Travel back in time to New France! There are plenty of history-themed tours and events to enjoy within the walls of Old Quebec, a UNESCO world heritage site, and along the city's many byways. Discover 400 years of history in the cradle of French North America.
Old Quebec: promenades and public squares
A UNESCO world heritage site, Old Quebec exudes history. Just take a tour of the city's two main defence installations, the Fortifications of Québecand the Citadel to see why
A guided walking tour or a horse-drawn carriage ride will give you a chance to soak up the ambiance of this unique historic district.
Fine dining and shopping are an art form in Old Quebec, particularly along Rue Saint Jean, Rue Saint-Louis and the countless little lanes where European charm adds a dash of flair to any outing.
With its restaurants, hotels and nearby Rue Saint-Jean, Place d'Youville is a popular spot. Located near St. John's Gate, this historic gathering spot was a public market until 1931. Nowadays, as the site of many summer festivals, it is often filled with the sound of music. In winter, it serves as a skating rink and is the venue for Carnival.
Its attractions include the Palais Montcalm concert hall and the Capitole de Québec, two major performance venues.
Quebec City has plenty of other public squares and places to stroll, offering scenic viewpoints, delights for the eye, discoveries to share, things to write about …To find out more click here.
Promenade des Gouverneurs (Dufferin Terrace)
The Promenade des Gouverneurs runs along the Citadel and leads to Battlefields Park, Battlefields Park, also known as the Plains of Abraham.
Named in honour of Governor General Lord Dufferin, it forms an extension of the Dufferin Terrace in front of the famous Château Frontenac.
Avid walkers and amateur photographers seeking breathtaking photos of the river and surrounding area won't be put off by the many stairs along this multi-level walkway. The unforgettable views will provide more than ample reward for their effort!
Fortifications of Québec: the Citadel and military heritage
Follow in the footsteps of the first colonists on your visit to the Fortifications of Québec that encircle Old Quebec over nearly 4.6 km. Unique in North America, the fortifications are just a stone's throw from the Quebec City Convention Centre.
Travel through time with a visit to Artillery Park where characters in period costume welcome you to 17th - and 18th century defence buildings.
Be sure to explore the Citadel, the “Gibraltar of North America”, on Cap Diamant! An important part of the fortifications, the star-shaped Citadel showcases the city's military past.
To visit: The Royal 22e Régiment Museum, housed in a 1750 French powder magazine and a military prison dating back to 1842, the summer military ceremonies (changing of the guard, firing of the cannon) and the official residence of the Governor General of Canada.
Click here to find out more about Quebec City's military heritage.
Plains of Abraham (Battlefields Park)
The Plains of Abraham is one of the finest city parks in the world, with its 108 hectares of plains, woods and gardens. Every day, thousands of people visit this oasis of greenery in the heart of the city.
Take in the Odyssey multimedia exhibition and relive the early days of New France and the battles between the French and English forces (Montcalm-Wolfe in 1759/ Lévis Murray in 1760) up to the park's creation.
Battlefields Park is a reminder of the site's history, in addition to being one of the world's finest city parks.
Visit Martello Tower 1 to unlock the secrets of military engineering of the era, or take part in an exciting murder mystery at Martello Tower 2!
Parliament Hill / Parliament Building
Get to know the men and women who have left their mark on Quebec's political history. The imposing facade of the Parliament Building pays tribute to them with its 26 bronze statues.
Come inside to admire the impressive decor of this building, built between 1786 and 1886. The National Assembly Chamber, where some one hundred members sit, the Legislative Council Room, the Speakers' Gallery and the renowned Le Parlementaire restaurant are well worth the visit.
Petit Champlain District
With its romantic ambiance and unique shops and restaurants, the Petit Champlain district is a must on any visit to Quebec City. In their shops and art galleries, artisans and merchants display their favourite things from here and around over the world; local and international works of art; designer fashions and renowned collections. Visitors come to the Petit Champlain district for a little pampering, indulgence and entertainment in a relaxed atmosphere where time just seems to move a little slower!
Museums
Quebec City is home to some 20 museums, all listed on the Quebec City Tourism.
These include the Musée national des beaux-arts de Québec and the Musée de la civilisation.
Located in the heart of the Plains of Abraham, the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec presents exhibitions featuring Quebec artists past and present as well as major international art events. With close to 35,000 works created since the 17th century, the museum is a living memorial of Quebec art and artists.
Located in Old Quebec, the Musée de la civilisation is a popular museum focused on participation and interaction. It features more than 10 exhibitions and activities for the whole family on topical, historical and sometimes unusual subjects. It is also home to the Musée de l'Amérique française, the Centre de référence de l'Amérique française, and the Centre d'interprétation de la Place-Royale.
Religious tourism
Churches are to Quebec City what castles are to Europe: architectural wonders!
Quebec City's churches are home to heritage treasures for religious tourists. You'll be amazed by the crypt at the Notre-Dame-de Québec Basilica-Cathedral the final resting place of four of New France's governors, the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church, built in 1688 and the oldest stone church in North America, as well as the Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.
The Cyclorama of Jerusalem is right next to the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine. One of the largest panoramic paintings in the world, it offers a visual voyage to biblical times. On display since 1895, it is designed to make the viewer feel as if they were in Jerusalem for the crucifixion. From the viewing gallery, you can look out over the town of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré and over 80 kilometres of the surrounding countryside in every direction.
Wendake: Huron-Wendat First Nation
Come meet a First Nations people that is proud of its origins and a witness to the history that has shaped Canada.
The Huron-Wendat nation, which allied with the French in the time of New France, shares its culture and traditions through the Huron-Wendat Museum, the traditional Huron site, the Kabir Kouba waterfall, Wendat flower gardens and craft boutiques.
Tour of the Maison Alphonse-Desjardins in Lévis
Visit the home of Alphonse Desjardins who, in 1901, founded Quebec's first caisse populaire in Lévis, the beginning of what would become Desjardins Group—the largest cooperative financial group in Canada and the sixth largest in the world!
Open to the public since 1982, the Maison Alphonse-Desjardins was the Desjardins family home for over a half century.
You can also take a video tour of the Maison Alphonse-Desjardins.
