By now, you’ve heard our big announcement: WITS ’18 is going international!
Next May, we’re off to Québec City for the Women in Travel Summit and we couldn’t be giddier.
If you’ve been to Québec, we already know you can’t wait to return.
And if you haven’t? Well, let’s just say you’re going to be blown away by this incredible city (I mean, just watch their video!).
https://www.facebook.com/witsummitcom/videos/762436830625450/
But we’re not going to keep you in too much suspense (after all, you already have to wait 373 days until our WITS ’18 Opening Party). As Wanderful’s resident Canuck, I’m here to let you in on eight little not-so-secret reasons why Québec City is the absolute best — and why you should book your ticket to WITS ’18 now!
1. The European vibes.
Ever heard that Québec is “so Europe”?
It’s true — Québec City is a slice of Europe, right here in North America (it’s actually closer than you may think: only a six hour drive from Boston and eight hours from New York and Toronto).
Québec City was settled by French explorer Samuel Champlain in the 17th century, and throughout the years has maintained its French character, complete with cathedrals, convents, and a fortified historic quarter, aptly named Old Québec (protected as a UNESCO Heritage Site).
2. Château Frontenac.
One of the most iconic buildings in Old Québec is Le Château Frontenac, a Fairmont hotel and the site of WITS ’18 (case in point: it features in almost every city skyline photo). Because it’s literally a castle overlooking the city. (That’s it in the header image, and also all over that video above.)
This heritage urban resort features sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River and the city’s fortifications. Experience the luxury of the Chateau Frontenac with our group rate of $209 CAD/night (particularly attractive for our American attendees: as of writing, this is about $154 USD).
3. Poutine.
Yes, I put poutine as the third reason on this list. Don’t judge me (it’s not my fault that I still have cheese on the mind after eating ALL OF IT in Milwaukee during WITS ’17).
French Canada is famous for its dish of fries, hot gravy, and cheese curds. And you’re sure to sample many variants in Québec City. (Our aforementioned Canadian planning team member particularly loves pulled pork poutine…)
4. The French Canadian culture.
And on that note, there will be so many aspects of French Canadian culture to explore and digest, beyond the deliciousness of poutine.
French Canada has a history rich with strife, sorrow, strength, and perseverance, and today forms an identified nation of more than 7 million people, the majority of whom live in the province of Québec. There’s no better way to dive into this culture than to come and visit for yourself.
5. The outdoors.
Did you see Québec City Tourism’s stunning welcome video for WITS ’18? We personally loved how much outdoor space was shown, especially because you’re just a hop, skip, and a run away from one of Canada’s most spectacular provincial parks, Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier (Can you say 60 miles of hiking paths?!).
And don’t forget to visit the stunning Montmorency Falls (Parc de la Chute-Montmorency). Located just a few minutes outside of the city, this nearly 300-foot tall waterfall can be accessed by foot, cable car, or — for the daredevils out there — by zipline.
6. The Funicular.
Back in the city, you won’t want to miss a ride up the historic Funicular.
Originally built in 1879 (though reconstructed and revamped with modern technology over the last 138 years), this Funicular is the only one of its kind in North America and provides for awesome views of the historic Old City (And not to mention that it’ll save your calves from a big hill walk!). #FunicularSelfie, anyone?
7. The blending of old and new.
The Funicular isn’t the only bit of Québec City history that’s found its way into 2017.
Take La Maison de la Littérature, for instance.
From its website:
A core component of Bibliothèque de Québec, Maison de la littérature houses a public library and a permanent exhibition on Québec literature, writing carrels, a comic book workshop, a creation studio, a writer’s residence, a quiet lounge and a variety of events presented on its stage throughout the year. Open to all, Maison de la littérature is a place for writing, creating, meeting, and participating—bringing literature to life in a lively, warm, and inviting setting. It is a space for the spoken and written word and for the creation and dissemination of the literary arts.
Just look at that sleek and modern interior contrasting against those gorgeous arched windows. I’m drooling. This marriage of old and new can be found all over the city. Just be sure you know to look for it.
8. Keeping up with WITS.
We know we just left WITS ’17, but we’re already dreaming of the next one. Keep up the love and excitement by planning a Québec City trip with your best travel blogging buddies — you can even recreate these sexy Instagram shots (because priorities).
Oh gosh! Bucket list destination – And right before my birthday, too! Is there a special category for “travel-and-study-abroad-advocate-who-doesn’t-have-a-blog-yet-but-kind-of-wants-to-but-has-a-full-time-job-she-loves-and-is-very-indecisive” folks? hahahahaha
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