Quebec City – The Walled Capital of the Province
Québec City, Ville de Québec, is the capital of the French-speaking province of Québec and one of the most historically significant cities in North America. It is the last walled city remaining in the USA and Canada, a reminder of its strategic importance at the point where the Saint Lawrence River broadens into the large estuary flowing into the Atlantic Ocean.
Québec City is divided into the Lower Town and the Upper Town located on a cliff 60 meters high. The center of Québec City combines ancient, historic streets around Place Royale in the Lower Town with impressive monumental structures from the late 19th century, topped by the mighty Château Frontenac in the Upper Town.
Adjacent to the Lower Town, which resembles a French city from the 17th century, is the Old Port, a vibrant and developing area. In the Upper Town, you'll find the Québec Citadel, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Terrasse Dufferin at the foot of the castle, offering breathtaking views of the river. Surrounding are lively streets filled with restaurants and hotels.
How many days are needed for a trip to Quebec City?
For a trip to Quebec City, you need two full days of touring.
It's highly recommended to find a place to stay during your time in Quebec City, at least for one night.
Click here to check availability and prices in Quebec City's hotels…
18 Must-See and Do Things in Quebec City
- The beautiful Place Royale
- The grandiose Le Château Frontenac
- The important sites of Place d'Armes
- The river and Old City view from Terrasse Dufferin
- La Fresque des Québécois mural
- 17th-century France on Rue du Petit Champlain
- Vieux Port – The Old Port
- Musée de la civilisation – Museum of Civilization
- Ride the Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec
- La Basilique-Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Québec
- Shopping and dining on Rue Saint-Jean
- Military parades at La Citadelle de Québec
- Air and history at Parc des Champs-de-Bataille
- Hôtel du Parlement du Québec – Quebec Parliament Building
- Explore the trendy Saint-Roch district on Rue Saint-Joseph East
- The sanctity of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica
- Spectacular nature near the city at Montmorency Falls
- Pastoral countryside views and wine tasting on Île d'Orléans
What is Quebec City?
Quebec is the capital city of the province of Quebec. Its official name is Quebec City or Ville de Québec. The city is located downstream of the Saint Lawrence River, east of Montreal, the largest and most important city in the French-speaking province, at the beginning of the massive outlet of the river into the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean. The city itself has about half a million residents, with another quarter million in its metropolitan area, mostly in the city of Lévis on the southern (left) bank of the river.
Quebec is considered one of the oldest cities in North America, second only to Saint Augustine in Florida, founded by the Spaniards (in 1565). The city was founded on July 3, 1608, under the initiative of French explorer Samuel de Champlain. It slowly developed under French and then British rule, alongside the rapid growth of Montreal, upstream of the river. Quebec maintained its status as the provincial capital despite the political and economic power of its rival. To this day, Quebec remains the only city whose walls still stand, as a symbol of its strength and status.
The Old Town of Quebec Vieille-ville de Québec or Old Quebec Vieux-Québec
The historic center of Quebec is the main travel area of the city, mostly surrounded by the city's wall. The district consists of two parts:
- Upper Town Haute-Ville
- Lower Town Basse-Ville
The Upper Town was the site of the construction of Fort Saint Louis, the settlement core of Quebec City, which was built in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain. The fortress overlooked the Lower Town below and served as the administrative and military center of the city. The Upper Town is surrounded by Quebec City's famous historic wall. North of the fortress, you'll find all the main sites of the local government, including the cathedral, the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall), and various offices (in addition to the magnificent Chateau Frontenac hotel). The parliament of the Province of Quebec is located west of the Upper Town wall.
The lower town was the place of residence for the city's inhabitants starting from the early 17th century. The city lay in the shadow of the upper city's wall, on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River and Cap Diamant, the triangle remaining from the mouth of the Saint Charles River into the Saint Lawrence River. The center of the lower town is Royal Square, surrounded by the streets of Old Quebec, which are a piece of Europe in Canada. The main street of Old Quebec is the beautiful Rue du Petit Champlain, lined with shops in old houses.
