DK Travel : Montréal and Québec City : Québec City

Europeans first settled here in 1609 , and throughout its 400-year history Québec City has been the focus of political struggle between the British and the French – a battle that still rages today in this home of French separatism. Yet despite this turmoil, with its beautiful riverside setting, heritage sites, and cobblestone streets – all of which earned it World Heritage status in 1985 – the city is a traveler’s dream. Poised upon the Cap Diamant escarpment overlooking both the St Lawrence River and les Laurentides, the city is home to a Francophone population rich in cultural pride and exuberance, magnificent architecture, preserved churches and monuments, fine cuisine and numerous opportunities for outdoor adventure.

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Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier

Located 40 km (25 miles) from downtown Québec City, this immense park abounds with lakes, mountains, and outdoor activities in all seasons.
Parks Canada Exhibition Hall

Set in a 19th-century heritage building, this site presents temporary cultural exhibitions and offers brochures and descriptions of Parks Canada sites throughout Québec and Canada.
Place de la Cité

Southwest of town you will find shopper’s heaven where three upscale malls converge. It has the largest concentration of exclusive boutiques in Québec, and also features a produce market and restaurants.
Place de l’Hôtel de Ville

In the 18th century this square was the site of the Notre-Dame market and is still a popular gathering place for locals. During the summer it is often jammed with visitors who come to enjoy free music concerts and performances by local actors. The Romanesque architecture, as seen in the Hôtel de Ville (town hall) immediately beside the square, lends the area an imposing air.
Place Québec

Just outside Porte Kent, this bustling complex is the home of up-scale shops, restaurants and cinemas.
Place Royale

The site of Nouvelle-France’s first settlement, built by Samuel de Champlain in 1608, has been the hub of the city’s cultural activities throughout its history. Shipbuilders, merchants, clergy and everyday citizens once gathered here to conduct commerce, celebrate harvests, marry, drink and bury their dead. Today, festivals such as Les Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France (see Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France) rekindle the days of the early settlers with theatrical performances incorporating period costumes and traditional music. Don’t miss Église Notre-Dame-des-Victoires with its paintings by Van Dyck depicting French victory over the British in 1690.
Porte Saint-Louis

Although the city walls were a security necessity in the 18th century, they were an impediment to merchants, so large gates such as Porte Saint-Louis were cut into the fortifications to improve the flow of commerce.
Pub d’Orsay

Without a doubt, one of the most appealing pubs, indoors or out, for Québec’s famous micro-brewery beers such as Belle Gueule, Boréale and Blanche de Chambly, and the unique taste of Cidre de Minot.
Pub Thomas Dunn

This classic English pub has a winning formula: sumptuous mahogany wood decor, an extensive beer list, the best fish and chips in town and a location directly across from the train station.
Quartier Petit-Champlain

Home to artisans in the 17th century and dockworkers in the 19th century, the houses in this area have now been renovated and adapted into a range of eclectic gift shops, turning what is the oldest part of the city into today’s liveliest quarter. Maple butter, French macramé, and sculpted cherrywood cribs are just a few of the many unusual treats you can purchase here. Along the way you can eat and drink in the bars and cafés lining the pedestrianized streets.