Parliament Hill is situated in Quebec City, specifically within the La Cité-Limoilou borough, encompassing the Vieux-Québec-Cap-Blanc-colline Parlementaire and Saint-Jean-Baptiste districts. Alongside the Quebec Parliament Building, this area also features a handful of shopping streets, residential neighborhoods, and public green spaces. Parliament Hill is adorned with numerous monuments, bronze statues, parks, squares, and promenades.

The construction of the Parliament Building took place between 1877 and 1886. This grand structure comprises four wings that form a substantial square. Its architectural design, influenced by the Louvre Palace in Paris, distinguishes it as one of the few French-style institutional buildings in Quebec City. It holds the distinction of being Quebec's oldest historic site and serves as the seat of the provincial government. The building's primary facade boasts 26 bronze statues honoring significant historical figures, making it an intriguing location brimming with hidden stories and unexpected discoveries.

Directly in front of the Parliament Building stands the Fontaine de Tourny, capturing the attention of passersby with its 43 water jets and sculpted figures. Originally installed in Bordeaux, France, in 1857, the fountain was removed in 1960 and subsequently stumbled upon by a Quebec City businessman during a visit to a Paris flea market. He decided to acquire and gift it to the City of Quebec for its 400th anniversary. The fountain was transported to Quebec City, meticulously restored, and then presented to the city.

Notably, in 1985, the parliamentary building complex was designated as a National Historic Site of Quebec.

Old Quebec is a historic district located within Quebec City. It consists of two main areas: the Upper Town (Haute-Ville) and the Lower Town (Basse-Ville). This district holds the prestigious status of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is administratively part of the Vieux-Québec–Cap-Blanc–colline Parlementaire district within the borough of La Cité-Limoilou.

In 1608, Samuel de Champlain selected the Upper Town as the location for Fort Saint Louis due to its strategic position on top of the Cap Diamant promontory. Over the years, it has continued to serve as the city's military and administrative hub. Following the British Conquest, it was primarily occupied by British government officials and Catholic clergy, while Lower Town housed French and English merchants and artisans.

The military presence in the Upper Town limited its growth for many years. In the late 19th century, a movement emerged advocating for the demolition of the fortifications, considering them outdated and obstructive to urban development. Lord Dufferin played a pivotal role in convincing officials to preserve and restore these fortifications. Despite a decline and neglect in the 1950s, new construction projects revitalized the area in the 1970s.

Most of the buildings in Old Quebec date back to the 19th century, with some even tracing their origins to the 17th and 18th centuries. This historic district boasts several bustling commercial streets like Saint Jean, Sainte Anne, and De Buade. Within the Upper Town, you can find notable institutions such as Quebec City Hall (Hôtel de Ville), the Séminaire de Québec, the Ursulines Convent, and the Augustinian Monastery, alongside l'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec. Additionally, there's no shortage of hotels, including the renowned Château Frontenac, making the Old City a highly sought-after tourist destination.

The Upper Town also features various parks, including De l'Esplanade, Artillerie, Des Gouverneurs, and Montmorency parks, as well as the grounds surrounding l’Hotel-de-Ville.

Old Québec is a historically significant neighborhood within Quebec City, encompassing both the Upper Town and Lower Town areas. This locale holds the prestigious designation of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From an administrative perspective, Old Quebec is situated within the Vieux-Québec–Cap-Blanc–colline Parlementaire district, which falls under the jurisdiction of the La Cité-Limoilou borough. In English, it is commonly referred to as "the Old City" or "Québec's Old City."

The majority of the buildings in the Upper Town section of Old Québec originate from the 19th century, with a few dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. This area boasts several commercial streets, such as Saint Jean, Sainte Anne, and De Buade, with numerous hotels, including the renowned Château Frontenac, making it a highly sought-after tourist destination. In the Upper Town, you can find parks like De l'Esplanade, Artillerie, Des Gouverneurs, Montmorency, and the grounds of l’Hotel-de-Ville.

The Lower Town, situated at the base of Cap Diamant, holds historical significance. The construction of the Church of Notre-Dame-des-Victoires commenced in 1687 at this location and was completed in 1723. Lower Town features notable cultural institutions such as the Musée de la civilisation, the Musée naval de Québec, the caserne Dalhousie, and the Théâtre Petit Champlain, which encompass museums, performance venues, theaters, and exhibition spaces.

The City Hall of Quebec City, known as Hôtel de ville de Québec, serves as the headquarters for the local government. It holds special historical significance, having been designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1984 and also earning a spot on the World Heritage Site list in 1985.

