Top 25 Attractions in Quebec

In Quebec, you can still stumble upon real fortress walls and walk along the "European" streets of the Old City, which were inhabited in the 17th century. Despite the fact that the city was conquered by the British, its French roots have not gone away - they continue to influence the lives of the townspeople to this day.

It is known that Quebec is not located in the warmest climate zone, but people have learned to take advantage of this position. They organized a fun Winter Carnival, and every year they build an ice hotel, where a long line of tourists line up in advance. Moreover, Quebec is surrounded by unique nature. Not far from the city is the grandiose Montmorency Falls and the magnificent Jacques-Cartier Park.

What to see and where to go in Quebec?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

Castle Hotel Chateau Frontenac

The Quebec hotel Château Frontenac, located on Cape Diamant, has become known throughout the world for its unusual architecture. From afar, it seems like a real medieval castle with bastions, towers and powerful walls. The building was built at the end of the 19th century on the site of the former residence of the governors from the metropolis. As befits a castle, the building is located on a hill and dominates the rest of the building.

Old Quebec

The historic center of Quebec, which is a UNESCO protected monument. The first buildings of Old Quebec date back to the beginning of the 17th century, but most of the buildings appeared in the 19th century. The area resembles a typical French quarter of the Old World, with cathedrals, historic mansions, and fortifications that are completely unique to North America.

Royal Square

The area is a picturesque piece of Europe, as if transferred to the North American continent. It is covered with hundred-year-old paving stones, stone narrow streets diverge from it in all directions, and restaurants are open on the first floors of old mansions for tourists. The square is adorned with the graceful building of the Church of Notre Dame de Victoire, which was erected in 1690. This is one of the oldest temples in the New World.

Old Port of Quebec

The harbor is the second largest after the port of Montreal. In the 19th century, it played an important role in Canadian commercial shipping, with hundreds of ships passing through the port every day. After the construction of a more modern harbor, cruise ships began to moor at the Old Port, and it itself turned into a popular attraction. From the harbor you have a magnificent view of Château Frontenac.

Quebec fortress

Defensive structures at Cape Diamant, built in the shape of a star. They were erected until the middle of the XIX century. On the territory of the Quebec fortress is still located a military base and the residence of the Governor General. The English monarch will also stay here in case of his visit to Quebec. By the end of the 19th century, the fort lost its military significance, and an artillery school was opened on its territory.

Fortress walls

The fortress wall was erected in the middle of the 18th century; this is the only structure of its kind in North America, since the rest have not survived to this day. In 1985, the remains of the walls were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which prevented demolition attempts. The fortress wall gives Quebec an original historical look and reminds of the times of the British and French confrontation.

Houses of Parliament

The building is located on Parliament Hill. It was erected according to the project of E.-E. Tasha in the second half of the 19th century. The architecture of the building clearly demonstrates the imperial ambitions that were prevalent in Britain at that time. The facade is made in a pompous style, a lot of expensive wood, marble and decor with an abundance of gilding were used for interior decoration.

Train Station

The station building is a picturesque architectural monument in the French style. The building is built of red brick, the facade is distinguished by the presence of a large number of elegant stained-glass windows. The sloping roof, two towers at the main entrance and the clock face create a resemblance to a European castle or an Old World city hall. The station is not designed for a large number of passengers; in the evenings, there are quite a few trains.

National Museum of Fine Arts

The museum was organized in 1933. It is located in the historical part of the city and consists of three buildings. Until 1970, there was a prison in one of the pavilions. The interior of some prison premises was left unchanged, including them in the historical exposition. The museum collection has about 38 thousand items, including many sculptures, paintings, photographs, and applied arts.

Museum of Civilization

The museum was opened in 1988, since then it has won the title of the largest in Canada. The museum funds contain about 1 million exhibits covering a large time period. Three permanent exhibitions dedicated to the history of the province of Quebec, the indigenous people of Canada and the history of the city itself are open to visitors. Temporary exhibitions are organized periodically.

Morrin Center

Former city prison, which has been turned into a cultural center. Now the building houses a scientific laboratory and a library. There used to be a college here. The Morrin Center book collection is considered the oldest and one of the most respected in Canada. For tourists, 30-40 minute excursions are organized, during which the guide will tell a lot of interesting things about the history of the building.

Quebec fresco

A huge street painting painted on the wall of a building located on Rue Notre Dame. The mural was created in 1999. It depicts historical characters who played an important role in the fate of the city and the province, as well as the architectural sights of Quebec - Château Frontenac and the city's mansions of the Old City. The image is applied in detail and accurately, therefore, during the examination of the fresco, the effect of "revived reality" is created.

