Although the country's official language is English, over 90% of Quebec's population speaks French. Every architectural structure, historical landmark, and cultural element in the city shows the profound influence of French civilization. It's no wonder Quebec City is known as "Little France" in the heart of Canada.
Local guides in traditional attire tell tourists the historical stories of Quebec City.
City of history
Quebec was founded in 1608 by the French explorer Samuel de Champlain, who is honored as the "Father of New France" for transforming Quebec from an area inhabited by the Iroquois and Algonquin Native American tribes into a modern metropolis.
Historically, the city was besieged five times and conquered by the British in 1759. Today, Quebec is considered the cradle of French civilization in North America. 95% of Quebec's population speaks French, while the main language of Canada is English. Quebecers still preserve distinctly French cultural customs. The architecture and heritage sites remain largely unchanged from four centuries ago.
It's no wonder that renowned travel magazines consistently rank Quebec among the world's top destinations. Quebec City was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
The name "Québec" comes from the Algonquin word "kébec," meaning "where the river narrows," because the city is situated on the precipitous cliffs of the Diamond Point, more than 100 meters above the narrowest point of the Saint Lawrence River. This strategically important location made Quebec a natural defensive fortress, capable of preventing enemy ships from entering from afar.
Quebec City, covering an area of approximately 9,000 square kilometers, is divided into two distinct parts: Upper Town and Lower Town, connected by nearly 30 sets of staircases. Visitors can also choose a unique mode of transport found only in Quebec: the funicular railway, to travel between the two areas.
In the past, dividing cities by altitude was a way to identify them: Upper cities were home to the aristocracy and upper class, while Lower cities, located in lower areas, were home to the working class and artisans. Today, that distinction no longer exists. Both areas are popular tourist destinations, offering visitors the opportunity to explore their rich culinary scene. Quebec is known as one of the best food cities in the world.
Visitors can choose to explore the historic city on foot or from red double-decker buses that take it on routes through tourist areas from the city center to the suburbs. In the city center, visitors can sign up for guided walking tours with local guides who often dress like ancient aristocrats, with long robes, lace collars, and large, curly white hair. They are humorous storytellers and knowledgeable about local history.
A "miniature France"
Most of Quebec City's historical and religious sites are concentrated within its city walls. Today, the ramparts remain intact, bearing witness to history and battles fought since the 17th century. Visitors can walk along the walls, through the Saint Louis and Saint Jean gates, to explore Artillery Park and D'Youville Square. This square is named in honor of Marie-Marguerite d'Youville, a French-Canadian widow and founder of the Grey Nuns of Montreal.
Exploring Quebec City's Old Town is like traveling to Europe without crossing the Atlantic, thanks to its many unique architectural landmarks such as the Quebec Seminary National Historic Site, surrounded by white stone buildings with sloping roofs – a characteristic style of 18th-century French architecture; the Parliament House – a building typical of Second Empire architecture (a style prevalent in Europe and North America from 1865-1880); and Notre Dame Cathedral of Quebec, built in 1688, the oldest cathedral in North America with neoclassical architecture. It is also the only place outside of Europe with a Holy Door, a must-see for any parishioner or tourist.
The Château Frontenac is considered an iconic landmark of Quebec. It is named after the Count of Frontenac, Louis de Buade (1622–1698), who served as the French Governor-General of North America from 1672–1682 and 1689–1698. Partially destroyed by fire in 1826, it was rebuilt in 1893 as a large hotel with 170 rooms, a nearly 80-meter-tall central tower, and 2,000 windows overlooking the Saint Lawrence River and Quebec City. In the hotel lobby, guests can also admire historical artifacts dating back 400 years, preserved and displayed in specially designed cases. The Château Frontenac is also the most photographed hotel in the world and has become a recognizable image of Quebec.
More than just a city steeped in culture and history, Quebec is also an attractive seasonal holiday destination. It's a winter paradise for ski enthusiasts. In the summer, Quebec offers activities such as ziplining, waterfall climbing, hiking in national parks or nature reserves, and more.
In particular, Quebec is also an ideal place for those who prefer a "slow" lifestyle and "healing" by staying in resorts nestled deep in the forest, by the lake, or hidden within convents for nuns... Such diverse experiences make Quebec a unique destination unlike anywhere else in the world.
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