Historic Sites in Quebec City

"Notre- Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral was built-in 1647 under the French Regime. It has been expanded, bombarded, burnt to the ground, rebuilt in 1925 and designated as a national historic. It is the final resting place of four New France governors and the bishops of the Quebec City diocese."

"Québec City is the only remaining fortified city in North America, which has led to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided walking tours of the 3-mile (5 kilometer) long city wall surrounding the old city of Québec give insight into the city's military history. Once intended to keep assailants at bay, three fortification gates provide lovely and prodigious entryways into the old city."

"Old Quebec is home to the only preserved, walled city north of Mexico, which is a designated Unesco World Heritage Site. The fortifications that surround Quebec City cover around 4.6km (2.8mi) and have survived three centuries of intense colonial history. The fortifications also offer beautiful views of the surrounding cityscape."

"What makes Quebec City unique is the fortification wall that surrounds old Quebec. The walls are a reminder of the city’s rich military past. The French and the British used them to keep their enemies out of the city."

"If you grew up in the Canadian school system, you'll have heard many times about the Plains of Abraham and the critical role this expanse of land played in the history of Canada. The site of many French / British battles, including the pivotal 1759 Battle of Quebec, the Plains of Abraham sit high at the edge of the St. Lawrence River. The 108-hectare green space was christened National Battlefields Park in 1908 and today serves as both a historic site - with informative tours and historic monuments and plaques - and green space to enjoy."

"The Plains of Abraham, now a recreational public park, is one of the most important historical sites in Canada. In 1759, this was the site where British troops defeated the French in a half-hour battle that was pivotal in the subsequent unfolding of North American history. Head to the plateau for a picnic, or depending on the time of year, some cycling, cross-country skiing and more."

"This was the site of a key battle in the Seven Years War, a clash between the French and British Empires. A wonderful place for a picnic, factor this site into a day outdoors."

"The mid-18th-century classical French Maison Chevalier is another fine example of urban architecture in New France. A former hotel, it was the first building in the Place-Royale area to be restored in the 1950s. The current structure is really three separate houses from three distinctive periods: Maison de l'Armateur Chevalier (home of a former shipowner), built in a square in the 1750s; Maison Frérot, with a mansard roof (1683); and Maison Chesnay, dating from 1660."

"The Cartier-Brébeuf National Historic Site of Canada, located on the north bank of Rivière Saint-Charles, commemorates the period in 1535 and 1536 when Jacques Cartier and his shipmates first wintered near the village that would become Québec City. It also bears witness to the arrival of the Jesuits in 1625. Various activities serve as a reminder of the encounter between the European and Amerindian cultures."

"One of the largest natural parks in the city, the Jacques Cartier National Park is located 30 minutes from downtown. In addition to offering a wooded and totally natural place to enjoy a nice picnic with the family, this beautiful national park offers a host of activities during all seasons. In summer, you can go canoeing, kayaking, biking, hiking, wolf watching and more."

"Located on the north shore of the Saint-Charles River, Cartier-Brébeuf National Historic Site is a beautiful urban park. Take a self-guided tour, simply as for a tablet and visit the various interactive displays. Spend an afternoon biking, having a picnic, or just relaxing in the sun."

"A visit to the Huron Traditional Site is a good starting point when exploring Wendake. Learn about the Aboriginal people who lived on the land before the arrival of Jacques Cartier and Samuel de Champlain."

"The Musée des Ursulines de Québec is an art and history museum that offers important insight into the women who came from Europe into New France in the early settlement of the colony. There are more than 30,000 artifacts preserved in this quaint and beautiful little museum – a quiet spot to visit amid the bustle of Old Quebec."

"Built in the first third of the 18th century, Maison des Jésuites de Sillery was leased to British merchants at the end of the Seven Years War (1756–1763). In 1929 the home was classified a historic monument. Managed and developed by the Borough of Sainte-Foy–Sillery–Cap-Rouge, it houses a collection of hundreds of archeological and ethnological objects of aboriginal, French, and English origin."

"Built in the early 18th-century, Maison des Jésuites de Sillery was home to the first Jésuite mission in Quebec. Today, it is a historic landmark, museum and interpretation centre."

"Chez Alfred-Pellan Galerie d’art is run by members of the Coopérative Artistique du Quartier, which was created in March 2016 with the express aim of giving the house where famous painter Alfred Pellan grew up and discovered his love for art a new lease on life. Their aim is to make art more available to a broader audience while also offering a forum for young artists. It’s a venue devoted to exhibiting the work of existing and emerging artists."

"With a dimly-lit ambience that feels like you’re walking into a Jane Austin novel, Edgar touts leather sofas, lounge chairs, a fireplace, and pool tables, attracting artists, students, and professionals alike. Delightfully austere and ideal for scotch, champagne or a martini (shaken, not stirred)."

"Soft lighting, plush vintage sofas and old school pool tables are just a few of the things you’ll find in this Québec City favourite. Sip on scotch or clink a few glasses of champagne. Trust us, this place is every bit as classy as it sounds."

"At this unofficial ‘official’ hangout for the city’s theater community, the eavesdropping is as much fun as the drinking – you’ll be privy to conversations on roles lost and roles gained. The pool room is a..."

"In a building dating from 1848, The 3 Brewers always brewed on site beer made traditionally, with fresh and simple ingredients. White, blonde, IPA, brown or amber, let us advise you on the selection offered!. 650 Grande Allée East Website"

"Tucked away in Old Québec, you’ll find one of the most charming jazz bars in the entire country. Bar Ste-Angéle serves some mean cocktails alongside bopping jazz every night. Take your pick between a classic single cocktail or go big and order a pitcher, either way, you’ll be back for more."

"A low-lit, intimate hipster hangout, where the genial staff will help you navigate the list of cocktail pitchers and local and European bottled craft beers. Live jazz performed by local and visiting musicians on..."

"Hidden off the beaten paths of touristy Old Québec, the Ste-Angèle is a popular destination for live jazz and cocktails (in pitchers, no less). Note that it doesn’t open until 8 p.m., generally speaking."