Best attractions in Quebec: Top 26
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If you want to know what every inquisitive tourist should see in Quebec, study this review carefully. We will tell you about those Quebec attractions with which your trip to the Canadian province will be unforgettable.
What’s the first thing to see in Quebec?
In compiling our “best Quebec attractions” rating, we focused on reviews and recommendations from experienced guides and seasoned tourists. In our general opinion, you should book the following tours in Quebec:
1. Chateau Hotel Chateau-Frontenac
Many guides in Quebec advise you to begin your journey through the city with a tour of this architectural monument. The walls of a majestic pseudo-palace, extraneous to the late 19th century “medieval” style, conceal a luxurious hotel. The interior decoration is represented by royal décor, marble bathrooms. There is an excellent view of the surroundings and the river valley. At one time F. Roosevelt and W. Churchill had private meetings there. Other high-ranking guests include show business and Hollywood representatives, important politicians, and heads of countries. Few hotels in Quebec, and indeed some attractions in Canada, can boast the same fame as Château-Frontenac.
Official website: https://www.fairmont
Quebec | Save on hotel reservations
2. Old Quebec
The historic center of the city is under the protection of UNESCO. The first buildings here began to be erected as early as the 7th century, but most of the buildings belong to the 19th century. Compare Old Quebec with the classic quarters of the Old World in France. It has its own fortifications, mansions with a rich history, magnificent temples. A great option for what to see in Quebec in 1 day.
3. King’s Square
It was here in the early 17th century that S. De Champlain erected his first mansion. Be prepared for a lot of people on the square: both during the day and at night. As this is where many of Quebec’s interesting places are located, as well as historic buildings, restaurants and stores to suit all tastes.
4. Petit Champlain Street
In the 17th century, this ancient street was home to artisans moving into the city from France. In the 19th century, they were joined by immigrants from Ireland. In the 20th century the alley almost fell into disrepair, but still managed to maintain its atmospheric appearance. Now instead of residential buildings there are cafes and boutiques. To get to Petit Champlain you can use no less interesting attraction - Dangerous Stairs.
5. Promenade Samuel de Champlain
A colorful street stretching along an ennobled promenade, it is very popular with tourists and Quebecers. It got its name in memory of the city’s founder and famous French traveler. The promenade is made in a modern style: there are stone embankments near the water, geometrically shaped lawns, many platforms made of wood. If you don’t know where to go in Quebec City for a walk, come here.
Feel the atmosphere of Quebec in this beautiful video!
6. Old Port
The oldest and one of the largest ports in the state, in former years of world importance. Thus, in the middle of the 19th century, more than fifteen hundred ships passed through it. Today it serves as a haven for giant international cruise ships. The Old Port is also on our list of “Quebec’s Best Sights” because you can see the Château-Frontenac and the entire city from here.
7. Quebec Fortress
A 19th century building with a star shape. Back in the day it was home to the city’s governor’s residence and military base. Its original formidable significance was also lost in the 19th century. Since 1920, the Citadel has been the gathering place for the Royal 22nd Regiment of the Canadian Armed Forces. Today the site is home to the School of Artillery.
Official website: http://www.lacitadelle
8. Fortress Walls
From the walls of the fortress you can admire the panoramas of the city. The mid-18th century fortifications themselves, built by the best engineers, also deserve attention. The remains of the walls, a reminder of the wars of the French and British armies, are protected by Unesco.
9. Parliament building
The 52-metre building has eight stories. Its architectural style harmoniously combines European and French motifs. The facade of the building, with its peaked towers and numerous window openings, is now blue in color and adorned with 22 sculptures of historic personalities from Quebec and Canada. The interiors are in delicate pastel colors, and are richly decorated with moldings and paintings by famous artists.
Official website: http://www.assnat
10. Notre-Dame-de-Quebec Cathedral
The Archbishop’s residence rises in Old Quebec. It is the oldest abode in the United States and Canada, and the oldest landmark in the city. The first stone was laid in the mid-17th century. Throughout its long history, the cathedral has been attempted to be demolished more than once. The feedback from tourists about seeing the monumental structure is invariably enthusiastic.
11. Saint Anne de Beaupré Basilica
Every year the number of visitors to this basilica, created in 1620, is estimated at tens of hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. It attracts maximum attention on St. Anne’s Day, celebrated in the city at the end of July. The monastery is considered to be miraculous. At the entrance there are always many crutches lying around. These are left behind by cripples who have succeeded in healing at the shrine.
Official website: https://sanctuairesainteanne
12. National Museum of Fine Arts
Quebec is a province in Canada that is famous for its original museums. This 1933 complex, consisting of 3 pavilions with prison corridors and spiral staircases, is one of them. The fact that he was allocated the building of the local prison. The windows are still protected by powerful bars. There are over 25,000 paintings by Quebec, American and European masters, some dating back to the 18th century. Temporary exhibitions are regularly organized.
