About
Quebec City is the capital of Quebec province in Canada, set on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River in North America. It is a city where the old and the everyday sit close together, and the historic old town is the part most visitors come to see.
The old town is known for its cobblestone streets and French colonial architecture, with buildings that give the centre a distinctly European feel. Stone walls surround the historic centre, and the city as a whole is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is a fair guide to what a visit here is about: walking, looking and slowing down.
What a visit is like
- Walking the old town: the streets are best explored on foot, wandering between the cobblestones and the colonial façades.
- Following the walls: the stone walls around the historic centre frame the city and make a natural route through it.
- Taking in the architecture: the French colonial buildings are the heart of the city's character.
Planning your trip
Quebec City suits a visitor who enjoys history, architecture and a walkable city centre. Because the historic core is compact, it is easy to combine several sights and pauses in a single day, and the surrounding city gives you a chance to see more than the old town alone. Check the current details of any specific attraction before you go, as opening arrangements can change.
