Once you are at the Clarendon Hotel, you will find yourself irresistibly drawn to Old Quebec, an exotically historical locale. Feel free to wander through the picturesque streets lined with exclusive boutiques, art galleries and European cafés. You can also visit the heritage sites and museums scattered around the hotel to learn a little more about local history. If you are more in the mood to celebrate, you are sure to find a festival going on somewhere! Alternately, you can take a quiet cruise on the St. Lawrence River to see Quebec City from a unique vantage point. Remember, there is always something to see and do in Old Quebec!

Parks and Surrounding Area

If you have never taken the Breakneck Staircase to Place-Royale and the Old Port district, gone for a stroll on the Plains of Abraham, admired Cape Diamant brightly illuminated at night, dipped a hand into the cool waters of fountains of old or enjoyed a picnic lunch amid the flowery perfumes in the gardens in the Parc du Bois-de-Coulonge (in french only), you have not experienced the true nature of Quebec City! Take the opportunity to get to know Old Quebec a little better. Like all journeys, this one begins with a single step — out the front door of the Clarendon Hotel!

Granted, we would understand if you are not familiar with lesser-known areas of interest, such as the picturesque Jardin Saint-Roch (in french only), a garden set in the new downtown core, or the impressive sculpture by Charles Daudelin at Place de la Gare (in french only) . However, you absolutely have to visit the Parliament Buildings and take a stroll along Grande Allée, only a short walking distance from the Clarendon!

Museums and Heritage

Like all cities with a thriving cultural scene, Quebec City boasts many interpretation centres and museums, where you can trace the province's rich history through its artwork (Musée national des beaux-arts de Québec on the Plains of Abraham) or the daily life of former New France colonists through artefacts and stone building foundations (Place-Royale Interpretation Centre). Some of the museums in Old Quebec may be smaller, but they are worth the trip. These include the Musée de l’Amérique française, which is located across from the Clarendon Hotel and has a permanent exhibit on the history of French civilization in North America. One of the larger museums in town is situated in the Old Port, a short 10-minute walk from the hotel. People throng to the Musée de la Civilisation to see its refreshingly original exhibitions.

The museums near the Clarendon hold a wealth of artistic, historical and heritage treasures, only a few minutes from the hotel.

Modern Art

Given its long history and extensive heritage, Quebec City could easily put up its feet on the fortified stone walls, content at having the past drive the local economy. However, this would be doing a disservice to the inspired vision and talent of the contemporary art scene and the multitude of workshops, exhibits, happenings, festivals, events and launchings held year-round. Be sure to visit Complexe Méduse (in french only), one of the creative hubs for modern art in the city, which is located in a series of connected homes that have been transformed into a co-operative for artists in all disciplines. The many workshops, galleries, art centres and the School of Visual Arts of Université Laval all contribute to the vitality of the modern arts in Quebec City.

Art Galleries and Boutiques

There is no shortage of attractive window displays and trendy boutiques in Old Quebec, with some people even saying we have too many as it is! But pay those naysayers no heed — just go out and shop 'til you drop! Directly across from the Clarendon Hotel, you will find several fashion, home decoration and fine paper shops all in a row, like a strand of pearls, along côte de la Fabrique. One of these stores is a pillar of haute couture in the city: Maison Simons (founded in 1840). Nearby, several portrait artists and painters practice their craft along rue Des Jardins. The numerous boutiques and artists' workshops in the Petit Champlain district are a shoppers' paradise. If antiques are more what you have in mind, head to rue Saint-Paul, where you will certainly find that special treasure. Then head to rue Saint-Jean and pick up some of the hottest styles of yesteryear at the second-hand clothing stores. And be sure to visit the many art galleries near the Clarendon Hotel, some of which are the most prestigious in the city.

Pleasure Cruises and Whale-watching cruises

Groupe Dufour and its maritime partners offer a range of pleasure cruises, boating excursions and whale-watching cruises in all price ranges.

Montreal to Quebec City, travel aboard the fast and comfortable catamaran.

Quebec City and the Beaupré Coast
Choose from a pleasure cruise aboard the N/M Louis-Jolliet, with departure from Quebec City, a cruise to and visit of the Grosse-Île National Historic Site or a delightful dinner-cruise on the St. Lawrence, where you can admire the beautiful Quebec City skyline from a unique vantage point.

Whale-watching Cruise
About 2½ hours north of Quebec City lies Tadoussac, the destination of choice for those who want to see hundreds of majestic whales and frolicsome dolphins in their natural habitat. Choose between our whale-watching cruise or exciting zodiac safari. As you sail across the watery expanse of the St. Lawrence River or Saguenay Fjord, breathe in the bracing sea air and scan the horizon for the telltale signs of the largest living creatures on the planet, right here in the St. Lawrence