Skirting the Saint Lawrence River, this 2.5 kilometer (1.55 mile) stretch is one of the most picturesque recreational spaces in the city. Besides refreshing views of the meandering river, the beautifully laid-out promenade offers numerous delightful experiences from lush woodlands for nature lovers to play areas for the sports enthusiasts. Worth a special mention is the Station des Quais, a series of gardens showcasing artistic interpretations of the great river. Opened in 2008, the promenade has garnered wide acclaim and numerous awards for its design, and has become one of the most popular public spaces in the city.
If you wish to peruse beautiful artworks by local Canadian artists, the head over to Galerie Perreault, nestled in the heart of historic Quebec. Professional artists delving in contemporary and fine arts are well represented at this gallery. The walls of the gallery are covered in subtle hues of brown and beige, that enable to bring out the vibrant colors of the paintings. Madeline Lemire, Anne Marrec, Michel Pleau and Benoit Simard are some of the many artists, whose works have been displayed here. The gallery also has a second location, a few blocks away, at côte de la Montagne street.
History, which is everywhere in the city, is most evident in its beautifully preserved fortifications that date from the early 17th Century. As the only remaining walled city in North America, Quebec has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors are free to walk along the nearly five kilometers (3.10 miles) of walls witnessing the Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site. The interpretation center offers an intriguing look into the military and architectural design features. Guided walking tours offer further insights.
The 20,000 works at Musée National des Beaux-arts du Québec range from the traditional landscape paintings of Cornelius Krieghoff to the controversial abstraction of Paul-Émile Borduas and the avant-garde sculptures of Serge Tousignant. Non-Quebec artist Arthur Lismer's lovely St-Hilarion is one of the Museum's prized possessions. A huge slate of activities awaits art, music and cinema lovers. The museum hosts numerous events and exhibits throughout the year, so call ahead for more information.
A star-shaped enclosed fortification located atop the promontory of Cap Diamant, the Citadelle of Quebec contains 300 years of military history within its stone-cut Vauban walls. Constructed out of sandstone between 1820 and 1850, this grand British fortress rests on four bastions and three curtain walls and comprises of 24 buildings. The citadel is popularly known as the Gibraltar of America, and is the official residence of the Canadian monarch and the Governor-General of Canada, besides also functioning as an active military structure. Owing to its longstanding military association, the Royal 22e Régiment of the Canadian Forces is stationed here. One of the most significant landmarks of Quebec, the Citadelle of Quebec invites droves of tourists to take a guided tour of the fortress and the museum, witness the awe-inspiring changing of the guard and enjoy sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River from its historic ramparts.
Quebec City's modern Grand Théâtre de Quebec stands in stark contrast to the venerable beauty of the Palais Montcalm, which it effectively replaced. Built in the mid-1960s, the home of the Quebec Symphony Orchestra and L'Opéra de Québec does have its own charm, however. The Salle Louis-Fréchette seats spectators in a classic four-tier arrangement, while the Salle Octave-Crémazie is a more intimate option with fewer seats. With a huge annual program befitting a first-class, multi-use facility, any visitor with an interest in the arts is likely to find himself or herself, enjoying at the Grand.