The massive stone walls that encircle the Old City, the only such intact fortifications north of Mexico, harken back to the French and British regimes.
Admire the city from some of the best vantage points and learn about the impressive architecture of the walls that have helped to make the Historic District of Old Québec City a world-renowned destination. Visit the Dauphine Redoubt, one of North America’s oldest military structures.
A guided tour is available to help you better understand the primary role of these defensive structures in the city’s organisation and physical development. A Parks Canada guide will take you on a 90-minute tour of Québec City’s history spanning three centuries. Discover little-known facts, interesting visual details, enter mysterious sites that the general public is not permitted to visit, and admire the city from the best vantage points.
[…] The fortifications‘ preservation aided in designating the region inside the walls as a significant location where history was valued. However, the region was still not legally protected. Historic structures were still in danger, and many were destroyed. The Old City of Québec, including the upper and lower towns, was finally recognized as a historic district in 1963. The distinctive character of the region is now protected by laws, and large incentives are available to aid property owners in maintaining and restoring their structures. […]