Top Rated Attractions in Quebec City

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.

One of the oldest areas in the city, Lower Town or Basse-Ville has a history that dates back to the city's formation, and together with the Upper Town, makes up Old Quebec. Flanked by the Saint-Charles river on one side, Lower Town is haven for history enthusiasts, with a rich repository of historic buildings and architectural gems. Besides getting a feel of the city's origins, visitors can also experience the city's culture at the Musee de la Civilisation and Theatre Petit Champlain. The picturesque funicular ride to Cap Diamant is highly recommended.

The battle of 1759 between the British and the French marks a turning point in the history of the North American Continent. The Plains of Abraham, where this momentous battle took place, forms a part of the Battlefields Park, alongside Des Braves Park where the two rivals clashed again in 1760. It is here that the fate of the North American Continent was determined and the foundations for its future were laid. Established in 1908, the Battlefields Park is Canada's first National Historical Park, its verdant fields and lush greenery speckled with memorials, cannons, and plagues that commemorate the battles waged and the lives lost. Renown for its place in Canadian history, the park is also a local favorite for leisure activities like skiing, snowshoeing, picnicking and runnning, and hosts open-air concerts in summer. Of special interest are the Plains of Abraham Museum and the Martello Towers.

After a major revamp, Saint-Roch-the neighborhood of aged industrial setups and buildings, is now a hot destination brimming with shades of vibrancy. Plentiful fine restaurants, boutiques selling elegant clothing and bars now dot the Saint-Roch Church square which once stood neglected. For the kid in you, Benjo store with its trove of exciting toys should be a must-stop. Those visiting this upcoming destination can schedule their stay at boutique hotels or any of the two hotel chains-TRYP Quebec Hotel Pur and Best Western. Besides these attractions, Saint-Roch also has a large garden where events are held.

Parc de la Pointe-aux-Lièvres is located at the area where the Saint Charles River meanders in La Cité-Limoilou neighborhood of Quebec City. When the temperatures fall, and this vast expanse turns into a velvet of whites, Parc de la Pointe-aux-Lièvres beckons to snow-lovers to indulge in wintertime fun. The park offers a 1.5-kilometer (0.9-mile) long trail for ice skating. Snow covered slopes provide great sledging experience. At night, the park is beautifully lit up with melodious music playing from the speakers; the lights and the beats create a tranquil ambience. The river and the park is maintained by the Société de la rivière Saint-Charles; check the website or contact the group for further information.

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.