Old Québec City

Québec City is unique in many ways. It is one of the oldest and, by some accounts, one of the most beautiful cities in North America. The city has a large and well-preserved historic district, which was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1985. 

We had not visited Québec City for quite a few years, so it was a delight to spend four leisurely days there recently. The city is best discovered on foot, so we left the car at home and took the train from Ottawa.

In a city that cherishes and preserves its history, we saw many sites that were pleasantly familiar. We also noted heritage buildings undergoing restoration, a few of the main public squares being beautified, and many new public sculptures and fountains associated with the city’s 400th anniversary in 2008.

Having no specific agenda or itinerary, we had time to wander and reflect on how it is possible to visit a familiar place with a mindset that keeps the experience fresh and exciting.

Arriving at the Gare du Palais was a treat. Built in 1915 to look like a chateau, it was declared a Heritage Railway Station in 1992. We stayed in a hotel not far from the railway station, in the St-Roch neighbourhood, which is undergoing urban revitalization, with many trendy restaurants and cafes. Being on foot, we familiarized ourselves with the local bus system and found it dependable and easy to navigate.

Situated on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, the city was founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1608 as the first permanent trading post of the colony of New France. Under French rule, it was the capital of the colony and an important administrative, cultural, religious, and military centre.

In the aftermath of the Seven-Year War, the whole territory of New France was ceded to the British in 1763. However, the city retained its importance due to its strategic location. The British strengthened the fortifications of the city in the early 19^th century to stave off the possibility of an American invasion. Today, the city is the vibrant capital of the province of Quebec, blending old and new in a harmonious mix.

The old city is divided into two parts topographically. The upper town sits atop the cliffs of Cap Diamant with the towering landmarks of the Château Frontenac (now a Fairmont hotel) and the Citadel. The lower town features the iconic Place Royale and a network of narrow streets, many of them cobbled.  

We ventured further afield and discovered many sites that were new to us. We strolled through the beautiful Jeanne-d’Arc Park and the Bois-de-Coulogne for the first time. We also took the short ferry ride across the St. Lawrence River to Lévis to admire the cityscape at night. We visited the Musée de la civilisation which had an exhibition on René Lévesque, a former premier and well-loved Quebec personality.

The city is unique in North America due its French heritage and for many visitors, it feels a little bit like going to France. It’s a very popular tourist destination, especially during the summer. People working in the hospitality sector will gladly switch to English, which makes the city even more welcoming to visitors who don’t speak French.

Our post and video are not intended to provide comprehensive tourist information, as that is readily available online. If you have never visited Québec City, our hope is that you will get a feel for this wonderful city as you stroll with us through its streets.