Quebec City: Landmarks, Festivals & Local Eats

Walking through the Old Quebec is walking through 400 years of history. Stroll along the ancient fortifications, citadel and ramparts overlooking the St. Laurence River and the Plains of Abraham. Take a quaint horse-driven carriage and explore the narrow, cobblestoned streets of the Lower City, with its fantastic restaurants and galleries.

Learn about the city’s history at the Museum of Civilization. Soak up the past from the bench on Place Royale where the city was first established, visit magnificent 17th century cathedral Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, catch a show at the Théâtre Petit Champlain or enjoy the bustle of the Port de Quebec and its old Market. Map

From a quaint portside neighborhood with fur trading warehouses and imposing traders’ homes, district or Quartier du Petit Champlain grew into a tourist destination with excellent restaurants, boutiques, galleries and bistros. There is still a village atmosphere, with cobblestoned narrow streets and old stone houses that now house some great small hotels.

In the summer, sit at one of the outdoor restaurants, listen to street musicians and imagine life four hundred years ago. Don’t miss the 900 feet long mural that depicts Quebec’s history, and stretch your muscles on the steep Breakneck Steps built in 1935.

Quartier du Petit Champlain, 61 Rue du Petit Champlain, Ville de Québec, QC G1K 4H5, Canada, +1-418-692-2613

If you are a photographer, don't miss:

Montmorency River drops 272' feet over the cliff into the Saint Lawrence River, creating magnificent Montmorency Falls, just across the Île d'Orleans. You can see the falls from the staircases or from a suspension bridge, which also provides access to the two sides of the park. An aerial tram carries passengers from the base of the falls and back.

Montmorency Falls Park is created to protect the falls and is beautifully manicured and maintained, offering walking paths and lookout points. Montmorency Manor is also located in the park and it hosts a restaurant, an interpretation center and a gift shop. In the summer the falls provide a magnificent backdrop to an international fireworks competition.

Montmorency Falls Park, 5300 Boulevard Sainte-Anne, Ville de Québec, QC G1C 1S1

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

La Citadelle de Quebec is a star-shaped functioning military base located on Cap Diamant in the Old Quebec. Built in 1820, it is part of the ancient 400 year old Quebec fortifications built to protect New France. There are several guided tours a day, which includes watching the ceremony of the changing of the guards.

The views of the Plains of Abraham, the city and the St. Laurence River are spectacular. La Citadelle is an official residence of Canada's monarch and the Canadian Governor General, who lives in it for a few weeks during the summer. The Citadelle is also the site of ceremonies for newly appointed or leaving Canadian ambassadors and high commissioners.

La Citadelle de Quebec, 1 Côte de la Citadelle, Ville de Québec, QC G1R 3R2, Canada, +1-418-694-2815

Basilique Cathedrale - Notre-Dame-de-Quebec is a Catholic church built in 1647, the first stone church in the new city. It was declared a cathedral in 1674 when the Québec City Diocese was formed, and became a basilica two hundred years later because it attracted large number of pilgrims. Located in Old Quebec, the basilica has a magnificent neoclassical facade with two asymmetrical towers.

Some of its most stunning features are beautiful stained glass windows designed by the Champigneulle House in Paris and the Meyer House in Munich, three Casavant organs and golden sculptures such as baldachin designed and built by famous French Canadian artist François Baillairgé. Map

The Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site is part of the defense system built between 1608 and 1871 in Québec City, overlooking St. Laurence River. It served as Canada's main military stronghold during colonial times. It is the only fortified city north of Mexico which is still standing, and it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage City and Canadian National Historic Site.

Guided tours take visitors along 4.6 km long walls and through the four remaining gates. The oldest is Porte St. Louis which was built in 1694. There is a range of activities available for the whole family, such as the Musket Firing Demonstration and the Tour of the Artillery Park. Map

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

The Plains of Abraham is a 1.5 mi long and 0.5 m wide field between the Citadelle of Quebec and the Quebec City walls above the Saint Lawrence River. It is the historic site of the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, which was fought in September 1759 between the British and French armies.

The British won the battle in a half hour, eventually taking control of all of Canada. The Plains are now a park used for outdoor concerts, festivals, sports and recreation. Guided tours are available for the visitors who would like to learn more. The park is also the site of annual Remembrance Day ceremonies. Map

There is no better way to learn about a city than through the stories, experiences and anecdotes shared by knowledgeable locals. Tours Voir Quebec will take you on a walking tour of this mesmerizing city, show you nooks and crannies, and tell you legends and tales you cannot find in any written tour guide.

The Grand Tour will walk you through Old Quebec’s narrow streets and tell you about its history, culture and architecture. If you are a foodie, the tourguides will introduce to you the best kept Quebec City secrets. Take the Zodiac tour and see the city from the St. Laurence River, or combine it all for a day of great fun and discovery. Map

La Promenade Samuel-De Champlain is a 2.5 km long park on the banks of the St. Lawrence River in Quebec City, created to celebrate the city's 400th anniversary. This park offers four different sections The heart of the promenade has parks, fountains, street musicians and performers which is enjoyed by pedestrians, rollerbladers and tourists watching the river from the park benches.

The Boisé de Tequenonday is forested with some ancient pine trees and walking paths which pass through 5,000 year old native archaeological remains. La station des Cageux is part of the promenade built in place of a reclaimed industrial wharf which features a wetland and a 25-meter tall observation tower. Map, Video