With captivatingly picturesque old streets and a position above St. Lawrence River, the oldest French-speaking city in North America is a seductive and gorgeous place. A UNESCO World Heritage site, its picturesque Old Town is a living museum with soaring church spires, seventeenth and eighteenth-century houses, and narrow cobblestone streets.
Quebec goes to extra lengths to entertain its visitors. The Winter Carnival is arguably the most colorful and biggest winter festival in the region. Also, fall and spring bring thinner crowds, beautiful foliage and dramatically reduced prices. Here are the top attractions in Quebec City, Canada.
Le Quartier Petit-Champlain
Arguably the most picturesque district in the city, Le Quartier Petit-Champlain sandwiched between the waterfront and the Old Upper Town has this city’s most intriguing galleries and museums, plus several statues and plaques and lots of restaurants and outdoor cafes along its streets.
Le Chateau Frontenac
Reputedly the most photographed hotel in the world, this elegant structure was commissioned by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1893 as part of its luxury hotel chain. Its imposing wings, winding hallways, and fabulous turrets complement its dramatic location graciously. Over time, it has welcomed dignitaries from different parts of the world, including Alfred Hitchcock, Franklin Roosevelt, and Winston Churchill.
La Citadelle
Covering about 2.3 square kilometers, the largest fort in North America was begun in the 1570s by the French but what is seen today was built by the British from 1820 and intended to defend the city against an invasion that never happened. An hour guided tour takes in several historical structures, including the reduit used as a military prison and the King’s Bastion. Today, the Citadelle is Canada Royal 22s base.
Musee de la Civilisation
This museum vows even before you have clapped your eyes on any exhibits. It’s a captivating mix of contemporary design that incorporates modern architecture with pre-existing buildings. The permanent exhibits: ‘This Is Our Story’ and People of Quebec –Then and Now are highly educational, sensitively curated, and unique. At any moment, there is an exceptional variety of rotating shows. This is the only museum in Quebec that focuses on contemporary culture and issues. The museum is a big place with lots of great stuff to see, so ensure you only focus on 1 or 2 exhibitions if you are not staying for a full day.
Terrasse Dufferin
Perched on a clifftop, this boardwalk is the perfect setting for a stroll with sweeping and spectacular views. It is peppered with street performers in summer; it hosts a sensational toboggan run in winter. Near the Samuel de Champlain statue, stairways descend to the Champlain second fort excavations.