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Vieux-Quebec - Old Quebec

4.5 (35 reviews)

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Helen H.

Old Quebec is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a fortified town and the birthplace of French North America. There is Upper Town and Lower Town. To access Lower Town from Upper Town ride the funicular or take the Breakneck Stairs. Upper Town Highlights: Château Frontenac Dufferin Terrace Basilica Cathedral Notre-Dame de Québec Citadelle de Québec Plains of Abraham Lower Town Highlights: Petit-Champlain Place Royale Notre-Dame-des-Victoires

Robert S.

One of my favorites cities in the world is Quebec City, especially the Old Town (Vieux-Quebec). It's mostly pedestrian, so it's easy to get around and find your way around. It has a strong European charm and a nice compact size. Founded in the 17th century, Québec City was the capital of New France and, after 1760, of the new British colony. The Historic District of Old Québec is an urban area of about 135 hectares. It is made up to two parts: the Upper Town, sitting atop Cap Diamant and defended by fortified ramparts, a citadel, and other defensive works, and the Lower Town, which grew up around Place Royale and the harbor. A well-preserved city, the historic district of Old Quebec t is an outstanding example of a fortified colonial town, and unique north of Mexico. I especially love the lower town, which I find a bit more real, with a bit more mom and pop stores...wheres the upper town has a lot more larger stores catering to the tourist masses. Parking is tough, but you can park outside the walls at several parking garages and then walk inside the fortified city.

William G.

I love this city. The people are friendly and the food is great. What's there not to like! That is, with the exception of winter, being from Chicago where the winter seems endless. The winter time is even longer in beautiful Quebec!?! As for the summertime, people grab onto every second of warmth and enjoy it. If you want to visit, then, I suggest that you visit during the summer months. Enjoy the beautiful cafes, bakeries, views of the St. Lawrence channel, ...

Satin Black
Mercedes C.

It's official......I'm almost in love with Québec! I thought I was in France when I first visited Montréal. But f*ck that! Québec gives you endless French energy everywhere. Québec City is dreamy and totally lovely: cobblestone winding streets shops and delicious restaurants- all tucked away. Then what got me is their architecture: stone exteriors and granite tunnels dating back several centuries and almost taking you back in time. It's so freaking beautiful and romantic- it doesn't seem real. I'm sure anytime you come and visit Québec, is totally beautiful, but I also hear that Summer is Peak Time with bigger crowds. We walked the prime spots- considering the freezing temperatures and snowfall, I just might appreciate even coming in the warm months, where you can freely walk, not worry about dodging slippery hills and instead, even enjoy the birds chirping. Chocolate Truffles. French language. It's no surprise why everyone enjoys coming here. As for their Hot Chocolate, it's not their forte. In three separate occasions- hot chocolate as rich as I thought they would've been- were weak. Though I've had way better Hot Chocolate/Cocoa in Greenwich & White Plains. What also got me, Québec's ultra flair during the Holiday Season. With the exception of a few shops, everybody: restaurants, high end clothing shops even a Tim Morton's, go all out with pine garlands, Christmas ornaments and white lights. Beautiful. Our few days in Québec City were exciting. Now for the Québécois- hmmm...just can't say the same and that's a different story- just felt they are not as friendly or polite as the folks in Montréal. Anyhow, let us move on... Personally, the real allure of it all for me, is right when you pass the border, it's a whole new world. And 3 more hours after Montréal is Quèbec City with enough charm- it almost felt I was under a spell- in my own Fairy Tale.

Couple
Owen R.

PLUS as close to Europe as u will get in North America Architecture Food options Easily walkable NEGATIVES boring, 2 days MAX for a visit Horrible shopping options (bad boutiques, etc, pricey)

Old Quebec
Fabiola A.

Went out to explore Old Quebec... what a beautiful little town!! We walked and down the hills which are packed with restaurants and stores .. We stopped by to have BreakFast and We also tried Mc Donald's . Rode in the Funiculaire to the bottom part of Old Quebec. We loved it, next time we'll visit at night time, so we can see all the lights. Please come visit Old Quebec.

Red door next to mini map
Jen L.

