Top Things to Do in Quebec City

La Citadelle

The star-shape fortress just outside the walls of Old Québec City is the largest fortified base in North America still occupied by troops, and it's a fascinating place to explore.

La Citadelle was built in 1832 to protect the city from a feared American invasion that never came, and is now home to Canada's Royal 22e Régiment. Every summer morning at 10 am, the regiment turns out in scarlet tunics and bearskin caps, along with their mascot, Batisse the Goat, for the ceremonial changing of the guard.

Château Frontenac

The Hôtel Château Frontenac towers above Old Québec City the way Cinderella's castle towers over Disney World—except the château is real, as are the 18th- and 19th-century homes and shops that huddle in its shadow.

At its base is Terrasse Dufferin, a wide boardwalk with sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentians.

Plains of Abraham

It's a peaceful city park now, full of winding walking paths and bicycle trails, and a favorite in winter of local Québec City cross-country skiers.

But on September 13, 1759, it was anything but peaceful, when British troops routed the flower of New France and changed North American history forever.