Quebec Walls
The perimeter walls of Quebec City are the city's hallmark. These walls surround the cliff, which is dozens of meters high, on which the Upper Town is built. Historically, this area was designated as the administrative and governmental center of the city and province. The city's walls were initially constructed by the French as part of the city's fortifications in the mid-17th century and were later developed and expanded by the British. Unlike other cities in Canada and the USA, the walls of Quebec City were integrated into the city's urban planning in order to preserve them, making it the only walled city left in the USA and Canada.
The sections of the walls accessible for walking include Esplanade Park in the western part of the Upper Town, Rue des Remparts in the northern part, the Citadel of Quebec in the south-western corner, and Parc du Bastion-de-la-Reine between the Upper Town and the Citadel. The most famous section of the walls is, of course, the eastern part on the cliff, between the Upper and Lower Towns, above which lies Terrasse Dufferin, the bustling heart of the city.
How to get to Quebec City?
How to fly to Quebec?
Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) Aéroport international Jean-Lesage de Québec – The international airport of Quebec City is located in the western part of the metropolitan area, a 25-minute drive from Quebec's Vieux-Québec. The airport has direct lines from major airports in Canada and the eastern USA, mainly from spring to fall. In winter, the airport functions as an access point for twin-engine aircraft from remote airports in eastern Canada.
Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) Aéroport International Montréal-Trudeau – Montréal's international airport is the main gateway to Quebec. The airport is located east of the city center on the island, just a fifteen-minute drive from downtown. It's the third-largest airport in Canada after Toronto and Vancouver and one of the major hubs of the national carrier Air Canada. The airport is well connected with airports in the U.S., Canada, East Asia, and Europe. There are STM buses that connect the airport to downtown. The travel time from Montréal airport to Quebec City is almost three hours.
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Map of Quebec City
When is the best time to visit Quebec City?
Quebec City is a place with four distinct and well-separated seasons. The standout feature of the city's weather is its freezing and snowy winter, with average temperatures from December to February plummeting well below zero, around minus 5 to 10 degrees. Visiting Quebec City during winter is nearly impossible due to the harsh cold and heavy snowfall.
- The perfect season to visit Quebec is the summer. In the summer, the weather is very pleasant and can even be hot. While precipitation occurs throughout the year, summer sees the most rain, and there might be cloudy and cool days. In the evenings and at night, it can sometimes get really cold.
- The transition months, both spring and fall, are characterized by very rapid changes in weather. From March to June, the weather warms up quickly; in March, it's still frozen, but in April and May, the temperatures are significantly higher. A similar pattern occurs in the fall; if it's cool in September, by October it's already cold to freezing, and by November it's snowy.
Click here for a whale-watching cruise from Quebec City…
Everything You Need to Know About Hotels in Quebec City
As in most Canadian (and American) cities, lodging in Quebec City is divided into two categories:
- Staying at various levels of city hotels in the center of Quebec City
- Staying at motels on major routes leading to the city and near the airport
Since Quebec City is a city with a tourist center (most of the sights and activities are concentrated in Vieux-Quebec – the old city of Quebec), it is highly recommended to find accommodation right in the center.
(For those touring Quebec Province by car, it's advisable to find a parking solution for the days spent in the city, either at the hotel lot or an external garage, as driving through downtown isn't recommended).
Staying in the center of Quebec City, in Old Town, is generally divided into 3 categories:
- Urban hotels with three and four-star ratings in the upper city, near Place d'Armes
- Excellent and relatively new four-star hotels in Vieux-Port (the old port), within walking distance of Place Royale, the heart of the lower city
- Large five-star hotels from major chains (Hilton, Marriott, and more), near the Parliament building outside the city walls
Click here to check availability and prices in Quebec City's hotels…
In addition to this, one can also experience the unmatched luxury of staying at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, an iconic hotel offering high standards, a vintage ambiance, and of course, breathtaking views over Terrasse Dufferin.
The city's motels also offer a very efficient lodging experience and are convenient for those who come to the city by car. The best cluster is near the city airport on Highway 138, and further along the road towards the city center. Another large cluster of motels is in the Sainte-Foy suburb, west of the city center.
Map – Where to stay in Quebec City?
How to plan a travel itinerary in Quebec City?
