Quebec City, Canada

Founded in 1608, Quebec City is one of the oldest cities in North America. For many years, Quebec City shrunk from the limelight as Montreal’s understated sibling. But, following extensive renovations in 2008, the capital of the Canadian province of Quebec has finally come into its own and tourists have cottoned on to the city’s captivating marriage of European antiquity with modern North American verve. Quebec City’s 400-year-old ramparts are the city’s poster child, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only fortified city walls remaining in North America. Draped across Cap-Diamant, the whimsical Château Frontenac Hotel, built for the Canadian Pacific Railway company, dominates the skyline. The Lower Town (Basse-Ville) oozes old Europe with its weathered stone buildings and labyrinthine, cobblestone streets lined with breathtaking monuments, most notably the gilded Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral, fronted by statutes and emblazoned with murals. The dilapidated 18th- and 19th-century buildings that dominated the riverside neighborhood of Vieux-Port have been given a much needed revamp and now house sassy boutiques, antique stores, traditional bistros, and chic hotels. The poised St. Jean-Baptiste neighborhood is a lovely place to meander, with fashionable boutiques, second-hand bookstores, and stylish restaurants. Art lovers flock to the Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec, a venerable showcase for modern art and Inuit art. Even in the bleak mid winter, hardy Quebecers find a reason to celebrate. The Winter Carnaval features outdoor activities and cultural events, including free shows by Cirque du Soleil.

*This is just a sample. Zephyr provides access to aircraft at every end of the spectrum, from luxurious VIP airliners, to ultra long range business jet, helicopters, and economical turboprops.