City: Downtown Quebec City
Top Things to do in Downtown Quebec City
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8 Historic Sites in Downtown Quebec City That You Shouldn't Miss
Quebec City may be the only fortified city north of Mexico, but it welcomes visitors with open arms. Explore the Citadel, where you might catch Canadian troops staging a military ceremony. As for food, you could splurge on afternoon tea at the Chateau Frontenac, or do as the locals do and snack on poutine—french fries with gravy and cheese curds.
Restaurants in Quebec City
1. Battlefields Park (Parc des Champs-de-Bataille)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 446 reviews
This bucolic park includes the Plains of Abraham, where the decisive battle that led to British control of Quebec took place.
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
A visit to the Battlefields Park takes one back into history when the French and British fought a battle. Certainly worth visiting.
2. Basilique Cathedrale - Notre-Dame-de-Quebec
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,576 reviews
This famous 17th-century cathedral has been restored several times but still provides visitors with an ambiance of centuries past.
Reviewed By ldjs - Fort Lee, United States
Beautiful cathedral with very unusual image of Christ holding the cross, lots of gold leaf and the holy door to open again in 2025. Canadian dignitaries are buried here. The cathedral is quite important for Quebec and Canada and a heritage site. Definitely worth a visit.
3. Plains of Abraham
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,407 reviews
Site of major battles, the Battlefields Park includes the Plains of Abraham and Des Braves Park. Apart from its historical past, the Park is to Québec what Central Park and Hyde Park are to New York and London: a city park of outstanding value, the lungs of the city. The Plains of Abraham Museum is the gateway to the Park, offering exhibitions, activities, services and all information for your visit. Year-round, dive into history with an interactive exhibition on the battles of Québec and an exhibition on artefacts from the Park's archeological collection. From July to the end of October, explore the Plains of Abraham with the Escape Bag Rally or a family treasure hunt. Discover also the dark side of the Plains with fun and terrifying activities for all ages during Halloween and the Month of the Dead. In winter, enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or ice skating! Equipment rental on site ($).
Reviewed By 488lauries - Indianapolis, United States
If you have even a little interest in how North America came to be the way it is, this site and its very good museum are worth a visit. I found the story of the seige of Quebec City to be completely compelling, and this handsome, huge park commemorates it well.
4. Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,042 reviews
The only walled city in Canada, Quebec City still is home to a variety of old forts and military structures. Meet with history in the only fortified city of North America! The suggested route, showcasing photos, texts, and videos, offers detailed information concerning the many sites and vestiges that you will encounter in the context of this must-see tour of the history of Quebec. BaladoDiscovery Free App Live this free unique thematic experience in the historical heart of Quebec guided by this free App. Following suggested trail: 1,8 km
Reviewed By GangWarily - Nanoose Bay, Canada
We took the Parks Canada guided tour of the fortifications around Quebec. It was free for us with our annual Discovery pass. There were 14 in our group which was manageable. The guide (Rachel), a bilingual university student, was well-spoken and lively, and clearly knows her history well. Leaving from the Parks Canada kiosk on the Dufferin Terrace out front of the Chateau Frontenac, she walked us around the area between there and the Citadel. She gave us lots of interesting information over a 90-minute tour. Highly recommended.
5. St. Louis Gate (Porte St. Louis)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 270 reviews
This historic gate in Old Quebec is part of the city's extensive fortification system.
Reviewed By retireeVancouver - Vancouver, Canada
If you have time to visit just 1 of the 4 city gates in the fortification walls of Quebec City, make it Porte St. Louis. It's located on Rue St. Louis at Rue d'Auteuil, at one end of the Esplanade Park. This gate dates to the 1880s replacing original gates built in that spot in the late 1600s and 1700s. While the 2 gates - Porte Kent and Porte St. Jean - have similar designs to Porte St. Louis, Porte St. Louis is grand in its appearance due to the surrounding landscaping of shade trees, flowers, green grass, and many monuments. This gate like the other 3 is constructed from rough field stone and is an opening in the high thick stone fortification walls surrounding Quebec City. The tall pointy tower with its steep copper roof beside the square tower adds just that magical touch to the gate. Like the other gates, the bridge that connects the two towers is slightly curved and topped with a crenellated wall. It is possible to stand on that bridge for excellent views along Rue St. Louis and the Parliament Hill gardens. Pedestrians pass through openings in the tower. Porte St. Louis, named after King Louis XIV as Quebec City was a French colony at the time when the original gate was constructed, is just a 7-10 minute walk from Chateau Frontenac. Bus 11 has a stop near this city gate on Rue St. Louis at Rue d'Auteuil. I recommend taking a photo of it from the Parliament Hill side.
6. Morrin Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 717 reviews
Come visit the Morrin Cultural Centre, Quebec City's best-kept secret! Built over 200 years ago as one of the city's first jail, it now houses one of the world's most beautiful libraries. This national historic site is yours to discover. Walk through foreboding jail cells and browse the books in the charming Victorian library. We also offer various events; including a Writers' Festival, concerts, readings and lectures. Consider renting the Centre as the perfect place to hold your events.
Reviewed By redbluepurple - Belle Mead, United States
We did this last minute and decided to join the tour. Thought changing our shoes for Crocs was interesting but then understood when we saw the carvings in the prison floor. Very interesting tour of the old jail and informative tour guide. The small library is very beautiful and inviting. Wished we had more time to take a book and curl up in one of their cushy chairs.
7. Chevalier House (Maison Chevalier)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 50 reviews
This structure, built as a home to Jean-Baptiste Chevalier in 1752 from two 17th-century structures, has been restored as a museum focusing on Quebec's history.
8. Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 108 reviews
This former barracks-turned-munitions-factory offers a multimedia look into the history of Quebec.
