The capital of French Canada, Québec City is North America’s oldest French-speaking city. Founded in the 17th century by Samuel de Champlain, you can meander through 400 years’ worth of colonial history on the streets of UNESCO World Heritage-designated Vieux Québec (Old Québec) – in fact, it is the only remaining fortified colonial city north of Mexico. Sat on a clifftop over the St. Lawrence River, the Upper Town of Vieux Québec is dominated by the magnificent Le Chateau Frontenac, now a hotel. There’s the Lower Town too, directly on the banks of the river, full of European-style architecture, atmospheric cobbled streets lined with artisanal boutiques and restaurants and laidback vibes.
Abundant charms and thriving food scene are a feature of the city as a whole making neighbourhoods like St-Roch, St-Jean-Baptiste and Montcalm are equally delightful to explore. In Montcalm you’ll find Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec, the city’s finest museum. Don’t miss Île d’Orléans, a quaint river island just east of the downtown, where you can visit six cute villages full of 17th- and 18th-century stone houses, barns and churches.
A green city perfect for those who love the outdoors, Québec City gives easy access to parks and ski hills. The surrounding area is also full of Indigenous heritage – visit Wendake community, a self-governing enclave, where you’ll find the Huron-Wendat Museum with its collections that highlight the richness of Wendat culture and craftsmanship.
Like all of Québec, Québec City is a foodie paradise. Reward your explorations with Québec City’s signature dish, poutine, chips with rich gravy and squeaky cheese curds, which you’ll find on pretty much every menu in town.
