15 Historic Sites That Bring the Major Events of Québec City to Life

The territory the French would later explore and occupy was already inhabited by many First Nations when they first set foot on the shores of what is now Québec City. The British took over the region with the Conquest in 1763 after the French left. Many current locations and structures provide tourists a glimpse into Québec City’s colourful past. By going to—or returning to—these 15 attractions, you may relive the city’s fascinating past.

1. Île d’Orléans (1535)

Jacques Cartier discovered a large island covered with vines on his second journey. It was given the names “Île de Bacchus” and afterwards “Île d’Orléans” by Cartier. It developed become one of the hubs of French culture in North America.

2. Place Royale (1608)

In order to serve as a trading point for the fur trade, Samuel de Champlain constructed the “Habitation de Québec” here.

3. Musée des Ursulines de Québec (1639)

Generations of young women were educated in the colony’s first school, which was established by Ursuline nuns. The structure has continued to serve its original purpose today.

4. Monastère des Augustines (1644)

When Augustinian nuns arrived in Québec City’s upper town in 1639, they established the first permanent hospital north of Mexico.

5. Musée de l’Amérique francophone (1663)

* Due to renovations, the museum is presently closed.*
The Séminaire de Québec, a community of priests founded by François de Laval, went on to found other educational institutions, including Université Laval. Québec City was recognised as the New France region’s capital in the same year.

6. Notre-Dame-de-Québec Cathedral Basilica (1664)

The first Roman Catholic parish north of Mexico was established in 1647 at Notre-Dame-de-Québec.

7. Wendake (1697)

Nearly 50 years after arriving in the St. Lawrence Valley, the Huron-Wendat made La Jeune-Lorette their permanent home (Loretteville).

8. The Plains of Abraham (1759)

A historic fight between British and French forces led by Generals Wolfe and Montcalm took place in this stunning park (respectively). As soon as Montcalm was defeated, Québec City was ruled by the British.

9. Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (1800)

This was the first Anglican cathedral constructed outside of the British Isles.

10. The Citadelle of Québec (1820)

A remnant of the British defence system, the Citadelle is a gem of the city’s military history that has never been put to the test during a conflict.

11. The Morrin Centre (1868)

When Morrin College and the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec moved into this old jail, it became a significant cultural hub for the city’s English-speaking population.

12. Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site (1874)

The proposal was created by Lord Dufferin, the Governor General of Canada, and would make Québec Metropolis the only fortified city north of Mexico.

13. Parliament Building (1877)

This structure is the first parliamentary building in a long series of institutions of power built in Québec City, and it exudes European beauty and magnificent grandeur. It is the first national historic site in Québec.

14. Château Frontenac (1893)

This famous hotel, which was constructed on the site of Fort Saint-Louis and Château Haldimand, has come to represent Québec City. It began operations in 1893.

15. UNESCO Monument (1985)

Because of its remarkable significance as a fortified colonial city and the crucial part it played in the settlement of North America, the UN designated Old Québec a World Heritage Site.