So Much To See Wandering In Old Quebec City
We were delighted when we found so much to see wandering in Old Quebec City. Meandering in and out the city gates, we discovered great sights and history in the Old Town. We explored the charming Petit Champlain below the cliffs and the sights on the upper Dufferin Terrace.
There was much to see and do when we visited Quebec City in the winter. We stopped in Quebec on several different road trips to Eastern Canada. But those visits only left us with brief impressions. So we were sure glad we planned a longer visit and took the time to wander in this lovely city.
Heading Into Upper Quebec City
When we visited Quebec City in the winter, we stayed at the Quebec City Marriott Downtown. This lovely hotel was right outside of the Old Town. From the hotel we went under the Porte Saint-Jean and down along Rue Saint-Jean.
We found lots of great local shops and places to eat. Historic old buildings were everywhere we walked. We even found some interesting statues.
We found much to see in all directions wandering in Old Quebec City.
Iconic Sights On The Dufferin Terrace In Quebec City
We planned a first stop at the Basilica Cathedral Notre Dame de Quebec. When we entered the church a mid-day service was in progress. So we quickly looked around and kept walking. Sadly we never made it back to explore more of this historic church.
We approached the Dufferin Terrace over the St Lawrence River and the iconic Fairmont Chateau Frontenac. The monument to Samuel de Champlain recognized him as the founder of Québec City and also the governor of what was once New France. Strolling along the promenade, there was much to see. The Musee du Fort was a good spot to stop to learn more about the history of Quebec City and the battles fought from the battlements.
The Fairmont Chateau Frontenac sat high on the cliff above the water. As we walked around the hotel we got amazing views of this famous sight in Quebec City. The canons were still mounted close in their original defensive positions.
Down below the cliff we got our first glimpse of the old charming streets of Petit Champlain. A funicular ride went up and down the hill if we did not want to walk.
We certainly found lots to see and do wandering in Old Quebec City.
In And Out The Gates Of Old Quebec City
There were four main city gates built into the ramparts that provided access to Old Quebec’s Upper Town. From our hotel we entered the walled Quebec City at the Porte Saint-Jean.
After we wandered along the top of the St Lawrence River, we walked along under the Citadelle. And exited at the St Louis Gate.
As we walked along outside the wall, we saw the Parliament Buildings which were home to the National Assembly of Quebec. It was Quebec’s oldest historic site.
Before we returned to our hotel, we passed by the Kent Gate. This was named after the Duke of Kent (the father of Queen Victoria ) who sponsored its construction. Behind the gate we saw the spire of the chapel of the Jesuits. And the back side of the Palais Montcalm – Québec City’s House of Music. We got a much better view of this beautiful building at night with the lights on.
When we visited Petit Champlain, we went through yet another portal at the Prescott Gate. It was interesting to discover the different gates of the old town wandering in Old Quebec City.
Heading Down To Petit Champlain
When we looked down from the Dufferin Terrace we saw the charming streets of Petit Champlain. We started with a view of the Royal Battery cannons on the ramparts pointed out at the St Lawrence River. And then wound our way down Cote de la Montagne and through the Prescott Gate.
The walking route to Petit Champlain required us to head down the Breakneck Stairs. We stopped at the top for a view of the picturesque Rue de Petit Champlain before we headed down the steep incline.
Once at the lower level, we moved slowly along the streets. We stopped regularly at the interesting local shops we found. The outside circular staircases were such a traditional sight.
When we looked for a lunch stop, we wanted something different so we booked a reservation at Le Lapin Sauté. Lapin means “rabbit” so we knew we would find some different dishes on the menu. Cheese fondue and a version of French onion soup with red ale warmed us up from our walk. Rabbit pot pie and a cassoulet were tasty main courses. For dessert the salted sugar pie and the maple creme brûlée were perfect choices. It was no wonder we passed on the Funicular ride and walked after that full meal!
We were charmed with our first view of Petit Champlain wandering in Old Quebec City.
Colour And Art In Petit Champlain
When we visited Quebec City in the winter, we found fire pits colourfully decorated for the season. They were great spots to warm up as we wandered the streets. So many fun stops as we wandered through Petit Champlain.
We walked to the end of Rue du Petit-Champlain and looked for the colourful mural on the side of the building. A great sight to finish our exploration of Petit Champlain.
The streets of Petit Champlain were busy at all times of the year. From this level we got a view back up the hill to the Old Town.
We found the Funicular that went back up to the top of the cliff by the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac. After our big lunch we really needed to walk so we retraced our path up the Breakneck Stairs. We climbed the last set of stairs before we headed back to our hotel for the night.
No trip to Quebec City was really complete without a visit to the charming Petit Champlain area. We were glad we did not miss wandering in Old Quebec City.
