Canada’s French Heartbeat

Where History and Culture Dance Along Cobblestone Streets

“To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” – Aldous Huxley

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Today’s Newsletter Presented By

Canada travel Quebec city tourist enjoying view of Chateau Frontenac castle and St. Lawrence river in background - Shutterstock

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In today’s email:

• Canada’s French Heartbeat

• South Africa’s World Heritage Trail

• Around the World: Gibeau Orange Julep; A Legendary Château;

  The Best Slow Travel Towns in Italy and a whole lot more…

• Seasonal & Special Occasions To Add To Your List

• Into Orbit: Total solar eclipse 2028: Everything you need to know about totality in Australia and New Zealand

• From Social Media: The Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London

• Travel Grub: Classic Canadian Poutine

• Curious Cove: Old Quebec a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE treasure in Canada

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Canada’s French Heartbeat

Located along the majestic St Lawrence River, Québec City charms visitors with its European ambience and over 400 years of rich history. Stroll beneath the ramparts of North America’s only fortified city, a UNESCO World Heritage gem, and lose yourself in lively streets of cafés, boutiques and galleries. The vibrant theatre and music scenes bring local traditions into the present, while culinary offerings—from hearty Québecois dishes to refined bistros—celebrate the region’s terroir. Nearby, nature escapes tempt with dramatic waterfalls, forest trails and riverside vistas that beg exploration. Seasonal festivals light up the city year‑round, from winter carnivals to summer music fests.

Whether you savour street art in Saint‑Roch, wander the bohemian quarters of Saint‑Jean‑Baptiste or gaze across the river toward Île d’Orléans, each corner tells another tale. In this city, France’s echo resonates amid the new world, making every visit an unforgettable cultural journey

Skyline view of Old Quebec City with iconic Chateau Frontenac and Dufferin Terrace against St. Lawrence river in autumn sunny day, a national historic site of Canada - Shutterstock

South Africa’s World Heritage Trail

South Africa is known for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant cities. From safaris with the Big Five and world-class wine regions to iconic landmarks like Table Mountain and Robben Island, it’s a country where history, nature, and adventure meet

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Around the World

Gibeau Orange Julep

What North American city skyline includes the likes of a giant orange? None other than the city of Montreal. This giant orange that stands a monstrous three stories high and 40 feet wide started out as nothing but an ambitious “casse-croute” with a quirky, mysterious beverage to offer

A Legendary Château

Ideally located within the walls of the Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is the best location to discover Quebec City

The Holy Door of Québec City

The Holy Door in Québec City was inaugurated in 2013 during the 350th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Notre-Dame de Québec parish by François de Laval. A Holy Door is generally kept sealed, only being opened in holy years

The Plains of Abraham

The Plains of Abraham (Plaines d’Abraham) is a historic and expansive urban park located in the heart of Québec City, Canada. Spanning 98 hectares, it serves as a vibrant cultural, recreational, and natural hub for both locals and visitors

The Best Secret Guarded from Old Quebec

Immerse yourself in a cozy, retro, and elegant atmosphere. Behind a discreet facade hides the Vieux Carré, a speakeasy where every cocktail is a work of art, and every evening, a unique experience

The Best Slow Travel Towns in Italy

Italy is famous for its art cities, ancient ruins, and world-class food. But beyond the crowds of Venice, Florence, and Rome, there are hundreds of small towns where life moves slower and more meaningfully. These hidden gems offer a taste of la dolce vita - the sweet life - where every moment feels like a scene from a classic Italian film.

Picture yourself riding a Vespa along quiet country roads, stopping for a scoop of creamy gelato in a sun-drenched piazza, or sipping local wine as the sun sets over rolling hills. These are the places to reconnect with beauty: medieval lanes lined with flowerpots, landscapes dotted with olive trees and vineyards, and locals who still make pasta by hand. Here’s a guide to the best small towns in Italy for slow travel, grouped by region - with travel tips and food suggestions included

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Seasonal & Special Occasions To Add To Your List

Explore this list of seasonal activities not to be missed.

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Into Orbit

Total solar eclipse 2028: Everything you need to know about totality in Australia and New Zealand

On July 22, 2028, the moon’s shadow will cut a 143-mile-wide (230 kilometer) path across Australia and New Zealand. According to NASA, it will mark the first total solar eclipse visible from Sydney since 1857 and the last until 2858, making it a once-in-a-lifetime event for the city’s 5 million residents

NASA, Blue Origin Invite Media to Attend Mars Mission Launch

NASA and Blue Origin are reopening media accreditation for the launch of the agency’s ESCAPADE (Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers) mission. The twin ESCAPADE spacecraft will study the solar wind’s interaction with Mars

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From Social Media

The Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London, was built in 1676 and played a key role in the history of astronomy and navigation

Travel Grub

Classic Canadian Poutine

Curious Cove

Old Quebec a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE treasure in Canada

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