Before the construction of this City Hall, municipal authorities held their meetings at the residence of British Army Major General William Dunn from 1842 to 1896. Prior to that, they convened at various other locations.

The City Hall building is situated on a hill that was previously occupied by the Jesuit College (known as Jesuit Barracks) from the 1730s to 1878. The college was demolished to make way for the new City Hall. The design of the City Hall was the work of architect Georges-Émile Tanguay, and it became the second permanent city hall in the Old City. Its architectural plan stirred considerable debate between the mayor and city councilors at the time. Nevertheless, the construction was completed in 1895, and it was officially inaugurated on September 15, 1896.

The City Hall showcases an eclectic blend of architectural styles typical of the late Victorian period. It incorporates elements of Classical, Medieval, and Châteauesque styles, with some influence from the American Romanesque Revival. This unique exterior design stands out against the more common French and British architectural styles seen in local public buildings.

The building is H-shaped and has varying heights, with towers featuring steeply-pitched roofs at its center and sides. Beneath the beautifully landscaped gardens, which were created in 2014 and include water features and a clock (a gift from the Swiss Canton of Jura, designed and manufactured by Richard Mille), there is an indoor parking facility.

The entire area exudes a captivating ambiance and becomes especially enchanting in the evening.

Built in 1635, the legendary Breakneck Stairs or Steps (Escalier Casse-Cou) is the oldest stairway in Quebec City. Named so for its steepness, the staircase was previously known as Champlain Stairs (escalier Champlain), Beggars' Stairs (escalier du Quêteux), and Lower Town Stairs (escalier de la Basse-Ville).

The first steps and landings were made of wood and were much narrower and steeper than today. In 1889, the staircase was replaced with a larger iron one, expanded from a single to three parallel flights, designed by the celebrated local architect and engineer, Charles Baillargé. The stairs that we see now, however, resulted from the major overhaul in the late 1960s.

While not Quebec City's longest staircase (59 steps only), the Breakneck Stairs is probably the city's most useful as it provides a shortcut between Côte de la Montagne street in the Upper Town to the corner of Petit-Champlain and Sous-le-Fort streets in the Lower Town. Despite the ominous name, coined by British tour guides in the mid-19th century (and made official in the 1960s), no serious injuries have ever been reported on the stairs.

The upper level, near Côte de la Montagne, hosts a few artisan kiosks. Tourists adore this location for the wonderful view it affords. As you gaze down upon Petit-Champlain – one of Canada's most picturesque streets, stretching along the foot of the cliff – you may think you are looking at a postcard come to life.

In the winter, the scene is even more sublime with the Christmas lights twinkling and 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 different landings. And when it comes to taking pictures, any time of the year is good, on any of the landings, for a personalized postcard made.

At the bottom of the Stairs, you will find several boutiques, including the famed confectionery La Fudgerie, plus a number restaurants and other delights.

The historic Louis Jolliet House, at 16 Petit-Champlain Street, today serves as the main entrance to the Old Quebec funicular. Designed by architect Claude Baillif, this was one of the earliest residences in Old Quebec built a year after the great fire of 1682.

The fire, which had almost completely razed the Lower Town, eventually prompted the authorities to require that all buildings be made of stone and fitted with firewalls. Among other things, this decision resulted in the spread of the first suburbs outside the city walls since poorer settlers could not meet the new costly requirements and were thus forced to move out.

The owner of the house, Louis Jolliet, an explorer, cartographer and hydrographer, lived here until his death in 1700. He was the first Quebec-born Canadian to make history. During one of his expeditions, Jolliet discovered and mapped the Mississippi River, being the first person of European parentage to accomplish such a feat.

Heavily damaged during the British Conquest and by a number of fires that happened later on, the house underwent several transformations that have reduced its state of authenticity. Nonetheless, some of its original features, attributing to the urban architecture of the French Colonial period, have survived.

The commanding location – at the top of Sous-le-Fort street – gives this property a privileged place in the urban landscape and, together with the access to the funicular, adds more value to it in the eyes of multiple visitors. As of 1985, the building has been an integral part of the Old Quebec UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A charming narrow street at the base of Cape Diamond, known as Rue du Petit-Champlain, serves as the heart of the quaint neighborhood sharing its name. This area pays homage to Samuel de Champlain, the French explorer credited with founding Quebec City back in 1608.

