Quebec · Canada

Quebec City

The capital of the province of Quebec, with the only walled historic center north of Mexico, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on a cliff above the Saint Lawrence River.

Quebec

In the photo: Porte Saint-Jean, Quebec

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Get to know the place

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

The city of Quebec, capital of the province of Quebec, was founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1608 and is one of the oldest cities in North America. It sits on Cap Diamant, a cliff on the edge of the Saint Lawrence River at a point where the river narrows; the name comes from an Algonquin word for that narrowing.

The historic center, Vieux-Québec, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Haute-Ville, on the heights, is surrounded by stone walls and gates and features the Citadelle, the Terrasse Dufferin and the Château Frontenac, a building with copper towers that defines the city’s skyline. The Basse-Ville, at the foot of the cliff, contains Place Royale, where the city began, and the narrow streets of the Quartier Petit-Champlain. A funicular and staircases connect the two parts.

Outside the walls are the Plains of Abraham, the battlefield of 1759 between the French and the British, now a large park, and the provincial Parliament. French is the language of almost the entire population.

About 12 km away, Montmorency Falls plunges more than 80 meters, and Île d’Orléans, in the middle of the river, has villages, farms and orchards. In winter, the city hosts one of the largest snow carnivals in the world.

This destination brings together 1 city: Quebec.

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One destination, many paths

The cities on this trip

Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.

Where Quebec City is

Boundaries: Statistics Canada (Statistics Canada Open Licence) / geoBoundaries. Adapted by Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Quebec City

✈ Aéroport international Jean-Lesage de Québec (YQB), in Sainte-Foy · 16 km to Quebec

Jean Lesage International Airport is about 16 km from downtown. From Montreal it’s around 255 km, nearly a 3-hour drive, or about 3½ hours by VIA Rail train to Gare du Palais in the Basse-Ville.

Quebec · Quebec City Capital

Quebec

Capital of the province of Quebec, on the shore of the Saint Lawrence River, with a walled historic center recognized by UNESCO. On the heights are Terrasse Dufferin, the Citadelle and the gates of the wall; below are Place Royale and Quartier Petit-Champlain. The Plains of Abraham, the Parliament and the Museum of Civilization round out the visit, and Montmorency Falls and Île d’Orléans are nearby.

The local experience

Things to do in Quebec City

Quebec · Quebec · Viewpoint

Dufferin Terrace

A wooden boardwalk on the top of the cliff, at the foot of Château Frontenac, with views of the Saint Lawrence River, the Basse-Ville and the Lévis shore. In winter, there is an ice toboggan.

Quebec · Quebec · Walls

Fortifications of Québec

About 4.6 km of walls, gates and bastions surrounding the Haute-Ville, the only ones still standing north of Mexico, which can be walked on foot.

Quebec · Quebec · Fortress

Citadel of Quebec

A star-shaped fortress on the highest point of Cap Diamant, an active military base and the governor general’s official residence, with guided tours and a changing of the guard in summer.

Quebec · Quebec · Historic park

Plains of Abraham

A large urban park on the site of the 1759 battle between the French and British, with lawns, gardens, river lookouts, Martello towers and a museum.

See 5 more places in Quebec City

Quebec · Quebec · Historic neighborhood

Quartier Petit-Champlain and Place Royale

The lower, oldest part of the city at the foot of the cliff: cobbled lanes with shops and restaurants, the square where Champlain founded Quebec and the church Notre-Dame-des-Victoires.

Quebec · Quebec · Museum

Museum of Civilization

Museum of history and society in the Basse‑Ville, with permanent exhibitions about the history of Quebec and the province’s Indigenous peoples, in a modern building integrated with old houses.

Quebec · Quebec · Historic building

Parliament Building (Hôtel du Parlement)

Seat of the National Assembly of Quebec, in Second Empire style, with a façade featuring statues of figures from the province’s history and guided tours of the chamber rooms.

Quebec · Quebec · Waterfall

Montmorency Falls

A drop of about 83 meters at the mouth of the Montmorency River, 12 km from downtown, with a cable car, a suspension bridge over the fall, a stairway and a zip line.

Quebec · Quebec · Island

Île d'Orléans

A rural island in the Saint Lawrence River, connected to the city by a bridge, with six villages, old churches, orchards, vineyards, strawberry farms and cider producers.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

Summer, from June to August, has mild days and festivals, such as the music festival in July. Autumn brings foliage, generally from late September to mid-October. Winter is very cold and snowy; the Quebec Winter Carnival usually takes place between late January and mid-February.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

Two or three days for Vieux-Québec, the Citadelle and the Plains of Abraham. One more day allows for Montmorency Falls and Île d’Orléans.

Which city to stay in

Inside the walls, in the Haute-Ville, accommodations are within walking distance of everything, in older buildings. The Basse-Ville, near Petit-Champlain and the harbour, is quieter at night. Outside the walls, Grande Allée and the Saint-Roch neighbourhood offer options near restaurants, within walking distance to the center.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Quebec City

How many days should you stay in the city of Quebec?

Two or three days for the historic center, the Citadelle and the Plains of Abraham; one extra day for Montmorency Falls and Île d’Orléans.

How to get from Montreal to the city of Quebec?

By train, in about 3½ hours to Gare du Palais, or by bus or car over approximately 255 km of road.

Do you need a car in the city of Quebec?

Not in the historic center, which is explored on foot. For Île d’Orléans, a car helps; for Montmorency Falls there are city buses and tours.

When is the Quebec Winter Carnival?

Generally between late January and mid-February, with night parades, ice sculptures and snow activities. Check the dates for the year.

Is English spoken in the city of Quebec?

Sparsely in everyday life: the city is almost entirely francophone. At hotels, museums and restaurants in the centre, English is well understood.

What time zone is the city of Quebec in?

Eastern Time, UTC−5, and UTC−4 from March to November.

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Quebec City

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.