Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec)

Walking tours are a great way to experience Old Quebec, as its many sights, including the Château Frontenac and Dufferin Terrace, are best explored on foot. The area can also be seen by bike and even from the air. Those interested in experiencing the area through its food can take a food tour and sample the best of many regional specialties. Most Quebec City tours include a stop at the Place Royale, which is considered the cradle of French culture in North America.

• A knowledgeable local tour guide can provide context for all the history preserved in Old Quebec.

• The area's streets are mainly cobblestone, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.

• A wheelchair accessible funicular runs between the district's Lower Town and Upper Town, and many transit options and attractions in modern buildings are wheelchair accessible.

The historic Old Quebec district is part of Quebec City, which has its own airport but is also easily accessible as a day trip or overnight from Montreal. The nearest train and bus station is Gare du Palais. Walking tours tend to begin within the old city walls, while bus tours offer hotel pickup and drop-off.

Summer is the most popular time to visit Quebec City, and while the warm weather draws larger crowds, it also allows for alfresco dining at charming sidewalk cafés. The winter months are also full of activity, and are quite beautiful if you don’t mind the cold—average winter temperatures are often below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 Celsius).

The winding streets of Vieux-Québec are charming in their own right, but the old city’s many monuments and museums are not to be overlooked. Particularly picturesque are the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Quebec, La Citadelle, and the Place Royale. Also worth a visit are the nearby Plains of Abraham, a historic park and former battlefield, and the beautiful Montmorency Falls, on the Beaupré shore. These can all be visited easily in one day and are included in most Quebec City sightseeing tours.

Plan on visiting Old Quebec for at least two to three days. Some people try to explore Old Quebec in a single day, but there is enough to see in this charming city to keep visitors entertained for two to three days. It is an excellent destination for a weekend getaway.

Walking is the best way to get around Old Quebec. This area inside the old city walls is friendly to pedestrians and is home to several landmarks. Bikes are another popular option for covering ground quickly. Within Quebec, other transport options include rideshare, public buses, and hop-on, hop-off tours.

Old Quebec is unique for several reasons. This Unesco World Heritage site is an intact, fortified town with exceptional history inside its old city walls. In addition to the beauty of this town and its cobblestone streets, Old Quebec offers a range of excellent restaurants and quality small shops.

Yes, Old Quebec has free parking, but only during very limited hours. For the most part, street parking requires a fee; pay stations are available and in effect seven days per week. Visitors may find parking in an aboveground or underground lot for a daily fee to be a more convenient option.

The most popular time of year to visit Old Quebec is the summer. The weather is very pleasant from June through August, but summer can also be crowded. Travel in the spring or fall to avoid the crowds, or bundle up and visit in winter to see Old Quebec in the snow.

Old Quebec is known for a variety of hearty, comforting food. Local dishes include poutine (French fries with cheese curds), pea soup, and tourtière, a local meat pie. The cobblestone streets of Old Quebec are home to many charming restaurants and are a large part of the city’s appeal.