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Tourist Information about Quebec
History molded Quebec City, starting in 1535 when French explorer Jacques Cartier chanced upon Kebec, which literally means, "where the river narrows". But it was not until 1608 when the colony of New France was founded by French explorer Samuel de Champlain in the area now called Quebec City. The following decades saw the transformation of Quebec from a strategic military fort into a promising trade center for the budding fur and shipbuilding industries. The French noticed the city's vulnerability to attacks so they began to build borders and other military structures. But the fortified city was not spared from the British army occupation in September 1759 when the French were defeated in the historical 20-minute battle on the Plains of Abraham. Under the British rule, Quebec city's economy all the more flourished. To fend off further attacks, the British built a star-shaped fortress, and continued to reinforce the walls first built by the French around the city. The city remained under British rule until 1867 when after the union of many Canadian provinces under the Act of Confederation, Quebec City became the capital of Quebec province. Today, government service is Québec City's main industry, and its more impressive buildings are government-run. Even so, commercial activity continues to burgeon as more office compounds, new malls, convention centers, and grand hotels are constructed. As the only walled city in North America, Quebec City was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Easily one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in North America, Quebec City crosses timelines as visitors take in its Old World allure, while basking in the comforts of a modern city. Cobbled city streets are lined with 17 th and 18 th century houses, churches, monuments, and parks. Blending with the city's classic charm are world-class staples of international tourism symbolized by the famous Château Frontenac, and other newly restored areas filled with museums, restaurants, cafes, and bars. Quebec is every inch a French city, attributed largely to the fact that about 95% of the populace are French-speaking. In fact, the city's first and official language is French, making it one of the largest French speaking populations outside of France. |
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