The location of Quebec City allows for travel as part of a variety of routes, both in the southeastern part of Canada and in travel routes in New England. The standard Canadian travel route includes Toronto, Niagara Falls, a cruise in the Thousand Islands on the Saint Lawrence River, a city visit in Montreal, and from there continuing east to Quebec City.
The city tour itself focuses on Vieux-Québec and Old Quebec. Start your exploration at Place Royale and visit the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church and the Batterie Royale. In the northern part of the square, you'll find the stunning Fresco of the Québecois mural. From the square, continue north to the Old Port, home to the Musée de la Civilisation. After exploring the port area, head back towards Place Royale and stroll along the charming Rue du Petit Champlain until you reach the Funicular of Old Quebec.
Click here for a day trip from Quebec City to Montmorency Falls and Île d'Orléans…
Quebec City's Upper Town Walking Tour
Taking the funicular up to the upper town, you'll enjoy the Cap Diamant view from the Dufferin Terrace. In Place d'Armes, be sure to visit the imposing Château Frontenac hotel overlooking the city, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Chapelle des Ursulines, and see the Fontaine Monument de la Foi.
From Place d'Armes, head to the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral, the first church built in North America, and check out the façade of the Hôtel de Ville de Québec. Continue walking on Rue Saint-Jean and head down toward the river on Rue Saint-Louis. You'll pass the Citadelle of Québec heading towards the Parc des Champs-de-Bataille, where you can see the ancient cannons near the Plains of Abraham Museum.
From the park, head a bit north to the Québec Parliament Building located outside the city walls, then make your way to the trendy Saint-Roch district, to Rue Saint-Joseph East.
For those with a car, it's highly recommended to drive to the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, located just half an hour east of downtown. After visiting the basilica, it's worth continuing on to Montmorency Falls and Île d'Orléans.
Click here for a guided tour of Quebec City's Old Town and Montmorency Falls…
Everything to see and do in the Lower Town Basse-Ville of Quebec City
Place Royale
Place Royale is one of the most unique squares in all of Canada. The square started as the private garden of Samuel de Champlain and officially became the colony's market square in 1673. It was named after a statue of King Louis XIV that was placed there in the late 17th century. This beautiful square, surrounded by buildings from the early 18th century, is stone-paved, and its southern part is dominated by the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church, completed in 1723. Behind the church is a section of fortification with a moat – Batterie Royale. Today, the square is full of elegant restaurants and shops and is bustling mostly with tourists.
In the northern part of the square, you'll find the Fresque des Québécois. This fresco is painted on an entire building facing the Parc de la Cetière square, at the start of the Côte de la Montagne road leading to the upper town. This stunning painting depicts the city's history and the figures who founded and built it over the years, such as Samuel de Champlain, Jacques Cartier (who discovered the Saint Lawrence River), and more. It was completed in 1999 and has since become one of the city's landmarks.
The Old Port Vieux Port
East of Place Royale are the docks and streets of the Old Port. In the southern part of the port is Place des Canotiers, where an illuminated fountain graces the backdrop of the Saint Lawrence River. To the north is the open port area, featuring docks, the impressive neo-classical Customs House, and the open-air amphitheater of the Agora du Port de Québec. This area is home to restaurants, hotels, and two museums – the Musée naval de Québec and the Museum of Civilization.
Musée de la civilisation Civilization Museum
The impressive building of the Civilization Museum dominates the area of Vieux-Port. The unique structure, which also incorporates parts of old houses left by the port, was designed by the renowned Israeli-Canadian architect Moshe Safdie. The museum offers an overview of local culture and history, emphasizing the French settlement in Canada and the indigenous tribes. A highlight of the museum's display is a local merchant boat found during excavation, exhibited at the site of its discovery.
Address: Rue Dalhousie 85, Québec
Click here for the museum's updated hours of operation…
Old Quebec Funicular Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec
The historic funicular that connected the Upper Town and Lower Town of Quebec City was built in 1879 and quickly became the city's main transportation link. Over the years, the funicular suffered various damages such as a fire in 1945, which led to the installation of an unsightly metal cage. In 1970, the cage was removed to make the funicular a tourist attraction, but due to an accident in 1996, it was closed again.
