SEK TRAVELS

If you were to type “Popular” and “Canada” into a search bar, one of the very first things that’ll always pop up is Quebec – and who can blame them? Equipped with a mediaeval-style chateau that stands high above the St. Lawrence and quintessential cobblestoned streets that would make even the prettiest of European towns blush, it’s no wonder that millions choose to visit the city every year. With so many descending on this immaculate fairytale, however, it begs the question: is there truly anywhere left waiting to be discovered?

Well, worry not because Quebec is full of versatility. While Chateau Frontenac and the Petit Champlain are heaving with swarms of eager tourists, there are still plenty of hidden treasures waiting just around the corner, so long as you know where to look.

From poutine with a strange twist to trendy districts and laid-back leafy boulevards, here are my 5 underrated things in Quebec you don’t want to miss.

(1) Try Le Lapin Sauté’s Strange Twist on Poutine

Poutine is a Quebecois classic. A seemingly simple mix of fries, cheese curds and gravy, it’s a dish that the locals take seriously. For every restaurant, bistro and café, poutine is the highest of culinary challenges, and God help you if you get it wrong. In recent years, though, the dish has undergone a series of evolutions, and many places have started to experiment with the formula, and Le Lapin Sauté is no different.

Set in the heart of Petit Champlain, Le Lapin Sauté, as the name would suggest, specialises in dishes involving rabbit. While I imagine they make a good pie or confit, that is definitely not what we’re looking for in this entry. Take a look at their menu, and it won’t be long before you see a rather curious item, Rabbit Poutine. An ingenious mashup and a mouthwatering concoction, it splices two regional specialities to create an absolute must-try dish.

(2) Shop and Party in Quebec’s Trendiest District

While many who come to Quebec stick to the confines of its old town, those in the know will tell you that they missed a trick. Venture just beyond the lure of historic houses, and you’ll find yourself immersed in one of the trendiest areas in the city.

Centring around a repurposed church, Quartier Saint-Jean-Baptiste is a master of transformations.

Once a working-class part of the city, it has turned itself into a vibrant and welcoming hub. During the day, the street is all about its cafes, bakeries and independent boutiques. By night, however, this kilometre-long stretch comes alive with bistros and live music filling the air.

(3) Hunt for History Under Sous-le-Cap’s Walkways

Tucked away between the cliff of Cap Diamant and the historic Rue Saint-Paul is a street that offers an entirely new perspective on the typical Vieux Quebec scene. Accented by wood and overhead walkways, rue Sous-le-Cap is worlds away from the stone houses that usually populate the busy, touristy heart of Le Petit Champlain. However, as the narrowest and one of the oldest streets in the city, it has plenty of its own story to tell.

In centuries gone by, Sous-le-Cap would’ve been one of the busiest thoroughfares in Quebec City. Close to both the St. Lawrance and the upper sections of the city, the street found itself the living heartbeat of the dock-working and artisan communities. These days, the street is a little quieter (some might even say a hidden gem), but, as its bright tones are bathed in the afternoon light, you can still vividly imagine its unspeakable old-world charm.

(4) Journey Through Canada’s Heritage at The Museum of Civilisation

Amidst Vieux Quebec’s historic cornucopia, there’s one building that stands out against the others. Sleek, minimalist and modern in design, The Museum of Civilisation and its glass lighthouse aesthetic engulfs the port with tales of history and survival.

One of the most important museums in the city, its exhibits regale the story of Canada and the people who call it their home. Filled with an eclectic mix across several floors, you’ll be transported through eras of survival, prosperity and typical Canadian culture.

(5) Check the Vibe of Victorian Levis

Just a 10-15 minute boar ride from Quebec, Levis is like night and day to its bustling neighbour. A complete contrast: this small city sheltered above a tree-lined cliff is the quiet to Quebec’s chaos. Complimented by leafy boulevards and grand Victorian mansions, an afternoon’s saunter will have you hooked on its laid-back outlook.

Moreover, from its port, you’ll be guaranteed some of the best views of Chateau Frontenac, as its vantage point captures its towering shadow above its 17th-century beginnings.