With Quebec, the dilemma of creating a sightseeing itinerary is not what to include but what not to include, such is the extent of its interesting monuments, venues and locations. History enthusiasts rarely miss out on visiting Battlefields Park and the Old Port, while nature lovers invariably pencil Montmorency Falls Park near the top of their to-see lists.
Basilique-Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Quebec
The first church to occupy the site on which Basilique-Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Quebec sits was built in 1633 by Samuel de Champlain. Destruction during the English Conquest in 1759 and a fire in 1922 saw the church twice razed and twice rebuilt. The current structure includes a tomb that houses the remains of four governors and 20 bishops of New France.
Battlefields Park (Plains of Abraham)
Covering a spacious 264 acres, this pleasant greenbelt area is a favourite with locals in summertime or on any day when the weather is fine enough to permit outdoor activity. Some 5,000 trees representing 80 different species are present in the park and in autumn time they offer a rich display of vibrant colour. The park also has open grassy areas, sunken gardens, fountains and monuments. The park is so named because it was the site of a famous clash between the French and British in 1759. Phone: +1 418 648 5641.
Château Frontenac
The large, stunning, historic Château Frontenac is the most famous landmark of Quebec City. Majestically perched on a bluff offering vistas of the St Lawrence River, this grand hotel opened in 1893 and is still a popular place for travellers and is an attraction itself. The stately property is in the heart of Old Quebec, making it a great place to stay for culture appreciators.
Citadelle de Quebec
Built by the Duke of Wellington while Canada was under British rule, the Citadel is a building of great historic importance and still serves as an active military garrison to this day. Though the duke began construction of the building in 1820, he was not around to see its completion some 30 years later. Tourists may visit the grounds of the citadel by guided tour only. Phone: +1 418 694 2815.
Montmorency Falls Park
As the name indicates, the highlight of this park is the magnificent waterfalls that stand a whopping 83-metres tall (27 metres higher than Niagara Falls). Staircases running alongside the falls give visitors the chance to see them from varying perspectives, while a cable car running from the base to the top also offers some unique views. A suspension bridge positioned over the top of the falls offers access to both side of the park.
Old Port
Covering 72 acres, Quebec’s Old Port is an area of historic significance, having been one of North America’s busiest ports at the height of it activity in the 17th-century. Today, the port is used by cruise ships and merchant vessels only and is a place of touristic interest. The Old Port of Quebec Interpretation Centre, located in the northwest portion of the port, offers background and history on this fascinating location.
Parliament Buildings
Part of the city since 1886, the Parliament Buildings were constructed in the style most associated with Louis XIV and owe their design to the architect Eugene-Etiennee. Used for government purposes since their completion, today they are home to the National Assembly. Guided tours are offered free of charge during the daytime.
