Within the confines of our small, tight-knit community, we naturally become accustomed to the traditions and customs that define who we are as Granby residents. Yet in a world that extends well beyond the established borders of our humble town, a myriad of unique cultures exists.
Recognizing the importance of cultural awareness and curiosity, in late February a group of GMHS students experienced an opportunity to venture to Quebec City, to indulge in the assortment of attractions and learning opportunities the storied city holds to offer.
Spanning four days, the trip was tailored to GMHS students currently enrolled in a French class who demonstrated an interest in French culture.
Situated in the only French-speaking province in Canada, Quebec City provides a unique blend of cultures where traditional North American ways of life intermix with Francophone linguists and signage.
Upon arrival, 49 students and four chaperones took in several experiences and witnessed unique elements of Quebecois culture, taking trips to iconic landmarks Les Chutes-Montmorency and Le Sanctuaire Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, eating plates of poutine, and tubing down the steep trails of La Village Vacances Valcartier.
The countless activities students took part in shared the central theme of broadening one’s horizons to explore new and different experiences. For many students, the trip to Quebec was the first experience that demanded the use of conversational French in real-life situations, immersing them in uncomfortable yet rewarding challenges.
Despite Quebec City being quite accommodating to English tourists, this reporter often found himself encouraged to leverage his understanding of French and push himself to improve his skill set. As Brian Rooney, a Junior at GMHS attests, “It was a good experience. It was a nice way to refresh some of my skills and apply what I learned to the real world while having fun with my friends.”
Beyond the language, Quebec City also fosters a number of historical and natural landmarks. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the “old city” within the city’s fortified walls is protected from any additions or removals as part of UNESCO’s initiative to preserve the cultural significance of Old Quebec City.
Significant features of Old Quebec include Le Chateau Frontenac, the most-photographed hotel in the world, as well as Rue du Petit-Champlain, which has been recognized in recent years,as the prettiest Canadian street. Students had the opportunity to visit Les Chutes-Montmorency and take in the breathtaking views from the tallest waterfall in North America and enriched their understanding of Canada’s indigenous populations by touring the museum of the Huron-Wendat People. Of the various activities that highlighted the trip, a personal favorite relates to the sugar shack: learning about the process of making maple syrup and even trying some sugar on snow.
Presented the opportunity to broaden their understanding of the world, GMHS students took complete advantage, learning about the many unique elements of French culture in North America. Acknowledged by many as a birthplace of French America, Quebec City offers a tremendously diverse range of historical landmarks, natural wonders, and cultural elements, which all contribute to our enhanced knowledge of the different people who make up the world surrounding us.
