Old Quebec
The most European city in North America - a walled old town of cobbled lanes, stone houses and a grand chateau above the St Lawrence, the cradle of French Canada, a UNESCO site.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
UNESCO World Heritage
Old Quebec is the most European city in North America, the historic heart of Quebec City and the cradle of French Canada, and the only walled city north of Mexico. A UNESCO treasure of cobbled lanes, stone houses, spires and squares, it climbs from the riverside Lower Town to the ramparts above, all crowned by the fairytale turrets of the Chateau Frontenac hotel above the mighty St Lawrence.
What you actually see
- The Chateau Frontenac - the fairytale grand hotel above the river.
- The old town lanes - the cobbled streets of the Lower Town and Petit-Champlain.
- The city walls - the ramparts, the only walled city north of Mexico.
- The Dufferin Terrace - the boardwalk with sweeping river views.
When to go
Summer for warm weather, festivals and outdoor cafes; autumn for the colour, and December for the magical, snowy Christmas charm and the famous Winter Carnival in February. It is lovely in any season, each with its own mood.
Honest expectations
It is popular and the old town busy with tourists and cruise passengers in summer, and prices in the Petit-Champlain quarter run high. Winters are bitterly cold, though magical. The old town is steep and stepped between Upper and Lower towns. French is the working language, part of its charm.
Nearby
The Montmorency Falls and the Ile d'Orleans are close; Montreal is a few hours west.
What to pack for Old Quebec
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
