5 Best Sights in Quebec City, Quebec

In this small park just south of the Château Frontenac stands the Wolfe-Montcalm Monument, a 50-foot-tall obelisk that pays tribute to both a winning (English) and a losing (French) general. The monument recalls the 1759 battle on the Plains of Abraham, which essentially ended French rule here. British general James Wolfe lived only long enough to hear of his victory; French general Louis-Joseph Montcalm died shortly after Wolfe, with the knowledge that the city was lost. On the south side of the park is avenue Ste-Geneviève, lined with well-preserved Victorian houses dating from 1850 to 1900. Many have been converted to inns, B&Bs, and hotels.

This urban park, bright with colorful flowers in summer, is lined with stunning 19th-century mansions on one side and offers sweeping river views over the Plains of Abraham on the other. It's often adorned with seasonal decorations, making it a lovely place to rest between museum visits. At its heart stands an equestrian statue of Joan of Arc, a symbol of military courage and France itself. The statue pays tribute to the heroes of 1759, near the very spot where New France fell to the British. The park also holds a special place in Canadian history: it's where the national anthem, "O Canada," was first played on June 24, 1880.

Seemingly suspended between Upper and Lower Town, Montmorency Park is an essential stop for visitors navigating Côte de la Montagne. This leafy urban oasis once played a pivotal role in Canadian history, serving as home to the Parliaments of Lower Canada, Canada East, and Québec from 1791 to 1883. While few structures from that era remain, it's now a cherished national historic site, inviting visitors to wander among centenary trees and explore walkways adorned with interpretive panels detailing the site's profound significance. Along its southeastern edge, the park meets the ancient ramparts and defensive walls, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lower Town and the St. Lawrence River.

This 32-km (20-mile) stretch of trails and walkways follows the St. Charles River from its source at Lake St. Charles, to the northwest (which supplies a large part of Québec City's drinking water), all the way to the Bassin Louise Marina, in Vieux-Port. Many sections are in quiet stretches of forests, or run along wetlands and meadows. The trails immediately west of the harbor offer a green oasis at the heart of the city. The recently-reimagined Cartier-Brébeuf National Historic Site in Limoilou is particularly lovely and explains the various ways Jacques Cartier helped shape the city as we see it today. It's also possible to rent kayaks and paddle over 11 km (6.5 miles) of the northernmost part of the river.

What was once a vast parking lot across from the Musée de la Civilisation has been transformed into an elegant, modern park. It now offers stunning views of Upper Town and significantly improves access to the river, both for strolling locals and for the cruise ships that frequently moor here. Children will delight in the interactive water features. Even the new multistory parking garage has been thoughtfully clad in an elegant wooden façade, adding considerable character to the area.