Old Quebec (Vieux Quebec)
- Admission:Free
12:33 PM Sunday, May 27
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Vieux Québec is the crown jewel of French Canada and if you're coming for the first time, look out - there's simply no other place like it in North America. Narrow cobbled streets are lined with 17th- and 18th-century houses and almost every step will bring you to another historical plaque, a leafy park with a battery of 18th-century canons, a grand 17th-century plaza, and other historical sites. In fact, wandering around Vieux Québec is like exploring an old European city.
Vieux Quebec is compact and easily walkable. On a daytime stroll, you can browse the shops along Rue Ste-Jean, wander among the grassy knolls in the Plains of Abraham, climb to the top of the Citadel, walk the Fortifications, then follow the river boardwalk (the Promenade des Gouverneurs) down to the Victorian waterfront. From there you get the classic view of Quebec City’s most famous building, the Chateau Frontenac. Then, head over to Basilique Notre-Dame and before you know it you’re back at L’Oncle Antoine sipping another ale.
Be sure to take time to visit the Musee de la Civilisation and Musee des Beaux-Arts du Québec for rich Quebecois cultural exhibits.
Latest Reviews All Old Quebec (Vieux Quebec) Reviews »
I thought that Vieux Quebec would be so super quaint and cute it would make me sick, but actually its really cool. Its quite marvelous how well preserved all the old buildings are while still being a useful and functional part of the city. Great hotels, restaurants, shops and bars fill these gorgeous old stone structures. I had a great time strolling the neighborhood streets and checking out the famous trompe-l'oeil murals. Continue Reading »
The tour covered all the historical and interesting spots within Old Quebec City. The guide was very knowledgeable about the city, its history and the people who were instrumental in the history of the city. The guide made the tour interesting by interjecting humor and anecdotes into his explanations. We enjoyed it very much. Continue Reading »
Vieux Québec is the only walled city in North America. The Fortifications encircle the entire area, which is divided as Upper Town and Lower Town. To get a nice overview of the area, take a ride on the Funicular, which provides stellar views of the St. Lawrence River, the Laurentian Mountains, and the Vieux Québec.
Summer is a great time to visit, as fascinating street life unfolds everywhere you go, from musicians to acrobats to actors in period costume. There's also terrific festivals and oodles of special museum exhibitions and tours. Fall and spring bring beautiful colors, and in the winter, the annual Winter Carnival draws crowds from around the province.
