Top Things to do in Old Quebec

Old Quebec

 

Hubby and I explored the streets of Old Quebec on a rainy weekday last summer. There were many boutiques to take cover from the rain. As well, the Museum of Bad Art (MOBA) exhibition was on (coming from Massachusetts) and it turned out to be a great place to wait out the weather! Here are some top things to do and see in the area:

streets of Petit Champlain

1. Petit-Champlain --We parked in one of the many paid public parking areas near the Cruise Port and headed to Petit-Champlain. Petit-Champlain is one of the oldest commercial streets in North America with multiple shops and restaurants to explore. With its European feel and cobblestone paths, it is truly beautiful. The buildings reflect French architecture. Along with the souvenir shops, there were many shops featuring local artisans selling jewelry, art, fudge and more!

Notre dame des Victoires and Place Royale

2. Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church—the oldest stone church in North America. The church was nearly destroyed during the Battle of the Plains of Abraham but is now fully restored. Today, the church is a National Historic Site. Place Royale is the square near the church, where Quebec was officially founded by Samuel de Champlain

Fresque des Québécois

3. Murals—there are a few murals upon the sides of buildings in the city. A notable one is the Fresque des Québécois mural which recounts the story of Québec City and pays homage to historic figures and various authors and artists.

Old Quebec funicular

4. Old Quebec Funicular—We took the funicular (which has been in operation since the 1870s!) for $4/per person one way to go from the Lower Town to the Dufferin Terrace. I think the walk up can be managed, but it may be difficult for others. The ride had a wonderful view of the neighbourhood and of the St. Lawrence River.

Dufferin Terrace

5. Dufferin Terrace—we took a stroll along the long wooden sidewalk located next to the Château Frontenac. It had stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and surrounding area. At the end of the terrace, there is a staircase with several landings to get to the governors' promenade, which runs along the Citadel. The staircase is beside the wooden sledding runs where you can go tobogganing in winter.

Château Frontenac

6. Château Frontenac--In the Upper Town, you will be greeted by the majestic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. This historic, Chateau-style hotel was built by Canadian railway companies in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to encourage tourists to travel on their railways and is a National Historic Site. There are many other shops and restaurants as well in this part of the city.

7. La Citadelle is also a couple of kilometers walk from the Frontenac on Cap Diamant. We were here in a trip over a decade ago but did not go here in this trip. The citadel contains the oldest (and still active) military building in Canada, and forms part of the fortifications of Quebec City. Quebec City is one of only two cities in North America still surrounded by fortifications, the other being in Mexico

Going downhill from Upper town--Quebec City

Escalier Casse-Cou

8. Escalier Casse-Cou --On the way down, we walked the winding streets on to Escalier Casse-Cou (Breakneck Steps) to get back to Petit-Champlain. It is said to be the oldest staircase in Quebec City.

Goblin Red Door in Quebec City

9. If you are a K-drama fan, the famous Red Door from the series, The Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God) is also in Petit-Champlain. It is actually the exit of the Théâtre Petit Champlain.

Museum of Bad Art

10. MOBA--I know this is a temporary installation (only to October 2022), but it was worthwhile to check out and I recommend this if you get a chance to see it—the Museum of Bad Art. There were two floors filled with strange and ugly (to the eyes of the beholder) art. Some works may not have been intended to be awful or even funny, but the descriptions were very witty and downright hilarious!

Would recommend a full day (or two) to explore all the sites Old Quebec has to offer.