Québec City is one of Canada’s oldest, so it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of historical things to see here.
The city was founded twice, first by French explorer Jacques Cartier in 1541 (the site was later abandoned), then again by another French explorer, Samuel de Champlain, in 1608.
Though the English gained control of Québec City in 1760, it remains a center of French culture and language in Canada. Thanks to its well-preserved old town and walls, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
Keep reading to find out some of the best historic things to see in Québec City!
Table of Contents
1. Old Town Québec
The Old Town of Québec City is divided into the Upper and Lower towns. They are connected by funicular or the breakneck stairs (so called because ice during winter can cause you to fall and, well, break your neck).
The Lower Town is the older of the two; in fact, it’s the oldest neighborhood in North America. Many of the buildings have been restored and are now filled with charming boutiques, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
Two areas in Lower Town that are particularly noteworthy are the Petit Champlain, the city’s oldest street, and the Place Royale, the site of Champlain’s original habitation.
Champlain soon realized that he needed to expand above the cliff for effective defense of his newly founded city. Thus the Upper Town came into existence; it is the location of many of the other sites on this list.
2. Château Frontenac
While the St. Lawrence River is the lifeblood of Québec City, its most iconic building is the Château Frontenac.
The hotel opened in 1893 as a luxurious railway hotel, one of a series railway hotels along the Canadian Pacific Railway. Its 610 rooms still welcome thousands of visitors today.
Château Frontenac has counted many famous people as its guests, including Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Grace of Monaco (the former Grace Kelly), Charles De Gaulle, Charlie Chaplain, and Chiang Kei-shek.
Perhaps the most famous events to take place at the hotel were the First and Second Quebec Conferences, held in 1943 and 1944, respectively, during which American president Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King strategized the Allied path to victory during World War II.
3. The Citadelle of Quebec
Known as La Citadelle, the Citadelle of Quebec is both a historic fort and an active military barracks. In fact, it is the oldest military building in Canada. It is also the home of the Royal 22e Régiment, Canada’s francophone military regiment.
The French were the first to build a defensive structure here, but it was the British who turned the Citadelle into the fortress you see today. Most of the modern Citadelle was built between 1820 and 1850.
In addition to being a military building, the Citadelle is the official residence of the monarch and the monarch’s representative in Canada, the governor general.
Access to the Citadelle is only available on an official guided tour. Tickets can be purchased online or directly at the Citadelle itself.
4. The Plains of Abraham and Museum
In 1759, one of the most decisive battles in Canadian history took place right outside the walls of Québec City. Known as the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, it was fought between the French and the British. The British were victorious, and the North American territories that once belonged to France came under British rule – the effects of which are still felt today.
Nowadays, the battlefield is a large 240-acre park that can be enjoyed year-round. You can find Martello Towers that were part of Québec’s defensive system (they were put in place by the British long after the Battle of the Plains of Abraham) and German field canons from WWI.
For those interested in learning more about the battle itself, there’s an informative and interactive museum that tells the story of the battle.
5. Notre Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral
The Cathedral-Basilica of Notre Dame de Québec is the oldest church in Canada.
Prominent burials in the cathedral include governors of New France (as the territory was known during the French colonial period) and the Bishops of Quebec. The most famous person buried in the cathedral is François de Laval, the first bishop of Quebec. He led the church in New France for 30 years and was declared a saint of the Catholic Church in 2014.
6. Montmorency Falls
A few weeks before the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, there was the Battle of Beauport, also known as the Battle of Montmorency. It took place here, near the Montmorency Falls, and resulted in a minor French victory.
A cable car or foot path brings you to the top of the falls. Walk across the suspension bridge that covers the length of the falls or, for a more adrenaline-filled experience, zip line across.
For those interested in British history, Montmorency Manor, located near the top of the falls, was for some years the summer home of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, the father of Queen Victoria.
7. Dufferin Terrace
If you’re taking the funicular from the Lower Town, you’ll get dropped off at Dufferin Terrace, a large Victorian boardwalk with breathtaking views of the Saint Lawrence River. Originally named the Durham Terrace when it opened in 1838, it was later enlarged and renamed after Lord Dufferin, Governor General of Canada, who saved historic Québec City from destruction.
One surprising thing you might find at the Dufferin Terrace are canons – and no, they weren’t used for the defense of the city. They’re Russian canons that were captured during the Crimean War in the 19th century.
8. Wendake
Before the arrival of Europeans in the 17th century, First Nations tribes lived in what is now Québec City for thousands of years. Even the name “Quebec” comes from the Algonquian word “Kébec,” meaning “where the river narrows.” (And looking at the Saint-Lawrence River from the city, you can easily see why.)
Visit the Huron-Wendat Traditional Site, located outside of downtown Québec City, to experience the rich culture of the area’s earliest peoples. Reservations are required for the guided tour, where you can see traditional houses and learn about the way of life of the Huron-Wendat people.
9. Saint-Louis Fort
When Champlain founded the Upper Town in his new city, he built the Saint-Louis Fort. Expanded several times by his successors, the fort and château were the residence of the governors of New France, as well as several British Governors General.
The Saint-Louis Fort was also the seat of power for over 200 years, beginning with Champlain himself in 1620. In the 1830s, the fort and château burnt down and never rebuilt.
Extensive excavations of the ruins were undertaken in the 2000s. The archaeological remains, which are underneath the Dufferin Terrace, open to the public during the summer months.
10. Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine
Located a bit outside of the city, the Basilica Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is an important Catholic site in the area. Miraculous healings are attributed to the shrine, beginning in the 1650s during its construction, when a seriously ill worker laid the foundation stones and was suddenly cured.
Ever since, pilgrims have come from far and wide to the basilica. The original church was expanded or rebuilt several times, before being burnt down. The current church dates from 1926.
The basilica might not be the easiest place to reach without a car, but this tour, which includes Montmorency Falls, make the trip easy.
There you have it! Some of Québec City’s most historic places. What are you most excited to visit? Let me know in the comments!
Looking for ideas on how to spend your time in Québec City? Check out my 3 Days in Québec City Itinerary for ideas!
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