Artillery Park Heritage Site offers three visits in one with stops at the Arsenal Foundry, the Dauphine Redoubt, and the Officers’ Quarters. The Arsenal Foundry manufactured ammunition for the Canadian Army from 1879 until 1964. It’s now an interpretation center, which features a centerpiece authentic large-scale model of Quebec City made by military engineers in 1808 that was once used...
The Dufferin Terrace is the landmark promenade at the foot of the Château Frontenac that overlooks the St. Lawrence River. The terrace has provided great river views, a place to soak up some sun, and people-watching at its best since 1879. The terrace was named for Lord Dufferin who saw to the preservation of Quebec City’s walled fortifications. In recent...
La Citadelle National Historic Site is the star-shaped fortress that’s been dubbed the Gibraltar of America. It was built between 1820 and 1850 as part of the British fortifications of North America. While you can walk along the exterior of the Citadelle, accessible from the western end of Dufferin Terrace and St. Denis Street, visits inside are only available by...
Musée de l’Amérique Française offers an impressive collection of fine art, religious artifacts, scientific instruments, and thoughtfully explores the history of the French language not only in Quebec City and Montreal, but its influence in western Canada, Acadia, New England, and Louisiana as well. You can even research the history of your French family name. The museum is located on...
Officially titled the Basilica-Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Québec, this church has stood the test of time — at least in spirit and architectural design. The building site dates to 1647, but the cathedral burned down on three occasions, most recently in 1922 when a fire left only the foundation and standing walls. That said, each time the structure was rebuilt...
Government is big business in Quebec City, the capital of the province. And the center of the government is the Parliament Building, home to the 125 elected legislators of the National Assembly of Quebec. The building was constructed from 1877 to 1886 in the majestic Second Empire style of architecture. The façade is decorated with 22 bronze statues that commemorate...
Quartier Petit Champlain and Rue du Petit Champlain, is one of the oldest sections and streets in the city. Some of the historical houses that line the street date to the late 1600s. Today, the quarter is lined with dozens of restaurants, souvenir shops, art galleries, and lots of visitors. Le Lapin Sauté and Le Cochon Dingue are recomended for...
The Seminary of Quebec was founded by Monseigneur François de Montmorency Laval in 1663. Just more than a decade later in 1674, de Laval would become the first bishop of New France. It was Laval’s mission to educate young priests to serve in New France. Now as then, the majestic seminary remains a working school today. The edifice is a...
Quebec City stands as the only fortified city in North America and they’ve got 2.9 miles of wall to prove it. This is in fact the third and last fortification, which was built by the British between 1745 and 1759. An interpretation center at Artillery Park offers a thorough history of the unique defense system. A recommended guided tour offered...