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Quebec City Historical Attractions

Eastern Canada’s Capital is Awash in Cultural Sites in QC

© Lori Henry

Petit Champlain District in Old Quebec City, QC, Lori Henry
Don't miss the Museum of Civilization, Musée du Fort, Maison Chevalier, the city fortifications and historical hotels.

Quebec City is the historical jewel of the province, with a well-kept city centre of ancient buildings, fantastic museums and plenty of attractions.

Learn about the culture of Quebec through bilingual exhibits that are first-class; walk along the 4.6 km of fortifications that circle the city, giving visitors sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River and the city itself.

As a man said to his wife while walking in the Petit Champlain district, “This is how every city should look!”

It seems he also appreciated the historic architecture and the new buildings that have been built in similar styles, keeping downtown Quebec a treasure of old world charm in “New France.”

Museum of Civilization

85 rue Dalhousie, Quebec City

1-866-710-8031

One of the most popular museums in Quebec, the Museum of Civilization gives visitors a nice bang for their buck. The building itself is a nod to how modern architecture can coexist with historic structures in beautiful harmony. Admission is $10 for adults, but check out the free days throughout the year.

There are always various exhibits happening simultaneously in the large display rooms, usually numbering three permanent and five temporary at any given time. Interactive displays in the basement are perfect for youngsters.

Musée du Fort

10 rue Sainte-Antoine, Quebec City

418-692-1759

Located in the shadow of the grandiose Château Frontenac, this small museum has a fantastic show. A civilized length of a half an hour, the presentation is a recreation of the historic battles of Quebec City. Six sieges in all, they are represented with a model of the city in the 1750’s, complete with soldiers, ships and dwellings. Lights direct your sight to specific areas as the narrative tells the story in words.

In the entryway, there are two permanent exhibits to see before or after the show. Each gives more insight into the historic battles that make Quebec what it is today. Admission is $8 CDN for adults (taxes included).

Maison Chevalier

50 rue du Marché-Champlain, Quebec City

418-643-2158

This house overlooking the St. Lawrence River is actually three residences from the 17th century. They belonged to merchants and were used for commercial purposes, as the London Coffee House, and now as a museum with free exhibits. Notice the classic French style of the architecture, especially the firewalls, high chimneys and vaulted cellars.

Current exhibitions are put on by the Museum of Civilization (see above). Downstairs is a temporary presentation of photographs and items covering the time since the buildings were constructed. Upstairs, the rooms are displayed as if a family actually lived there.

Historic Hotels

Charming places to rest your head while staying in the “New France” theme are Hôtel Champlain and Auberge Place d’Armes.

Hôtel Champlain (115 rue Sainte-Anne, 1-800-567-2106): A few blocks off the main hub of Old Quebec, this quiet hotel has a modern vibe in an historic building. Guests can relax in their modern amenities, like wireless internet, a soaker tub in the living room (not all rooms) and a continental breakfast to start the day.

Auberge Place d’Armes (24, rue Sainte-Anne, 1-866-333-9485): Right in the heart of a pedestrian street in Old Quebec, this unique hotel has been around for 200 years. Stone walls still survive in the interior, creating a sense of old world magic. Rest assured, though, the services are completely modern: wireless internet, flat screen TV’s and low-flush toilets.

Contact Quebec City Tourism (1-877-783-1608) for more city ideas or the Ministry of Tourism to explore the rest of the province.


The copyright of the article Quebec City Historical Attractions in Quebec Travel is owned by Lori Henry. Permission to republish Quebec City Historical Attractions in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.



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