Bordered by the St. Lawrence River, Old Québec or Vieux-Québec is the historic heart of the modern day City of Quebec. Divided into two distinct parts, the Upper Town and Lower Town, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a gateway into the history of the province. The Upper Town is set atop the Cap Diamant and is the city's historic administrative and military hub. Its most iconic landmark, the Citadelle with its star shaped design is an arresting edifice while the Chateau Frontenac is a mesmerizing vision of Victorian grandeur. The Upper Town is also one of the sites of the Carnaval de Quebec, considered to be among the largest winter festivals on the globe. The Lower Town, at the base of the mount, is the livelier of the two with a bustling market and vibrant Old Port. Amid hundreds of historic buildings, tourist attractions, pubs and restaurants lie dozens of boutiques, galleries, souvenir shops and other distinctive establishments. The Church of Notre-Dame-des-Victoires is another of Old Québec's many treasures.
This most beautifully preserved area of Vieux-Québec is also one of the city's cherished shopping districts. Quartier Petit Champlain is certainly heavily thronged to and many establishments cater to the visiting hordes. There are, nonetheless, many unique boutiques to be unearthed. Quebec fashion designers are featured heavily on the rue du Petit-Champlain, including Oclan, Point de Mire, Les Vêteries and Zazou. Numerous art and crafts galleries provide everything from souvenirs to high-end housewares; well-known stores include Brin de folie and the Galerie d'Art Bégin and Pauline Pelletier. High-quality jewelry is on offer at the magnificent Pierre Vives and Louis Perrier Jewelers. The district abounds with cafes and restaurants.
Galerie d’art inuit Brousseau et Brousseau, in Quebec's Vieux-Quebec neighborhood, was established by Raymond Brousseau in 1974. This gallery was where Brousseau could showcase his collection of sculptures by local artists, that he has been accumulating since 1956. In 1999, he opened the adjoining space as the The Brousseau Museum of Inuit Art. The Hydro Quebec Room is a permanent zone that showcases the original collection by Raymond Brousseau. Beautifully crafted sculptures by local Inuit artists, mainly revolving around their culture and beliefs, comprise the artworks on display at both these galleries.
Place Royale is a collection of buildings and narrow streets born in 1608 when explorer Samuel de Champlain established a secure fur trading post. It changed hands between the British and French, surviving fires and battles and eventually became Quebec City's version of "downtown." After a complete restoration, Place Royale is now the city's most picturesque place, sporting restaurants and cafes, as well as many tourist attractions. Be sure to visit the Maison Chevalier, the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church and the Interpretive Center.
This is one of Quebec City's most popular parks and historical attractions. Commemorating the daring 1759 attack in which Quebec fell to the British under the leadership of General Wolfe, Plaines d'Abraham features two striking Martello Towers offering rotating displays and great views over the St Lawrence River. The interpretive center is housed in the Musée du Québec.
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.
Housed in a two-story structure, in Quebec's Montcalm neighborhood, Galerie Linda Verge has been delighting visitors with exquisite works of contemporary art for over 30 years. Artworks by renowned names along with creations by upcoming artists are showcased here, providing a great platform to promote this form of art. Paintings, that reflect the vibrancy and technique of color, and sculptures, that reveal skills of moulding, are the kind of works displayed at Galerie Linda Verge.
Théâtre Periscope is a popular name in the field of theater and is home to some of the best artistic performances in the city. Theater lovers will adore the passel of exotic and charming theatrical shows staged on the dais from time to time. Discover innovative acts even as you treat your senses to a brilliant amalgamation of visuals, conceptual solidity and auditory brilliance. The theater comprises of 4 main entertanment zones: the main theater, the Salle Bleue; which hosts intimate cultural and corporate dos, meetings and conferences, the studio Marc Doré and the exhibition space, Le Foyer. Also, you will find theater companies like Niveau Parking, Blanc, Les Nuages en Pantalon and Gros Becs, situated in the premises of the Periscope, performing often in the theater. Check website for more details on current and upcoming events.
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.
Parc du Bois-de-Coulonge was once the residence of the Lieutenant Governors of Quebec, but post a fire accident in 1966 the place has been converted into a public garden. This historic garden in Quebec offers tourists a wonderful refuge among colorful flowers and soothing shade under maple, white spruce and oak trees. The garden offers a variety of activities for the visitors ranging from cycling around the park to walking areas, horticultural visits etc.
Espace Hypérion was once a church which has now been converted into an auditorium and cultural center. It has an auditorium available for rent for both social and corporate functions. It also houses an internet cafe and an art gallery. Check website for details regarding shows and upcoming events.
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.