Quebec City is a place where European architecture meets North American culture in equal measure. It’s the perfect destination for those looking to explore a unique blend of culture, history, and beauty.
Take in the sights from atop one of the highest skyscrapers in the city at the Observatoire de la Capitale. From here you can see Ile d'Orleans (home to many great markets), the St. Lawrence River, and the star-shaped Citadel of Old Quebec.
1. Musee National des Beaux-arts du Quebec
The Musee National des Beaux-arts du Quebec is a world-class art museum that houses one of the largest collections of Quebec art. It is home to over 42,000 works of art ranging from seventeenth-century paintings to contemporary artists, and it regularly hosts international exhibitions.
Located on the Plains of Abraham, the Musee is a must-see attraction in Quebec City. Its four pavilions house a wealth of Quebec art, and its world-class galleries attract visitors from all over the world.
The Pierre Lassonde Pavilion is a glassy, sleek, world-class building which blends architectural heritage with contemporary art. It is home to the Museum’s family discovery centre and features a host of interactive activities that will appeal to kids of all ages. The museum also regularly hosts major events such as Shining a Light on Art and displays colourful pieces from the MNBAQ collection.
2. Citadelle de Quebec
Quebec City is home to the star-shaped Citadelle de Quebec, a fortress that protects the city. The Citadel is a National Historic Site of Canada and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1985.
Built by the British army between 1820 and 1850, La Citadelle is the largest fortress in North America. It was constructed under the supervision of Lieutenant Colonel Elias Walker Durnford.
Known as the Gibraltar of North America, La Citadelle features structures that date back to the French regime, including the Cap Diamant Redoubt (1693) and the powder magazine in the Prince of Wales Bastion (1750). Guided tours reveal over 300 years of history.
3. Basilica Notre-Dame-de-Quebec
The Basilica Notre-Dame-de-Quebec is a stunning cathedral with a rich heritage. It is the largest church in North America and was built over a period of 1824 to 1829.
The building is renowned for its Gothic Revival architecture and is home to a magnificent Holy Door. It was opened at the church’s 350th anniversary and is the second holy door outside Europe.
A visit to the cathedral is highly recommended, and groups can enjoy a guided tour or attend mass in order to get the full experience. The interior is beautifully decorated with works of art and is a true gem of Canadian history.
The basilica also contains a historical crypt that contains the tombs of bishops, archbishops and cardinals from Quebec, as well as four governors of New France. This crypt has been the centre of research for archeologists as they are still searching for the tomb of Samuel de Champlain, one of the founders of Quebec.
4. Fortification Wall
If you’re visiting Quebec City you should definitely check out the Fortification Wall. This defensive system encircles Old Quebec’s Upper Town and is one of the best-preserved examples of a fortified colonial settlement north of Mexico.
The Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site encompasses 4.6 km of ramparts, 4 gates, 3 Martello towers and the Citadelle de Quebec. It’s a great way to see Old Quebec and learn more about its fascinating history from Parks Canada experts.
Walk along the top of the walls to Porte Saint-Louis (first built in 1693) for views of Parliament Hill on one side and Place D'Youville on the other. Then head down to Porte Kent on rue Dauphine and further down to Porte Saint-Jean.
5. Palace Royale
Quebec City's charming Hotel Palace Royal is a 4-star eco-friendly property offering panoramic views. It has 234 guest rooms along with a Jacuzzi, sauna facilities and an indoor pool.
- It is 0.7 miles from Saint-Lawrence River Estuary and is within walking distance of Old Quebecs historic district. It is also a few steps from all summer and winter festivities.
- Place Royale is the original site of Samuel de Champlain s fort and is one of the most important places in the city. The cobblestone square is surrounded by souvenir shops and restaurants, plus restored stone buildings that evoke the 17th-century French colonial style.
- At the center of the square is Eglise Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, which is Quebec's oldest stone church and one of its most beautiful. Across from it is a tiled outline of Champlain's fort, and at its entrance is a bronze plaque commemorating the event.
