Quebec City, famous as the only fortified city in North America, is the capital of Quebec in Eastern Canada. The Old Town is comprised of the Upper Town, set atop a hill surrounded by walls, and the Lower Town that stretches along the St. Lawrence River. It was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1985 under the name “Historic District of Quebec” but was renamed “Historic District of Quebec Old Town” in 2006. Even though it is in Canada, the official language is French and the streets are styled in a distinctly French manner. Here, we introduce the charms of Quebec City!
What Is the Historic District of Quebec Old Town?
Before we introduce the recommended tourist sites, let’s briefly trace the history of Quebec. In Canada, French traders visited for the fur trade even before the 16th century. Gaining exclusive rights to fur trading, the French began the settlement of Quebec by establishing New France.
At the same time, England proceeded with colonization in North America, replacing the Dutch. Constant disputes over trading rights and land eventually escalated into major conflicts. Both countries formed alliances with indigenous tribes and used their military power. In 1759, New France fell into British hands—an event known by the British as the French and Indian War.
The victorious England formally annexed the territory by the Treaty of Paris, ending 150 years of French colonial rule. In 1791, the Constitutional Act divided the territory into Upper and Lower Canada, and with the establishment of the Dominion of Canada in 1867, Lower Canada became the Province of Quebec.
Name: Historic District of Quebec Old Town
Address: Quebec City, Upper Town/Lower Town
Official/Related Website URL: http://www.quebecregion.com/en/
Access to the Historic District of Quebec Old Town
Since there is no bus service from Quebec City Airport, a taxi at a fixed rate takes about 40 minutes. From Montreal, the trip by train or long-distance bus takes about 3 hours—with buses operating more frequently, which is convenient.
3 Recommended Highlights of the Historic District of Quebec Old Town
The Citadel (Fortification)
Originally, the French attempted to build a citadel to defend New France when the British threatened the colony. They fortified the city with walls and planned a massive citadel atop a well-situated cliff. However, due to a lack of funds, the project was abandoned as the French colonial era ended. During the British colonial period, between 1775 and 1776, the American Revolutionary forces attacked Quebec, but due to exhaustion from a prolonged siege, the death of their commander, and news of the British fleet sailing for America, they withdrew.
To protect the city from the American threat, the British took up the French plan and completed the citadel over 30 years from 1820. Since then, there have been no further battles with America, and the citadel now serves as a garrison for the Canadian Army. The changing of the guard, held at 10 AM from late June to early September, is very popular among tourists thanks to the charming uniforms.
Chateau Frontenac
High on a hill in Quebec City, the former residences of successive governors once stood. Overlooking the St. Lawrence River and the Lower Town, a castle-style hotel and Chateau Frontenac now dominate this spot. As Canada emerged as a self-governing dominion within the British Commonwealth, building the transcontinental railway was a project of national prestige.
William Van Horn, celebrated for his exceptional leadership, overcame the great challenge of traversing the Canadian Rockies and built a castle-style hotel in Banff National Park, successfully attracting tourists.
Later, in 1892, to further develop Quebec City as a tourist destination, the castle-style hotel and Chateau Frontenac were built, named after Count Frontenac, the governor during the French colonial era. Today, Chateau Frontenac is a landmark in Quebec City that draws many visitors.
Notre Dame Cathedral of Victory
In the Lower Town, King’s Square is the site where the first fur trading post was established—considered the birthplace of Quebec City. As merchants and fishermen settled around this square, the city prospered. A small stone cathedral was constructed here in 1688, and two years later, the French forces repelled the British fleet that had besieged Quebec in a five-day battle. In commemoration of this victory, the cathedral came to be known as the “Notre Dame Cathedral of Victory.”
Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and St. Genevieve, the patron saint of France, this cathedral, along with the Notre Dame Cathedral in the Upper Town, is a cherished site for the people of Quebec City. At the center of King’s Square stands a bust of Louis XIV—a place that vividly retains the legacy of French colonial times.
◎ Summary
Quebec was born as a province under Canada's dominion system and, through fervent French nationalism embracing French culture, stands as a somewhat unique entity within Canada. It is precisely because of its historical district that you can enjoy a fascinating blend of French, British, and Canadian influences. Be sure to take a walk through the historic district of Quebec Old Town and experience its irresistible charm!