It's like walking through Belle's little village. Cobblestone so wear the right shoes ladies! Yes it is touristy but it's worth the trek. Lots of places to eat, snack, and drink. Shops that are upscale full of art and jewelry to shops that have cheesy printed shirts and magnets. Something for everyone just wander up the stairs or down the alley. Chocolate shop, ice cream, maple everything around corners. Cheese, wine, cider, beers and more. I've been here in the fall (Sept) and it's crowded and fun. I'm here as Quebec transitions to "spring" (March). It's wet and snow falls from roof tops. It's quiet and calm. I walked from the farmers market "Old Port" to "Old Town" and ventured around the "Castle" aka Fairmont Hotel taking pictures of where they filmed a Kdrama "Goblin". Lots of Asian tourists here just for the "Red Door" scene. Love coming here!

Jennifer K.

As a tourist visiting Quebec City, Old Quebec should not be missed! Every time when I visit, I always spent a few hours wandering around the area and took interesting photos. There are also small stores and restaurants which are fun to browse or just grab a coffee and snack. I had been visiting during all seasons and always have a great experience. European vibe without leaving Canada!

Tammy M.

The last crisp, clear day of September.... surreal.....no doubt, due in equal part to both; that special angle of light in Canadian autumn, and the buzzing hoards of tourists and their services! I learned from locals that it's pretty much tourist season all year long here now. A client residing within the old city walls drew me into pretty Quebec yesterday. After the three hour drive, crepes breakfast, and a morning meeting, I ambled through the Old City before the return meander on the south side of the St Lawrence back to Montreal. The Notre-Dame De Quebec Basilica-Cathedral was extraordinary. Gotta love the craftsmanship, gold, so much white reverence, imagination, and passion that goes into Catholicism. (And, all of our old established world religions, minus the 'so much white') POWERFUL magic. Truly, profoundly. Quebec is a bastion of Catholicism. Samuel de Champlain founded the first Catholic colony here in 1608. By 1611 he'd established fur trading on the Island of Montreal. Shortly afterward, that became the Catholic colony centre for missionary zeal. The tragedy of bloody Jesus, and devotion to the Jesus and Mary story is ubiquitous in the Province. Literally, everywhere! In this cathedral it is polished high art; not too overly grim, aesthetically impressive Throughout the city squares and on the river side promenade there are monumental sized statues of Champlain, Cartier, settlers, cardinals, a few cherubs, a striking Huron Chief, and a Salvador Dali Elephant! I breezed past Laval Architecture Campus, and the French Canada Museum then down alongside the cannons that dot the St Lawrence wall of this impressive and charming, over 300 year old, European style fortress city. I look forward to my next visit, further research and exploration now giving some life to those dreary Canadian History lessons of my youth in Manitoba and British Columbia where, though colonialism and catholicism absolutely influenced, the physical monuments are few and far between, and so very far less impressive than the raw, still terrifyingly breathtaking, natural landscapes.

Some real steep hills. Photos by Anna K
Brian S.

A city like no other A trip to Vieux Quebec is indeed like going back into the past. The city was founded way back in 1608 and is one of the very oldest city in North America. Saint Augustine in Florida was found in 1565 so it has Quebec by a few decades although Cartier did build a fort where Quebec City is now in 1535 and wanted to established a permanent settlement. But ended up leaving after only a short time. Old Quebec is unique and different from any other city. That's obvious after only a very short time here. The whole thing was basically a fort and walls, cannon and all kinds of cool stuff are still present. Vieux Quebec must have more old cannon lying around than any city in the world, the things are everywhere. The whole city is like one big museum, complete with all kinds of plaques, statues and great views of the St Lawrence River. The monstrous and ornate Chateau Frontenac looms over the city like a surreal medieval castle and there are cool and very narrow streets, lot of steps and weird houses everywhere. An amazing city to visit any time of the year. All cities have their own personalities but Quebec City is so unique and cool that it's personality is like an eccentric and bizarre old friend that is always a pleasure to visit. Truly a city like no other. Be sure to see Robert G's review on Vieux Quebec. It's a whole lot more entertaining and thoughtful than mine.

Shivani M.

