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Québec City Region

The Québec City region reflects the history of a unique people - strong and proud of its Amerindian, French and British roots.

Upon his arrival in 1608, Samuel de Champlain chose to settle at "Kebec", meaning in the Algonquin language "where the river narrows". Since then, many important events have marked the region and its people.

Considered for many years the gateway to the continent, Québec City was repeatedly the object of conquest. Already in 1690, the Comte de Frontenac repelled the forces of English admiral William Phipps and fortified the city. Then in 1759, the city fell into the hands of the English army after the battle of the Plains of Abraham. France ceded its colony to England. In 1775, the failure of the American invasion led by General Richard Montgomery and Colonel Benedict Arnold ends the region's military vocation. Nevertheless, the English completed the fortifications which today are an integral part of the urban landscape that make Québec the only walled city north of Mexico.

Capital of New-France and then of the English colony, Québec City becomes the capital of the Province of Québec at the time of the Confederation, in 1867. Today, the Québec City region has a population of over half a million inhabitants, most of them French-speaking.

Cradle of French civilization in America, Québec City with its historic district was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It is one of the only two North American cities to earn such recognition.

The historic district of Québec City clearly shows its European roots. Narrow winding streets, old stone homes and churches, ramparts and cannons, copper roofs and graceful architectural curves all bring to mind the old continent.

When looking for a place to stay, visitors will find in the Québec City region a large range of hotels, inns, bed and breakfast, as well as many resorts. For a family vacation, a romantic getaway or a business meeting, Québec City meets all tastes and budgets.

The people in Québec City really take time to remember, to look about, to stroll... and to eat out. Small cafés and cosy restaurants, charming boutiques, lively terraces, theatres and museums, singers, musicians and street animators all contribute to the charm and ambience of historic Old Québec. Enjoy it as well : Québec City is one of the safest destinations in North America.

Visitors choose the Québec City region for their vacation or business trips for one more major reason : outdoor activities and recreational facilities abound a few kilometres from the old city. As a matter of fact, a thirty-minute drive from downtown takes you to places dedicated to skiing, horseback-riding, canoeing, mountain climbing or hiking. Québec City is a well-balanced blend of cultural sites, animated city life, adventure and four-season outdoor activities.