With its deep cultural heritage and picturesque cityscape, the central neighborhood of La Cité-Limoilou offers the very best of Québec City. The area includes the UNESCO-listed Old Town, first established by French explorer and navigator Samuel de Champlain in 1608. Visit La Cité-Limoilou to wander through old Québec, stopping to enjoy views over the mighty St. Lawrence River and beyond.
Get your historical bearings at the Old Port. Once one of North America’s busiest ports, this is now a hospitable waterfront zone where you can shop and sample produce, learn about maritime heritage and appreciate some of the city’s loveliest architecture. Delve deeper into the culture of Québec, including First Nations and Inuit, at the interactive Canadian Museum of Civilization nearby.
Continue on to the heart of the Lower Town, the Place Royale. This lovely square is where French America was born. Admire ornate frescoes and paintings inside the church Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, which was named for military triumphs over the British. Afterward, stroll through the charming pedestrianized Quartier Petit Champlain. Browse offerings at handicraft boutiques, browse art galleries and have a meal at a local bistro.
To reach the Upper Town, climb the Breakneck Stairs or make a trip on the historic Old Québec Funicular. Ascend to the Dufferin Terrace, enjoy gorgeous views from this beloved scenic boardwalk. Visit in winter to take advantage of the traditional toboggan slide that runs here in the colder months.
South along the St. Lawrence is the Citadelle of Québec. Peruse various military structures and museum exhibitions at this fortress, which has watched over the city since the early 19th century. Explore the sprawling greenery of the adjacent Plains of Abraham, once the site of the famous Battle of Québec but now a popular city park and home to the Musée National des Beaux Arts.
La Cité-Limoilou, located in central Québec City, is largely navigable on foot. Some metered and public parking is available in the area, which is also served by buses. Travel by car from the airport in about 25 minutes.
