If you’re planning to visit the Great White North (I’m talking about Canada of course), one of the things to see in Québec is Old Québec City (Vieux-Québec in French) — a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historical significance. The neighborhood is comprised of the Upper Town or Haute-Ville and the Lower Town or Basse-Ville. Historically, it has military and religious importance, containing the city’s two main defensive works, the Fortifications of Québec and the Citadel, as well as four places of worship, the Notre-Dame-de-Québec Basisilica-Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, the Jesuits Chapel, and the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.
Aside from visiting these historical places, there are a lot of other things to do in Old Québec City. Here are some ideas:
1. Le Petit-Champlain District
Le Petit-Champlain District used to be a quaint riverside village where trading for fur and other goods happened. Nowadays, it has turned into a busy shopping district filled with boutiques and bistros. However, despite the changes that have happened in the district throughout the years, Le Petit-Chamberlain District has maintained is quaintness with its cobblestone streets and historical architecture. Tourists and locals both love the mixture of the old and new in Le Petit-Chamberlain District, making it one of the top attractions in Québec City.
2. Rue du Trésor
In the old days, Rue du Trésor was a place of financial activity – the Royal Treasury passed through this street and colonists came here to pay their annual taxes. Today, it’s where you can see and purchase artworks from local artists. You can buy paintings, pictures, souvenirs, and other pieces of art here.
3. Musée de la Civilisation
Musée de la Civilisation is one of Québec City points of interest. Here you’ll find different exhibitions that tell the story of the city. For instance, People of Québec: Then and Now will take you on a historical and cultural journey through the years. This Is Our Story is about the city’s diverse aboriginal cultures and their different worldviews. Lastly, From Trappers to Entrepreneurs shows how the city’s economy and business districts were formed and have thrived for four centuries. These and more exhibits can be found at the Musée de la Civilisation.
4. La Place-Royal de Québec
While visiting the old city, don’t forget to visit La Place Royal du Québec. It is definitely one of Old Québec City attractions because it will take you back to the early days of New France. The plaza is where you’ll find the historic Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church, the oldest stone church in North America that was built in the late 1600s. Another one of the things to see in Québec City is Fresque de Québécois, or the Quebec City Mural, which depicts four centuries of the city’s history.
5. Old Port
At night, head to the Old Port to see the neighbourhood come up in lights, It’s a beautiful view – seeing the different old buildings against the night sky. At the Old Port, there are also antique shops, art galleries and sidewalk cafés that will give you a lot of fun things to do in Québec City.
These are just some of the many special places to take in on your next holidays in Canada. Old Québec City has a rich history with colourful neighbourhoods, beautiful historical architecture, and fun activities you can do, and all add up to a really memorable vacation.
