Old Quebec City Immersing In The History That Shaped Canada

Alyssa, Cindy, and I were looking forward to visiting “Old Quebec City, Immersing In The History That Shaped Canada.” I visited Old Quebec City many years ago for work, and that was in the winter. Back then, I was amazed to see the old city with its stone buildings and cobblestone streets. I found it cool to be able to relate this history to the history one took in school so many years ago.

Now visiting in the summer, I was eager to share this beautiful old city with my wife and granddaughter. Together we would be visiting the sights and feeling the atmosphere of this wonderful historical city. This would have to wait as our first order of business was to locate our campground. Then get settled in for our two-night stay.

Traveling From Montreal To Quebec City

After spending two nights in Old Montreal, we are on our way to Quebec City. We traveled highway A20 from Montreal to Quebec, an approximate 260km drive. We had a campsite booked in the northern part of the City Camping de la Joie. So this would take us a little longer. Once at the campground, we asked the campground staff what was the best way of getting to Old Quebec City. They directed us to where we could park our truck and catch a bus downtown.

After getting settled in, we took some time to enjoy the pool. The pool was part of the facilities; the weather was nice and hot. The pool was not big but felt great after the drive.

A Brief History Of Old Quebec And What You Will See Here

Québec city was founded by French explorer Samuel de Champlain in the early 17th century. Québec City bears an articulate testimony to important stages in the European settlement of the Americas. Quebec was known as the capital of New France. Old Quebec is the only North American city to have preserved its defensive walls. Together with the numerous bastions, gates, and defensive works which still surround Old Québec. It forms one of the best examples of a fortified colonial city with the Lower Town and its ancient districts. The Upper Town, built on the cliff, has remained the religious and administrative center. With its churches, convents, and other monuments like the Dauphine Redoubt, the Citadel, and Château Frontenac.

Getting Downtown Using Public Transportation

So the following morning, we drove to Charlesbourg Gallery mall and parked our truck. From here, we found the bus stop to catch the 801 bus downtown. Not knowing which stop to get off at, Cindy asked a friendly young lady; she informed us that she would be getting off in the area, so we just had to follow her.

Spend An Amazing Day Exploring Old Quebec City

Bounded by fortifications dating to the 17th century, Old Quebec is rich in historical landmarks and museums. Upper Town contains the 1800s Citadelle fort, the grand Château Frontenac hotel, and Terrasse Dufferin, a wide boardwalk overlooking the city. A funicular connects to Lower Town. Here you will find Quartier Petit Champlain, a 1688 stone church, Place Royale square. Including charming boutiques on Rue du Petit Champlain.

Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral

The oldest Catholic parish north of Mexico and a National Historic Site of Canada, Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral is home to the only Holy Door outside Europe. Originally built in 1647, the cathedral was the first church in Canada to become a minor basilica. The church acts as the final resting place of 4 New France governors and Bishop François de Laval.

When visiting, take a moment to sit back and take in the grandeur that surrounds you. The mother church of the continent’s first Catholic parish north of Mexico, Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral. The neoclassical façade, asymmetrical towers, stained glass, and three Casavant organs are some of the marvels of this genuine architectural masterpiece.

We visited the Basilica and were impressed; we enjoyed this so much more than the one in Montreal. The cost to visit here is free, but they accept donations. The lighting here we found is so much better than the Notre Dame in Montreal. Better for pictures or just being able to see the many impressive details. If you are not into seeing churches, this is one we would recommend: beauty with an impressive history.

Explore Place Royale, Where Québec City Was Founded

Place Royale is the spot where, in 1608, Samuel de Champlain built what became the first permanent French settlement in North America. Its European charm is set off by the exquisite Notre-Dame-des Victoires Church, one of the continent’s oldest stone churches.

History Under Foot At Dufferin Terrace

Get a behind-the-scenes view of Québec’s history at Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site. Below Dufferin Terrace, at the foot of Château Frontenac. Head down the stairs to explore an archaeological crypt showcasing more than 120 artifacts dating back to 1608. When Samuel de Champlain founded Québec City. Enjoy your visit to the remains of the Saint-Louis forts and castles. Let her reveal the secrets of the past.

The national site formerly housed forts and castles. Was the official residence and seat of power of colonial governors between 1620 and 1834. An entire chapter of America’s history has been written here. Including more than 200 years of diplomatic relations between Europeans and First Nations.

