Voilà Québec Upper Town historical tour
1) PLACE GEORGE V
805, avenue Wilfrid Laurier Est
Located across from the Military Drill Hall, this historical site was named in honor of the British king, whose reign ended with his passing in 1917. Stop in front of the drill hall, which houses the Québec Voltigeurs, an infantry regiment that is part of the Canadian Armed Forces reserve. Built in 1887, this historical building was destroyed by a fire in 2008. Luckily, most of the artefacts were salvaged.
2) THE QUÉBEC NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
418 643-7239
1045, rue des Parlementaires
www.assnat.qc.ca
No visit to Québec is complete without a visit to this beautiful building designed by Eugène-Étienne Taché. The National Assembly is one of the world’s oldest parliamentary institutions, while the building pays tribute to the men and women who have shaped the province’s history. Picture : Assemblée Nationale
3) FONTAINE DE TOURNY
In front of Québec National Assembly
Originally part of the Bordeaux landscape, this magnificent fountain was donated in 2008 by local businessman Peter Simons to commemorate Québec's 400th anniversary. The President of La Maison Simons had this monument restored, then installed in front of Parliament Hill. This beautiful fountain is worth taking a few minutes to see!
4) SAINT LOUIS GATE
Entrance of Parc de l'Esplanade and the Québec Citadel
Built and rebuilt several times, the current Saint Louis Gate was built in 1878. During the French regime, it was one of the main gates leading to the city.
5) LA CITADELLE OF QUÉBEC
418 694-2815
1, Côte de la Citadelle
www.lacitadelle.qc.ca
Located at the top of cap Diamond, this national historical site is part of the city's defensive system. La Citadelle is the most important British fortress built in North America.
6) URSULINES MUSEUM
418 694-0694
12, rue Donnacona
www.patrimoine-religieux.com
As you move down Saint Louis Street, make a left turn on Donnacona Street and discover the life and missionary work of Marie de l'Incarnation (1599-1672), founder of the Ursulines and Mother of the Canadian Church. The museum features the work done by the Québec Ursulines as pioneers, teachers and artists.
7) HOLY TRINITY ANGLICAN CATHEDRAL
418 692-2193
31, rue des Jardins
www.grandquebec.com
As you move down des Jardins Street, stop by the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the first Anglican church built outside the United Kingdom and one of the city's oldest religious buildings. Built in 1804, its 50-meter high belltower contains an 8-bell chime, the first of its kind installed in Canada. There are only six of those remaining in the world today. Free guided tours are available.
8) HÔTEL CLARENDON
418 692-2480
57, rue Sainte-Anne
www.hotelclarendon.com
Opened in 1870, this elegant hotel with a classic decor has won over several politicians, including former Premiers Louis-Alexandre Taschereau and René Levesque. The Clarendon is the oldest hotel and one of the most historic buildings in Old Québec.
9) PRICE BUILDING
418 681-8188
65, rue Sainte-Anne
If you move forward by just a few feet and look to your left towards 65 Sainte Anne Street, you will see the Price Building. This art deco style building is the only skyscraper in the old city and one of the oldest in Canada. The Premier of Québec has an official apartment on the top two floors.
10) RUE DU TRÉSOR
Near of Place d’Armes
www.ruedutresor.qc.ca
As you stroll along quaint Sainte Anne Street and head towards the Château Frontenac, stop by rue du Trésor. This little alley dates back to the early days of the colony, over three centuries ago. It is here that the Royal Treasury was located and where the colonists came to pay their taxes. During the 1960's, it was turned into an outdoor art gallery. Picture : Nadia Bourget-Allard
11) PLACE D’ARMES
In front of the Le Château Frontenac
Originally named the Grand Place, or High Square, this is where military parades and inspection took place between 1636 until the Citadel was completed in 1850. Today, the square is a park surrounded by restaurants, terraces and street entertainers.
12) FAIRMONT LE CHÂTEAU FRONTENAC
418 692-3861
1, rue des Carrières
www.fairmont.com
Located by Cape Diamond, overlooking the majestic Saint-Lawrence River, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is not only the most photographed hotel in the world but also a historical site. Picture : Nadia Bourget-Allard
13) TERRASSE DUFFERIN
In front of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Overlooking the Saint Lawrence River, at the foot of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, this boardwalk is one of the city's most popular attractions. It was built in its current form in 1879 and offers a gorgeous view of the river, the Island of Orleans and the Old Harbour.
14) MUSÉE DU FORT
418 692-1759
10, rue Sainte-Anne
www.museedufort.com
Across from the Château Frontenac, the Musée du Fort presents a lights-and-sound recreation of the city's civil and military history. Please refer to the Musée's website for opening hours.
15) QUÉBEC SÉMINARY
418 692-0645
1, rue des Remparts
www.mcq.org
Move down along Sainte Famille Street to find the Québec Seminary. Founded in 1663 by Mgr. de Laval, the seminary trained priests for nearly 300 years before devoting its efforts to the education of youngsters. All the buildings form an impressive complex in the heart of Old Québec.
16) NOTRE-DAME-DE- QUÉBEC CATHEDRAL BASILICA
418 694-0065 16, rue de Buade
Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville
www.patrimoine-religieux.com
On Buade Street, the Notre-Dame-de-Québec cathedral basilica is a most impressive building. Richly decorated, this jewel of baroque art was declared a historical monument in 1966. Open year round. Guided tours are offered from May to October.
17) MUSÉE DE L’AMÉRIQUE FRANCAISE
418 692-2843
2, Côte de la Fabrique
www.mcq.org
This museum is considered as being Canada's oldest. It is basically dedicated to the dynamism of French culture in North America. Until June 23rd and from September 7th, open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
18) PUB SAINT-ALEXANDRE
418 694-0015
1087, rue Saint-Jean
www.pubstalexandre.com
Designed by architect Charles Baillargé in the early part of the 19th century, and formerly known as the Taverne Coloniale, this local institution has welcomed some of the country's best known politicians. Today, Pub Saint-Alexandre offers one of the widest selection of beers in the entire province and stands out for its warm atmosphere and its unique architecture. Enjoy some favourite drink in a decor that features mahogany panels, mirrors and a twelve-meter long bar.
19) SITE PATRIMONIAL DU PARC-DE-L’ARTILLERIE
418 648-4205
2, rue d’Auteuil
www.pc.gc.ca
Move back up Côte du Palais and walk along Saint Jean Street. Just before reaching Saint John Gate, at the corner of d'Auteuil Street, you will see Artillery Park Heritage Site. Rich in important architectural heritage, this site bears witness to over 250 years of history.
20) SAINT JOHN GATE
Near Place d'Youville
Much like Saint Louis Gate, it was built and rebuilt many times following the British conquest. The first gate dates back to 1639 and it has become one of the symbols of the old city.
21) PLACE D’YOUVILLE
Stop at Place d'Youville. Always bustling with activities, such as concerts, arts and crafts shops, the square even features a skating rink during the winter. As you stand in the center, you can see two concert venues: The Capitole, built in 1903, and the Palais Montcalm, which dates back to the 1930's.
