Top Rated Attractions in Quebec City

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.

There may be no better view of the city than that from 725 feet (221 meters) above sea level, which is why this observatory is a great place to discover Quebec City. Located on top of the Marie-Guyart Building, the Observatoire de la Capitale has an interesting interpretation center where visitors can learn about the history of Quebec City on urban, industrial, maritime, architectural, political and geographical levels. Guided visits are offered daily.

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.

This extraordinary national park, Cartier-Brébeuf National Historic Site, located just north of Quebec City on the St Charles River, is run by the federal government as a record of explorer Jacques Cartier's interaction with the Iroquois natives in 1535. Visit the interpretive centre to sample cedar tea, view the Iroquois longhouse and functioning garden, take an educational tour of the entire site, or just amble through the beautiful grounds by bike or on foot. The staff is fluent in both French and English, but be sure to call ahead for specific activity 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.

A bicycle is an option if you wish to explore the city at a leisurely pace, but don't want a lot of walking. You'll find everything you'll need to get biking around the city at Cyclo Services. Choose from a fantastic array of tours that span some of the most popular areas of the city. Experienced tour guides and a choice of bikes to suit your preference makes the tours, a pleasant experience. Besides this, the store offers a comprehensive array of bicycles as well as parts and accessories from reputed brands. They offer bike rentals as well if you'd like to go on your own.