3 Historic Sites to Explore This Summer

Dive into Québec City’s history with a visit to the Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux, a unique site nestled atop Cap Diamant. Strolling through the vestiges of another era, visitors discover places marked by meetings, alliances, and diplomatic exchanges between European and First Nations people. It’s a fascinating journey to the place where pivotal decisions in Québec and North American history were made. A guided tour is the best way to fully absorb the site’s many secrets.

What to explore:

• A remarkable archaeological site containing over 120 artifacts
• Everyday objects that offer a window into the lives of governors and other residents as far back as 1608
• Spectacular artifacts that bring the city’s beginnings to life 

How to get there:
The site is located beneath the famous Dufferin Terrace. The ticket office is easy to find at the Frontenac kiosk, near the statue of Samuel de Champlain.

Tour length:
About 1 hour 

To make the most of this experience, be sure to check out the audio guide. Available on site in five languages, it’s an immersive experience where history is told through characters. 

It’s an interesting historic site that has been transformed into a museum. It’s truly fascinating!

- Mélanie Jean, professional writer and photographer from Québec City

Québec City’s fortifications offer unique insight into the city’s military history. They’ve been preserved remarkably well, which is a major reason Old Québec was designated a UNESCO world heritage site. Exploring these winding walls, including places that are usually closed to the public, shows us how Québec City was protected over the centuries.

What to explore:

• Exclusive access to historic locations, including a vaulted soldiers’ barracks built into the walls of La Citadelle
• Insight into the key role of fortifications in the defence of Québec City and how they influenced the lives of citizens and soldiers during this period
• Spectacular views along the ramparts as a Parks Canada guide vividly and accurately recounts the site’s history 

Tour length:
About 1 hour and 30 minutes (plus optional 30-minute extension to Artillery Park to learn even more)

How to get there: 
The guided tour leaves from the Frontenac kiosk at the entrance to Dufferin Terrace, near the statue of Samuel de Champlain.

The tour guide adds a whole new dimension to the experience by telling anecdotes and pointing out details that might otherwise go unnoticed. The tour includes exclusive access to unusual places in the city, where participants can see Québec City from a different angle. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. 

At the Arsenal Foundry, visitors can take a unique thematic tour highlighting women’s essential role in the war effort, an often-overlooked aspect of Québec City history.

What to explore:
The In Their Hands tour reveals the exceptional women workers who not only were the lifeblood of the war effort but also set in motion lasting social transformations and commanded new recognition of their place in society.

Tour length:
1 hour

How to get there:
The tour meets at the Arsenal Foundry in Artillery Park, at the Saint-Jean Gate entrance to Old Québec.
 

What exactly is a content partner? 
A content partner acts as a sponsor by paying for a post. Destination Québec cité retains editorial control over the content of such posts. Content partners can have a say in the approach or the subject of a post but are not involved in its creation.