The only facility of its kind in Québec, Aquarium—which spreads out over 16 hectares—is designed to take visitors to the heart of the St. Lawrence and other Canadian marine ecosystems to discover the plants and animals of the North. This amazing journey to the North Pole is a unique opportunity to observe nearly 10,000 salt and fresh water fish, reptile, amphibian, invertebrate, and marine mammal species such as Atlantic and Pacific walruses, seals, and polar bears.

1675, avenue des Hôtels

www.sepaq.com

Québec City’s multipurpose arena is a sleek, state-of-the-art building that was inaugurated to great fanfare in September 2015. In the coming months and years, the Centre Vidéotron will be the site of major events that will mark the history of Québec City.

Perched atop Cap Diamant, the immense, striking Château Frontenac appears to look down defiantly upon the St. Lawrence River below. Erected over a series of seven stages beginning in 1892, the building brings to mind the château-style hotels built by Canadian railroad companies toward the end of the 19th century. Recognized worldwide for its charm, the Château is also becoming known for the quality of its cuisine.

1, rue des Carrières

www.fairmont.com

This 22 km (or 44 km round-trip) bike and recreation path runs from the La Cité-Limoilou borough to the western part of the La Haute-Saint-Charles borough. It offers scenic landscapes for cyclists, pedestrians, and rollerbladers. The path crosses the boroughs of La Cité-Limoilou, Charlesbourg, and Des Rivières, as well as the Wendake village and the Borough of La Haute-Saint-Charles.

Located right next to the river, the stunning Corridor du Littoral stretches out over 50 km between the city of Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures and Montmorency Falls. The path, which was designed to marry recreational and tourist pursuits, is equally fun on foot or rollerblades, or by wheelchair or bike.

Located at a height of 221 meters, the highest point in the city, the immense glass panels of Observatoire de la Capitale afford a view of Québec City and area, thus revealing four centuries of history through geography, nature, and architecture.

1037, De La Chevrotière, 31^e étage

www.observatoire-capitale.com

A standout amongst Québec’s political heritage buildings, Hôtel du Parlement (built in 1886) is one of North America’s oldest parliamentary institutions. The building’s fascinating Second Empire–style architecture is a testament to the province’s political history, and it houses an impressive collection of works. The multimedia display entitled Le Québec, ses députés, ses regions (Québec, its MNAs, and its regions) explains the inner workings of the National Assembly, which is where the province’s 125 members sit.

1045, rue des Parlementaires

www.assnat.qc.ca

Place D’Youville is the heart of the city’s action. In winter, ice skaters whirl around to lively music on its outdoor rink. Place D’Youville is the location of choice for winter Carnaval and summer Festival events. It’s also a favorite spot for street performers.  

West of St. John’s Gate, in front of palais Montcalm

Samuel de Champlain (Québec’s founder) built his first home at Place Royale in 1608. In 1686, a bust of King Louis XIV was erected, and the site was given the name it still carries today. Two years later, Champlain’s house was torn down and Église Notre-Dame-des-Victoires was built in its place.

The site has remained a landmark throughout the province’s evolution. As the first permanent settlement in New France, Place Royale hummed with the hustle and bustle of rich merchants under the French Regime. In 1690, the French used onsite cannons to defeat English Admiral Phipps’ fleet. Following the 1760 Conquest, Place Royale returned to its commercial roots. Today, it is surrounded by businesses, restaurants, and interpretation centers that bring its rich history to life.

27, rue Notre-Dame

More information

The provincial government’s foremost 400th anniversary gift to Québec City, Promenade Samuel-De Champlain extends nearly 2.5 km along the St. Lawrence River.

Located between Côte Ross and Côte Sillery, the Promenade boasts new and exciting views of Québec City’s coastline and is open to pedestrians, cyclists, rollerblade enthusiasts, and vehicles.

The Promenade offers interpretive stations where visitors can learn about its surroundings in four unique settings with modern facilities that highlight the area’s rich history.

Boulevard Champlain

www.capitale.gouv.qc.ca/realisations/promenade-samuel-champlain