The Flavor of Montreal and Quebec City

That Québec and Montréal have so much European flair isn’t surprising. These are two of the oldest cities in North America — and definitely among the best preserved. In both, you can stroll cobblestone streets and gaze at stone buildings and churches that date back to the 1700s. The relaxed pace, late hours, and abundance of cafes only add to the illusion that you’re somewhere in Europe. For maximum old-world impact, visit the port areas of both cities. In Vieux-Québec, don’t miss Le Petit Champlain. In Montréal, la rue Notre-Dame or la rue St-Paul transport you back in time. Thanks to the ongoing French influence on local cuisine, Montréal and Québec City are both renowned for excellent restaurants and a refined approach to dining. And trust me, it’s getting better every day. That said, Québeckers also eat their share of fast food, so you want to be selective about where you eat.
Excellent eateries can be found everywhere, but in some neighborhoods, you just can’t get a bad meal. Québec’s Old City houses many fine choices, such as the Café du Monde. Montréal’s Old Port area is actually not the best place to eat, but rue St-Denis and boulevard St-Laurent offer impressive dining choices.