Food Traveler Magazine Winter 2017 | Page 93

ity Quebec C If you have already been to the famous Niagara Falls, and are looking for something different, try a seaplane tour. A seaplane tour is a little bit longer, and many tours cover multiple areas. We recommend taking the seaplane tour that laps over scenic views of Vancouver and Victoria. There are even tours that include a whale-watching ex- perience. For roughly $300 per person, you will hop aboard the seaplane in downtown Vancouver. You can choose your own departure times, which make this trip both convenient and an overall amazing experience. Once you take off, you will tour the busy harbor and view Vancouver’s stunning landscape. As you head away from Vancouver, you will be overtaken by enormous mountain peaks that dot the coastline. Once your seaplane tour ends at Victoria, you’ll step out and immediately board an ocean cruiser for your whale-watching excursion! If the city is more your style, you will definitely want to make your way to Old Quebec. Old Quebec is a historic neigh- borhood in Quebec City, and is comprised of two “towns:” Lower Town and Upper Town. Old Quebec is known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so expect gorgeous build- ings, impressive architecture, and lots of interesting things to do and see. The French impression in Old Quebec is classic, and it has been said that the atmosphere makes visitors feel “like they are in Europe.” You will notice plenty of similarities, from the narrow streets to the old-world buildings. The neighborhood is located along the banks of the St. Lawrence River and is brimming with tiny boutiques, arti- san shops, and little gourmet cafes. The Upper Town sits (fittingly) atop cliffs that reach nearly On the cruise, you will make your way through fish-in- 350 feet in height. Upper Town is extremely well devel- fested waters – perfect for attracting orcas, also known as oped to host tourists from all over the world, all year long. killer whales. Get your camera ready! As you move along The streets are lined with many local artists showcasing in the cruise, look for sea lions, whale pods, seals, otters, their works. In Upper Town, you will find that the main bulk and tons of other wildlife. Each cruise is of attractions are within the historical sites professionally guided, so you won’t have and museums. The Lower Town is home to to wonder where you are or what you are original settlement, and the famous Château “The French seeing – your guide will be sharing inter- Frontenac, the best luxury hotel in Quebec esting facts and history tidbits all along impression in Old City. the way. Quebec is classic, Whether you’re looking for complete immer- and it has been Some of these tours are seasonal, so you sion in nature, an overview of the entire land will have to research which cruises are from a bird’s point of view, or a timeless es- Said that the available in the winter months, but many cape into a European-style city, you can’t go atmosphere offer special group deals, so plan your wrong with these vacations to celebrate the makes visitors next tour with a larger group for added sesquicentennial of Canada’s Confedera- feel like they are tion! discounts! in Europe.” Food Traveler | Winter 2017 | 91