Things to Do in Old Quebec, Canada

Offering sightseeing and dinner cruises on the Saint Lawrence, the Louis Jolliet docks in the lower town and is easy to walk to. The Saint Lawrence itself is one of the world’s great waterways and served as the original entrance into North America for Europeans (the name Quebec means “narrowing of the river”).

Cars and busses do drive in the old town, but it’s really best visited on foot. There are many different tours – covering everything from art and food to history – but the best of them will include both the upper and lowers towns. Don’t be put off by the climb, as there are stairs and a funicular cog elevator.

The small neighbourhood (quatier) of Petit Champlain, located below the cliffs and the Château Frontenac, is an organized cooperative of art galleries, shops and restaurants. Everything is locally produced with a distinct Quebecois perspective. From Petit Champlain, walk the short distance to Place Royale, considered to be the first urban square north of Mexico.