Quebec City’s charm lies in its walkability, with every step revealing rich history, architectural beauty, and scenic views. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or simply looking to explore, this self-guided walking tour highlights some of the city’s most iconic spots, including the world’s most photographed hotel. Lace up your walking shoes and get ready to uncover the magic of Quebec City at your own pace after following our historical self-guided walking tour of Quebec City!
Saint-Jean Street
Start your visit on Saint-Jean Street, near Place d’Youville. Here you’ll discover one of the city’s oldest shopping streets. Along this street, you will come across numerous restaurants, some of which are world-renowned, such as Chez Boulay.
A stop at Café la Maison Smith is also a must. As you stroll along Saint-Jean Street, don’t hesitate to venture off the beaten tourist track on Couillard Street. Here, you’ll discover the old Latin Quarter, with its narrow streets and old-fashioned architecture.
The Séminaire de Québec
Just off Couillard and Sainte-Famille streets, you’ll come across the Séminaire de Québec and the Musée de l’Amérique française. The Séminaire de Québec, founded in 1663 by Monseigneur François de Montmorency-Laval, is another of Quebec City’s founding sites.
As soon as it was founded, the priests pooled their books, creating one of the first libraries in Nouvelle-France. This is also where North America’s oldest French-language university was founded a little bit later: Laval University.
The Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral
Going along Sainte-Famille Street, you’ll come to the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral. This church stands on the site of the first chapel built in 1633 by Samuel-de-Champlain in the days of Nouvelle France.
The building has been rebuilt several times, notably after being destroyed during the siege of Quebec in 1759 and after a fire in 1922. It was rebuilt in 1925 in keeping with the original architecture, but with more modern materials to ensure greater durability, giving the basilica the appearance we know today.
It is now a place of recollection and thousands of people come to visit every year. Pope John Paul II visited the basilica when he was in Canada in 1984, underlining its importance in the country’s religious history.
Did you know that this church has the only Holy Door outside Europe? To mark the 350ᵉ anniversary of the founding of Notre-Dame de Québec parish, the first Catholic parish in North America (north of Mexico), the Holy Door was installed in 2013 and blessed by Pope Francis.
The Fairmont Château Frontenac
Up De Buade Street, at the intersection with Du Fort Street, you’re right in front of the world’s most photographed hotel: the famous Fairmont Château Frontenac!
This hotel, which needs no introduction, is the icon of Quebec City. The Château Frontenac has been enthroned on Cap Diamant, in the heart of Old Quebec, since 1893. Did you know that it receives an average of 300,000 visitors every year?
It has played host to many famous personalities, including King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II, Grace of Monaco, Charlie Chaplin, Alfred Hitchcock and Charles de Gaulle. It has also witnessed many important historical events, such as the Quebec Conference in 1943, and again in 1944.
Dufferin Terrace – The End of an Amazing Self-Guided Walking Tour of Quebec City
To round off your visit to this area, there’s nothing better than the Dufferin Terrace, which offers not only the finest view of the Château Frontenac, but also of the Lower Town and the St. Lawrence River.
Did you know that the ruins of Château Saint-Louis, the official residence of the governor of Nouvelle France during Champlain’s period, have been found underneath it? The Forts-et-Châteaux-Saint-Louis National Historic Site tells the story of all the French governors and most of the British governors of Quebec’s colonial period. Designated a historic site in 2001, archaeological excavations carried out between 2005 and 2007 enabled the crypt to be opened to the public in 2008, for the Quebec City’s 400th anniversary.
This walking tour is pleasant in all seasons, but if you’re lucky enough to be visiting during the Holiday season, this is where you’ll find Quebec City’s German Christmas Market. There’s no better way to get into the festive spirit. Here are some articles that will help you for winter in Quebec City:
- Top Quebec Christmas Market Tours
- Christmas Traditions in Quebec: What It’s All About
- Best Things to Do in Quebec City in December
- Quebec City Christmas Market Galore: A Complete Holidays Guide
- Where to Enjoy a Christmas Dinner in Quebec City
During summer, the many outdoor restaurants and street entertainers will make you fall under the spell of North America’s most European city! Start planning now with these articles:
- Historical Self-Guided Walking Tour of Quebec City
- One Day in Quebec City: the Perfect Daytrip
- How to Get to Quebec City from Ottawa: Bus, Train or Drive?
- Guide to Finding the Best Cafe in Quebec City
- How to Get From Quebec City Airport to Downtown
What to Do in Quebec City region and How to Organize Your Trip
Curious about how to spend your day in the Quebec City region? Here’s a list of the top activities to consider adding to your plans:
- Admire Quebec City’s largest waterfall and take a cable car to the top of the Montmorency Falls.
- Experience a unique walking adventure in the heart of Old Quebec and learn about its history.
- Discover the food, beverages, and vineyards of Île d’Orléans.
- Explore the wilderness near Quebec City with a hike in the Jacques-Cartier National Park.
- Introduce yourself to speed skating in Quebec City with top athletes on an inside ice ring.
- Ziplining above the Sainte-Anne canyon near Quebec City.
- Sleep comfortably at the Fairmont Château Frontenac and enjoy an incredible view of the St. Lawrence River.
- Enjoy a peaceful room at the Hilton Quebec and take a dip in the only year-round heated outdoor pool in Quebec City.
Preparing For Your Trip
When I look for things to do in my destination, I always have a look at Viator, GetYourGuide, Manawa, Civitatis and sometimes even Expedia.
It’s first off a great way to find out what there is to do, but always a quick and easy method to book cheaply and efficiently with these renowned platforms.
Need a place to sleep? I find most of my accommodations on Booking.com but I also use Hotels.com for their rewards program (11th free night) as well as Expedia. When booking smaller places in Quebec, you might not find them here and need to contact them directly.
Looking for a cheap flight to the Outaouais through Montreal? Have a look on Cheapoair or Skyscanner I use regularly.
Once you’re there, rent a car to roam free with DiscoverCars, AutoEurope or RentalCars or hop on a bus around Gatineau, Montreal, Quebec, and surrounding cities with Busbud.
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