Beautiful city that has kept the French authenticity. Absolutely fell in love with the feel of the place, I felt like I was in Europe. Very lively town with so many places to eat at and scenery to admire.

Dan R.

This past fall we visited Old Québec for the first time and after our visit, we can't wait to go back. This charming little city is one of the most beautiful and historic looking locations we have been to in North America. After spending two days walking around the city (be prepared for many hills, stairs and cobblestone walkways), we got a taste of the city's charm. The views from around the city were gorgeous and automatically reminded us of our trip to Europe a few years ago. In the end, if you like a charming city, then you have to visit Old Québec. If you don't make a stop here, then you are totally missing out on an amazing city filled with culture and beauty.

Matt G.

Quaint, charming European old world feel, cobble stone streets, exclusive shops and dining. The famous Frontenac views, the most photographed hotel in the world. Fantastic river views. Impressive Cathedrals dating back prior to 1650. The only city in North America with still standing city walls. Feels like being outside of North America.

Chateau Frontenac

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7 years ago

Beautiful beautiful city! It kinda feels like a tad bit of a tourist spot but it's charm and history overshadow that.

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10 years ago

It's like a mini-me of France, but much cleaner. I was surprised how small the old town area was.

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Vieux-Quebec - Old Quebec Reviews in Other Languages

Review Highlights - Vieux-Quebec - Old Quebec

Founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1608, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

Mentioned in 4 reviews

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Terrasse Dufferin - Dufferin Terrace_Yelp_Sanju-6

Terrasse Dufferin

4.8(19 reviews)
1.6 km

Terrasse Dufferin is a wooden boardwalk in Old Quebec City- Upper Town. It has spectacular views of…read morethe St. Lawrence River and the Le Chateau Frontenac . Along the boardwalk there are areas to sit and enjoy the views, and there were a few musicians adding to the charm. The Terrase Dufferin was built in the 1870's. The funicular entrance in Upper Town is located here. It is definately worth strolling the boardwalk and enjoying the sights.

Overlooking Old Québec from its perch just below the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Terrasse…read moreDufferin offers spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River and ofcourse, the magnificent Frontenac hotel. This elevated vantage was the original site of Fort St.-Louis, the governor's residence in colonial times. Tourists can see the ruins underneath the promenade. we were here on a weekday so faced a little crowd and it was soothing to walk on the terrace offering a great view. Formerly a military fortification, this public boardwalk still houses historic cannons. if you visit during the summer - you're bound to run into street performers and artists as you stroll along. The terrace provides incredible views over the Lower Town and the River and often hosts street musicians and other performers. Beneath the terrace, and partially viewable from viewing points are the remains of Chateau Saint-Louis, which was the offices of the French and British governors from the 17th through the 19th centuries. Dufferin Terrace is the perfect spot to take beautiful pictures. It is also here you can board the funicular that will take you down to rue du Petit-Champlain in Lower Town. The Dufferin Terrace is a great place to watch summertime fireworks displays.

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Terrasse Dufferin
Terrasse Dufferin - Tour

Tour

Terrasse Dufferin

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Place-Royale - Restroom: beside the cafe [Café La Maison Smith Notre-Dame], it's there. see attached photo.

Place-Royale

4.8(17 reviews)
1.7 km

This is the tourist center in Québec, both for the history and the modern-day ambiance that comes…read morewith the restaurants, patios, and shops that now fill the historic structures. Place-Royale is widely considered to be the birthplace of the French colony and French North America. It stands on the site of Québec's actual foundation, the spot where, in 1608, Samuel de Champlain erected a fur trading post that soon grew into the capital of French America. Named in honor of Louis XIV whose bust adorns it, Place Royale is the largest surviving ensemble of 17th- and 18th-century buildings in North America. During the 17th and 18th centuries, this area of Old Québec acted as the French colony's center of business and industry, supporting a thriving marketplace and housing many wealthy merchants. While exploring this quaint area, you'll come across several notable tributes to its French Colonial past, like- - including a striking bust of Louis XIV (one of France's most famous kings), - the Église Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, the oldest stone church in North America, - as well as the Fresque des Québécois, which illustrates 400 years of the city's history. In summer, the area is home to outdoor dining areas. In winter, the snow transforms the old streets and stone buildings into a postcard-perfect scene. This is a beautiful area to wander through in the day or evening and at any time of year. Restroom: if you need one, there is a very clean and spacious restroom right there at the square. Just beside the cafe [Café La Maison Smith Notre-Dame], it's there. see attached photo.

