For the half a million residents of Québec City, their state motto, “je me souviens” (“I remember”) is about more than just learning from the past. The zeal with which the city preserves its historic sites and traditions is inspiring. Join the relaxed locals in Québec City’s famous squares, museums and cliff-top parks. Finish your day by sampling the local produce at one of the city’s many restaurants.
Formerly a small French fur-trading town on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, Québec City is one of the oldest European settlements in North America, dating back to 1608. Today, most of the residents are immensely proud of their French heritage and the language and traditions remain a part of daily life in the diverse city.
Discover Old Québec (Vieux Québec) by hiring a bike and cruising the quiet streets of the historic centre. Most attractions are located close to the picturesque Old Port Québec.
Visit the oldest shopping precinct in North America, Petit-Champlain, to buy local produce, clothes and souvenirs from the historic stone buildings. The intricate design of the Church Notre-Dame-des-Victoires in Place-Royale makes it one of the city’s most popular attractions.
Take the cable railway from Rue de Petit Champlain to reach the Upper Town. Here you can take in sweeping views across the river from the cliff top Dufferin Terrace or stretch your legs in Battlefields Park.
The majestic sites of Old Québec are hard to leave behind, but you won’t want to miss popular Saint-Roch. This neighbourhood has fashionable bars, galleries and youth culture. Make the short trip outside the city to see Montmorency Falls, which regularly freeze in winter.
Québec City is perfect for lovers of history, art, fine food, retail therapy and snow sports. The conveniently located Aéroport International Jean-Lesage puts you just outside the cosmopolitan city centre and close to the rugged Canadian wilderness.
