Bernier, a navigator from Quebec who explored the North Pole. Tragic events that happened in the neighbourhood are also rendered: the bombardment of the city in 1759 during the Seven Years’ War, and the deadly Quebec Rockslide of 1889.

This work has been created in 2001, and restored in 2016.

To do in the area This area hosts numerous attractions including artisans’ workshops (clothes, hand-blown glass, Quebec, Aboriginal and Inuit craft shops), local products boutiques, Quebec cuisine restaurants, brewpubs, etc.

La Fresque BMO de la capitale nationale du Québec

Taking up the west wall of the Marie-Guyart building, located at 1037, De La Chevrotière Street, the 450 square meters of La Fresque BMO de la capitale nationale du Québec portrays Quebec’s political history and pays tribute to Québec City as a political capital.

We can see the facade of the Parliament building, headquarters of Quebec’s National Assembly, and various figures from Quebec’s political history: Louis-Joseph Papineau, Louis-Alexandre Taschereau, Eugène-Étienne Taché, Marie-Claire Kirkland-Casgrain, first woman elected to Quebec’s National Assembly, René-Lévesque and Robert Bourassa. Several momentous events and Quebec political groups are also depicted in this fresco.

It was inaugurated in 2008, just in time for the 400^th anniversary of the founding of Québec City.

To do in the area While you are there, make sure to climb to the top floor of the Marie-Guyart Building; the Observatoire de la Capitale offers a spectacular view of the city and its surroundings.

The Dismantled Fresco

Even if we cannot see it anymore, we should mention La Fresque de l’Hôtel-Dieu de Québec. Created in 2003, this 420 square feet work used to cover the outer walls of the Hôtel-Dieu de Québec teaching facility, at the corner of Charlevoix Street and Côte du Palais.

This fresco revealed momentous events of the oldest hospital in North America, nothing less! Divided into five historical paintings retracing the practice of medicine in Québec City from 1637 to this day, it has been dismantled right before the facility fell victim to the wrecker’s ball in 2011. The panels have since been stored. Who knows, maybe the fresco will reappear on the future buildings of the hospital complex…

To do in the area This sector, adjacent to prime Saint-Jean Street, offers numerous attractions. It is possible to stroll for hours, stop by Librairie Pantoute, visit the Morrin Centre and explore its interactive exhibit on capital punishment, or enjoy a menu inspired by the boreal forest at Chez Boulay. There are plenty of opportunities.

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At any moment, ask us questions or let us know what you expect of a great outing. Our expert team will give you detailed advice and maybe even help you develop a route for your trip to the city and its surroundings… Gourmet stops included!

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Did you know that August is one of the very best months to discover Québec City… and fall head over heels with our beautiful region? To help you plan your stay with us, our team of concierges at Hôtel Château Laurier Québec has prepared a list of suggestions for you with the right combination of nature and cultural activities. But a word of caution: you might want to extend your summer vacation in the provincial capital!

For Nature Lovers

Summer is short but intense in Quebec. By the end of July, many farm fields and fruit trees are in their full glory under the sun and hot weather. This time of year is perfect for a countryside escape! Who does not like to get away in nature?

Summer U-pick is always a favourite with couples and families. The idea is simple: once at the producer’s, you get the vessel(s) that you need (bag or basket) at a set price; then, you set out for the fields to discover (or rediscover) how fun it is to pick your own fresh, sun-kissed fruits and vegetables. But where should you go?

Autocueillette is a website that offers tools to locate the best place to pick apricots, blueberries, blackcurrants, cherries, pears, plums and various vegetables. Fraîches du Québec is an interactive map to find more specific producers’ operations where you can pick strawberries and raspberries yourself. Several of these producers also have a small farm, where kids will love to feed and pet bunnies, goats, lambs and even ponies.

If you want to enjoy an escape at your whim, the best is to rent a vehicle, grab a tourist map and set out on an adventure. Feel free to ask our team of concierges for advice on local car rental companies and for useful travel guides or leaflets.

