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Quebec City is the capital of the province of Quebec in Canada and the second largest city in the province after Montreal. Quebec City's Old Town (Vieux-Québec) was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. Quebec City is the oldest city in Canada and its fortification walls still exist today. Visitors can walk along the top of the walls for 4 km (3 miles). Quebec City was founded in 1608 by the French explorer Samuel de Champlain and is situated along the banks of St. Lawrence River. Most of the Quebec City residents speak French.

The Lower Town or Basse-Ville is the oldest neighborhood in North America and has truly French charm. Its cobblestoned narrow streets, inviting restaurants and stone 18th century buildings are fascinating. Most of the sights can be explored on foot and are in both Lower and Upper Town.

The city’s most photographed landmark is no doubt Château Frontenac (Fairmont Le Château Frontenac). Its steep copper roof and distinctive architecture dominate the Old Quebec City skyline. The hotel was built by the Canada Pacific Railway in 1893 and overlooks the St. Lawrence River. Château Frontenac was designed by Bruce Price, US Architect, and the building resembles French Château with high steep roofs, dormer windows and dozens of towers. The brick and stone Château Frontenac now has 600 rooms to offers to its guests. Other hotels build by Canada Pacific Railway in Canada are Royal York Hotel in Toronto and Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa.

Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) is another remarkable building in Quebec City. The park around the building is a popular place for artists, street vendors and performers quite like the Place Jacques-Cartier and Hôtel de Ville in Montreal. City Hall in Quebec City was built in 1833.

The Holy Trinity Anglican Church was built in 1804. This was the first Anglican Church outside of Britain and is modeled on St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London. The Holy Trinity Anglican church has a stone Neo-Classical Façade.

Basilique Notre-Dame-de-Quebec is a splendid Catholic church which was first built in 1647. The church that we see today is the fifth version of the original Cathedral and has impressive façade, stained glass windows and gilded decorations inside.

Assemblee Nationale (Quebec’s provincial parliament) is outside of the Old City walls. It was built in 1886 and has an impressive façade. The central tower has 22 bronze figures representing people who played a crucial role in the development of Quebec as a province.

Place Royale is a square surrounded by 18th and 19th century buildings and is a favorite among the street performers and tourists.

Quebec City is known for its Summer Festival and Winter Carnival. The Winter Carnival is one of the biggest in the world. It starts around the end of January and it lasts 17 days. It features, ice sculpture events, canoe and dog sleigh races and night parades.

In 2008 Quebec City will celebrate its 400th Anniversary.


Place Royale, Quebec City



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