Ninth-grade French students recently took a trip to Québec, Canada, where students explored the culture, practiced speaking French in real-world situations, and visited historic landmarks throughout the city.
Students said that it was both a fun and educational trip. They were able to explore monumental buildings while also visiting new restaurants and bakeries.
“The best food I had was the hot chocolate for breakfast,” said freshman Layla Dickey.
One of the most popular tourist attractions was the Phantom Tour. It was a guided tour through Old Québec, once known as New France, led by an actor dressed as a ghost. During the tour, the guide shared stories about historical crimes while two other actors performed jump scares. Their costumes also helped bring the stories to life and made the experience more immersive.
Students enjoyed the tour because it combined history with entertainment, making it both educational and exciting.
“I loved the haunted tour around Québec City,” said Dickey. “I found it educational because I learned a lot about the history of Québec and how people used to live.”
Another memorable experience was visiting L’Érabilère du Cap, also known as the Sugar Shack. Students got to play the musical wooden spoons they got from the Atelier Paré, a wooden sculpture museum. They got to enjoy a lumberjack breakfast for dinner and danced in a festive atmosphere. Outside, students tried maple taffy on the snow, a treat known as tire sur la neige, and even got to stir their own maple butter.
The trip allowed students to connect what they learned in class to real-life experiences, helping them better understand the language, history, and traditions of Québec.
“We got many opportunities to speak French and improve, and also we got to see how Canadian culture was different from ours,” said freshman Maniya Kari.
Students also enjoyed spending time together outside of school, making memories while exploring the city. Whether they were shopping for souvenirs, trying traditional foods, or hacky-sacking in the middle of Québec, the trip created stronger friendships, helping students grow closer.
“During the trip, I made a lot of new friends with people in school that I don’t have classes with, and I’m so grateful because if it wasn’t for the trip, I wouldn’t have become friends with them otherwise,” said Kari.
Although some students may hesitate because of language concerns or about who will attend, middle school French teacher Kristen Eaton explained that students should focus on the experience itself and not let anxiety prevent them from going.
“Students should definitely sign up for the trip. They should not worry if their best friend isn’t going,” said Eaton. “They will make new friends, have exciting adventures, and make lifelong memories in a French-speaking country.”
The memories of walking through Old Québec, hearing French spoken all around them, and experiencing the city’s unique blend of history and modern life continued to shape how students approached their studies long after they returned, slowly influencing not just their language skills but their overall perspective on learning itself.
“Everyone always remembers their class trip to Québec. It is often a highlight of high school,” said Eaton.