Winter in Quebec
Quebec city
While trying to set up a colony, they aimed to build a place which would remind them of their homeland. Even nowadays its skyline, dominated by the grand Château Frontenac hotel, has more in common with the Loire Valley in France rather than usual North American downtown.
Established in 1893, the Château Frontenac is ‘the most photographed hotel in the world’ according to the Guinness Book of Records. Although room rates might seem high for budget travelers, you don’t necessarily have to stay here to enjoy the beautiful architecture. Château Frontenac has several award-winning restaurants where you can dine in an elegant and aristocratic atmosphere.
We all know that Canada is a part of the British Commonwealth with the Queen as a head of state. But how exactly is it governed? Anyone interested in North America’s politics and history should visit Quebec’s Parliament Building. Despite being built in almost the same time, it is very different from the House of Parliament in London.
The city is also famous for its range of festivals from Festival de la gastronomie du Québec (culinary arts and wine making competitions) to Carnival de Quebec (the biggest winter carnival in the world). It usually takes place in January and February attracting more than million visitors every year. If you are brave enough to face Canadian winter, there are plenty of fascinating activities such as snow sculptures, dog sledging and visiting the Ice Palace.
Quebec is best accessible through Jean Lesage International Airport which is only 11 km away from the city. There are many connecting flights to Europe operated by AirCanada, United and Continental Airlines.
Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
Quebec is full with winter pleasures, but if you are looking for a sunny getaway, Hawaii is the definite choice. The newest U.S. state, it unexpectedly became world-famous in 2009 as a birthplace of Barack Obama. It is difficult to say whether the islands had any impact on Obama’s political stance, but this fact undoubtedly affected its popularity as a top destination for tourists.
In 2007 only almost 7.6 million people visited Hawaii and these figures increase every year. You can be one of them too.
Credits: Hawaii Tourism Japan (HTJ)
“You can’t really understand Barack until you understand Hawaii,” said Michelle Obama. The President himself showed his dedication to the islands in 2009 with White House luau (traditional picnic in local style). The event included Hawaiian musicians and dancers performing traditional songs and dances. The official tourism board of Hawaii compiled a list of places Obama usually visits when he comes here with his family.
According to the list, Obama family went to Pearl Harbor for a tour with Chief historian Daniel A. Martinez. He also played golf at Olomana Golf Links and Luana Hills Country Club.
You can also explore Hanauma Bay, which is next to Sandy Beach, “one of Obama’s favorite beaches growing up, as well as the Halona Blowhole, near the area where his mother’s ashes were scattered.” Today it is the most popular snorkeling destination in Oahu.
Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson
Waikiki has been a global tourist attraction for more than hundred years since the building of the Moana Hotel in 1901 which was followed by other world-class chains such as Hilton, Sheraton and Hyatt.
Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is easily accessible via Honolulu International Airport that links the islands to other major US airports.
by Zair Kashek
More in this series:
Places to see in 2009: Venice and Prague
Places to see in 2009: Germany and Denmark
Places to see in 2009: Warwick Castle and Stonehenge
Places to see in 2009: Eden Project and Cadbury World
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