Best things to do in Quebec City

Parliament Buildings

Just outside the old city walls stands the imposing 19th-century Parliament Building, inspired by the Louvre in Paris and designed by the architect, Eugène Étienne Taché. Although it is the working home of the 125-strong National Assembly, the buildings are open to visitors for free guided tours, which are offered in English or French, and highlight the historic value of the unique building as well as inform visitors about the organisation and proceedings of the Québec National Assembly. Tours should be booked in advance for groups of 10 or more. There is a restaurant and a gift shop at the Parliament Building.

Address 1045 Parlementaires Road (visitor’s entrance: Door 3 on the corner of Grande-Allée and Honoré-Mercier Avenue)

Website www.assnat.qc.ca

Place Royale

The Place Royale is part of the Pointe-à-Callière Museum complex, along with Pointe-à-Callière and 214 Place d'Youville. Used for trading in ancient times by the First Nations, the site of the historical Place Royale became a fortified trading post in 1608 under French colonist Samuel de Champlain. Known as the market square, the site thrived until the end of the 19th century when its importance began to decline. But it was given a new lease on life under a government restoration programme, ensuring the site known as the 'birthplace of French America' turned into one of the city's main attractions.

Address Interpretation Centre of Place-Royale, 27 Rue Notre-Dame

Website www.mcq.org

Funicular

The funicular which travels from the heart of the Old City to Dufferin Terrace provides a panoramic bird's eye view of historic Quebec City. Leaving from Louis Jolliet House, the funicular has been an attraction since the original steam version was built in 1879. Claustrophobic visitors may not enjoy the trip up in the little compartments, but most will relish the views and novel mode of transport. The walk down from the Old City is pleasant and easy, but the hike up can be rather difficult. Many visitors choose to take the funicular up and walk back down.

Address 16 Rue du Petit Champlain

Website https://www.quebecregion.com/en/businesses/attractions/tourist-sites/funiculaire-du-vieux-quebec/

Fortifications

Guided walking tours of the three mile (5km) wall surrounding the Old City of Quebec trace the evolution of the city's defence system across three centuries. The walls were built between 1608 and 1871 as part of the fortifications in the area, which was the region's main colonial stronghold. The walls are set with interpretation panels and can be explored independently. Following the walls is a wonderful way to explore the old city and visitors will pass many interesting sights in the historic centre along the way, including the Esplanade Powder Magazine. Quebec is the only surviving fortified city in North America and has been designated a World Heritage City.

Address 100 Rue Saint-Louis (tours depart from the Frontenac kiosk, Dufferin Terrace)

Website www.pc.gc.ca/fortifications

Old Port of Montreal

The Old Port of Montreal along the Saint Lawrence River is actually fairly new, having undergone a big facelift to make it the most popular tourist spot in the city. A major 19th-century trade port, its wharves now mostly consist of tour boats, ferries and amphibious buses handling its roughly five million visitors each year. Ferries cross to the Parc Jean-Drapeau, site of the Expo 67 World's Fair, which lies on the Saint Lawrence and offers facilities for picnicking, swimming, and skating and skiing in winter.

The Old Port is a thriving arts and entertainment venue where there's always something happening. It also offers a huge open-air skating rink, IMAX cinema, vibrant cafes and a Science and Technology Center. The clock tower offers excellent views, while the original 17th-century city fortifications still stand. Characters in period costume conduct guided tours through the streets and alleys, pointing out points of historic significance.

Address 333 Rue de la Commune Ouest

Website www.vieux.montreal.qc.ca

Battlefields Park (Plains of Abraham)

Once the setting for bloody battles between the British and the French, the Plains of Abraham today serve as Quebec City's primary 'green lung'. A playground and peaceful arboreal retreat, it's a venue for a variety of festivals, fairs and events. The park is to Quebec what Central Park is to New York, covering 108 hectares and containing 6,000 trees, monuments and interpretive centres. In winter, both locals and visitors enjoy a giant skating rink and a few fun ski tracks in the park. Summertime is ideal for jogging, rollerblading or strolling in the fragrant gardens, or picnicking in its leafy shade.

Address Discovery Pavilion, 835 Wilfrid-Laurier Avenue

Website www.ccbn-nbc.gc.ca

Montmorency Falls Park

Just to the east of Quebec City lies the spectacular Montmorency Falls which plunges 272 feet (83m) â€' one and a half times higher than Niagara Falls. Besides a beautiful setting, the park also boasts historic buildings and a variety of fun activities. A cable car runs up to the historic Manoir Montmorency manor, which was built in 1781, and which contains a restaurant, viewing terrace, interpretation centre, reception rooms and boutiques. A suspension bridge hangs directly across the falls, providing a breathtaking vista, while a second bridge gives access to the east side of the falls where there are numerous viewpoints and trails.

Address Avenue Royale, Beauport

Website www.sepaq.com/chutemontmorency

L'Île d'Orléans

The little island in the Saint Lawrence River, just 15 minutes from downtown Quebec City, is a historical treasure trove containing 600 heritage buildings. Algonquin natives called the island Windigo, meaning 'bewitched corner', before French colonists arrived in 1535 and named it for the Duke of Orleans. The island is the ancestral home of more than 300 Quebecois families and still has more than 7,000 inhabitants. A perimeter road called the Royal Way connects all the six villages on the island, extending across the Taschereau Bridge to the mainland. Visitors enjoy cycling or driving around the island to marvel at panoramic views of the river and explore sites such as the oldest church in New France.

Address 9 miles (15 km) from Quebec City

Website http://tourisme.iledorleans.com/en/

Lower Town (Basse-Ville)

Basse-Ville is Quebec City's charming old quarter, full of narrow winding streets, historical stone buildings and a dizzying array of trendy cafes, bars and boutiques. Also called Lower Town, it's the oldest urban district in Canada and exudes a distinctly European atmosphere. Recent gentrification of more dilapidated areas has resulted in postcard-perfect photo opportunities waiting on every corner. Lower Town is also home to many of the city's most celebrated sights and attractions, including the Place Royale, Petit Champlain and the must-see Funicular. The heart and soul of Old Quebec, Lower Town is a beguiling and enchanting neighbourhood, and visitors should anticipate spending a lot of time walking its streets and soaking up its unique atmosphere.

Address On the banks of the St Lawrence River

Quebec City

Things to do in Quebec City

Parliament Buildings

Place Royale

Funicular

Fortifications

Old Port of Montreal

Battlefields Park (Plains of Abraham)

Montmorency Falls Park

L'Île d'Orléans

Lower Town (Basse-Ville)

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Parliament Buildings

Place Royale

Funicular

Fortifications

Old Port of Montreal

Battlefields Park (Plains of Abraham)

Montmorency Falls Park

L'Île d'Orléans

Lower Town (Basse-Ville)