To prevent a future attack from the same route, they constructed the Citadel, an enormous star-shaped fortress, and one of the city's most popular attractions. With Confederation, in 1867, Quebec City became the capital of the province of Quebec. The National Assembly meets in the H tel de Parlement, on Parliament Hill, which runs parallel to the Plains of Abraham, separated by the lively Grand All e. Tourism and government may be the most visible industries in the city, but there are a growing number of high-tech firms. Some industry has survived from the earliest days when the port was one of the busiest in North America, ferrying furs and later timber and wood pulp to markets overseas. Their joie de vivre is infectious and never more so than during the summer festivals, when the whole town seems to be one continuous stage.
Summer is worth celebrating as winters tend to be long, cold and snowy.
But the locals compensate by heading to the hills for some of the best skiing on this side of the continent. The highlight of the winter, though, is the Carnaval de Qu bec - two weeks of frolics in the snow helped along by a bit of warming alcohol and general good spirits during the bleakest part of February. Terms and Conditions apply.