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Old Quebec
Old Quebec, known locally as Vieux-Québec, is the fortified historic core of Quebec City.
- Must see
- Activity
City guide · Canada
Quebec City
Québec City is organised around a compact historic core above and below the St. Lawrence River cliffs. Old Québec divides into Upper Town and Lower Town, with the Old Port beside the river. Parliament Hill, Montcalm and Saint-Jean-Baptiste extend west from the walls, while Saint-Roch and Limoilou form lower, more local districts. Central neighbourhoods are close together; outer attractions require bus or another planned connection.
Practical information
Practical information
- Language spoken
- English and French
- National practical orientation; regional and minority languages may also be used
- Dialling code
- +1
- International calling code; local area and mobile prefixes still apply
- Currency
- Canadian dollar (CAD)
- Use the official local currency; card acceptance varies by place
- Emergency number
- 911
- Use only for an emergency; tourist assistance may use a separate number
- Plug type
- Type A and B · 120 V
- Check that chargers support the recorded voltage before using an adapter
- Tap water
- Not recorded
- Water systems and advisories are managed by multiple jurisdictions
Turn this list into a plan
Set your days, your pace and the hours you actually want to be out. The planner works around closing days and travel time, and leaves room to eat.
Planning a visit
- Suggested stay
- Not recorded
- Getting around
- Walk and use RTC buses
- January: recurring difficult conditions
- February: recurring difficult conditions
- March: recurring difficult conditions
- April: viable with meaningful trade-offs
- May: best time to visit
- June: best time to visit
- July: good time to visit
- August: good time to visit — current month
- September: best time to visit
- October: good time to visit
- November: viable with meaningful trade-offs
- December: recurring difficult conditions
- Best time
- Good time
- Viable with trade-offs
- Difficult conditions
Sources
- climate.weather.gc.ca Checked 2026-08-28
Top things to see
Ranked by importance — sitelinks, pageviews and heritage status, not editor preference.
Filter the list
50 places match
50 places match
Category
Typical visit duration
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02 2 hoursChâteau Frontenac
Château Frontenac is a landmark historic hotel in Quebec City's Upper Town, positioned prominently above the St. Lawrence River and adjacent to Dufferin Terrace.
- Must see
- Activity
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03 1 hourMontmorency Falls
Montmorency Falls, known locally as chute Montmorency, is a major waterfall located east of Québec City. The site forms a prominent natural attraction within a provincial park managed by SEPAQ.
- Must see
- Nature site
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04 45 minPlains of Abraham
Plaines d'Abraham is a historic battlefield and urban park in the Québec City visitor region. The editorial ranking identifies this exact production record among ten highest-priority publishable POIs.
- Must see
- Historic monument
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05 45 minCitadelle of Quebec
La Citadelle de Québec is a active fortress and military-history site in the Québec City visitor region. The editorial ranking identifies this exact production record among ten highest-priority publishable POIs.
- Must see
- Historic monument
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06 2 hoursPetit Champlain
Petit Champlain is a historic quarter in Québec City's Lower Town, situated at the foot of Cap Diamant beneath the Château Frontenac escarpment. The area comprises narrow cobblestone streets and heritage buildings dating to the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
- Must see
- Activity
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07 1 hr 30 minMusée de la civilisation
Musée de la Civilisation de Québec is a civilisation museum in the Québec City visitor region. The editorial ranking identifies this exact production record among ten highest-priority publishable POIs.
- Must see
- Museum
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08 1 hr 30 minMusée national des beaux-arts du Québec
Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec is a national art museum in the Québec City visitor region. The editorial ranking identifies this exact production record among ten highest-priority publishable POIs.
- Must see
- Museum
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09 2 hoursÎle d'Orléans
Île d'Orléans is a large island in the Saint Lawrence River, located downstream from Québec City. The island measures approximately 34 kilometres in length and 8 kilometres at its widest point.
