In Old Quebec City, you have the chance to experience the French culture and cuisine on the North American continent. You will almost feel like you are at one of Europe’s premier destinations.

The historic Chateau Frontenac in old town Quebec City. Getty Images A friend from college who lives in the city, determined to show us Quebec’s fun side, invited us out. We met him at the Le ...

Old Quebec is home to the city’s grandest hotel - Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, a historic railway hotel built in Châteauesque style in Upper Town, with views over the Lawrence River.

It will take you days to fully explore Old Quebec, from its Upper Town perched on a cliff overlooking the St. Lawrence River to its Lower Town filled with history and lore.

Old Quebec, where much of the city's deep history lies, is comprised of Upper Town and Lower Town districts and dotted with fine antique stores and restaurants.

Last winter saw record-breaking cold in Quebec City, with an average daytime high of 17.8 degrees Fahrenheit in February. Still, people came to the Christmas markets and Winter Carnival.

It is one of at least 20 hotels in the city to close its doors during the second wave. "There's no one, literally, in Old Quebec," Côté said.

Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it was founded by the French explorer Samuel Champlain in 1608. He explored the St. Lawrence River and continued to the Great Lakes region.