HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CANADA! #Canada150
You probably know that Québec City is the capital of Québec. But did you know it was also the capital of what used to be the province of Canada before it became a country?
In fact, Québec City was the capital of what was known as the “united Province of Canada” from 1852 to 1856 and 1859 to 1866. That’s why representatives and observers from the British provinces and territories met in Québec City in October 1864 to draft the 72 resolutions that laid the foundation of Canada’s constitution. Three years later, in 1867, the new country of Canada was born.
Why the history lesson? Because Canada is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2017 and Québec City seems like the perfect place to join the festivities and discover the events that led to its creation! Celebrating Canada’s birth in its oldest city is an experience not to be missed!
Gas,mud,memory: The harsh reality of the war in 1917, an exhibition presented until February 26, 2017
At the Citadelle of Québec, the Musée Royal 22e Régiment is hosting the exhibition entitled Fighting in Flanders. Learn what life was like for Canadian soldiers on the front lines in Belgium during the First World War. The exhibition looks at poison gas, battlefields transformed into seas of mud, and how soldiers and Belgian civilians coped with it all. An informative way to see what the world was like 100 years ago.
Pierre Lassonde Pavilion: Two ways to explore the new marquee space at Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec.
The Pierre Lassonde Pavilion
opened to the public in June 2016. Since then, its success has only grown. Not only does it house hundreds of works, including many key pieces of Québec contemporary art, it is a spectacular and luminous architectural space in its own right.
One great way to explore the new addition with a group is to book the Highlights of the Pierre Lassonde Pavilion tour. The 1½ hour tour is an enjoyable way to learn more about the masterpieces on display and experience this extraordinary space to the fullest. My personal favourite is Inuit Art. The Brousseau Collection—a must that’s not to be missed!
For art lovers looking for something new, Manif d’Art 8 (Québec City Biennale) will be presenting its central exhibition in the heart of the Pierre Lassonde Pavilion from February 17 to May 14, 2017.
Major international artists as well as big names from the Québec and Canadian art world will explore the theme of the art of joy, inspired by Goliarda Sapienza’s novel. Some of the works will be exhibited for the first time. I can’t wait!
Carrefour international de théâtre- May 25 to June 10
The Carrefour international de théâtre is happening every Spring, producing a diversity of plays, from local to international artists.
My favorite part of this festival is undeniably the free outdoor walk through theatre “Où tu vas quand tu dors en marchant…?” This show, spread over five scenes, is always renewed with unusual and beautiful plays. The locations of the 2017 scenes are still unknown, but I can tell you for sure that it will be really close to the hotel. Every play last 15 minutes and it goes on non-stop from 9 PM to 11 PM.
You will definitely be charmed by the originality of the artists’ creations. Produced in French, those plays are presented every Thursday, Friday and Saturday during the festival. The locations as well as the line-up of “Où tu vas quand tu dors en marchant…?” will be known March 16. The complete festival line-up will be announced April 18.
Photo credit: Renaud Philippe Photos from 2015-2016 festival
Festival d’été de Québec- July 6 to July 16, 2017
In 2017, the Festival d’été de Québec will celebrate its 50th anniversary. From July 6 to July 16, enjoy a bunch of shows all around Old Québec. Indoor and outdoor scenes will host different type of music shows, from international stars to emerging singers. This festival reaches all type of music tastes: Rock, Hip-Hop, Electronic, French, Jazz and much more.
This is undeniably a must go event for the summer in Québec City. With more than 300 shows during 11 days, there is something to suit every taste.
This year, Muse, the legendary rock band, will have the honor to perform for the closing night, on July 16.The complete line-up will be announced on March 8.
Tall Ships to RendezVous in Québec City, July 18 to 27, 2017! #canada150
If you’re like me, you love being in the heart of the action at important events. In 2008 I made sure I was in the first row for every performance of the show commemorating Québec City’s 400th anniversary. The fact that my daughter was a singer in the show may have had something to do with it, but maternal pride aside, I will always remember this pivotal moment in my city’s history!
Crédit photo: JP Labrie photographie
On Tuesday, July 18, 2017, some 40 Tall Ships will kick off the beginning of the Québec City festivities surrounding Canada’s 150th anniversary. Fireworks displays, crew parades, guided ship tours, dockside entertainment, and, of course, the start of this legendary race across the Atlantic. A recipe for magnificent memories! Your clients can take advantage of their time here to stroll through the Petit Champlain district, one of my favourite areas!
A Little about Danielle…
Danielle Talbot’s colleagues describe her as an engaging and reliable person who really knows how to get things done. Danielle says that the main reason she loves working at Hôtel Château Laurier Québec is because it feels like a big family. As the mother of a recently graduated daughter, Danielle understands how hard each hotel employee works to provide our guests with the same attention they’d give someone in their own family.
Danielle’s office at Hôtel Château Laurier Québec is in the heart of the action, just steps from the fortifications between Battlefields Park and Grande-Allée. So feel free to drop by and see her if you would like more information on the topics discussed in this newsletter or just to share your comments! She loves to hear from you!
Email: danielletalbot@vieuxquebec.com Tel.: 418-522-3848, ext. 675 (toll free: 1-866-822- 9222)