Things to do in Quebec City, Canada: The Best Historic Sites

November 24, 2021 Concepcion Newsome

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)

Discovery Pavilion of the Plains of Abraham, Quebec City, Quebec G1R 5H3 Canada +1 418-648-4071 http://www.ccbn-nbc.gc.ca/
Excellent
48%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 446 reviews

Battlefields Park (Parc des Champs-de-Bataille)

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

16 rue Buade, Quebec City, Quebec G1R 4A1 Canada +1 418-692-2533 http://www.patrimoine-religieux.com/en/our-churches/notre-dame-de-quebec-basilica-cathedral-/
Excellent
60%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
7%
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4.5 based on 2,576 reviews

Basilique Cathedrale - Notre-Dame-de-Quebec

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

835 Wilfrid-Laurier Ave, Quebec City, Quebec G1R 2L3 Canada +1 418-649-6157 [email protected] http://www.theplainsofabraham.ca/
Excellent
55%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
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4.5 based on 2,407 reviews

Plains of Abraham

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

2 Rue d'Auteuil Corner St.Jean, Quebec City, Quebec G1R 5C2 Canada +1 888-773-8888 http://baladodecouverte.com/circuits/140/old-quebec-fortifications-tour--virtual-guide
Excellent
58%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
5%
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4.5 based on 1,042 reviews

Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site

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)

Rue Saint Louis, Quebec City, Quebec G1R 3Z7 Canada https://www.capitale.gouv.qc.ca/realisations/mises-en-lumiere/porte-saint-louis-et-fortifications
Excellent
44%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
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Terrible
1%
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4.5 based on 270 reviews

St. Louis Gate (Porte St. Louis)

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

44 Chausee des Ecossais Quebe, Quebec City, Quebec G1R 4H3 Canada +1 418-694-9147 [email protected] http://www.morrin.org
Excellent
66%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
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4.5 based on 717 reviews

Morrin Centre

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. La Maison Girardin

600 Avenue Royale, Quebec City, Quebec G1E 1Y6 Canada +1 418-821-7049 https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/businesses/maison-girardin
Excellent
67%
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33%
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4.5 based on 3 reviews

La Maison Girardin

Maison Girardin is a beautiful heritage house built between 1784 and 1819. It's a traditional farm house with French architectural influences, and one of the few still standing today ! It became an official patrimonial monument of the Government of Quebec in 1977 and was declared National Historic Site by the Government of Canada in 1982. Maison Girardin displays a year-round exhibition called "Beauport en un Tour de Main" which features objects and tools that recollect the history of workers in rural Beauport in the 19th century. Guided tours are available.

8. Maison Henry-Stuart

82 Grande Allee Ouest, Quebec City, Quebec G1R 2G6 Canada +1 418-647-4347 [email protected] http://maisonhenrystuart.qc.ca
Excellent
62%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
8%
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7%
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4.5 based on 13 reviews

Maison Henry-Stuart

Step into this Regency cottage built in 1849 and tour the house, its English garden and gorgeous rose beds. The Maison Henry-Stuart is one of the few remaining examples of a characteristic style of residential architecture popular in the 19th century. Today, this classified heritage property is operated by Action patrimoine and has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada. Envelop yourself in the refined ambiance typical of Quebec bourgeois society in the early 1900s. The authentic interior reflects the way of life of the Stuart sisters, whose home it was from 1918 to 1987. Before you leave, join us for tea on the wide veranda, a peaceful interlude in the heart of the lively Montcalm district.

9. Gare du Palais

450, rue de la Gare du Palais, Quebec City, Quebec G1K 3X2 Canada +1 418-522-3555 http://www.viarail.ca
Excellent
48%
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9%
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4.5 based on 267 reviews

Gare du Palais

Reviewed By gregorym554 - Houston, United States

We arrived to take the train to Montreal from here. It’s a history rich, beautiful building with modern amenities. So nice to see a functioning train station that’s clean and welcoming. Recommended.

10. Chapel of Museum of French America

2 Cote de la Fabrique Museum of French America, Quebec City, Quebec G1R 3V6 Canada +1 418-643-2158 http://www.mcq.org/en/exposition?id=417318
Excellent
50%
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4.5 based on 4 reviews

Chapel of Museum of French America

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