National Historic Sites of Canada

Follow in the footsteps of the colony's first settlers!

Explore the Fortifications of Québec, which span close to 4.6 kilometers around Old Québec. They're one of a kind this side of Mexico!

Then wander over to Artillery Park, where characters in period costume will welcome you to defensive buildings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

And round off your trip by learning all about Jacques Cartier's first winter in Québec City in 1535 and the history of the Jesuits at Cartier-Brébeuf Park.

The Citadel

Wander round the "Gibraltar of the Americas" on Cape Diamond!

A key part of the city's fortifications, the star-shaped Citadel showcases Québec's military history. The Royal 22e Régiment museum (housed in a 1750 powder magazine and a military prison dating back to 1842), the summer military ceremonies (changing of the guard, firing of the cannon), and the Governor General of Canada's official residence are all worth seeing.

Plains of Abraham

See where Canada was born!

Take in the Odyssey multimedia exhibition and relive the city's history from the first days of New France and the battles between the French and English forces (Montcalm-Wolfe in 1759, Lévis-Murray in 1760) until the park's creation.

Battlefields Park is not only one of the world's finest city parks, it is also a lasting reminder of the site's storied past.

Visit Martello Tower 1 to learn all about feats of military engineering or take part in an exciting murder mystery dinner at Martello Tower 2.

SAQ New France Festival

Early August is the time to be whisked back to the days of New France in the authentic surroundings of Old Québec. Costumed parades, street entertainment, shows, plays, historical reenactments, and public markets provide a window onto bygone days at this exciting historic festival!

Parliament Building

Get to know the men and women who have left their mark on Québec's political history. The imposing facade of the Parliament Building bears 26 bronze statues that pay them tribute.

Come inside and look around this impressive building, which was built between 1786 and 1886. The National Assembly Chamber, home to Québec's parliamentarians, the Legislative Council Room, the Speakers' Gallery, and the renowned restaurant Le Parlementaire are also worth a visit.

Religious Tourism

Churches are to Québec City what castles are to Europe: architectural marvels.

Québec is a real treat for heritage buffs. You'll be amazed by the crypt at the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral, the final resting place of four governors of New France lie; Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church, which was built in 1688 and is the oldest stone church in North America; the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine and the many other churches in the region that are over 100 years old!

Aboriginal Tourism

Come meet a First Nations people that is proud of its origins and a witness to the history that shaped our country.

The Huron-Wendat nation, which allied with the French in the time of New France, shares its culture and traditions with modern-day visitors at Musée Huron-Wendat, the traditional Huron site, the Interpretation Centre of Parc de la Falaise et de la chute Kabir Kouba, the Wendat flower gardens, and its craft stores.

Routes and Trails

Several routes and trails will show you that the heritage of New France is still flourishing.

Admire heritage homes, mills, and churches, and discover the know-how of our artisans at various economuseums along the New France Route, one of the oldest thoroughfares in all of North America. Or explore Chemin du Roy in the Portneuf region. Built in 1737, it was the first highway between Québec City and Montréal.

Québec City International Festival of Military Bands

From time immemorial, music has accompanied armies as they march to battle.

Every year the Québec City International Festival of Military Bands hosts military bands from around the world, including our very own Royal 22e Régiment band.

Held in late August, the festival is a feast for the eyes and ears with free outdoor concerts in enchanting Old Québec, a parade along Grande Allée, and the Québec City Military Tattoo!