Historic Quebec City

Experience overview

Quebec City is the capital city of the province of Quebec. The city has a remarkable history as the fortress capital of New France since the 16th century. It also has a vibrant historical center that makes for an incredible visit. Founded by the French to make a claim in the New World, the name Quebec originally referred to just the city. It is an aboriginal word for "where the river narrows," as the St. Lawrence River dramatically closes in just east of the city. It is situated on 200-foot-high cliffs, with stunning views of the surrounding Laurentian Mountains and the St. Lawrence River. On this riding Quebec City tour, you will see the highlights of this charming city, with photo stops at some of the major sites. The Chateau Frontenac is a grand hotel in Quebec City that opened in 1893 and holds the Guinness World Record of "most photographed hotel in the world." It was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1980. The City Hall of Quebec City is located in the heart of Old Quebec. The building slopes downward as it was built on a hill and was once home to the Jesuit College (Jesuit Barracks) from the 1730s to 1878. Located on Rue des Jardins and designed by architect Georges-Emile Tanguay, it is the second permanent city hall for the old city. Place Royale, the nucleus from which Quebec City developed, stands on the site of Quebec's actual foundation, the spot where, in 1608, Samuel de Champlain erected his first "habitation," a farm and storage shed. Named in honor of Louis XIV, whose bust adorns it, Place Royale is the largest surviving ensemble of 17th and 18th-century buildings in North America. The Citadelle, the French name used both in English and French, is a military installation and official residence located atop Cap Diamant, adjoining the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City. It has also been an official residence of the Queen in Right of Canada and the Governor General of Canada since 1872, who by tradition resides there for several weeks out of the year. You will not want to leave Quebec City without taking this tour.