The city of Quebec offers a chance to see history and modernity coexisting side by side. There are palaces and castles, bistros and restaurants, street foods and boutiques, and an opportunity to explore a corner of France hidden away inside the middle of Canada.
The history of the city is impressive, and its presence permeates every corner of the town, influencing everything from street names to cobbles, and leaving in its wake some fantastic architecture and sites which bring life, character, and personality into every aspect of your visit.
Visit The Old Town
The city of Quebec consists of two main parts. The Upper Town, which sits on the bluff of Cape Diamond and contains the remnants of the historic fortified quarter, and the Lower Town, located on the waterfront. The latter also contains the original site of the first French settlement, which was established by Samuel de Champlain in 1608, and includes the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, erected to commemorate the victories of the French over their British rivals.
Discover the history of the city through the Fresque des Québécois, a stunning mural which genuinely brings the information to life. The Lower Town consists of the very oldest elements of the city of Quebec and is characterized by its recognizable stone buildings and narrow streets, as well as the Rue du Petit-Champlain.
Rue du Petit-Champlain is famous for its reputation as the most beautiful street in Canada and boasts quirky, original shops and bistros bursting with delicious delicacies—the food is so good you’re sure to want some later. Luckily, you can get delivery to your hotel from https://www.foodora.ca/fr/city/quebec.
The Upper Town
There are two ways to access the Upper Town; either by climbing one of the old, original steep staircases which rise to the summit or by reaching the top within two minutes by taking the funicular. This will drop you off in the prime spot, right in front of the Chateau Frontenac on the Terrasse Dufferin, and this is an ideal place to start your exploration.
The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is the centrepiece of the Upper Town and offers an incredible view from the hotel that stands proudly above the rest of the city like something from a dramatic fairytale. This is said to be the most photographed hotel in the world and is a must-see view even for those visitors who are not staying on site.
Those who are not guests are free to have a wander in the hotel lobby and enjoy the stunning surroundings.
Le Bus Rouge, or the Red Bus, is a great way to get an oversight of the history of the city while seeing it in person. This is a narrated tour lead by someone who is experienced in the stories and anecdotes of the city. It starts in front of the Musée du Fort located directly across from the Chateau Frontenac. The format is a hop-on, hop-off experience allowing you to explore at your leisure and control the tour at your own pace which best suits you. The bus departs every 30 to 45 minutes, giving you plenty of opportunities to discover every corner of the city.