A street lined with umbrellas. Right: A person walks on a cobblestone street in Canada.
If you've been dreaming of a European getaway, you don't need to actually go to Europe to satisfy your wanderlust.
If cobblestone streets, historic old towns and multilingual culture are what you're looking for, you don't need to book a plane ticket to somewhere like Switzerland — you can travel within the True North to find all these features and more.
For a slice of Europe right here in Canada, look no further than this Canadian city that is one of the oldest in North America and offers history, charm and a European flair, minus the expensive transatlantic flight.
Quebec City has been called a "destination dupe" for Geneva, Switzerland, by Expedia in its Unpack 24 Travel Trends report.
According to the travel company, "destination dupes" are locations that are "just as trip-worthy as their tried-and-true doppelgängers," but are a little unexpected, and, in this case, absolutely more affordable.
The two cities both sit on a beautiful body of water — while Geneva sits on Lake Geneva, Quebec City sits on the striking St. Lawrence River.
The cities are also both home to colourful, historic old towns.
A street in old town Geneva, Switzerland. Right: A street in old Quebec City. Bogdan Lazar | Dreamstime, Marc Bruxelle | Dreamstime
Geneva's old town is home to cobblestone streets, small squares, historic buildings, museums and famous passageways.
In Quebec City's old town, you'll find many of the same features -- cobblestone streets, quaint shops and streets that will transport you back in time.
A street in Geneva, Switzerland. Right: A street in Quebec City. @genevatourism | Instagram, clement proust | Unsplash
To really feel like you're walking the streets of Europe, you'll want to explore the Petit Champlain district in Old Quebec. Located close to the banks of the St. Lawrence River, the historical area will take you back in time to the founding of Quebec over 400 years ago.
The Petit Champlain district is recognized as the oldest commercial artery in North America, as well as one of the most beautiful areas of Old Quebec. Today, it's home to more than 45 shops and restaurants, including quaint boutiques and bistros.
It's also where you'll find rue du Petit Champlain, a street frequently cited among the most beautiful in the world.
In Quebec City, you'll also find multiple museums and cultural experiences that will make you feel like you've gone abroad.
"The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec is an easy dupe for the Musée d’art et d’histoire de Genève," says Expedia.
Here, you'll find an "unparalleled" collection of Quebecois art made up of over 42,000 pieces.
Like its European counterpart, Quebec City also isn't short on nature experiences.
While Geneva is considered the "gateway to the Alps," Quebec City has a geographical landscape to rival its culture, with areas like the Jacques-Cartier National Park and Vallée Bras-du-Nord offering mountain and valley hiking opportunities.
The striking Montmorency Falls should also not be missed on a trip to the city. Located just 15 minutes from Old Quebec, the park is home to a dramatic 83-metre-high breathtaking waterfall, as well as hiking trails and a zipline.
Beautiful no matter which season you visit, Quebec City has everything you need for a European-inspired vacation without having to spend on an expensive flight.
Bon voyage!