Quebec Aquarium

City oceanarium, formed on the basis of the biological research center. Since 1959, the center has been open to ordinary visitors so that they can get to know the marine fauna better. Since 1971, scientists have moved to another place, the public aquarium remained on the old one. About 300 species of marine inhabitants (10 thousand individuals) live in the aquarium. Seals, polar bears and walruses also live here.

Cathedral of Notre Dame de Quebec

Quebec Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Canada. The first building on the site of the modern cathedral appeared in the middle of the 17th century, but 100 years later it was destroyed during the siege. The building was reconstructed in 1744-49. designed by J. Bayllarzhe. The architect also worked on the interior of the temple. Since 1989, the building of the cathedral has been considered a historical monument of Canada.

Basilica of Sainte Anne de Beaupré

Catholic church built in 1658. The first building stood until the fire of 1922. A few years later, the basilica was rebuilt. It is believed that miracles happen in this temple. People with injured limbs are healed - get up from wheelchairs or throw away crutches. In front of the entrance to the church there are even special racks where all kinds of canes, sticks, crutches are stored, which were thrown away by the former owners.

Funicular in Old Quebec

The funicular connects the historical part of Quebec with the Museum of Civilizations. The system went into operation in 1879. Since then, three major repairs have been made - in 1946, 1978 and 1998. The length of the cable car reaches 64 meters, the height of the lift is 59 meters. In 1996, an accident occurred in which a person died. After that, the funicular was closed for 2 years. He started working again only after a major overhaul.

quebec bridge

The bridge was thrown across the St. Lawrence River in the southwestern part of the city at the beginning of the 20th century. It is open to rail, road and foot traffic. The length of the structure reaches almost 1 km., Width - 29 meters, the maximum height above the water - 104 meters. Since 1993, the Quebec Bridge has been considered an important historical monument and has been administered by state authorities.

Rue Petit Champlain

Historic street located in Old Quebec. It is famous for being here in the 80s. French artisans settled in the 17th century. In the 19th century, the Irish were added to them. Petit Champlain was rather dilapidated by the 20th century, but it completely retained its unique appearance. Former residential buildings have been converted into shops and restaurants. The street can be reached by walking along the "Dangerous Stairs".

Promenade Samuel de Champlain

A picturesque street located along a well-groomed embankment, a popular place for walking. The promenade is named after S. de. Champlain, famous French traveler and founder of Quebec. The walking alley is decorated in a modern dynamic style with an abundance of wooden platforms, geometric lawns and a stone embankment near the water, which creates the effect of a rocky shore.

Fields of Abraham

The historical site of the battle between French and English troops in 1759. As a result of this battle, Quebec was ceded to Great Britain. In those distant times, the Abram Fields were outside the city limits, now they are part of the historical part of Quebec. A park has been laid out on the site of the former battle and a small museum has been built where you can learn more about the war for Quebec. The park has several concert venues where performances take place.

Orleans Island

An island with an area of ​​120 km², discovered in 1535 by J. Cartier. From the second half of the 17th century, some French settlers began to move to the island, who founded a small village there. In 1759, on the eve of the British attack, all the inhabitants fled to the mainland. Subsequently, their homes were destroyed. At the moment, several thousand people live on the island, mainly they are engaged in agriculture.

Jacques Cartier National Park

The park is located a few tens of kilometers from Quebec, it is named after J. Cartier, the discoverer and navigator, thanks to whom Canada was colonized. The park has many cycling and skiing trails, hiking trails and places for boating. In terms of natural conditions, it is somewhat reminiscent of the Russian North-West region, as it lies in the same climatic zone.

Montmorency Falls

The picturesque and powerful Montmorency Falls are as much as 30 meters higher than the world-famous Niagara (water jets fall from a height of 84 meters). The people of Quebec are extremely proud of this fact. The waterfall is located in close proximity to the city, equipped with a network of walking paths and stairs, so that it can be viewed from almost any angle. The stream was named in honor of A. de Montmorency - Admiral and Viceroy of New France.

Ice hotel in Quebec

A unique hotel built entirely of ice. This is a real hotel with rooms, a bar and a spa. The only difference is that it needs to be rebuilt every winter, as the walls and furnishings melt during the summer. The hotel is constantly changing location. The hotel always has a different number of rooms. In order not to freeze, people sleep on special mattresses and pillows, wrapped in sleeping bags.

Quebec Winter Carnival

The holiday, which is held annually at the end of January and lasts two and a half weeks. The carnival attracts tourists from all over the world. The program provides for more than 300 different events - the creation of sculptures from ice and snow, parades, races in children's cars, snowboarding and much more. The Quebec Carnival is a real celebration that shows that you can also enjoy the winter weather.