Stretching a mere 814 feet (or 260 meters) in length, Petit-Champlain, translating to "Little Champlain," should not be confused with Champlain Street further to the west, located in the Cap-Blanc district. These two streets were once connected until a rockslide in 1889 separated them.

Towards the southern terminus of Petit-Champlain, you'll come across a sizable trompe-l'œil mural adorning the side of a three-story building at No. 102. This mural vividly recounts the neighborhood's history, encompassing significant events such as the 1759 bombardments, landslides, and numerous fires that have plagued the area over the years.

At the opposite end of the street lies the renowned Breakneck Staircase, aptly named for its steepness, offering a picturesque view of the surrounding area.

Just beyond the staircase awaits the lower entrance to the Old Quebec Funicular, known as the Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec. Operating since 1879, this electric cableway navigates Cape Diamond at a sharp 45-degree angle, covering a total distance of 64 meters (210 feet).

In 2014, Petit-Champlain received recognition as "the most remarkable street" in Canada, a title bestowed upon it through public and professional polls conducted during an event organized by the Canadian Institute of Planners.

Stretching alongside the Saint Lawrence River in Quebec City, the Port of Quebec features a marina, a cruise ship terminal, and charming streets. Visitors can leisurely explore streets such as Rue Saint-Paul, Rue Sous-le-Cap, Rue Sault-au-Matelot, and Rue Saint-Pierre, all of which are ideal for a relaxed stroll.

Moreover, the port serves as a central hub for a variety of boat tours and excursions, allowing visitors to admire the stunning landscapes, especially the beautifully illuminated Cap Diamant during the evening. In winter, one can observe the intriguing interplay of currents and ice formations colliding while enjoying the refreshing breeze.

Historically, the Port of Quebec has a rich heritage, being the oldest port in Canada and the second largest in Quebec, after the Port of Montreal. In the 19th century, it held a prominent global position and played a significant role in the growth of both Quebec City and Canada. Notably, in 1863, the port witnessed the passage of over 1,600 ships, carrying nearly 25,000 sailors, marking a period of substantial expansion in Quebec City's shipbuilding industry.

During the 20th century, dredging efforts along the Saint Lawrence River, between Quebec City and Montreal, led to the relocation of major port activities further upstream. Today, the port primarily handles cruise traffic, replacing much of its previous freight operations.

The charming streets that envelop the Old Port are perfect for leisurely walks and offer opportunities to explore antique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. The picturesque surroundings include historic houses once inhabited by grain merchants and wholesale grocers. Notably, at Place FAO, within the architectural gems dating back to the early 1900s in the old financial district, there is a striking fountain sculpture that is a favorite of passersby.

It's not often one can visit an area in North America with a 400-year history. The birthplace of French-Canadian civilization, Place Royale is the original site of Samuel de Champlain's fort that he built on the shores of the Saint Lawrence in the early 1600s. The footprint of that building is marked with black tile on the cobblestones and is particularly noticeable just in front of the stone church on the square – the oldest of its kind in N America, known as Notre-Dame-des-Victoires. At the door to the church is a bronze plaque commemorating said event, though it's unfortunately just inscribed in French.

Place Royale is quite small as it was built in the late 1600s by orders of the French "Sun King", Louis XIV, whose bust visitors can still see. What gives the square its charm, however, are probably the 2-3 story grey fieldstone row houses, all restored to their French colonial appearance with small windows, wide brick chimneys, steep roofs, and firewalls to prevent the spread of fire. Window shutters and doors are painted in cheerful colors (rose, yellow, blue, green), while plentiful window boxes are planted with colorful annual flowers. The ground floors of these homes, once owned by wealthy merchants, have shops offering art, clothing, and souvenirs.

Stop at Place Royale for some attractive photos, briefly visit the church, look at the tiled outline of Champlain's fort, and browse the shops. Not far away is one of the most stunningly beautiful murals in town called Fresque des Québecois, a three-dimensional landscape featuring landmarks and figures of Québec City's history.

Why You Should Visit:
To escape the crowds in a charming part of town. Not only beautiful but equipped with nice shops and restaurants. Feels more like Europe than anything else.

Tip:
La Maison Smith on the square here is a wonderful place to watch people go by with a cup of coffee and croissants. From there you can also easily walk to Petit-Champlain, which is a row of wonderful shops.

The Lower Town is a historic area situated at the foot of Cap Diamant. In 1608, Samuel de Champlain established a settlement here, which you can still see remnants of today, centered around Place Royale. It has been carefully restored to capture its original French charm. The construction of the Church of Notre-Dame-des-Victoires began in 1687 and was completed in 1723 at this very location.

