Despite having been ceded to the British in 1759, the city's population of more than half a million are today 95 percent French-speaking, lending a definite 'joie de vivre' and culture to the atmosphere. About four million visitors are drawn to Quebec City each year, to savour this French charm, the famed Quebec gourmet scene, and the beauty of the historic Old City where winding cobbled streets are lined with 17th and 18th century stone houses and churches, bewitching parks, elegant squares, and numerous monuments. The city is included on UNESCO's World Heritage List and is one of the only fortified cities in the Americas.
Many interesting sights and tourist attractions in Quebec City are located in the walled Old Town on top of the hill, including dozens of small shops and boutiques and attractive historical buildings. There are also interesting neighbourhoods to explore in the more modern Upper Town and Lower Town, which are connected by stairs. The Old Town is compact and easily walkable. If you get tired or cannot navigate the steep stairs between Upper Town and Lower Town, take a scenic ride in the Funiculaire, or hire one of many horse-drawn carriages for a quaint view of the historic sights.
There are many things to see and do in Quebec City. Visit the National Museum of the Arts, the Franco-American Museum, or the Capital Observatory, which is one of the tallest buildings in Quebec and offers panoramic views of the city. You can take a ferry to Lévis, which offers memorable views of the Chateau Frontenac and the Old Town, or take a sunset cruise on the St Lawrence River.
Children will enjoy a visit to the Chocolate Museum, or a spin around the ice rink in Old Town. Villages Vacances Valcartier has waterslides and go-karting in the summer.
Just a few kilometres from downtown, the surrounding nature of Quebec City presents numerous opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation, like horseback riding, canoeing, hiking and skiing.
Quebec City Attractions
Parliament Buildings
Just outside the old city walls stands the imposing 19th-century Parliament Building, inspired by the Louvre in Paris and designed by the architect, Eugene Etienne Taché. Although it is the working home of the 125-strong National Assembly, the buildings are open to visitors for... see full details
Place Royale
The site of the historical Place-Royale complex was used in ancient times by the First Nations for trading, until the leader of the first Quebec French settlement, Samuel de Champlain, constructed a formal fortified fur trading post in 1608. The trading post flourished and... see full details
Funicular
A panoramic bird's eye view of historic Québec City can be had from the cabin of the Funicular that travels at an angle of 45º from Louis Jolliet House in the heart of the old city to Dufferin Terrace. The funicular has been... see full details
Fortifications
Guided walking tours of the three-mile (5km) long city wall that surrounds the old city of Québec trace the evolution of the city's defence system across three centuries. The walls are set with interpretation panels. Quebec is the only fortified city in North America... see full details
Old Port of Montreal
Montreal's Old Port (Vieux Port de Montreal) is actually fairly new, having had a major face-lift to make it the most popular site for visitors to the city, drawing five million of them each year to throng the bustling wharves. In the 19th... see full details
Musée de la Civilisation
Billed as 'the museum of human adventure' this very popular contemporary institution in the heart of the Québec historic district is characterised by its innovative and daring outlook. Using interactive technology its thematic exhibits cover all aspects of the human experience, from fundamental issues... see full details
Battlefields Park (Plains of Abraham)
Once the setting for bloody battles between the British and French, the Plains of Abraham today serves as Quebec City's 'green lung', a playground and peaceful arboreal retreat, and venue for a variety of fairs and events. The park is to Québec what Central... see full details
Lower Town (Basse-Ville)
Quebec City's Lower Town (Basse-Ville) is the charming 'old quarter' of the city, full of narrow, winding streets, historical stone buildings, and an overwhelming array of trendy cafés, bars, and boutique stores. The oldest urban district in Canada, Lower Town has a distinctly European... see full detailsQuebec City Day Trips
Montmorency Falls Park
Just to the east of Québec City lies the spectacular Montmorency Falls, plunging 272 feet (83m), one and a half times higher than Niagara Falls. Besides a beautiful setting, the park also boasts historic buildings and a variety of fun activities. A cable car runs up to the historic Manoir Montmorency manor house, dating from 1781, where there is a restaurant, view terrace, interpretation centre, reception rooms and boutiques. A suspension bridge hangs directly across the falls, providing a breathtaking view, and a second bridge gives access to the east side of the falls where there are numerous viewpoints and trails.
L'Île d'Orléans
The little island in the St Lawrence River, just 15 minutes from downtown Québec City, is an historical treasure trove containing 600 heritage buildings. Algonquin natives called the island 'windigo', meaning 'bewitched corner', before French colonists arrived in 1535 and named it for the Duke of Orleans. The island is the ancestral home of more than 300 Quebecois families and still has more than 7,000 inhabitants. A perimeter road called The Royal Way, which extends across the Taschereau Bridge to the mainland, connects all the six villages on the island. Visitors enjoy cycling or driving around the island to marvel at panoramic views of the river and explore sites like the oldest church in 'new France'.Quebec City Events
Quebec Winter Carnival
The world's largest winter carnival was first held in 1894, when French colonists started holding a rowdy get-together before Lent to eat, drink and be merry. Today it has snowballed into Québec City's most important tourist and local event, packed full of activities and... see full details
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