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.

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.

While exploring Quebec City's Lower Town (Basse-Ville), you'll discover the charming Catholic basilica, Our Lady of Victories (Notre-Dame-des-Victoires), on Royal Square (Place Royale). This basilica boasts Neoclassical design and a distinctive spire-topped steeple. It holds the distinction of being the oldest stone church in Canada and one of the oldest in North America. The church, constructed between 1687 and 1723, stands on the site of Samuel de Champlain's former residence, the city's founder.

Originally dedicated to the baby Jesus (l'Enfant Jésus), the church was renamed Our Lady of Victory after the Battle of Quebec in 1690. In 1711, it changed its name to "of Victories" following the sinking of British Admiral Hovenden Walker's fleet due to bad weather. Despite suffering damage during the British bombardment before the Battle of the Plains of Abraham in September 1759, the church was fully restored in 1816.

Today, it holds the status of a historic monument and continues to attract tourists while serving as a place of worship. Recent restoration efforts have returned the church to its original French colonial style. Despite various renovations spanning centuries, some original elements from the 1600s, such as a basement wall fragment and the turret on the facade, still remain.

The austere church interior features 17th to 19th-century paintings by artists like Van Dyck, Rubens, and Boyermans, as well as unique frescoes depicting local history by artist Jean-Marie Tardivel. Most captivating is a suspended replica of the 17th-century vessel Le Brézé, used to transport French soldiers to New France in 1664 under Marquis de Tracy. It was salvaged from church ruins in 1759.

In 2002, the church gained recognition as a filming location for the movie "Catch Me If You Can," featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks.

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.

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.

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.

Thanks go to Lord Dufferin for not knocking down the 17th-century fortification walls around Quebec City – the only ones remaining in North America. Built by the French and augmented by the British several centuries ago, the Canadian Government spends millions to refurbish them and keep them pristine.

There are several places where visitors can view the walls for free and investigate their construction. One of the best places to view the high stone wall, the earthworks, and two city gates (Porte Saint Louis and Porte Kent, dating back to 1694 and 1879, respectively) is in the area of the Parliament Building. Visitors can walk on the green earthworks pushed up against the wall or climb up to the bridge on the city gates to see the thickness and height of the encircling walls. Particularly at Porte Kent, there are several black cannons on view. The defensive wall continues to the Citadel where there is an admission charge to visit the fort.

Why You Should Visit:
If you are used to living in the modern city with all the skyscrapers, this makes for a nice change. The views from the top are flabbergasting.

Tip:
Wear good walking shoes, bring water and some goods along, and try to avoid midday in summer as it can be hot and sticky.
Do also try to get a guided tour of the site, and be sure to climb up and walk along the top of the wall for great views.

The Québec Citadel (La Citadelle de Quebec) has stood proudly atop Cape Diamond for nearly two centuries. Originally constructed by the British army as a precaution against a potential attack that never materialized, this fortress reflects the typical design of 17th-century French fortifications. Presently, the Citadel serves as an active military base and serves as the home of the Royal 22nd Regiment, the sole French-speaking regiment within the Canadian army.

In terms of size, the Citadel reigns supreme in North America. Since 1831, it has perched atop Cape Diamond, serving as a last-resort refuge for the garrison of Québec City in the unlikely event of an enemy incursion. Due to its strategic location and sheer magnitude, it has earned the moniker "The Gibraltar of the Americas."

The fort consists of a star-shaped stone wall with four bastions, enveloping several structures such as barracks, hangars, an armory, and a powder magazine, all designed to ensure self-sufficiency during a siege. In 1840, a hospital was even added. Interestingly, two of its buildings, the Cap-aux-Diamants Redoubt (constructed in 1693) and the powder magazine (built in 1750), date back to the French colonial period.

In 1871, peace was established with the United States, leading to the departure of British troops from the city. Subsequently, the artillery school of the Canadian militia took up residence within the Citadel. Lord Dufferin, the Governor General of Canada at the time, chose the Citadel as his official residence, a distinction it continues to hold as the governor general's secondary residence after Rideau Hall in Ottawa.

The Royal 22nd Regiment assumes the role of guardian of this remarkable military heritage. Its members continue to uphold certain traditions, including the summertime changing of the guard, when visitors have the opportunity to witness the regiment parading in full ceremonial dress, featuring a red tunic and distinctive bearskin cap. Inside the Citadel, a museum showcases a collection of weapons, uniforms, and artifacts that bear witness to 300 years of military history in the city.

