Quebec is a city of contrasts. And that’s a good thing for meetings and events.
Quebec City, Canada, is considered an epicenter for health research and innovation among the life sciences crowd, with 85 life science research centers, chairs and clusters and 600 research professors—all of which can be integrated into events to some capacity. It’s also known for its venues, which offer a strong sense of place either through storied history that saw their construction and later reinvention or pioneering architectural sensibilities. Carissa Koral, sales development manager at Quebec City Business Destination, says the Voltigeurs de Quebec Armoury offers the best of both worlds.
“Quebec City in itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site where centuries-old architecture mixes with modern culture and structures, she says. “The armory sits close to the Plains of Abraham near Old Quebec where the Battle of the Plains of Abraham took place. You can see the mystical plains from armory’s terraces and foyer area. And in the heart of Quebec City is the LEED-certified convention center with 300,000 sf of space.”
Built as a Gothic Revival drill hall some 100 years later, engulfed by flames 100 years after that and rebuilt in 2016, the armory is now a sought-after space for large-scale events. The grandiose, brick-lined Salle d’Armes room retains its historic charm with the added touch of state-of-the-art technology. Up to 1,300 attendees can meet here. Another interesting space is the Commemorative Hall which has as its backdrop a collection of historical objects, and groups have easy access to the armory from partner hotels, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac and Hotel Chateau Laurier Quebec.
Koral says for an immersive experience of the city, groups should embark on a food tour of Old Quebec, jump in on a festival or head to the apple orchards for a stroll and cider tastings.
