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Travel Article	Travel Article Archive

By Dann Carty

Sylvain of Le Drague We Have 89 Photos From Quebec City! View Thumbnails View Slideshow

Click on the link for a handy PDF version of our September 2007 Quebec City travel feature!

With its narrow cobblestone streets, old city walls, and friendly gay scene, Quebec City conjures the magic.

As soon as you arrive in the charming area known as "Old Quebec," you'll realize this is like no place in North America. Of course locals speak predominantly French, and join them if you can, but they are happy to converse in English, too. You don't really need an excuse to drink in the ambiance here, but Quebec City hosts frequent special events, like the Festival d'�t� (Summer Festival), the amazing F�te du Faubourg in July, as well as the famous Carnaval de Quebec in February.

You'll find the city's gay scene along portions of quaint rue St-Jean, a street full of various bars, cafes and boutiques just outside the walls of the Old City.

Most notable is Drague (corner St-Augustin and St-Joachim), especially during terrace season. It's fun anytime, but if you're in town on a Thursday or Sunday check the live drag action on-stage in the tavern section of the complex. In addition to the main floor cabaret with two bars, there's a downstairs dance club, open Thursday through Sunday, and the steamy Base III leather bar, for men. There is lots to explore in Base III including the very cruisy main washroom. It features a large bathtub in the middle of the room surrounded by tall, hung mannequins. Trust me, you'll never look at pissing the same again. Click to Ledrague.com for a view of this big bar's busy calendar.

You can find stripper action a little out of town, at the mysterious Gai Serpentin (101 boulevard du Pont, St. Nicolas). It's situated on the Montreal side of le vieux pont de Qu�bec (the old Quebec City Bridge), with a girly bar called Le Sans Limite, and a boys side, the Gai Serpentin, where the guys dance three nights, Thursday though Saturday.

Also when in town, visit neighborhood-style pubs Bar 889 (889 cote Ste-Genevieve) and Taverne 321 (321 rue de la Couronne).

Among the saunas you'll find a friendly reception at Sauna Hippocampe (31 rue McMahon), located in an historic stone house within the walls of le vieux Qu�bec (the Old City). It's among the finest saunas in the world, with a darkened labyrinth, a free sun booth, in addition to the usual sauna services. In recent years they've expanded their room offerings -- visitors may choose between a simple chambrette or larger hotel-style, double bed rooms, some of which come with private bath. Hotel guests have in-and-out privileges and free internet access.

The active Sauna Bloc 225 (225 rue St-Jean) is another sure bet for lovers of steaminess. There's plenty of coming and going her in this renovated Victorian-era building, with facilities over three floors. Check out the unique sky-lit four-level atrium. Neighbors within the complex include Empire Lyon (225-A rue St-Jean), with its fine selection of videos, party wear, sex toys, and aromas; and ForHom (225 rue St-Jean), a men's social club a with bar.

The elegant-looking Sauna Backboys (264 de la Couronne, downtown) offers the works, including sauna, steam, whirlpool, lockers and rooms, plus an upstairs labyrinth. There's a snack bar, video lounge, and even a fireplace on the main floor. There's also parking on premises.

Cafe Le Hobbit (700 rue St-Jean) is great for coffee, croissants, and conversation. Cool music, a warm ambiance, an expanded bar, and an appealing, affordable lunch and dinner menu, make it a great stop any time of day.

Accommodations

At Coureur Des Bois (15 rue Ste-Ursule) you'll find modern rooms inside an historic stone house inside the walls of the Old City. The atmosphere is comfortable and friendly, and your hosts Jean-Marc and Andre provide a fantastic breakfast each morning. The house is close to rue Ste-Jean, so shops, bars, restaurants and tourists sites are minutes away. They also have wi-fi and a wonderful terrace to enjoy in good weather. Catch some rays or sip a cocktail on the several levels of decking in the back.

Also within the Old City is the Coach House (418-261-6610), also known as La Maison du Cocher -- another stone-walled edifice where guests live in huge apartments with modern kitchens and access to outdoor decks and hanging gardens. They're among the nicest apartments I've seen in my travels.

727 Chambres et Pension (27 rue D'Aiguillon; 418-648-6766) is an old favorite, and laid-back owners Louis and Gerald make this great house an even more appealing place. They've presided over ongoing improvements, like the modernized guest breakfast area and the adjoining main floor patio deck, as well as a second floor sun deck.Rounding out the list is the modest 253 Bed and Breakfast (253 rue de la Reine; 418-647-0590), located downtown within easy walking distance of Sauna Backboys. This guesthouse, too, has changed over the past several years. There's a new main floor breakfast room and an expanded garden for guests.

Venture to the countryside for a breath of really fresh air! In the Laurentians, north of Montreal, the deep, dark woods shake hands with a manicured lawn at Septentrion B&B . Visitors can make an easy getaway into the forest -- but don't forget to leave a trail of crumbs! It's the province's only gay five-star rated inn, and it's super deluxe. Facilities include a swimming pool and a hot tub; and at least one guestroom is equipped with an in-room whirlpool. Les Chutes (waterfalls) de Ste-Marguerite du Lac Masson, in nearby Ste-Adele, are a major nearby tourist attraction.

To or from Quebec City, in Ottawa (an easy two-hour drive west of Montreal), the Inn on Somerset (282 Somerset Street, West Ottawa; 613-236-9309) offers a simple getaway -- or a complete gay wedding package. Whether you want romp or rest, see for yourself if this inn's custom beds don't live up to their reputation as the best in the world! It's a distinction in which longtime host, George, takes special pride.

Quebec City will make you say "ooh la la!" and perhaps you'll wonder why you hadn't taken a trip to this beautiful city sooner.