Why You Should Visit:
To take beautiful panoramic photos of Quebec with a clear view of Château Frontenac and Saint-Laurent river.
The grounds tour is quite informative and the museum has a diversity of memorabilia from various battles and wars.
The World War II exhibit is impressive given it has something most have never seen – since all similar items were destroyed.

Tip:
Be advised that the location is an active military installation and you can't just wander away during the tour or stay behind for extra picture taking after the tour is over.
If possible, go for the Changing of the Guard – you'll see a beautiful procession including the fort's mascot, a goat. The ceremony is held from June 24th to Labour Day, daily at 10am.

On the Plains of Abraham on September 13, 1759, the French fell to the British, forever changing the course of North American history. After Champlain's arrival in 1608, there were skirmishes on and off with the British, who at the time were fighting for control of the North American colonies against the French, but it wasn’t until 1759 that the real battle took place. It was all over in 15 minutes, and five days later, Québec capitulated.

The peculiar name Plains of Abraham can be traced as far back as 1635, when Abraham Martin, a pilot of the Saint Lawrence and a friend of Samuel de Champlain, was given 12 acres of land in the area. Today there is little trace of the battle on the rolling green hills of the plains that border the cliff above the river. The grandiose stone building set back from the Plains houses the park's museum and interpretation center, which offers a multimedia exhibit of its history, from the battle to its popularity with prostitutes in the 19th century and as a choice spot for duels, hangings, and the Stanley Cup playoffs. The park itself was part of the 300th anniversary celebrations and was designed by Frederick Todd. Many of the cannons that line the park were gifts from other nations to remind people that this was once a battlefield.

If you're interested in doing more than just strolling and picnicking in the park, you can head to the Plains of Abraham Museum, where you can visit the Battles 1759-1760 exhibit, which features first-hand soldiers' accounts, battle paraphernalia, and immersive video.

Why You Should Visit:
The park is expansive and very well maintained. You can walk yourself around the battlefields without taking a guided tour as explanatory signs are everywhere.
There are all sorts of activities during the summer and holidays, as well as many quiet areas to just relax and enjoy the solitude of the area.
The museum offers a variety of exhibits and a short film about the famous battle – all worth seeing.

Tip:
Combine your visit with the Joan of Arc Garden and the Citadelle, and make sure to explore all the streets and shops nearby.

The Parliament Building, house of the National Assembly of Québec, is one of the most impressive buildings in the province's capital city. Located on one of the highest spots of Upper Town, just outside the city walls, the quadrilateral building was constructed between 1877-86 by the French architect Eugène-Étienne Taché. Inspired by the Louvre in Paris, the style of building, Second Empire neo-French Renaissance, is unique in North America. The front of the building also features a pantheon representing the province’s rich history.

Incensed by the Durham Report, in which the British lord said that the French-Canadians could not be civilized because they had no history, Taché included 15 statues depicting important figures in the province's history, to show that they did indeed have a strong past. Figures include Samuel de Champlain, Louis de Buade de Frontenac, James Wolfe, the Marquis de Montcalm, and, at the very top, an indigenous family. As the province's political life continues to grow, so does the number of statues; there are 26 statues featured on the building's facade and more scattered across the grounds.

Since it is still a functioning government office, the only way to see the interior of the building is to take a free guided tour. At 45 minutes long, the tour provides a great opportunity to appreciate the unique architecture of the building, as well as gain insight into Québec's history and political scene. Make sure to have a photo ID with you, however; otherwise you won't pass the security check. In the summer, outdoor tours are also given to discover the surrounding gardens, which highlight the many trees and flowers of Québec and also give an overview of the many sculptures. All tours leave from the visitors center.

Why You Should Visit:
The building is just bursting with history. The architecture, paintings and stained glass windows are simply breathtaking.
The free tour (English/French) is conducted very well, giving one a good understanding of how the government operates.
The restaurant is outstanding and honors Quebec cuisine, with many of the ingredients being grown in the Parliament’s garden. Good prices, too!

Tip:
Note that you must have reservations to eat at the restaurant serving the Provincial Assembly when in session.