- Must see
- Activity
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10 30 minBasilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
The Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is a major Catholic pilgrimage basilica located on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River in the Côte-de-Beaupré region northeast of Québec City.
- Must see
- Place of worship
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11 2 hoursFortifications of Quebec
The Fortifications of Quebec are the defensive walls, gates, and ramparts that encircle Old Quebec, forming the only remaining fortified city walls in North America north of Mexico.
- Must see
- Activity
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12 2 hoursDufferin Terrace
Dufferin Terrace is a historic boardwalk in Québec City's Upper Town, running alongside the Château Frontenac. This elevated promenade overlooks the St.
- Must see
- Activity
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13 2 hoursPlace Royale
Place Royale is a historic public square in Quebec City's Lower Town, widely recognized as the restored birthplace precinct of French North America.
- Must see
- Activity
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14 30 minNotre-Dame-des-Victoires Church
Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church is a historic Roman Catholic church located on Place Royale in Quebec City's Lower Town.
- Must see
- Place of worship
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15 30 minNotre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral
Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral is a Roman Catholic basilica-cathedral located in Old Québec within the fortified city walls.
- Must see
- Place of worship
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16 45 minParliament Building
The Parliament Building of Quebec, known locally as Hôtel du Parlement du Québec, serves as the seat of the National Assembly of Quebec. Constructed in the Second Empire architectural style, this prominent structure anchors the capital district of Quebec City.
- Must see
- Historic monument
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17 45 minLa capitale Observatory
Observatoire de la Capitale is a indoor panoramic viewpoint in the Québec City visitor region. The editorial ranking identifies this exact production record among ten highest-priority publishable POIs.
- Must see
- Historic monument
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18 2 hoursMorrin Centre
The Morrin Centre is a cultural institution occupying a landmark building in Quebec City's Old Town. The structure served as a prison from 1812 to 1868 before conversion to an educational facility.
- Must see
- Activity
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19 2 hoursMusée de l'Amérique francophone
The Musée de l'Amérique francophone is a history museum located within the Séminaire de Québec complex in Quebec City. It interprets the history of French-speaking populations across North America.
- Must see
- Activity
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20 1 hr 30 minMusée de la Place-Royale
Musée de la place Royale is a historic-place museum in the Québec City visitor region. The editorial ranking identifies this exact production record among ten highest-priority publishable POIs.
- Must see
- Museum
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21 1 hr 30 minPlains of Abraham Museum
Musée des plaines d'Abraham is a battlefield interpretation museum in the Québec City visitor region. The editorial ranking identifies this exact production record among ten highest-priority publishable POIs.
- Must see
- Museum
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22 30 minChapelle des Ursulines
Chapelle des Ursulines is a historic chapel and sacred-art venue in the Québec City visitor region. The editorial ranking identifies this exact production record among ten highest-priority publishable POIs.
- Must see
- Place of worship
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23 1 hr 30 minAquarium du Québec
Aquarium du Québec is a public aquarium and family attraction in the Québec City visitor region. The editorial ranking identifies this exact production record among ten highest-priority publishable POIs.
- Must see
- Family attraction
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Onhwa' Lumina 24 45 minOnhwa' Lumina
Onhwa' Lumina is a night-time Indigenous storytelling experience in the Québec City visitor region. The editorial ranking identifies this exact production record among ten highest-priority publishable POIs.
- Must see
- Historic monument
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25 2 hoursvillage vacance valcartier
Village Vacances Valcartier is a large recreational complex northwest of Québec City. The destination combines a waterpark and winter playground, making it a major seasonal attraction for families seeking outdoor entertainment.
- Must see
- Entertainment venue
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26 1 hourManoir Montmorency
Manoir Montmorency is a historic manor situated above Montmorency Falls in the Québec City region. The building serves as a heritage site and viewing stop, offering visitors a vantage point over the surrounding landscape.
- Must see
- Restaurant or café
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27 1 hourGrand Théâtre de Québec
The Grand Théâtre de Québec is the provincial performing-arts complex serving as the core venue for orchestra, opera, dance, and theatre in Québec City.
