Quebec offers breathtaking historic places, perfect for architecture enthusiasts of any kind. Visit Place Royale where Samuel de Champlain founded New France in 1608 or Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church – two stunning examples of classical, medieval or chateauesque design – located near where you will be staying in Quebec City.
Old Quebec, a fortified walled city and UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts charming cobblestone streets to stroll and an iconic fountain known as Fontaine Tourny to marvel at.
The Old Churches
UNESCO defines Old Quebec’s Historic District as an authentic urban landscape which expresses its outstanding universal value in an honest and credible manner, protected by strong legal protection, with all levels of government pledged to maintaining it for future generations.
Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral is an architectural marvel, combining medieval and classical elements into its design. As the first church built from stone north of Mexico, its expansion took place multiple times over time – pilgrims as well as famous people such as Luciano Pavarotti have visited it regularly.
Eglise Saint-Michel de Sillery is a small church decorated with votive offerings to the Virgin Mary that have provided assistance for Quebecers. Situated near Samuel de Champlain’s two Habitations houses (built by him as part of Quebec City), some stones from these structures remain within its walls; in 1855 it was declared a Marian sanctuary.
L’Ilot des Palais
Old Quebec stands as an impressive testament to both French and British Canada history, showcasing both in an integrated urban ensemble that stands alone north of Mexico. Explore its fortifications for impressive buildings that span different periods and take a stroll or wander among them for an unparalleled experience.
L’Ilot des Palais is an exciting archaeological museum in Quebec City that houses two palaces from the 14th Century that served as Intendant offices and prison cells at that time. Excavations conducted by professors and students of Universite Laval’s archeology department during excavations conducted between 1980-1983 unearthed some extremely rare artifacts that make this one of Quebec City’s must-see sites; featuring medieval, chateauesque and classical architectural features it cannot be missed! Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church can also be found here!
Sept-Iles
Sept-Iles offers an unforgettable journey, set against a deep water bay backed by seven island archipelagos. Situated 230 kilometers northeast of Baie-Comeau, Sept-Iles stands as one of Quebec’s northernmost locales connected via road network.
Heritage enthusiasts will delight in visiting Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral’s crypt, where four governors of New France (in summer only) rest. Additionally, North America’s oldest stone church Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church can also be found here as well as L’Ilot des Palais, an exhibition that takes place within one of Quebec’s most significant archaeological sites.
Fort Chambly transports visitors back in time with its period costumes-clad staff and reconstruction activities, or explore Old Quebec to uncover its impressive structures which comprise this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Fort Chambly
During the War of 1812, a massive military complex was constructed at the mouth of Chambly River (later Richelieu River). This monumental stone fort, originally constructed on top of wooden forts dating back to 1665, is now managed by Parks Canada as a National Historic Site.
Visit this former fortress will transport you into another era, with exhibits that provide insight into French settlement and coexistence with Native American allies.
During the Revolutionary War, this residence played host to many prominent guests. Now both a museum and historical site, you will be able to walk the grounds where General Richard Montgomery began occupying it from November 1775; also visit its main components constructed using local limestone similar to Vauban’s classic French fortifications.