Lower Town is home to several museums, performance venues, theaters, and exhibition spaces, including the Musée de la Civilisation, the Musée Naval de Québec, the caserne Dalhousie, and the Théâtre Petit Champlain. Additionally, Lower Town offers picturesque sights such as the Louise Basin, Brown Basin, La Pointe-à-Carcy, the Gare du Palais, and the Marche du Vieux-Port, all of which are visible from the Port of Québec.

If you're interested in shopping, Lower Town features charming narrow cobblestone streets lined with unique boutiques and galleries. To make it easier to ascend Cap Diamant, there's a funicular car that conveniently connects Lower Town to Upper Town via the petite Petit-Champlain road at the base of the Cape. This ride offers a magnificent panoramic view of the city from the top.

Standing at almost three stories tall and spanning an impressive 4,520 square feet (or 420 square meters), the Quebec City Mural holds the distinction of being the largest and most historically significant trompe l'oeil artwork in the historic Old Quebec area. It's nestled in the iconic Petit Champlain district.

Unveiled to the public in 1999, this monumental mural vividly narrates the rich history of Quebec City, spanning over 400 years, and showcases key historical figures integral to its story. The creation of this colossal masterpiece required the collaborative effort of twelve artists hailing from France and Canada. Their work was closely overseen by experts, including historians, geographers, and others well-versed in the city's heritage.

The mural's location at the intersection of Notre Dame street was strategically chosen, ensuring that no adjacent structures obstruct the view of the artwork. This means that anyone with the inclination can spend hours meticulously examining its intricate details.

The expansive fresco showcases 16 prominent figures from Quebec's history, featuring renowned personalities such as Jacques Cartier, Samuel de Champlain, and Lord Dufferin. It also pays homage to cultural icons like singer-songwriter Félix Leclerc and politician Louis-Joseph Papineau.

Additionally, the mural portrays famous local buildings with notable individuals seemingly peering out from the windows. It includes architectural landmarks like the Breakneck Stairway (L'Escalier Casse-Cou) and the Frontenac Castle (Château Frontenac). Furthermore, it incorporates representations of the distinct climatic seasons experienced in Quebec.

Given its close proximity to a bookstore, the mural also honors numerous authors and artists of Quebecois origin. Notably, the popularity of this mural sparked a trend of trompe l'oeil artwork throughout the city, resulting in many buildings adorned with similarly historically meaningful murals over the years.

The Dufferin Terrace (Terrasse Dufferin) is a wide, wooden boardwalk wrapping around the front of the Frontenac Castle (Château Frontenac) towards the Citadel of Quebec. The abundance of gazebos and benches here, not to mention the panoramic views of the Saint Lawrence River, the South Shore, and Orleans Island (Île d'Orléans), makes this place an equally loved leisure spot by both locals and tourists.

Remarkably, the use of wooden planks gives this whole thing an “air of summer”, even in the middle of winter when the famous Terrasse Dufferin Slides, a huge (150-metre/490-foot) toboggan on the south end of the terrace, is open during the Quebec Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Québec), from late January to mid-February.

The promenade was built in 1838 and was first known as Durham Terrace. It was enlarged in 1854 and then remodeled, in 1878-1879, under the direction of the then Governor General of Canada, Marquess of Dufferin, whose name it now bears. Each of the six gazebos found on this boardwalk has a name – going north-south, it is Frontenac, Lorne, Princess Louise, Victoria, Dufferin, and Plessis.

Underneath the terrace is the archaeological site of Saint Louis Fort and Castle (Château Saint-Louis), featuring the remains of the former seat of power occupied by the French and British governors of the territory from 1620 to 1834 (when it was destroyed by fire) – it is now open for viewing through the three specially built-in peek-a-boo windows.

Also, at the southern end of the terrace is the entry to the Governors' Promenade, a walkway to the Plains of Abraham built into the cliffs below the Citadel. Nearby, a few old guns recall the strategic position of the place once guarded by artillery batteries.

The Old Quebec Funicular, known as the Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec, is a cable railway that connects the Upper and Lower Towns of Old Quebec. It runs between Dufferin Terrace and Petit-Champlain Street.

Besides its speed and convenience, this mode of transportation holds historical significance. The funicular was originally established in 1879. Initially, it operated using a hydraulic system that required the transfer of water between reservoirs before it could function. However, in 1907, it underwent a conversion to electricity.

