Walking Tour Through Quebec City's History

Terrasse Dufferin

The Dufferin Terrace, a long wooden sidewalk located next to the Château Frontenac, affords a stunning view of the St. Lawrence River and surrounding area. It is a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year.

Duration: 10 minutes

Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral

tanding on the same location since 1647 and designated a Canada National Historic Site given its architectural value, the Cathedral bears witness to the history of a whole population. Here rest four governors of New France, the bishops of the diocese of Québec and a funerary chapel dedicated to François de Laval. Visitors will see various works of art and pieces of archives with the splendid interior decoration as a background.You could also see de Holy Door.

Place Royale

Place Royale is where Samuel de Champlain founded the City of Québec in 1608. With buildings that combine French and British influences and the oldest stone church in North America, the square has a charm all its own.

Duration: 15 minutes

Quartier Petit Champlain

The streets of the Petit-Champlain district and Place Royale are an invitation to travel back in time to the founding of Québec over 400 years ago. The sense of history in this square is palpable. Nearby street Petit-Champlain will make you feel like you’ve landed in a fairytale. Here are the top things to see and do in Petit-Champlain.

Duration: 45 minutes

Breakneck Steps (L'Escalier Casse-Cou)

This outdoor staircase, the oldest in Québec City, dates back to the beginning of the French colony. Many tourists take photographs at this location, as it affords a wonderful view of one of Canada's most picturesque streets: rue du Petit-Champlain.

Duration: 5 minutes