Independent City Discoveries: Québec City

Program Registration: 5:30 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in. Orientation. This program is staffed with an expert Study Leader who will also serve as our Group Leader and who will act as our premier resource in making the most of independent study time, offering local knowledge and insider tips to discover Québec City beyond the highlights. We will greet everyone and have introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar INDEPENDENT program. It is designed for participants who want high-level Road Scholar instruction, a few group activities, and who are capable and comfortable setting out on their own for a significant part of the day/night. There will be several hours each day of educational content, most meals on your own (excluded from the program cost) to enjoy what you like, and substantial free time for personal independent exploration. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Study Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At the Hotel.

We’ll set out on a stroll of discovery and first impressions with our Group Leader through the streets of the Old City to the Terrase Dufferin over looking the St-Lawrence River behind the Château Frontenac.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. There are many options from a simple pastry and coffee to a full cooked breakfast at nearby cafés. The hotel also offers breakfast for an additional charge.

At the hotel, a local expert will give a presentation highlighting the city's foundation and exceptional geographical location as well as its present-day social and economic facets. We’ll gain an understanding of how Québec City's history contributed to the creation and development of Canada and why it was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. We’ll then head out on a walking field trip with our expert to explore Québec City with its eclectic architecture, streets, and monuments that serve as eloquent, perfectly conserved testaments to its evolution. Enjoy the city's uniquely European atmosphere, enchanting setting, and friendly inhabitants. We’ll conclude at the renowned Château Frontenac, one of the city’s landmarks and the most photographed hotel in the world. It boasts a fascinating history, owing its name to Louis de Buade de Frontenac, the powerful Governor-General who guided the destiny of New France in the late 1600s.

At the famous Château Frontenac, we’ll have a 3-course plated meal with appetizer, choices of entrée, dessert of the day, and beverages including coffee, hot tea, water; other beverages available for purchase from the bar. Bon appétit!

Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. You might like to explore the lower part of Old Québec near the river and enjoy Petit Champlain, one of the most appreciated neighborhoods in Québec City, known for its architecture, street performers, boutiques, craftsmen, art galleries, and the Museum of Civilization. At 5:00 pm at the hotel. Join local musicians who will guide us in a discovery of Québec through song, instrumental music, tales, and jigs. We will learn about Québec musical traditions, rhythm and song, and experiment with musical instruments.

On your own to enjoy what you like from the many and varied opportunities to “taste” Québec City.

At leisure.

On your own to enjoy what you like.

Led by an expert, we will visit the official residence of the Governor General of Canada, located within La Citadelle of Québec overlooking the majestic St. Lawrence River. Québec, the cradle of French civilization in North America, is a repository of history and culture from the French, English, and Canadian periods. The fortified boundaries of this old British fortress are the only such remaining walled defenses on the continent. After a terrible fire in 1976, it was restored with Canadian materials throughout to showcase the city’s history, modern cultural sensibilities, and outstanding artists. Today, it houses an important collection of art and period furnishings.

In the heart of Old Quebec.

Free time. See and do what interests you most. You might like to explore the famous Plains of Abraham, a magnificent 267-acre urban park composed of plains, woods and gardens. It is also the setting for the National Fine Arts Museum of Québec, dedicated to the works of the best artists of the region with its surprising annex, the former prison of Québec.At 4:30 pm take part of our Book-Club Hour. Join our literary expert for a one-hour walking field trip to some of the sites featured in Bury Your Dead, the best-selling novel by acclaimed author Louise Penny. A great way to bring the book to life.(voucher included in the program). From 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., we’ll enjoy cocktail hour. You're invited to join our study leader for drinks (Dutch treat), to share the highlights of your day, and plan your evening.

On your own to enjoy what you like.

At leisure. You might like to stroll in the Old Town and have coffee or digestif in a café or bar.

On your own.

We’ll take an expert-led field trip via motorcoach a few miles from the city to experience the beauty of the traditional Québec countryside. The birthplace of French America, Île d'Orléans is a large pastoral island known for the quality of its agricultural products as well as the heritage of its many historic buildings. This well-preserved natural and cultural landmark is situated in the middle of the St. Lawrence River. On our return to the city, we'll stop for a closer look of the Montmorency falls that we saw from the Ile d'Orlean. With its 272' tall, (30 more than Niagara) the falls offers a stunning demonstration of the power of nature. The falls has captivated visitors in all seasons for centuries.

Free time. Enjoy another opportunity for independent exploration to continue exploring Québec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and what is known as New Québec. If you haven’t done so already, you might like to take a walk on the Grande Promenade Samuel-De Champlain along the Saint Lawrence River and visit the Public Market.

At a renowned restaurant in Old Québec noted for its local “garden to table” gastronomy. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

At leisure. Go out for a bit of independent exploring, revisit a favorite night spot, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, or just relax. Prepare for check-out and departure following our closing session in the morning.

At a favorite local bakery in Old Québec we’ll have coffee and croissants.

At the bakery, we’ll have a closing session with our Study Leader to discuss city life and local issues. We expect to end by 10:00 a.m. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!