Arriving in Québec City Early?
Discover the history and beauty of this remarkable city by signing up for one of the following adventures! Tours can be booked through your online registration, beginning in February 2012.
Sunday June 10
9:30 am - 11:30 am
HISTORIC WALKING TOUR OF OLD QUÉBEC
$ 28.00 + TAX
Supported by: Sustainable Management Group / Thomson-Reuters Techstreet
Re-live 400 years of action-packed history! Follow your guide off the beaten path and be charmed by Old Québec, the only walled city in North America. The tour will also take you to Place Royale, the cradle of French civilization in North America, in the heart of the old Lower Town along the St. Lawrence river-front.
This tour includes:
- Licensed guide
- Walking tour of Old Québec and lower town
- One-way funicular ride
- Gratuities
What to wear: Walking shoes required.
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
ISLAND OF ORLEANS
$ 56.00 + TAX
Supported by: Baker & Hostetler LLP / SLG Group Commercial Printers
Native Americans inhabited the Island of Orléans long before Jacques Cartier set foot on it in 1535 and named it in honour of the Duc of Orléans, son of François 1er, King of France. In 1650, the French began settling the island and introduced the seigniorial system, which encouraged the development of agriculture and craft industries.
A guided visit of the village of Sainte-Pétronille will allow you to appreciate ancestral houses and the lifestyle of summer residents who visited the island. From this viewpoint, you can admire the Montmorency Falls, the Beaupré coast and the city of Québec dominating the steep cliffs. You will also visit a local winery and enjoy a glass of wine made on the premises. Finally, stop by a local farm for a taste of regional products.
This tour includes:
- Transportation by mini coach
- A guided tour of the Island of Orléans
- Visit to a winery and wine-tasting demonstration
- Visit to farm and Cassis tasting
- Professional guide
- Gratuities
What to wear: Sturdy walking shoes and rain gear - just in case!
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
THE BEAUPRÉ COAST AND MONTMORENCY FALLS
$ 53.00 + TAX
Supported by: Standards Council of Canada
Discover Québec City's countryside as you travel through small historical villages overlooking the St. Lawrence River. As you ride along the 40 km of Avenue Royale leading to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, you will pass through the many traditional villages of rural Québec. In Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, you will have ample time to visit the world-famous shrine. Your guide will lead you through the basilica and explain its history and wonderful architecture.
Along the way, you will be introduced to one of French Canada's most popular legends, Albert Gilles' copper shop with its display of 50 hand-wrought silver panels depicting the life of Christ. Your tour will include a stop at Café Chez Marie for coffee and maple butter on toast. Our final stop is the Parc de la Chute Montmorency, a natural waterfall that is
1-½ times the height of Niagara Falls.
This tour includes:
- Transportation by mini coach
- Guided visit of the Beaupré Coast
- A visit to Café Marie and Albert Gilles' Copper shop
- Professional guide
- Gratuities
What to wear: Sturdy walking shoes and rain gear - just in case!
GOLF
There are numerous golf courses around the city, offering a variety of challenges for golfers of all levels. Contact the hotel concierge for information about golfing options.
For Companions
CSA is pleased to offer a Companion Program for guests of conference attendees. In addition to networking events and meals that are included in the conference program, companions can join the following activities designed especially for them on both Monday, June 11th and Tuesday, June 12th.
Note that Sunday tours and business program events are not included in the companion program fees.
Monday June 11
10:30 am - 4:00 pm
STEP BACK IN TIME
A great introduction to Québec history and early military life, our tour beings with a guided visit of the Québec Parliament buildings, followed by lunch at the National Assembly. The seat of democracy in Québec, the National Assembly is among the oldest parliamentary institutions in North America. After lunch you will enjoy a leisurely tour of La Citadel de Québec. Located atop Cap Diamant, the Citadel constitutes the eastern flank of Québec's fortifications. Inspired by it, romantic writers have often called Québec the "Gibraltar of America". To round out the day, you will visit the official residence of the Governor General, a historical home located within the confines of the Citadel and overlooks the majestic St. Lawrence River. Truly an inspiring journey through time.
This tour includes:
- Transportation by minibus
- Guided tour of the Parliament buildings (if not in session)
- 3 course lunch at the "Restaurant Le Parlementaire", including a glass of wine
- Guided tour of La Citadel and Governor General’s Residence
- Professional guide
- Gratuities
What to wear: Sturdy walking shoes and rain gear - just in case!
Tuesday June 12
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
FINE ART & FINE WINE
Our first stop will be the Musée National des beauxarts (art gallery), located in Battlefields Park, also known as the Plains of Abraham. This city park is one of the world's loveliest, with its 108 hectares of grassy expanses, woodlands and gardens. An oasis of greenery in the city centre, it delights thousands of citizens and visitors every day. Behind the Musée is a superb view of the park and the St. Lawrence River. On our second stop, you will be treated to a wine-tasting demonstration with cheese given by a cheerful wine connoisseur followed by lunch in a typical restaurant in Old Québec. Then, your guide will help you discover the narrow streets of the Lower Town, where you will have ample time to visit antique shops, art galleries and the boutiques of the area.
This tour includes:
- Transportation by a 24-passenger mini coach
- Visit at the Musée National des Beaux-arts
- A wine-tasting demonstration with cheese
- Lunch at La Crémaillère
- Visit of antique shops, art galleries, etc.
- Professional guide
- Gratuities