Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec)

The basics

Walking tours are a great way to experience Old Quebec, as its many sights, including the Château Frontenac and Dufferin Terrace, are best explored on foot. The area can also be seen by bike and even from the air. Those interested in experiencing the area through its food can take a food tour and sample the best of many regional specialties. Most Quebec City tours include a stop at the Place Royale, which is considered the cradle of French culture in North America.

Things to know before you go

• A knowledgeable local tour guide can provide context for all the history preserved in Old Quebec.

• The area's streets are mainly cobblestone, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.

• A wheelchair accessible funicular runs between the district's Lower Town and Upper Town, and many transit options and attractions in modern buildings are wheelchair accessible.

How to get there

The historic Old Quebec district is part of Quebec City, which has its own airport but is also easily accessible as a day trip or overnight from Montreal. The nearest train and bus station is Gare du Palais. Walking tours tend to begin within the old city walls, while bus tours offer hotel pickup and drop-off.

When to get there

Summer is the most popular time to visit Quebec City, and while the warm weather draws larger crowds, it also allows for alfresco dining at charming sidewalk cafés. The winter months are also full of activity, and are quite beautiful if you don’t mind the cold—average winter temperatures are often below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 Celsius).

Highlights of Old Quebec

The winding streets of Vieux-Québec are charming in their own right, but the old city’s many monuments and museums are not to be overlooked. Particularly picturesque are the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Quebec, La Citadelle, and the Place Royale. Also worth a visit are the nearby Plains of Abraham, a historic park and former battlefield, and the beautiful Montmorency Falls, on the Beaupré shore. These can all be visited easily in one day and are included in most Quebec City sightseeing tours.

How many days do you need to see Old Quebec?

Plan on visiting Old Quebec for at least two to three days. Some people try to explore Old Quebec in a single day, but there is enough to see in this charming city to keep visitors entertained for two to three days. It is an excellent destination for a weekend getaway.

What is the best way to get around Old Quebec?

Walking is the best way to get around Old Quebec. This area inside the old city walls is friendly to pedestrians and is home to several landmarks. Bikes are another popular option for covering ground quickly. Within Quebec, other transport options include rideshare, public buses, and hop-on, hop-off tours.

What is special about Old Quebec?

Old Quebec is unique for several reasons. This Unesco World Heritage site is an intact, fortified town with exceptional history inside its old city walls. In addition to the beauty of this town and its cobblestone streets, Old Quebec offers a range of excellent restaurants and quality small shops.

Is there free parking in Old Quebec?

Yes, Old Quebec has free parking, but only during very limited hours. For the most part, street parking requires a fee; pay stations are available and in effect seven days per week. Visitors may find parking in an aboveground or underground lot for a daily fee to be a more convenient option.

What is the best time of year to visit Old Quebec?

The most popular time of year to visit Old Quebec is the summer. The weather is very pleasant from June through August, but summer can also be crowded. Travel in the spring or fall to avoid the crowds, or bundle up and visit in winter to see Old Quebec in the snow.

What food is Old Quebec known for?

Old Quebec is known for a variety of hearty, comforting food. Local dishes include poutine (French fries with cheese curds), pea soup, and tourtière, a local meat pie. The cobblestone streets of Old Quebec are home to many charming restaurants and are a large part of the city’s appeal.

Ways to explore

Walking tours or self-guided walks are a great way to experience Old Quebec. Start at the picturesque Place Royale, ride the funicular up to the Dufferin Terrace, and admire the hilltop Château Frontenac. Explore inside the old city walls and the historic Citadelle, browse the cobblestone shopping streets of Petit-Champlain, and take in the views from the Old Port.

Almost all guided day trips to Quebec visit Old Quebec, and you can also pass by on a sightseeing cruise along the St. Lawrence River, visit the landmarks by bike, or sample Quebecois cuisine on a food-tasting tour.

Accessibility

Old Quebec is largely wheelchair accessible, but the cobblestone lanes of Petit-Champlain and Place-Royale may require assistance. Many attractions, including the funicular, the Citadelle, and the Museum of Civilisation, are fully accessible

Age limits

None

What to pack

Reusable water bottle, camera, sunscreen, sunglasses

What to wear

Weather-appropriate layers, sturdy walking shoes

Not allowed

While English is widely spoken, don’t forget that French is the official language of Quebec—a polite “Bonjour” or “Merci” goes a long way.

Amenities

Public restrooms, paid parking lots

Address 

Old Quebec is the historic center of Quebec City, located along the St. Lawrence River, just south of the Port of Quebec. It’s easy to reach on foot or by bike within central Quebec City, as well as by car and public transport.

Driving

With narrow lanes, limited parking, and several pedestrian zones, Old Quebec is best explored on foot. To get there by car, take either Route 175 or the riverside Route 136, and park just outside the city walls.

Public transportation

The nearest train and bus terminal to Old Quebec is Gare du Palais (Via Rail), about a 15-minute walk away. Alternatively, Metrobus 1 and 11, and hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses, serve the historic quarter.

Best times to visit

Make an early start to photograph Old Quebec’s monuments without the crowds, spend the afternoon browsing the shops or people-watching from a sidewalk café, then stick around to drink and dine along Rue Saint-Jean in the evening hours.

Best days to visit

Midweek is the quietest time for sightseeing in the historic quarter, while Friday and Saturday nights are the most atmospheric for nightlife. Some museums and restaurants are closed on Mondays, and many shops close or operate reduced opening hours on Sundays.

Best months to visit

Summer is the most popular time to visit Quebec City, but come in June or September to enjoy the warm weather without the mid-summer crowds. Alternatively, bundle up and experience Old Quebec at its most magical over the holiday season.

Special events

There’s always something happening in Old Quebec. Popular events include the Winter Carnival (February) with its night parades, music concerts, and a variety of ice activities; the Summer Festival (July), one of Canada’s most renowned music festivals; and the annual Christmas Markets.