Official website: https://www.mnbaq
13. Quebec Mural
A colorful mural painted on the wall of a house in 1999 has become famous far beyond Quebec. The street painting shows historical characters and major landmarks of the city.It is made so detailed and precise that it has a 3D three-dimensional effect.
14. Museum of Civilization
The exhibits of the museum, which began its work at the end of the 20th century, are unique. Each one tells the story of the city and the indigenous people of the state. The exhibits are both temporary and permanent. The number of exhibits in the museum’s permanent collections is approximately one million items.
Official website: https://www.mcq.org
15. The Morrin Center
A cultural center with a library and its own laboratory operates in the building of a former Quebec prison. In former years, there was even an educational institution here. Travelers are offered half-hour tours, which tell about the history of the landmark and part of the city.
16. Quebec Aquarium
The Public Aquarium was created in the mid-20th century on the basis of a scientific biological complex. There are now about 10,000 inhabitants, including walruses, polar bears and seals. If you don’t know what to visit in Quebec would be fun for the whole family, buy a ticket to the Aquarium, you won’t be disappointed.
Official website: https://www.sepaq.com
17. The Erico Chocolate Museum
Adults and young guests of the museum are invited to see how chocolate is made today and how it was produced many years ago. In addition, there is a documentary film about chocolate products and their production. After touring the complex, visitors can purchase sweet goods made right there in a small store at the museum.
Official website: https://www.ericochocolatier.
18. Railroad Station
The train station is a red-brick architectural masterpiece decorated with exquisite stained-glass windows and created in the French style. The station cannot take huge numbers of passengers, but is well known for its interesting appearance. The presence of a clock face, several towers near the entrance and a sloping roof give it a palace-like appearance.
Official website: https://www.viarail.
19. Funicular
A late 19th-century system that connects the Museum of Civilizations with the city’s historic district. The structure, about 60 meters high and 64 meters long, has been reconstructed three times. At the very end of the 20th century funicular was closed because of a tragic accident. Large-scale reconstruction work was carried out and the funicular became operational again. The glazed cabins offer great views of the city.
Official website: https://www.funiculaire
20. Quebec Bridge
Date of construction - 20th century. Trains, pedestrians and cars travel over the bridge, which is one kilometer long. The site is considered a valuable monument of history and engineering, and is protected by the authorities.
Quebec sights: what else to visit in Quebec?
We have told you about the main attractions of Quebec in brief. If you have already seen them once, when you come to the city, be sure to visit:
21. The Fields of Abraham
A huge city park that is deservedly considered one of the most beautiful on Earth. Travelers and locals cross-country ski, barbecue, bike and hike here. It’s on this plain that the national celebration of June 24th (the city’s national celebration) is organized. If you want to spend your free time enjoying the beauty of Canadian nature, you won’t find a better place.
Official website: http://www.lesplainesdabraham
Official site: https://www.historicplaces
22. Jacques-Cartier National Park
The territory of the park is a steep cliffs, more than five hundred meters high, deep gorges and a rough river. Guests can go fishing, kayaking, canoeing and other boating, hiking, camping overnight and taking great photos.
Official website: https://www.sepaq.com
23. Orleans Island
An island that is famous for its medieval atmosphere. To understand what it represents, think of the beautiful 17th- and 18th-century countryside. There are fewer than a dozen small “Victorian-era” farms in the area. Visiting the island is suggested on organized tours. If you come here in season, you will be treated to all sorts of traditional foods and drinks, including ice cider, freshly baked bread, and ripe berries.
24. Montmorency Falls
The waterfall was discovered in the 16th century, giving it the name of a French viceroy of the time. Today, the area has been landscaped and includes paths leading to the topmost level to the bridge. The bridge offers an incredible view of the rushing wall of water. Please note: the climb up, although there are trails, is quite difficult. In the hot season, it’s worth stocking up not only on patience, but also on water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes without heels.
Official website: https://www.sepaq.com
25. Ice Hotel
The material used to build an unusual hotel with a spa complex and bar, is ice. Guests are invited to rest in sleeping bags on special pillows and mattresses. During the summer days the furnishings and walls of the building melt and are erected again in winter. For this reason the hotel has no specific location. However, it is not difficult to find it - it is popular not only in Quebec, but throughout Canada.
Official website: https://www.valcartier.com
26. Quebec Winter Carnival
The annual celebration continues for twenty days. The carnival attracts guests from all over the country and the world. Suggested winter activities include snowball games, snowboarding and skiing, children’s car races, parade parades, and making figures out of snow and ice. Life and fun in the city continues from early morning until late at night.
Official website: https://carnaval.
We hope that you will want to see the sights of Quebec, photos with names and descriptions of which we have given, in person. Read also about Montreal sights and be inspired for further travel in Canada.