In 1945, a significant fire damaged the structure, necessitating its reconstruction, which was completed within a year. Subsequent renovations in 1978 and 1998 made both cabins fully autonomous, essentially operating as elevators. From a technical standpoint, it's now more of an inclined lift than a traditional funicular.

Despite its small size, the funicular provides a remarkable way to enjoy the scenery. When traveling uphill, you enter through the Louis Jolliet House and, after obtaining your ticket (which usually takes about 10 minutes on a summer afternoon), ascend 64 meters (210 feet) at a 45-degree angle. During the ride, you can take in stunning views of the Lower Town, the Saint Lawrence River, and the iconic Frontenac Castle (Château Frontenac).

Being here offers a one-of-a-kind experience that you're unlikely to find in many other places around the world. Although the ride itself is short, the enjoyment it provides is long-lasting!

For added enjoyment, there is an on-site gift shop and café.

One of the most astonishing buildings in Quebec, renowned for its fortress-like architecture and majestic location – sitting on top of the Cape Diamond (Cap Diamant) ridge, the Frontenac Castle (Château Frontenac) proudly holds the title of the "most photographed hotel in the world".

Opened in 1893, this was one of the first grand railway hotels built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in the country, whose 18-floor grandness, augmented by the 54-meter (177-foot) elevation that it sits at, rivaled any European hotel of the day and grabbed the attention of travelers visiting the city.

The Châteauesque style of the building was later replicated in other grand railway hotels erected throughout Canada from the late 19th to the early 20th centuries. American architect Bruce Price drew inspiration from Medieval, Renaissance, and Victorian architecture, incorporating into his design such elements as turrets from Scottish castles and bastion towers of French châteaus. The hotel was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1981 and expanded on three occasions, most recently in 1993.

The building is named after Louis de Buade de Frontenac, who served twice as the Governor General of New France, and it sits on the site previously occupied by Saint Louis Castle (Château Saint-Louis). The remains of this former seat of the French and later of the British governors of the territory now lie in front of the hotel as an archaeological site.

Over the years, the Frontenac Castle has welcomed many guests of honour among whom were the likes of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles Lindbergh, and other dignitaries and celebrities. Alfred Hitchcock used the building as the setting for his 1953 drama "I Confess", however, the most memorable historic events associated with the hotel are the two Quebec Conferences, held in 1943 and 1944, during which U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King discussed Allied strategy for WWII including plans for the invasion of Normandy.

Tip:
If you ever book a room here, ask for a high floor – the 18th floor offers a particularly stunning city view!
Consider taking a hotel tour, offered every day, as there are some good anecdotes and stories to hear from the hotel's history.

Located at 17 Saint-Louis Street in the historic district of Old Québec, this building was built around 1737 by Jean-Baptiste Maillou – one of the French regime's most prominent landowners and masonry contractors. It took on the appearance we know today after an upper storey was added in 1767 and an extension was built in 1799.

In 1815, the residence became the property of the British Army. During this period, it housed the commissariat and treasury, and accommodated senior officers until the troops left in 1871. After that time, the federal government took possession of the building, which notably became the headquarters for the militia and army for almost 60 years. Note the metal shutters used to thwart weather and unfriendly fire.

While access to the site is restricted, the courtyard and the outbuildings, where a restaurant is located, are accessible to the general public. A pamphlet and commemorative plaque provide the houses' history.

Duke of Kent House (Maison Kent) stands at the intersection of the Saint-Louis Street and Haldimand, tucked behind the renowned Château Frontenac in Quebec City. It owes its name to Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn, one of its notable residents. Despite undergoing various alterations over the years, a significant portion of its foundations and the first-floor walls harken back to around 1650, rendering it one of Quebec City's oldest, if not the oldest, dwellings. In 1759, the Articles of Capitulation of Quebec were signed within its walls, marking a pivotal moment in its history. Since 1819, the building has seen minimal structural changes and, from 1980 to 2015, it served as the French Consulate.

Constructed towards the close of the 17th century by the Chartier de Lotbinière family, Kent House is an integral part of the city's historical heritage. Its significance extends beyond its venerable architecture, encompassing the rich history of the numerous individuals who inhabited it over the years. Across generations, approximately thirty historical figures have played a role in shaping the history of both the city and the province of Quebec, contributing to the evolution of French-Canadian society through debates and struggles. This site, steeped in historical memory, has consistently served as a link between Quebec and France throughout its existence.

Designated as a Historic Monument by the Government of Quebec since 1952, it holds a pivotal place in the Old Quebec district, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.