Quebec City was founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain and is one of the oldest European settlements in North America. It’s also the only walled city in both Canada and the United States. The Old Town is the heart and soul of the city and has a European feel to it. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Old Town (Vieux-Québec) is divided into the Lower Town (Basse-Ville) and the Upper Town (Haute-Ville). Both areas are best explored on foot and are connected by a maze of narrow winding streets, staircases and a funicular.
Excellent restaurants, bistros, cafes, art galleries and other specialty stores are aplenty in both areas. The ideal way to explore the historical city is to get lost in its narrow cobblestone streets and admire the old homes, churches and the world-renowned Château Frontenac.
During the summer months, cruise ships regularly call in Quebec City. Also, guided sightseeing tours and whale watching cruises are offered from May to October.
Ferries linking to and from Lévis across the river run year-round and offer fantastic views of Old Quebec City.
The only way to enjoy the long cold winter is to embrace it, and that’s what the city has been doing every year since 1955, by organizing the Quebec Winter Carnival. There is a parade, plenty of activities for the young and young at heart and all are welcome!
Places to see in the Lower Town
Petit-Champlain District
This is one of Quebec City oldest neighborhoods and its narrow winding streets are lined with one-of–a-kind boutiques, art galleries and restaurants, all housed inside historical homes. With its European atmosphere, the area reminded us of Europe and also, of the important role the city played at the start of America’s colonization, of which my ancestors were a part. Both sides of my family made the long voyage across the ocean from France in the 1600s and settled in Nouvelle France. Maybe that’s where my wanderlust gene comes from?
Place-Royale
For a trip back in time, head over to the Place-Royale, birthplace of Nouvelle France and open-air museum: See the oldest stone church in North America, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, which dates back to 1688. For more history about New France check out the nearby Museum of Civilization with its many interesting exhibits.
The Old Port
The Old Port (Vieux-Port) has always played an important role in the city and it still does today. There’s a market, a bike path, a park and the occasional show presented on site, making it a great place to visit.
Places to see in the Upper Town
Dufferin Terrace
Adjacent to the Château Frontenac, this long boardwalk is the perfect vantage point to get scenic views of the city and the St. Lawrence River. We could see the ferries going back and forth across the river to Lévis.
Under the terrace of the boardwalk there are remnants of another era and it’s possible to take a tour of the archeological site showing the ancient stone foundations. There are some strategically placed windows allowing visitors to get a glimpse of what lies below.
From here you can choose to go up the steps at the end of the terrace and walk along the Governors’ Walkway (which was built in 1958 to commemorate Québec’s 350th anniversary) all the way to the Plains of Abraham. Alternatively you can choose to walk down or take the funicular (located at the other end of the terrace, near the Château Frontenac) to the Lower Town and Petit-Champlain district. You can also make your way to the Rue du Trésor, where artists put their works on display, like an open-air gallery. You may find an interesting souvenir!
The Citadelle and Fortifications
Visiting this UNESCO and National Historic Site should be on every visitors list. The star-shaped citadel is impressive with its 4.6 km (2.8 miles) of fortified walls. Located on top of Cap Diamant, the city’s highest point, you get a bird’s-eye view of the St. Lawrence River and the Plains of Abraham. The latter is the site of the historical battle of 1759 between Generals Wolfe and Montcalm (Britain vs France). These days people flock to the plains for outdoor activities, concerts and celebrations year-round. To learn about the history and importance of this site, a guided tour is recommended. There is also a museum about the history and importance of the Citadelle de Québec and the Royal 22nd Regiment. During the summertime you can see the changing of the guards.
Parliament Hill
Excellent restaurants and nice hotels are located around the parliament, home to Quebec’s National Assembly. The elegant Fontaine de Tourny stands directly in front the Parliament Building. Free guided tours of this important landmark are available. Other places of interest in the area include la Porte St-Louis, gateway to the walled city, and the Observatory that offers panoramic 360-degree views of the city.
Those are some of our favorite places around the city but there are many other interesting sites to visit and things to do in Quebec City or in the municipalities nearby. It’s possible to see a lot in one day but staying for a long weekend is preferable, as this would give ample time to go see the neighboring Montmorency Falls.
Places to see around Quebec City
Montmorency Falls
Located only 20 minutes from Quebec City, the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency is a must-see. The Montmorency Falls are the tallest in the Province of Quebec and are 83 m (272 ft) high, a full 30 m (99 ft) taller than Niagara Falls! Samuel de Champlain, founder of Quebec City, named them in honor of the Duc de Montmorency, the viceroy of New France.
A cable car can take you to the top (near to the manor) to get a different perspective. Those who wish can opt for the panoramic staircase, definitely more strenuous, but at no extra cost. Cross the suspension bridge, and feel the thunder of the falls roaring below your feet! Visit during winter (perhaps when the Carnival is happening) and see the waterfalls transformed into a sheet of ice, creating a stunning natural sculpture!
The park is open year-round and offers many activities: Trails, a suspension bridge, zip line, via ferrata routes and even ice climbing and snowshoeing in the wintertime.
The Countryside
Fall is a good time to visit for those hoping to see the colorful foliage, but the countryside is lovely any time of the year where century-old farmhouses, homes and churches remain frozen in time. L’Île d’Orleans is a good place to start.
Located northeast of Quebec City, Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is home to an important pilgrimage shrine, dubbed the “Place of Miracles”. For over 350 years devoted pilgrims have come to worship Sainte Anne, and many others come simply to admire the church.
In the winter, snowboarders and skiers flock to the slopes of Mont Sainte-Anne, which is located approximately 40 km (25 miles) from Quebec City.
For more ideas of what to do further north of Quebec City have a look at our post: Whale Watching in Tadoussac, Quebec, Canada
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