Top Reasons to Go

Top Reasons to Go

Admire the St. Lawrence. Stand on Dufferin Terrace or the Plains of Abraham and and look out at the mighty river that gave the city its name -- the Algonquins called this place Kebec, meaning "where the river narrows."

Buff Up on History. Don't miss the Musée de la Civilisation in Lower Town or La Citadelle in Upper Town.

Gaze Upward. With no fewer than 11 architectural styles of buildings here -- from classic revival to art deco -- there's a lot to learn about how Québec City came to look as it does today. See the Château Frontenac, Hôtel-Dieu, and Place Royale.

Laze at a Café. Take a break from sightseeing to do as the locals do -- grab a chair and chat over a café au lait and a crêpe.

Parler Français. If you love listening to French -- or speaking it, if you're so inclined -- then Québec City will win your heart, as more than 90% of residents claim it as their first language.

By far the best way -- and in some places the only way -- to explore Québec City is on foot. Top sights, restaurants, and hotels are within or near Old Québec, which takes up only 11 square km (4 square mi). The area is not flat, so walking takes a bit of effort, especially if you decide to walk to the Upper Town from the Lower Town. Helpful city maps are available at visitor-information offices, the best of which is on the public square in front of the Château Frontenac.