3 Days of History in Québec City

A group of visitors take part in a guided walking tour of the Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site.
Parcs Canada

Make the most of the warm summer weather by diving into Québec City’s history. Admire the incredible architecture and distinctive heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Try the three-day itinerary below and get a real feel for Québec City’s past.  

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Explore More Than 400 Years of History
  • Day 1 Explore More Than 400 Years of History

    1

    Petit-Champlain

    Start by taking a stroll through the Old City. Discover Place Royale, site of the first permanent French settlement in North America. From there, you can explore Rue du Petit-Champlain, one of North Americas's oldest commercial streets.

    0.06 km
  • 2

    Immersion Québec

    Relive the pivotal events in the city’s history thanks to the magic of virtual reality at Immersion Québec. Enjoy Québec City’s fabulous evening ambiance with a stop at one of the many sidewalk cafés. 

    0.43 km
  • 3

    Dufferin Terrace

    The planks of Dufferin Terrace conceal the remains of the Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux, which back to the residence of the governor of New France.  Admire the Château Frontenac by the way!

    0.31 km
  • 4

    Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral Basilica

    The church of the first Catholic parish in the Americas north of the Spanish colonies houses the only Holy Door in the Americas. Visitors can descend into the crypt, where many governors of New France and Catholic bishops are buried. 

    0.10 km
  • 5

    Holy Trinity Cathedral

    The Holy Trinity Cathedral is the first Anglican cathedral built outside the British Isles. The coat of arms of King George III is displayed on the Royal Pew, and there is an exhibition of magnificent communion silver, made specially for this cathedral by the Royal Goldsmiths in London. 

    0.32 km
  • 6

    Morrin Centre

    Don’t miss the beautiful Victorian library at the Morrin Centre—another of the Old City’s hidden jewels.

     

    0.34 km
  • Check Out the Defensive Works
  • Day 2 Check Out the Defensive Works

    7

    Citadelle de Québec

    Explore the city’s military past with a tour of the Citadelle, North America’s largest British fortress. Be there for the musical performances, then visit the fascinating museum

    0.78 km
  • 8

    Plains of Abraham Museum

    Next, get some fresh air out on the Plains of Abraham—an urban oasis of green and the site of the famous 1759 battle where French and British troops faced off to determine the fate of New France. You can learn more about that war and its repercussions at the Plains of Abraham Museum.

    0.95 km
  • 9

    The Ramparts

    Dive deeper into the defensive system encircling the Old City with a guided tour of the Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site.

  • Experience the Countryside Charm
  • Day 3 Experience the Countryside Charm

    10

    Île d'Orléans

    Île d’Orléans is an enchanted island of earthly delights—rolling countryside, historic homes, and all the fruit, vegetables, and flowers you could want. If you don’t have time to visit the entire island, start with the area around Sainte-Pétronille, which has spectacular views of Québec City and Montmorency Falls.

    25.25 km
  • 11

    Wendake

    Visit Wendake to discover the culture and heritage of the Huron–Wendat Nation. Explore an authentic reconstruction of a historic Wendat village at Onhoüa Chetek8e Traditional Site, then continue your experience at the Huron–Wendat Museum.

    Find out what makes Wendat cuisine so special with a meal at La Traite or Nek8arre. Both menus feature outstanding wildgame and fish dishes. Top off the day with Onhwa’ Lumina, a new enchanted multimedia night walk into the heart of Wendat Culture. 

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Editorial Team

As proud ambassadors of our beloved city, we’re delighted to be sharing the things and places we love most in the Québec City area. What a joy for us to help you discover everything this vibrant and welcoming city has to offer!

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