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

Carte du vieux Quebec

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.

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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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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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Piétons près de la porte Saint-Jean

How to Embrace Responsible Travel in Old Québec

Want to see this gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage Site for yourself while minimizing your carbon footprint? Here are some tips for embracing responsible

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Events in Old Québec

  • Générations

    Generations

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  • Exposition Lutte. Le Québec dans l'arène

    Wrestling. Quebec in the Ring

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  • La Cabane Laurier
    La Cabane Laurier
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  • Ensemble Gospel
    Ensemble Gospel de Québec
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  • Les Quatre Saisons de Vivaldi
    Les Quatre Saisons de Vivaldi
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  • Tony Levin avec The Levin Brothers et California Guitar Trio
    Tony Levin with The Levin Brothers and California Guitar Trio
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  • Daniel Lanois
    Daniel Lanois
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  • Salon du livre de Québec

    Salon international du livre de Québec

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Local Tips about Old Québec

  • 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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  • Musical performance at the Citadelle of Québec.
    15 Sites Witness to our British and Irish Heritage
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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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  • Statues de la Fontaine de Tourny
    9 Monuments and Statues in Old Québec
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  • View of avenue Saint-Denis and its heritage houses with the Château Frontenac in the background.
    The 15 Prettiest Streets in Old Québec
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  • A couple drink a coffee next to Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church, on the terrace of Maison Smith in Place Royale.

    6 Best Restaurants in Petit-Champlain and Place-Royale

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  • Château Frontenac à partir de la rue du Fort

    11 Best Restaurants in Old Québec City

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  • Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
    A Fairytale Experience in North America’s Most Historic Castle
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