In 1998, the line was reopened as a kind of inclined and much safer lift. The line runs along 65 meters and climbs to a height of 60 meters right above the city wall. This line provides a very convenient connection between Place Royale in the Lower Town and Place d'Armes in the Upper Town.
Everything to See and Do in the Upper Town Haute-Ville of Quebec City
Place d'Armes Square and Terrasse Dufferin
Place d'Armes, also known as the Parade Square, is the gateway to Upper Town and the perfect spot to soak in the breathtaking views of Quebec City and the St. Lawrence River. The hallmark of the square is the magnificent observation deck at the foot of Château Frontenac – Terrasse Dufferin, which offers, on one side, the stunning castle and, on the other, a panoramic view of the river's mouth.
You can reach the vast terrace from Lower Town by taking the funicular or the Frontenac Staircase, or by driving up Côte de la Montagne, which passes under Porte Prescott. The gate connects Upper Town and Parade Square with Parc Montmorency. This park is one of the fortress's teeth along the walls, providing a splendid view of Lower Town and the river as well.
Besides the grand terrace and the castle, which today is a luxurious hotel, in Armory Square you can also visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Anglican religious center in the city; in Rue du Trésor, where local artists showcase their wares; and at the stunning Faith Monument Fountain from 1916, which resembles a Gothic cathedral. Above the fountain is a figure representing Christian faith. Just west of the Château Frontenac and Place d'Armes is the old church named after Saint Ursula – the Chapel of Ursulines. Founded in 1687, it is considered the oldest educational institution for women in all of North America.
Château Frontenac
The grandiose Château Frontenac is now a hotel of the prestigious Canadian hotel giant Fairmont, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. The castle sits above the wall of Quebec, overlooking the Dufferin Terrace and gazing down at the lower town. The massive structure was completed in 1893 in a unique style influenced by European castle construction. The central structure of the castle rises to a height of 80 meters and includes 18 floors of rooms and public spaces of the hotel. The grandiose structure is still one of the symbols of Quebec City and one of the most impressive early modern buildings in all of North America.
The castle is one of dozens of iconic flagship hotels scattered across Canada's major cities, built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as part of the Grand Railway Hotels of Canada. This grandiose plan aimed to create luxurious accommodations in Canada's developing cities near railway stations, as part of marketing the railway. The hotel was built at the initiative of the Canadian Pacific Railway and is among the largest of the hotels that were constructed.
Rue Saint-Louis Street
Saint Louis Street is one of the two main commercial streets of Old Town Quebec, alongside Rue Saint-Jean to the north. The street stretches from Terrasse Dufferin and Château Frontenac to Porte Saint-Louis and Esplanade Park in the western part of the Upper Town. The street is packed with restaurants, cafes, hotels, and shops, predominantly serving tourists visiting the city.
Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral La Basilique-Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Québec
Notre-Dame of Quebec is the Catholic religious center in the predominantly Catholic city and is considered the first church constructed in Canada. Initiated by Samuel de Champlain, the church was built in 1647. The original church was destroyed in two fires, the latest in 1922, and its reconstruction was completed only in 1989. Despite all the destruction over the years, the church has maintained its identity from the 17th century and today at least appears ancient (relatively). The church is located on the elegant Côte de la Fabrique axis, the start of Rue Saint-Jean, the main street of Old Quebec.
Hôtel de Ville de Québec
The Hôtel de Ville, Quebec's city hall, is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. The elegant building is located next to the city's cathedral, complementing the historical local government center of the city. Between the cathedral and city hall lies the tranquil Place de l'Hôtel de Ville. The building was constructed atop a cliff rising from the cathedral in the late 19th century, on the grounds of the Jesuit church in the city.
Rue Saint-Jean
Rue Saint-Jean is the main commercial artery of Old Quebec. The street stretches from the Hôtel de Ville through the Porte Saint-Jean in the western part of the Upper Town and crosses into the western sections of Quebec City. It runs parallel to Rue Saint Louis but continues further west. The charming cobblestone street is filled with numerous shops, restaurants, cafes, and urban hotels. In its western part, beyond the wall's boundary, stands the beautiful Saint-Matthews Church with its lovely garden.