- Must see
- Art and culture venue
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28 1 hourLe Diamant
Le Diamant is a contemporary theatre in Old Québec, occupying a reinvented heritage building. The venue serves as a distinctive performance space combining historical architecture with modern theatrical infrastructure.
- Must see
- Art and culture venue
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29 1 hourThéâtre Petit Champlain
Théâtre Petit Champlain is a compact performing arts venue in Quebec City's historic Lower Town. It functions as a French-language music and theatre room, serving as a cultural landmark within the Petit Champlain district.
- Must see
- Art and culture venue
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30 1 hourPalais Montcalm
Palais Montcalm is a restored art-deco performance hall in Québec City. The venue serves as a dedicated destination for classical and jazz performances, hosting concerts and musical events throughout its programming season.
- Must see
- Art and culture venue
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31 1 hourRoger-Van den Hende botanical garden
Jardin botanique Roger-Van den Hende is a botanical garden operated by Université Laval in the Sainte-Foy district of Quebec City. It serves as both a public horticultural destination and an academic resource for the university.
- Must see
- Nature site
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32 30 minSaint-Roch Church
Saint-Roch Church, known locally as église Saint-Roch, stands as the defining historic church of Quebec City's revived lower-city Saint-Roch district. This monumental religious structure serves as a landmark anchor for a neighbourhood that has undergone significant urban renewal.
- Must see
- Place of worship
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33 30 minSaint-Jean-Baptiste Church
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church is a Roman Catholic church located in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighbourhood of Quebec City. The local name is église Saint-Jean-Baptiste. This sacred building serves as a significant religious and architectural landmark within its district.
- Must see
- Place of worship
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34 30 minJesuit Chapel
The Chapelle des Jésuites is a 19th-century chapel located in the Montcalm district of Quebec City. It stands as a distinct heritage building that has been repurposed as a concert and cultural venue.
- Must see
- Place of worship
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35 45 minHenry-Stuart House
Maison Henry-Stuart is a preserved 1849 house and garden in Quebec City, located near the Plains of Abraham. It offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore domestic history through an intact nineteenth-century residence.
- Must see
- Historic monument
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36 45 minJesuit House of Sillery
Maison des Jésuites de Sillery is a historic house in the Sillery district of Quebec City. It stands as a remnant of the former Jesuit estate established in the seventeenth century.
- Must see
- Historic monument
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37 1 hourBois-de-Coulonge Park
Bois-de-Coulonge Park, known locally as parc du Bois-de-Coulonge, comprises landscaped former vice-regal grounds situated along a riverside in Québec City. The property served as the residence of Quebec lieutenant-governors, reflecting its historical significance in provincial governance.
- Must see
- Nature site
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38 1 hourDomaine de Maizerets
Domaine de Maizerets is a historic estate on Quebec City's east side, encompassing extensive gardens and parkland. The property functions as a public green space where visitors can experience landscaped grounds with heritage character.
- Must see
- Nature site
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39 1 hr 30 minCartier-Brébeuf National Historic Site
Cartier-Brébeuf National Historic Site is a Parks Canada-administered place on the Saint-Charles River in Québec City. It commemorates Jacques Cartier's 1535-1536 wintering at Stadacona and the later Jesuit mission established by Jean de Brébeuf and companions.
- Must see
- Museum
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40 1 hourParc Chauveau
Parc Chauveau is Quebec City's largest park, situated along the Saint-Charles River. This extensive green space serves as a genuine riverfront outdoor destination for residents and visitors seeking natural surroundings within the urban environment.
- Must see
- Nature site
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41 1 hourParc des Moulins
Parc des Moulins is a public park in Quebec City situated on the former grounds of the city's zoo. The site has been transformed into a broad garden space and family recreation area.
