Historic Quebec City evokes a sense of European history with its cobblestone streets and charming architecture, yet beneath this charming facade lies an amazing history that spans millennia.
Explore New France’s remarkable political legacy at sites such as Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral’s crypt; Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church (North America’s oldest stone church); and Chateau Ramezay.
Old Quebec
Old Quebec is often described as an oasis of Europe in North America, boasting both Upper and Lower towns as part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. From gates, ramparts, and Citadel to historical buildings like its French-British colonies wars that took place here.
Samuel de Champlain selected this site due to its strategic and military advantages in 1608; its fortifications remain intact to this day. UNESCO declared it eligible for World Heritage status in 1985 due to being an authentic example of fortified colonial town life.
Today, Cobblestone Streets of Paris are filled with both French and English architectural styles that hark back centuries, and it’s clear that history reverberates throughout. A visit here would certainly be worthwhile for anyone seeking a pleasant ambiance and experiencing some history!
Citadel of Cape Diamond
The Citadel of Cape Diamond (Cap Diamant) sits atop a bluff overlooking the St Lawrence River and boasts massive star-shaped fortifications that are unique to North America. Today it serves as an active military site, home of Royal 22e Regiment of Canadian Forces regular army.
When hostilities between France and England resumed in 1689, Quebec City’s town major quickly built earthworks and palisades to protect Quebec City against any attacks from either side. When one enemy expedition tried to attack, however, Count Frontenac foiled their plans until finally surrendering them over to British forces in 1759.
This National Historic Site has become popularly known as “Gibraltar of the Americas”, due to its star-shaped form reminiscent of Vauban fortifications. Additionally, this spectacular location provides unparalleled views of both Lower and Upper towns.
Battlefields Park
Battlefields Park lies at the heart of Quebec City and can be considered the equivalent to Central and Hyde Parks in New York and London respectively. As one of Canada’s few national urban parks, this public space can serve as an oasis for its citizens.
The 267-acre Plains of Abraham are an important tourist attraction and served as a critical moment in France’s battle against British forces led by General Montcalm in 1759, when Britain prevailed in an decisive battle on them against French forces led by General Montcalm on New France.
After the army left, land speculation flourished rapidly. Although determined to maintain their control of the area, Commissioners were unable to secure enough funding in order to do so.
One of the highlights of Laurier Park is the Joan of Arc Garden on Laurier Avenue. Its elongated octagonal shape recalls French gardens and English landscape design. There’s also a memorial dedicated to war victims as well as an old jail; unfortunately its austere structure interfered with any recreation vocation that was intended by the Commission on these grounds.
Grosse-Ile
Grosse-Ile (also known as Irish Memorial National Historic Site and Quarantine Island) serves as an emotional reminder of Canada’s turbulent history, when this island played a pivotal role as an unwitting gateway for thousands of immigrants fleeing from the potato famine. Between 1834-1847 alone, its quarantine station was devastated by two devastating cholera epidemics, killing many including members of Ireland’s first wave.
Quebec City and its surroundings boast numerous landmarks that recall this critical period in Canadian and world history. Admire the Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral’s crypt for four governors of New France who rest there, or discover Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church–North America’s oldest stone church–and visit L’Ilot des Palais, an exhibit taking place within 18th-century vaults at one of Quebec’s premier historical archaeological sites; discover heritage homes, mills and churches along the New France Route.