Opening Hours: May 21 to October 10, 2022, Every day, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: To access the Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site, come to the Frontenac kiosk located on the Dufferin Terrace.
Cost: Adult $8.5 / Senior $8 / Youth $4.25
Website – Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site

Our Tour Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site

We took this Parks Canada Tour and found it very interesting. Lots of artifacts, and our tour guide was very knowledgeable and kept it interesting. Our tour took a couple of hours and was extremely informative. I always enjoy learning about history, in this case, early history, and how it shaped Canada. We would highly recommend taking this tour with a guide as you get so much out of it.

Quebec City Fortification Walls And Ramparts

It comprised of the fortification walls and ramparts, Governor’s Garden, Montmorency Park, and Dufferin Terrace. The Governor’s walkways and the Fortifications de Québec National Historic Site are one of the most significant pieces of Québec City’s history. Walk through the gates and upon the ramparts, and take in the views of Old Québec. Learn about the importance of the fortification walls and ramparts from Parks Canada guides. Then discover family-friendly activities with or without a guide. This is, after all, the only completely fortified colonial city north of Mexico!

Dufferin Terrace

Stretching from the foot of the Citadelle to Château Frontenac, Dufferin Terrace offers breathtaking views of Île d’Orléans, the St. Lawrence River, and Québec City’s Lower Town, making it a perfect spot for taking photos. The 425-meter-long wooden boardwalk is a popular year-round gathering place. Where street entertainers are out in full force in the summer.

Plains of Abraham

Get to the site of the Battle of 1759

In 1759, the Plains of Abraham rang out with the clash of arms. Today the former battlefield rings out with the music of the Québec City Summer Festival as tens of thousands flock to the plains to hear the world’s hottest artists. In winter, there are athletes to cheer on in competitive events. This vast park is also home to several monuments, two Martello towers, and the Plains of Abraham Museum.

Learn about the Battle of Québec

The Battles | 1759-1760 exhibit in the Plains of Abraham Museum is one of the best ways to learn about the circumstances and history of the famous battle of the Plains of Abraham. Learn about Generals Montcalm and Wolfe, how the battle took shape, and much more. A fascinating stop on your historical journey through Québec City.

Take A Bus Tour Of Old Quebec City

We came across a bus tour of old Quebec just before leaving old Quebec. We inquired about pricing; we were told $22 for adults and $11 for children. The tour lasted about an hour and came with an audio guide. We were impressed with the tour as you got to see a lot more of the surrounding area and lots of interesting information from the audio. We recommend taking the tour as gives you a break from walking and covers areas you would not see otherwise.

Tour Québec’s first National Historic Site

The Parliament Building is a fantastic work of Second Empire architecture you don’t want to miss. In summer, you can wander through its magnificent gardens and admire it all from up close. There are also free guided tours where you can learn about Québec’s history and parliamentary institutions.

Getting Around Quebec City

For us, getting around any City can be difficult, and finding parking can be daunting when you are downtown. We generally try to park away from any city’s downtown area, where parking can be easier. We try to use shopping area parking; this is always a good option, as it is free and always secure and busy. These parking locations make it easy to use public transportation to get into the downtown core with minimal cost or headache. You will find that there are always people that are willing to assist you if you need some help with routes or schedules. This can be a nice way to meet people from the area that might have insights about local food, attractions, or whatever.

Our Next Stop Gaspe

Our next stop on our cross-Canada RV trip is the Gaspé Peninsula, where we will be spending several days is Gaspe itself. We originally planned on skipping this area. But after stopping at the Quebec visitor information center, we were convinced that this area would be a nice place to visit. So please join us as we discover Gaspe, the birthplace of Canada.

Useful Accessories While Traveling In Your RV

As we drive across Canada in our 2011 Ford F350 Diesel and pull our 28′ converted Toyhauler down the road, we are impressed with several items we purchased and installed before our trip began. These items are TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) and a backup camera mounted on our trailer. They provided us with additional safety while adding peace of mind on the road.

TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)

This TPMS works very well. We are impressed; it updates tire pressures, so you know what is going on with your rig. We have had no issues; it works great highly recommend adding this system as it adds peace of mind to your trip.

Wireless Backup Camera

We have found this to be very useful when passing, letting you see what is happening behind you. The wireless backup camera lets you know when others are looking to pass you so that you are aware of the situation. Highly recommended, it adds to the safety of the trip.