CRADLE OF NORTH AMERICA…read more We visited Place Royale during our stroll through the Basse Ville section of Old Quebec. Known as the cradle of North America, Place Royale marks the location of the French settlement founded by Samuel de Champlain. The cobblestone square is surrounded by historic stone buildings that date back to the 1700 -1800s and were extensively restored in the 1980s. In the center of Place Royale is a bust of King Louis XIV - we later learned that the bust is a 1920s replacement of the original bust that was destroyed in a 1700s fire. Also marking Place Royale is Notre Dame des Victoires, one of the oldest stone churches in North America. We were surprised that the church was not open during our recent visit - we didn't know that after the Canada Labour Day weekend, visitor hours are shortened. We were also told that during the winter, the church is then only open on Sunday. Confirm hours before your visit. History is everywhere in Old Quebec and even plays a part in Café Maison Smith, a popular eatery next to Notre Dame des Victoires. Apparently a family named Smith owned the building for over 100 years and the bakery chain's name, Maison Smith, is a nod to the building's historical past. For a jolt forward to the present modern day, visit the EXMURO Public Art Area, a modern art gallery (free admission) that is also located on the square. The art gallery features thought-provoking installations that may push visitors out of their comfort zones. Movie Trivia: Place Royale was used as a movie location for the movie Catch Me If You Can. It stood in for a French town where Tom Hanks arrested Leonardo diCaprio.

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Place-Royale
Place-Royale
Place-Royale - Sep 2023.

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Sep 2023.

Île d'Orléans - From the web..the chocolate shop.

Île d'Orléans

4.7(19 reviews)
1.3 km
$$

Ile-d'Orleans is an island in the Saint Lawrence River. The island is about 3.1 miles east of…read moredowntown Quebec city. It is a nice day trip from the city and it can be combined with a nearby visit to Morntmorency falls and Basilique Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre. The island is 21 miles long and 7 miles wide. It is accessible from the the mainland of Quebec by the Ile-d'Orleans bridge. The Chemin Royale road encircles the entire island. While traveling the Chemin Royale road you will encounter small cottage industries specializing in various agricultural products. Cassis Monna & Filles winery has tours and tasting. Fromagerie Biese d' Epinelle specializes in cheese and dairy products. Chocolaterie de-Ile Orleans haschocolate, fudge and other chocolate based products with no preservatives. La Boulange-Saint-Jean-de-Ile-Orleans sells bakery goods and pasteries while LaCuisine d'Ete-Saint-Laurent-de-Ile'Orleans has exceptional maple syrup. There are also histirical stops along the way. The Manor Mauvide Genest built in 1734 was the home of Jean Mauvide, who was the surgeon for King of France. Stop by one of the many churches along the way. I recommend Eglise de Saint Jean Saint Pierre. With the Laurentian Plateau to the North, the Appalachian Mountains to the South and views of the Atlantic Ocean and Saint Lawrence Seaway, the Chemin Royale road is a scenic drive in it's own right. Enjoy small cottage industries in a rolling hills pastoral setting.

This is a must go to place if you're visiting Quebec City. We had so much fun driving and…read moreexploring all the neat little places to eat and try drinks while we were on this island. I won't go into specifics for each restaurant as there are reviews for that separately. We loved places like Mona and cassis for blackcurrant flavored ice cream and wines, roulette du coin for their duck burger and poutine, Casse chez Meg for that amazing lobster roll, nougatierre for nougats, chocolaterie for the amazing chocolate and vanilla dipped in chocolate ice cream. Come on an empty stomach and full wallet and just enjoy all the different unique things you can eat and drink. Highly suggest taking a cooler with you, there's so many things you can buy and take home with you like chocolate, nougats, cheese curds, blackcurrant wine, baked goods, ciders, etc. It's not a far drive from Quebec City and the whole island itself is probably a one hour drive but you can easily spend half a day here exploring and trying lots of food and drinks. Most of the stores are super helpful in terms of directions and letting you sample all kinds of things. Do your stomach a favor and come here!

