Old Québec

A girl entering Old Quebec City
Jeff Frenette Photography

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

  • 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.

    See the neighbourhood
  • 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.

    See the neighbourhood
  • 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.

    See the neighbourhood
  • 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.

    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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    Summer Vacation in Québec City - Discover 400 Years of History

    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

    A couple walk on the Pierre-Dugua-De Mons terrace near Avenue Saint-Denis, looking at the Château Frontenac.

    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

    • Biosphere
      Festival d'été de Québec

      Festival d'été de Québec

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    • Biosphere
      Grands Feux Loto-Québec

      Grands Feux Loto-Québec Fireworks

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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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    • Biosphere
      Bonhomme Carnaval is photographed on the exterior bridge of the Québec-Lévis Ferry, in winter.

      Québec Winter Carnival

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    • Toute la force des cordes
      Toute la force des cordes
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    • The Grind

      The Grind

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    • Salon international du livre de Québec

      Salon international du livre de Québec (Book Fair)

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    Local Tips about Old Québec

    • Musical performance at the Citadelle of Québec.

      15 Sites Witness to our British and Irish Heritage

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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

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    • Statues de la Fontaine de Tourny

      9 Monuments and Statues in Old Québec

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    • View of the Tourny Fountain illuminated in the evening and the Parliament Building in the background.

      4 Lovely Fountains Within Old Québec

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    • Femme dans la rue Sous-le-Cap
      The 15 Prettiest Streets in Old Québec
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    • Place FAO dans le Vieux-Port
      7 Best Restaurants in the Old Port
      Read
    • Château Frontenac à partir de la rue du Fort

      Best Restaurants in Old Québec City

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    • Hall d'entrée du Musée de la civilisation

      4 Reasons to Visit This Must-See Museum in Old Québec

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