- Must see
- Nature site
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42 1 hourBase de plein air de Sainte-Foy
Base de plein air de Sainte-Foy is an outdoor recreation area located in the Sainte-Foy district of Quebec City. It operates as a municipal facility providing urban residents and visitors with access to natural spaces for seasonal activities.
- Must see
- Nature site
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43 1 hourQuai Paquet
Quai Paquet is a redeveloped public plaza and ferry terminal located in Lévis, directly across the Saint Lawrence River from Québec City.
- Must see
- Nature site
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44 1 hourTerrasse du Chevalier-de-Lévis
Terrasse du Chevalier-de-Lévis is a public terrace situated on the Lévis bluff overlooking the St. Lawrence River. The terrace is positioned on the south shore, directly facing Québec City's historic waterfront and skyline.
- Must see
- Nature site
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45 1 hr 30 minMaison Alphonse-Desjardins
Maison Alphonse-Desjardins is a heritage house in Lévis, Quebec, preserved as a monument to Alphonse Desjardins, founder of the caisse populaire cooperative credit union movement.
- Must see
- Museum
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46 45 minRue du Trésor
Rue du Trésor is a narrow pedestrian lane in Old Québec, running between buildings near the Château Frontenac area. The street functions as an open-air gallery where artists display and sell their works directly to visitors.
- Must see
- Market
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47 1 hourPlace des Canotiers
Place des Canotiers is a public plaza situated in Quebec City's Old Port area, positioned at river level beneath the elevated historic district of Old Quebec.
- Must see
- Nature site
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48 1 hourJardin Jeanne-d'Arc
Jardin Jeanne-d'Arc is a formal garden located within the broader Plains of Abraham in Quebec City. Named after Joan of Arc, the garden features seasonal flower displays and a statue of its namesake.
- Must see
- Nature site
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49 45 minfontaine de Tourny
The Fontaine de Tourny is an ornate public fountain situated on the grounds of the Parliament Building in Québec City's capital district. It serves as a significant public-art landmark within the parliamentary precinct.
- Must see
- Historic monument
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50 30 minSaint-Dominique Church
Église Saint-Dominique is a Dominican church situated on Grande Allée in Québec City. It serves as a significant sacred-art landmark within its neighbourhood, contributing to the cultural and religious character of this prominent avenue.
- Must see
- Place of worship
Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·
How the city is laid out
Upper Town occupies the fortified plateau around Château Frontenac and the main gates. Lower Town sits beneath the cliff around Place Royale and the Old Port, linked by steep streets, stairs and the funicular. Parliament Hill and the Plains of Abraham are west of the walls; Saint-Jean-Baptiste and Montcalm continue beyond them. Saint-Roch lies below the escarpment, with Limoilou farther north across the Saint-Charles River.
Checked 2026-08-26
Getting around
Walk between the central neighbourhoods, allowing for steep grades between Upper and Lower Town. The RTC bus network serves the city centre, central districts, suburbs, the airport and both train stations. Frequent Métrobus routes carry numbers in the 800s and are useful beyond the historic core. Use the official RTC trip planner and current notices because construction, weather and traffic can alter stops and schedules.
Checked 2026-08-26
Common questions
How many days should I spend in Québec City?
A fixed stay length is not recorded. Plan Upper and Lower Town first, then add Parliament Hill, Montcalm, Saint-Roch or an outer excursion according to your priorities.
Is Old Québec walkable?
Yes. Its principal areas are compact, but Upper and Lower Town are separated by a steep escarpment, stairs and sloping streets.
What is the difference between Upper and Lower Town?
Upper Town occupies the fortified plateau; Lower Town lies beneath it around Place Royale and the Old Port. Routes between them include steep streets, stairs and the funicular.
How do I get around beyond Old Québec?
Use RTC buses. The network serves central neighbourhoods, suburbs, the airport and both train stations, with frequent Métrobus routes on major corridors.
Are Québec City's central neighbourhoods far apart?
No. The official visitor guide describes them as concentrated in a relatively small area, though elevation changes can make short map distances more demanding on foot.