La Citadelle de Québec
The Citadelle of Quebec overlooks Cap Diamant and the Saint Lawrence River from atop the cliff. The fortified citadel is separate from the walled Upper Town of Quebec City, situated at the southwestern corner of Old Quebec. The fort was built at the beginning of the 18th century and later enhanced and fortified by the British in the mid-19th century. The current citadel still serves military purposes and as the official residence of the Governor General of Canada in the province of Quebec, the representative of the British monarchy in the country.
Battlefields Park Parc des Champs-de-Bataille
The Battlefields Park stretches along what is known as the Plains of Abraham, atop the cliff west of the Citadel of Quebec. This vast plain is named after the battle that took place here in 1759, referred to as the Battle of the Plains of Abraham or the main battle of Quebec. The battle occurred on the land of a local farmer named Abraham Martin, during the Seven Years' War between the British royal army and the French royal army in North America. It was one of the decisive battles in the war that ended with the French retreating from what would become Canada.
The Musée des plaines d'Abraham serves as the main visitor center of the park, where you can learn about the history of the battle. The forecourt of the museum features a display of historical cannons. The park has open green spaces, groves, and gardens, including the Jeanne d'Arc Garden. In the eastern part of the park, you'll also find the Quebec National Museum of Fine Arts, housed in an impressive modern building.
Quebec's Parliament Building Hôtel du Parlement du Québec
The provincial parliament building is located in the western part of the Upper Town, outside the walls, past the Esplanade Park. This impressive building was constructed in 1877 and has since hosted the meetings of the National Assembly of Quebec, Assemblée Nationale du Québec. Access to the palace is from Place de l'Assemblée-Nationale, where you'll find the charming Fontaine de Tourny fountain.
Rue Saint-Joseph East Rue Saint-Joseph E
Rue Saint-Joseph is the trendy and busy visitor's main thoroughfare of the Saint-Roch district, the neighborhood north of Old Quebec. At the center of the street is the impressive Église Saint-Roch church, built in the style of a French cathedral. Along the street and Rue Saint-Vallier to the west, there are numerous restaurants, cool shops, cafes, and more. The street is the locals' favorite hangout spot.
Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Sanctuary Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
The Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is one of the most important places for Catholic believers in northern America. This stunningly beautiful basilica is located a half-hour drive from the center of Quebec City, on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River. The church was built on a site dedicated to Saint Anne, the mother of Mary and grandmother of Jesus, named after a mysterious statue found there believed to perform miracles. In the 17th century, a large basilica was built on the site, but it was consumed by fire in 1922. An even more grandiose version of the basilica was constructed, completed in 1946. The basilica was built in a Neo-Gothic style, featuring two massive bell towers rising to a height of 91 meters.
Montmorency Falls (Chute Montmorency)
If you're up for some wild nature right on the outskirts of Quebec, you should definitely visit the mighty waterfall that plunges from a height of 83 meters. This waterfall is the cherry on top of the massive flow of the Montmorency River as it empties into the Saint Lawrence River across from the western tip of Orléans Island. The large waterfall is part of a set of rapids and smaller falls in a breathtakingly beautiful natural area, just a half-hour drive east of Quebec City.
The waterfall is a developed and very beloved natural attraction. Above the waterfall, there's a wooden suspension bridge which quickly became a very popular spot. Access to the suspension bridge is via an exciting cable car (offering a stunning view of the waterfall as well), departing from Manoir Montmorency at the foot of the cliffs.
Click here for a day trip from Quebec City to Montmorency Falls and Île d'Orléans…
Île d'Orléans
Orleans Island is a vacation and travel destination mainly loved by the city's own residents. It's the place to escape the city's hustle and enjoy the countryside of Quebec. Access to the island in the Saint Lawrence River is via a bridge connecting Montmorency (home to the mighty waterfall) to the village of Saint-Pierre, the largest settlement on the island. The island is known for its farmers and food, wine, and alcohol production. A circular road wraps around the entire island, allowing you to taste and meet local producers along the way. At the eastern tip of the island is a giant observation tower in St-François, Tour d'observation St-François.
