Old Québec

Vue aérienne sur Québec en hiver
Jeff Frenette

Bask in the European charm of this UNESCO World Heritage treasure as you stroll and take in over 400 years of history in the birthplace of French North America.

Slip on some comfortable shoes and follow your own path through the only fortified city north of Mexico. Take a walking tour to discover its rich history. Expect an awe‑inspiring journey through a collection of architectural treasures unlike anything outside Europe. Get ready to travel back in time.

Where is Old Québec

  • Patinoire place D'Youville sous la neige

    Inside Québec City’s Walls

    Discover the top things to do inside Québec City's walls, the fortified area where the famous Château Frontenac and the Citadelle are located.

    See the neighbourhood
  • Des gens marchent dans la rue du Petit-Champlain décorée pour Noël

    Petit-Champlain

    Discover the top things to do in Petit-Champlain, a fairytale area known for its cobblestone streets, European architecture, and great shopping.

    See the neighbourhood
  • Discoglace du Port de Québec - Patinoire

    Old Port

    Discover the best spots to enjoy a perfect day of antique stores, art galleries, and restaurants in the streets that surround Québec City's Old Port.

    See the neighbourhood
  • Façade de l'hôtel du Parlement de Québec en hiver

    Parliament Hill & Plains of Abraham

    Dominated by the Parliament Building, the Parliament Hill gives access to Grande Allée. Explore this area that exudes style and elegance.

    See the neighbourhood

    What Is Old Québec

    Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, Old Québec is the most intact fortified town north of Mexico, retaining its colonial architecture for over 400 years. It is the historic and cultural heart of Québec City, and the birthplace of French North America. Not just a tourist area, this lively neighbourhood is also home to many proud residents.

    Wander through Petit-Champlain, one of the oldest shopping streets in North America, and discover the historic gems found inside the walls, including the fortified walls and ramparts. Explore the shops and marina of Old Port, and soak in the atmosphere of the Plains of Abraham and Parliament Hill.

    Video Old Québec City

    View of the Château Frontenac and avenue Saint-Denis at sunrise, from the Pierre-Dugua-De Mons terrace.
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    Discover the historical and cultural richness of Québec City, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure and the only walled city north of Mexico.

    Old Québec Areas

    • Colline parlementaire vue aérienne
      Parliament Hill & Plains of Abraham

      Dominated by the Parliament Building, the Parliament Hill gives access to Grande Allée. Explore this area that exudes style and elegance.

      Read
    • Saint-Jean Gate illuminated in the early evening, with the Hotel Palace Royal in the background.
      Inside Québec City’s Walls

      Discover the top things to do inside Québec City's walls, the fortified area where the famous Château Frontenac and the Citadelle are located.

      Read
    • Tourists walk on rue du Petit-Champlain in summer.
      Petit-Champlain

      Discover the top things to do in Petit-Champlain, a fairytale area known for its cobblestone streets, European architecture, and great shopping.

      Read
    • Vue sur la marina du Vieux-Port de Québec
      Old Port

      Discover the best spots to enjoy a perfect day of antique stores, art galleries, and restaurants in the streets that surround Québec City's Old Port.

      Read

    Old Québec Must-See Attractions

    Ice rink

    10 Best Things to Do in Old Québec City

    Discover the 10 best things to do and see in Old Québec. A stay is not complete without visiting these must-see attractions.

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    Famille qui marche dans le Vieux-Québec

    How to Get to the Old City with or without a Car

    Here’s what we recommend for no-fuss travel in and around Old Québec.

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    Events in Old Québec

    • Maquette dans l'Exposition Titanic

      Titanic. The Human Story

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    • Biosphere
      German Christmas Market

      Québec City German Christmas Market

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    • Kaleidoscopes

      Kaléidoscopes

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    • Festivaliers pour Toboggan

      New Year's Eve in Québec City

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    • Biosphere
      Bonhomme Carnaval is photographed on the exterior bridge of the Québec-Lévis Ferry, in winter.
      Québec Winter Carnival
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    • Biosphere
      Festival d'été de Québec

      Festival d'été de Québec

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    • Gens costumés aux Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France

      New France Festival

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    • Cyclists at the finish line.

      Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec

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    Local Tips about Old Québec

    • Statues de la Fontaine de Tourny
      9 Monuments and Statues in Old Québec
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    • A couple raise their glasses and eat on the terrace of a restaurant on rue Saint-Jean, in summer.
      3 Romantic Activities in Old Québec
      Read
    • Musical performance at the Citadelle of Québec.
      15 Sites Witness to our British and Irish Heritage
      Read
    • Vue de l'avenue Saint-Denis et de ses maisons patrimoniales avec le Château Frontenac en arrière-plan.
      The 15 Prettiest Streets in Old Québec
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    • Quartier Petit Champlain
      Step Into Historic Petit-Champlain Street, a Living Christmas Card
      Read
    • Spectacle extérieur pour le Nouvel An
      5 Reasons to Celebrate New Year’s in Québec City
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    • Couple walking in Place Royale and Petit-Champlain at Christmas

      A Romantic Holiday Weekend

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    • Escalier Casse-Cou - L'escalier mène au Petit-Champlain

      5 Ways to Feel Like You’re in a Christmas Movie

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