Québec’s famous historic centre is a World Heritage-protected site and is home to many of the city’s best-known buildings and attractions.
The atmospheric cobbled streets of Old Québec are lined with traditional European architecture and are home to many boutiques and restaurants. Set back from the river and Place-Royale, Old Québec runs to the tip of the Cap Diamant promontory.
As the only walled city in North America the historic centre attracts visitors from around the world. Recognised and preserved as a World Heritage site, Old Québec covers 135 hectares (333 acres) and is divided into an Upper and Lower town. The oldest buildings in the city can be found here, many of which predate 1850.
Amble through the narrow, European-looking streets of the Lower Town to see the museums and historic buildings of the Old Port or to shop for antiques on Rue Saint-Paul. The pedestrianised Rue du Petit-Champlain is a great place to stop for a meal and a glass of French wine. Hop on the cable railway to avoid climbing the stairs that lead to the Upper Town.
Disembark from the cable car and you’ll find yourself on the tip of the peninsula, looking down over the St. Lawrence River. Take the path that follows the city walls, leading you past the towers, bastions and fortifications that line the river. Once responsible for guarding the city from American armies, today it provides great vantage points for photos of the turreted Château Frontenac, one of Québec’s largest hotels.
Continue exploring the Upper Town to come across the Citadelle of Québec. This mammoth, star-shaped fort remains the headquarters of the Royal 22e Régiment of the Canadian army. Rest on a bench along the Old Town’s waterfront promenade, Dufferin Terrace, to watch the boats pass by you on the river.
Old Québec can be reached on foot or by bike from most parts of the city centre in just a few minutes. The Écolobus is an electric city bus that traverses the historic centre and is a great way to see the precinct. There is also parking available for a fee in the area.
