Quebec City is definitely a destination all international travelers should visit while on a trip to Canada. However, today I’d like to focus on one of the huge benefits of visiting Quebec as a Canadian national.
So for all my fellow Canucks out there, instead of spending all those hard earned dollars to jet set off to the other side of the world, why not just spend some time discovering ‘Europe’ without leaving the country? That’s right, often thought of as Canada’s very own European city, Quebec City definitely holds all the same unique quirks and charm that you’d find while travelling throughout Europe.
Founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1608, the province of Quebec had 259 years to form its rich culture and history before Canada even officially became a country in 1867. Quebec City, the capital of the province, is actually one of the oldest European settlements in all of North America, explaining why even to this day it still retains its French heritage and culture.
So if you’re trying to save your pennies but are still longing for the romanticism of a European adventure, why not hop on over to Quebec City and experience this historically rich and culturally diverse city. Here are 6 of Quebec City’s most historical landmarks that will make you feel like you really are in Europe.
6 European-Inspired Historical Sites To See In Quebec City
Place Royale
Located in Lower Town in the historical district of Old Quebec, at the bottom of the funicular (a gondola-type machine) that transports people up the cliff to the Chateau Frontenac, Place Royale is an historical square which acted as the original hub of trade for products imported into Canada (then called New France). Today this square has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. French architecture lines the old stone streets, with many of the buildings now housing cute cafes and local artisanal shops.
Photo by: Stephane Audet
Notre Dame des Victoires
Located in Place Royale is the oldest stone church in North America, the Church of Our Lady of Victories. The Government of Canada has declared this small church a National Historic Site.
Photo by: Stephane Audet
Chateau Frontenac
Originally built by the Canadian Pacific Railway to promote luxury tourism and attract wealthy travelers, the Chateau Frontenac is Quebec City’s most iconic landmark, the world’s most photographed hotel, and also a National Historic Site. If you can’t afford to spend the night in this magnificent hotel, do take the time to pop inside to admire the architecture, do a little shopping, or have a pre-dinner drink or two.
Photo by: Luc-Antoine Couturier
Fortifications de Quebec
The only remaining fortified city walls in North America are the Ramparts of Quebec City. Because of this they have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a National Historic Site. A very European feature, the walls were built to protect the city from invasion.
Photo by: Guy Lessard
Hotel de Parlement
Located just outside the city walls is Quebec City’s Parliament building which houses the Provincial legislature known as the Assemblee nationale de Quebec. The 52′ tall building was designed in an architectural style that was often used for prestigious buildings throughout Europe. Featured along the front of the building and on it’s grounds are a number of statutes of people who hold historical significance within Quebec.
Photo by: Guy Lessard
Plaines d’Abraham
The Plains of Abraham is located along the Saint Lawrence River within Battlefields Park. It’s an historical area as it’s where the Battle of The Plains of Abraham took place in 1759. The battle, which was to determine the fate of New France, took less than 30 minutes, resulting in the British defeating the French, giving control of Quebec City to the British. Today the land is a beautiful park where locals and tourists go to relax, play sports, or take in a number of activities during the winter months.
Photo by: Guy Lessard
What’s your favourite Quebec City attraction? Would you consider a trip to old Quebec if you lacked the funds to travel overseas?
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