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Happy Birthday Quebec - July 3, 2008. Quebec City, Canada, reaches a milestone – its 400^th anniversary of its founding in 1608 – and will celebrate its historic past and present with gala parades, laser shows and an original show by famed Cirque du Soleil. From December 31, 2007, to October 19, 2008, tourists and Canadians visiting the charming city on the St. Lawrence River can delve into a “treasure chest” of Quebec festivities, attractions and activities planned by the Quebec City Tourism. Concerts, guided tours, and many other cultural activities are planned.

“I arrived there on the 3rd of July,” wrote French explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1608, “when I searched for a place suitable for our settlement, but I could find none more convenient or better situated than the point of Quebec.” Champlain stepped ashore and unfurled the fleur-de-lys, marking the beginning of that city and indeed of Canada. Thank you, Samuel Champlain!

The setting of the city is gorgeous, encompassing the St. Lawrence River, nearby mountains, access to the sea, an Upper and Lower Town, old stone buildings, a modern port and modern architecture. Quebec City is really a little bit of France so close to Boston.

The Quebec City museums plan many special exhibits focusing on the history of the city. Cultural happenings, parades, military band contests and multi-media events are just some of the offerings. The city cherishes encounters between Europe and North America, First Nations and settlers, France and England and portrays that in its events.

At a luncheon in Boston I was intrigued to hear of the extensive festivities Quebec City-- one of my favorite – will host. Bard Nordy, Martin Lachance and Paule Bergeron spoke about the gala year. At the preview, a “treasure chest” was unveiled, along with the special anniversary website—www.quebec400.qc.ca -- which will be updated regularly with new events. The Quebec City tourism folk invite one and all to come, enjoy and discover this wonderful bi-cultural city.

People of French descent across North America trace their history back to Québec City, the cradle of French civilization in the New World. (Although French is the official language, most of the locals speak English.)

For thousands of years, Québec was a regular gathering place for First Nations. When Jacques Cartier sailed up the St. Lawrence in 1535, he came upon the village of Stadaconé, not far from Cap Diamant, where the Iroquois people practiced agriculture and fishing. One century later, the Algonquin nomads were found at the future site of Québec City. Today, it is the Hurons-Wendat who live here, present in the area since 1650, they are settled in Wendake since 1697.

July 3, 2008 is the anniversary of the founding of Québec City, and the date of its fourth centenary. This is the high point of the 400th anniversary celebrations. At the Basilique de Québec, a High Mass will be followed by a salute to Champlain, ceremonies, a military parade and a show with projections, songs and dances. In the evening, the Festival international d’été de Québec will kick off on the Plains of Abraham with a gala show.

Oh, in between anniversary celebrations, visitors have to eat, right? Quebec cuisine is scrumptious. And sightsee. Local sightseeing highlights include visiting and eating at the regal Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, 310 steps up from the river. An enclosed funicular chugs up the steep slope for $1.50 per ride. The lower-level entrance is in the Louis-Jolliet House in the Quartier Petit Champlain. This historic pedestrian-only lane is lined with boutiques, galleries and cafes in 17th- and 18th-century stone buildings.

Breakfast at Le Cochon Dingue, an authentic Quebec institution, is a don't-miss treat. Dinner in Les Voutes du Cavour, a historical home, typical of New France architecture, features food and entertainment of this era. Enjoy the river and city views with a cruise on The M/V Louis Jolliet -- it offers dinner and lunch cruises.

On a recent trip to Quebec City, I indulged in a private guide. I arranged my guide through Québec City Tourism (418) 580-6662. Michelle Demers escorted me on a sightseeing tour. We strolled Old Québec's narrow history filled streets and toured historic houses by the St. Lawrence River.

Later, I used the Quebec City Passport to visit some of the 20 local museums and attractions including the Old Port of Quebec Interpretation Center; the National Historic Site, the Citadel; the Quebec Experience Multi Media, the Musee du Fort, the Observatory de La Capital, and the Museum of Civilization. Many plan special events during the 400^th anniversary year so check the website.

I stayed at Hotel 71, at 71 Rue Saint-Pierre, phone (418) 692-1171 or 1 888 692-1171. Visit www.hotel71.ca for more information. Opened a short time, the Hotel 71–Café 71 is in a renovated XIX century building, with 40 rooms and suites, in an antique and art gallery area a few blocks from Place Royale. The hotel’s a block from the St. Lawrence River and the Marché du Vieux-Port. The Marche, a tradition dating back 300 years, is the farmer’s market. One night I stepped out the back door of my hotel and walked across the pedestrian lane to Restaurant Toast for dinner.

Right after the opening show for the Festival d’été de Québec, a fire-sculpture will be lit around 11 PM on the Plains of Abraham, the starting point for a flame-lit parade down to the Bassin Louise.

Here are some highlights of the anniversary year celebrations; visit the easy-to-navigate website www.quebec400.qc.ca for detailed information on activities, accommodations, restaurants, activities and more.

The Opening Ceremony is set for December 31, 2007, at Place D'Youville, Quebec City and is geared for families and all ages.

January 5-6, 2008 “ The 400-year Journey» Interactive Tour, presented by La Société du 400e anniversaire de Québec begins the year in the heart of Old Québec. Participants will walk through 13 different stations with dozens of actors, comedians and athletes telling the story of the early French settlers.

Mahler's Symphony No. 8, Symphony of a Thousand, March 15, 2008, Colisée Pepsi, features this phenomenal work of art bringing a conductor and 1,000 musicians and singers to the stage. This spectacular piece is rarely presented anywhere in the world.

Same cloth, different threads: the Jews of Quebec, From May 1 to October 31, 2008, Gare du Palais, An exhibition celebrating the integration and participation of the Jewish community in Québec City's development.

Anniversary website, www.quebec400.qc.ca, updates events. Also visit www.quebecregion.com, for restaurant, hotel and transportation information. Bon jour.