It Was Such A Delight Wandering In Old Quebec City
We had a great visit to Quebec City in the winter and found so much to see and do. But we were glad we set aside some time to really explore the Old Town.
Wandering in Old Quebec City we found so many interesting sights and learned more about the history of this great city in Quebec. The sights on the Upper Terrace brought us back several times. And we were charmed on our visit to Petit Champlain below the cliffs.
Did you enjoy wandering in Old Quebec City? Should we look for something special on our next visit?
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Old Quebec City looks wonderful especially in winter. I’m a big fan of winter travel so this suits me well. I like that there’s a funicular to go up and down and how charming are the streets here! The cuisine was made for winter and I like the sound of everything you ate. I would like to see more of Canada one day and Old Quebec is on my list!
Old Quebec City is so charming and well worth a visit in Quebec. We loved how much we found just wandering the city.
Quebec looks incredible! Your photos are stunning
Thanks. We were glad we found so many great spots to enjoy in Quebec City.
Old Quebec City is one of the places I want to visit in Canada. It’s like somewhere in Europe. After reading your post, I learned that the old city is surrounded by walls with four gates as entrances. It sounds like modern buildings built outside of the walls. That is interesting!
Quebec City and Montreal definitely do have European charms. Lots of history to find wandering in Quebec City.
I am so glad you shared your experiences of visiting Old Quebec City in the winter. I would love to visit in the winter (but I live in Southern Arizona so I am not used to cold and snow). Seeing these photos and reading about your experience makes it seem doable. Thanks!
Even though we live in Canada, we often don’t travel when it is cold and head to warmer spots like Arizona. But the winter fun was great to experience.
I would love to wander through Old Quebec City. Love the charm, history, and architecture. And so cool that you discovered some awesome things to experience even in winter – including the comfort food.
It was indeed fun to wander in Quebec City and find lots to see and do in the winter too.
Quebec is so pretty with a special French influence, great view from a castle hotel above.
Quebec City was a great choice for some new discoveries.
I would love to visit Old Quebec! It looks like such a magical place to visit around Christmas!
It was great to visit Quebec City in the winter. A magical winter wonderland.
Oh this made me miss Quebec so much! It looks so beautiful with all the snow and Christmas decorations too. Gonna have to plan a trip back there again soon!
We were happy we finally got to Quebec City in the winter. A magical time for sure.
I visited Quebec City years ago in the autumn. It was so cold that I had to buy a gorgeous suede coat to stay warm. What a shame lol! I loved reliving thr memories of the Old Town shopping district and staying at the Fairmont hotel. Great writeup.
I am sure your suede coat brings back memories of your visit. So much to see wandering in old Quebec City. But your need to be warm.
I’ve heard many good things about visiting Old Quebec. I’ve spent plenty of time in Montreal, but will try to make it to Old Quebec City on my next trip.
We too had spent more time in Montreal. So it was good to finally spend some time and explore the old town.
I love this city but have only been in the fall. I would love to go in the winter, especially during the holidays. It’s still on my bucketlist. Saving this for all the great info.
I hope you do get to visit Quebec City in the winter. A magical time for sure.
Quebec City seems like a city I would enjoy exploring; the architecture resembles that of a European city. And Quebec City looks great in winter, I’m just concerned about how cold it can get.
Quebec City sure does look very European and has a mood that matches too. A lovely spot to visit but you do need to be prepared for the cold!
Sounds like you had an amazing time! Thanks for taking us along the journey and sharing all the sights (and amazing food!). I thoroughly enjoyed reading all about winter in QC and can’t wait to visit someday!
I am glad you enjoyed reading about Old Quebec City and our travels. We were so glad we visited.
I have never been to Canada but would love to go. Quebec looks beautiful! Awesome pictures.
Both Montreal and Quebec City are interesting spots to visit on a Canada trip. Very different than much of the rest of the country though.
I loved Quebec city and the French influence. The old city reminds me of European cities.
We do love the European influence in Quebec City. A nice treat for a short visit.
Quebec City’s Old Town looks so beautiful, definitely reminds me of many European cities. I think it seems really charming in winter too with snow and Christmas decor!
It was our first visit to Quebec City in the winter and we were definitely quite charmed.
I’ve always wanted to visit Quebec, especially around Christmastime! It just looks like it’s straight out of a storybook.
Quebec City in the winter does look like it is out of a storybook. So much to see and do wandering around the old town.
This place looks amazing, the food looks delicious, and I love that mural. Thank you for sharing. I will pin it to read again when we visit Canada.
I hope you do get to visit Quebec City when you get to Canada. A different spot in our country.
The vibe during winter in Quebec City is on a whole other level, the snow and Christmas decorations make it even more magical. I have never been to Canada but I see a lot of European resemblance here. I hope to visit someday.
Winter is definitely a fun time to visit Quebec City for a magical experience. Hope you get there one day.