If you prefer a reliable, hassle-free option, we recommend without hesitation Quebec Bus Tour. This terrific team of enthusiastic guides offers gourmet outings praised by food lovers! Join a three-hour ride along the Taste Trail Tour on Île d’Orléans and enjoy tasting local products, including wine, ice cider, blackcurrant liqueur, chocolate, nougat and more. The tour guides will also make sure to impress you with plenty of captivating historical information on Île d’Orléans, the early days of colonization in Quebec, and even local stories and legends. Quebec’s winemaking industry has been thriving, especially in the last twenty years. The Wine Tour is the perfect opportunity to discover four Île d’Orléans vineyards: enjoy wine-tasting while learning about the various products, and savour an aperitif served at the last stop on the tour.

Quebec Bus Tour departures are daily from Place d’Armes, near Château Frontenac, at 1 p.m. These tours are praised for being environmentally friendly and in harmony with Mother Nature: tour buses run on propane, which releases 25% less GHG than standard buses.

Cultural Immersion

If you want to take in some urban excitement, our city streets will be buzzing with entertaining festivals and events in the coming weeks!

Would you like to discover the production of Quebec artists and artisans? Head for Plein Art!  From July 30 to August 11, 2019, over a hundred craftspeople will showcase their creative work under huge tents: jewellers, woodworkers, glassworkers, ceramists and fashion designers are awaiting you at Espace 400^e, in the Old Port of Quebec City. You are sure to make exceptional finds. Free admission.

From August 1 to 4, take part in the New France Festival and immerse yourself in a host of festive activities at Parc de l’Esplanade: with family and friends, discover life in the days of the King’s Daughters and the soldiers of the Carignan‑Salières Regiment and attend etiquette workshops with Angélique de Péan, also known as La Pompadour of New France, historical talks, demonstrations or the spectacular parade! Free access with the official medallion.

If you are looking for comic relief, the ComédiHa! Fest-Québec is a must! With the comedy festival pass (funny glasses), you have access to more than 350 shows and activities over twelve days to take place from August 7 to 18, 2019. New this year is the MiHa!M event to be held at Place George V, right in front of our hotel. At Parc de la Francophonie, enjoy grilled corn on the cob, brochettes and a host of food served on plates and snacks before enjoying the next show.

The Festibière de Québec will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year, from August 15 to 18, 2019, at Quai de l’Espace 400^e. Brewing challenges, food and beer matching, special “Je bois local” local brewery circuit, jukebox music, giant games, beer tasting, talks by renowned beer connoisseur Philippe Wouters and various shows are excellent activities awaiting beer enthusiasts  alongside Bassin Louise. The festival’s official glass and tasting tokens will be available onsite.

Are you a history and heritage buff? From August 15 to 18, 2019, the Rendez-vous d’histoire de Québec event will offer over sixty special activities, visits, exhibitions and presentations, including conferences on First Nations, talks on major historical figures like Champlain, Montcalm, Garneau, De Gaulle and Duplessis, historical improvisation workshops for the entire family, an “immersive” historical conference, a history book fair and more. The activities will be held at several venues in Old Quebec and most are free.

Bordeaux fête le vin à Québec, Québec City’s great epicurean festival, is back this summer from August 22 to 25, 2019! All while tasting wines from the seven participating regions in a relaxed environment, one can benefit from cultural incursions and entertainment by attending talks, École du vin workshops and master classes. The gourmet segment of the festival also has lots in store: gourmet stations featuring food and wine pairings along with three exceptional food lovers’ evenings held at Pavillon des épicuriens. The festival will take place at the Old Port Agora of Quebec City, along the St. Lawrence River. Access to the site is free. Passes are presold at SAQ outlets and available onsite.

At the end of this wonderful summer, there is no shortage of opportunities for fun, discovery and entertainment in Quebec City! Our team of concierges will make every effort to help you plan the activities that you like and make sure that you have a wonderful time with us. Enjoy your stay!