LÉVIS (Québec)

A NEW CITY THAT HAS RISEN FROM THE OLD

Lévis is a city found on the east of Québec province. It is located near St. Lawrence River’s south shore. The city’s major business is in the field of agriculture. Although this city is small, it is more than just a typical suburb. Large companies and manufacturers, such as Frito Lay and Ultramar refinery, are located here.

When it comes to tourist attractions, beautiful scenery, and fun activities to do, Lévis has everything for you. Shopping malls, ferries, ski hills, historic sites, and bridges are only some of the captivating attractions offered in the city. This is a good vacation spot for the entire family, newlyweds, or group of friends.

HOW IT BEGAN

The city of Lévis was officially founded in 1861. The city's core, Pointe de Lévis (then referred to as Pointe-Lévy), became important much earlier. Pointe de Lévis is where the St. Lawrence River meets the Chaudière rivers making the soil in the area rich, making agriculture an important part of the city's growth. Railways also made the city a major center for immigrants and commerce beginning the mid-1800s.

Lévis city grew in size the years following its foundation through the annexation of several of the surrounding towns and municipalities. In 2002, the city was merged with nine other cities to form the new city of Lévis.

YOU MIGHT WANT TO CHECK OUT...

╣ferry rides in the city. It is one of the most fascinating experiences you should not miss when staying in Lévis. Ferries link Québec City and Lévis. In case you want to try, you can find these ferry boats at 109 rue Dalhousie. These ferries carry foot passengers as well as vehicles. Passing through the St. Lawrence River, ferry rides are open year-round, even during winter when water freezes. Grab your camera along because the entire view of Québec City and St. Lawrence River is really something worth keeping.

╣Pierre Laporte Bridge. It connects western Lévis to Québec City. Known to be the longest suspension bridge in Canada, this was constructed for four years, from 1966 to 1970. Around 90,000 vehicles use this bridge daily. When taking the bridge, your view will be the beautiful St. Lawrence River and the Pont Québec – another bridge that links Québec City and Lévis.

╣Fort Lévis National Historic Site of Canada. If you want to explore the city as it is before, this is the one of the best places to visit. It is one of the oldest buildings in Lévis, which is built around 1865-1872 to prevent possible American invasion. It is open daily during the months of May-August. Panoramic views and historic exhibits are what they feature in the site.

╣A. C. Davie Building Site. It is the oldest shipyard you can find in this city. Established in 1892, this building site was owned by the Davie family which used to construct wood ships. Their family has many contributions to the wood ship industry.

╣Fort de la Martiniere. It was constructed in the 1900s. Artillery soldiers used to occupy this place during World War I and II. Some artworks and painting of local artists are also featured in their exhibits.

╣Maison Natale de Louis Frechette. If you like going to cultural events, this is the place for you. The place is open during the months of June-September in which theater plays, poetry readings, and musical concerts in French are held. You can also go there to witness painting competitions of local artists.

╣Center de Pleine-air Lévis. For people who like snowboarding, snow shoeing, tube sliding, and cross-country skiing, this is the place for them. This ski spot has professional trainers and tour guides to assist you during your stay. They also offer equipment rentals for visitors. Night snowboarding is open every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

╣Les Galleries Chagnon. You can shop for souvenirs, gifts, clothes, bags, and more all in this one place. With a total floor area of497, 652 sq ft, this enclosed shopping mall consists of 106 stores. It first opened in the year 1974. Some of its anchor stores are Sears, Zellers, Sports Experts/ Atmosphere, and Renaud-Bray. Restaurants are also available here.

╣Club de Golf de L’aube Rivière, if you want to have a day full of fun playing golf with friends or someone special. This 18-hole golf course holds all the badges and certifications of Québec golf. They have trainers for beginners and offer equipment rentals. The Club de Golf de L’etang Ltee, on the other hand, is a 9-hole golf course. It is open for tourists and offers club rentals as well.

╣various restaurants throughout the city. Lévis serves different types of foods in order to meet all the expectations and demands of their visitors. They have Thai, Vietnam, Italian, and French cuisine available in the city. Restaurant Hance Denaston offers French-inspired menu, and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you crave for Italian foods, dine at Mike Lévis or Pacini which both serve pizza, salad, and pasta. You can eat Thai food at Delices D’ Angkor or Levina where meat dishes are extremely good. Kids are very much welcome to come along because these establishments also serve light meals perfect for their small appetite.

TOURISTS SHOULD KNOW

The lower cost of living in Lévis than Québec City makes it a better option if you are looking for a place to spend the night. All hotels in the city offer good service, privacy, and comfort to make each stay really relaxing and memorable.

A top rated hotel in this city is the Four Points by Sheraton Lévis Convention Center. The hotel offers many facilities like swimming pool, small golf course, restaurant, and fitness center. The beautiful interiors, classy furniture, and friendly staffs of the establishment will really make you feel special and well taken care of during your stay.

You can also choose to stay at Quality Inn and Suites Lévis. The place has a swimming pool, fitness center, high-speed internet connection, and more. Their rooms are clean and well-organized.

The Comfort Inn Lévis is also a wonderful place for the family to rest, relax, or spend the night. They offer laundry and dry cleaning service, free parking, and internet connection. Pets are allowed but with an additional fee.

For some people who prefer the night at a camping site, some campgrounds are also found in the city. With nearly 30 sites, the Lévis Campgrounds is open for families, group of friends, school groups, and more. The place offers power, water, and sewer service.

If you want to stay in a larger and more popular campsite, then the Camping Transit Lévis is the one for you. It has 200 sites, a wooded tenting area, and features free internet access to all visitors. When at Lévis-Québec ferry, you can reach the campground in just five minutes.