The historic neighbourhood of Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Canada. Everyone should be aware of this aspect of history. In 1963, the Quebec Assembly named it a historic district. Historic sites & monuments have recently been added as a new inclusion. The fortified territory, as well as the adjacent lands, were secured. The district has a total size of 1.4 km. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage sites list in 1985.
The Historic Neighbourhood of Old Quebec City
In North America, Old Quebec is one of the few places where you can still feel a bit of Europe. Tourists flock to Old Quebec’s walled region because of its long history, and the old town of this city is the only walled one north of Mexico.
As a French colony, it was the origin of French-American culture. To this day, the colonial past of Old Quebec permeates many areas of Old Quebec life and culture. Samuel de Champlain, a French explorer, established Quebec in the early 17th century. During the colonial struggles, he also ordered the construction of defences like walls, gates, and ramparts to keep the city secure. It’s still evident that France battled hard to capture North America, especially Canada. Quebec, the capital of New France, was founded in the late 1700s.
Walking the streets of Old Quebec, you feel like you’ve entered a 400-year-old time machine. There is a distinctly European flavour in this European-style walled city. The cobblestone streets, buildings, and citadels are all in superb shape, even though it has been 400 years since the French gained possession.
How to Get to the Historic Neighbourhood of Old Quebec?
You can walk to the Old Quebec district from any place in the city in less than a minute. If you’re flying in from outside Canada, the closest airport to Old Quebec is Jean Lesage, and the nearest airport is more than 16 miles away.
It’s possible to visit Quebec City while on a road trip in the area. However, using the train is a straightforward choice. The Gare du Palais railway and bus station is located in the centre of Old Quebec. It was built in 1915, and a replica of the Chateau Frontenac is on display at the Canadian Pacific Railway station. Trains travel between Montreal and Old Quebec every day.
Visitor’s Centres and Things to Do
If you want to see the best of the historic neighbourhood of Old Quebec city, put on your walking shoes and take a stroll. Visitors are advised to take their time and appreciate the sights because of the city’s tiny, winding streets and the plethora of historical sites to be uncovered.
- The Chateau Frontenac is a well-known landmark in Quebec. It’s taken on a new persona now that it’s the face of the Old Quebec historical district. St. Lawrence River views may be seen from its neighbouring peninsula. The Chateau Frontenac was built in Quebec City in 1892 and quickly became a tourist attraction. It’s often said to be the world’s most photographed hotel
- The city’s pedestrian-only streets make it simple to get disoriented. In addition to the neighbouring Place Royale, the history of this public park is significant. This is where one of the oldest business districts in North America may be located. The houses in this region include stone exteriors, gabled roofs, dormer windows, and enormous chimneys
- The Old Port in Old Quebec is a great area to get a sense of the city’s laid-back character. Stop visiting the Quebec Public Market while in town and walk along the riverbank. The Old Port is always a sight to see regardless of day or night
- There are many old buildings in the city, and they are often crowded with people. The number of churches in Quebec indicates the country’s lengthy history of religious devotion
- This building was erected in the late nineteenth century. Fontaine de Tourny” is a name given to a fountain in front of a building in Paris, France. It stands 7 metres tall and is lit up at night. In and of itself, this fountain is a wonder to see
Visitors and residents alike enjoy gathering on Quebec’s Plains of Abraham. Central Park in New York City is just like this park. Key events that occurred here have a significant historical significance.
Conclusion:
Samuel de Champlain, a French explorer, created Quebec in the early 17th century. Only Old Québec’s ramparts and other defensive walls remain throughout the rest of North America’s historic cities. As the city’s religious and administrative centre, the Upper Town sits on a cliff, surrounded by the Citadel, the Dauphine Redoubt, and Chateau Frontenac. It is a remarkable example of a fortified colonial city when it is paired with the Lower Town and its historic areas.