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Île d'Orléans
Île d'Orléans - Chocolaterie de Ilse d'Orleans

Chocolaterie de Ilse d'Orleans

Île d'Orléans

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Escalier Casse-Cou - Breakneck Steps_Quebec_Yelp_Sanju-1

Escalier Casse-Cou

4.3(7 reviews)
1.6 km

USE THE CHARLES BAILLARGE STAIRS - A DIFFERENT WAY TO VISIT THE LOWER TOWN…read more Having walked down the Breakneck Stairs once, we looked for an easier and less crowded way to revisit the Lower Town. On Google Maps, we found a different staircase that we did not know had a history as well as a name :o) We later learned that this staircase was called the Charles Baillarge Stairs. Formerly known as the Buade Stairs, the staircase was renamed in 1980 to honor Charles Baillarge who was Quebec City's chief engineer in the late 1800s. Monsieur Baillarge was behind many urban projects that included replacing the wood stairs of Breakneck Stairs with wrought iron stairs. Compared to Breakneck Stairs, the Charles Baillarge Stairs is a wider and less steep staircase with fewer stairs. It is also conveniently located near the Monument de Francois de Laval and the old post office building and a short distance from Notre Dame de Quebec Basilica. Follow Google Maps - walk down the staircase to Cote de la Montagne - Cote de La Montagne will then lead you to the same Lower Town - Quartier Petit Champlain shopping area where Breakneck Stairs also ends.

what a view of Petit Champlain Street, and the perfect place to take photos as well (of course be…read moremindful of fellow tourists). it offers a wonderful view of one of Canada's most picturesque streets: rue du Petit-Champlain. This outdoor staircase, the oldest in Québec City, dates back to the beginning of the French colony. The 59 steps of the Breakneck Stairs connecting côte de la Montagne to rue du Petit-Champlain are just one of the ways to move between Upper and Lower Town. first, when I was researching about this, I was like "It might be like 200-300 steps to reach the upper side" but it's fairly easy. I did not even break a sweat. locals told us that in the winter, the scene is even more sublime when Christmas lights are twinkling and the snow gently falling. In the summer, the ultimate experience on the Stairs consists of eating or having a drink at one of the restaurant terraces located on the different landings.

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Escalier Casse-Cou - Breakneck Steps_Quebec_Yelp_Sanju-8

Breakneck Steps_Quebec_Yelp_Sanju-8

Escalier Casse-Cou - Breakneck Steps_Quebec_Yelp_Sanju-2

Breakneck Steps_Quebec_Yelp_Sanju-2

Escalier Casse-Cou

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Morrin Centre - I would pay $3000 for this.

Morrin Centre

4.6(22 reviews)
1.1 km

We decided to drop in for a tour here on our second visit to Quebec City, mostly just to try…read moresomething new. The tour was about an hour long and our tour guide's English was great. Plenty of jokes and interesting descriptions about the history of the place. This building was originally a jail when it was built, intended to reflect the ideology of a British man who was set on reforming prisons. Like many countries when faced with an influx of immigration, the population housed in the jail were disproportionately made up of immigrants being punished for minor offenses. It was later converted to an English-language college that didn't last very long. The building finally wound up becoming an English-language library that now serves as the English-language cultural center of Quebec City. The library is filled with artifacts as well. And that old library smell is heavenly! The tour was a little boring, but not terribly, which is the only reason I give it 4 stars. I would have liked some more photographs from that time to be displayed throughout (even though I know they're probably incredibly rare). I did find myself checking my watch, but probably because we came in starving. If you're a history buff, library nerd, or jail hobbyist (lol), definitely try to check this place out.

This was a very enjoyable tour of a building that has been through a lot in it's life. The tour of…read morethe jail and the glimpse of living conditions during Quebec's history was excellent. The library was very beautiful. Definitely worth 90 minutes of your time.

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Morrin Centre
Morrin Centre
Morrin Centre

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Vieux-Quebec - Old Quebec - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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