Discover Québec: Old Québec and the St. Lawrence River

Québec combines a historic urban district with experiences along the St. Lawrence River: fortifications shape a visit to Old Québec, while the Promenade Samuel-De Champlain offers public access to the river and outdoor activities. The Aquarium du Québec adds marine mammals, fish, and invertebrates to the mix. You can tailor your stay to focus on the city’s history, activity by the water, or wildlife.

Old Québec: an entire historic urban district

The historic district of Old Québec covers about 135 hectares and forms a contiguous, well-preserved urban area. It is considered one of the best examples of a fortified colonial city north of Mexico. Its scale is part of the experience: the focus is not just on one building, but on an entire historic urban district. If you want to discover Québec primarily through its history and fortified urban structures, Old Québec offers a clear focus.

Fortifications and the Citadelle

Québec’s fortifications include ramparts, gates, and parks, with several access points throughout Old Québec. Visitors can start at the visitor center in Artillery Park, at 2 Rue d’Auteuil, and speak with a guide there. Access to the military base at the Citadelle of Québec is subject to a clear condition: you can enter only as part of a guided tour. This means the several access points to the fortifications differ from the guided access to the military base—a useful distinction when planning your visits.

Get active along the St. Lawrence River

The Promenade Samuel-De Champlain stretches for 6.8 km along the St. Lawrence River. It offers public access to the river and opportunities for hiking, cycling, and water sports. It’s an option if you want to include activity and time by the water in your Québec trip. Unlike historic Old Québec, the river takes center stage here as the setting for activities. Opening conditions may depend on the weather; check them before your visit if the promenade is a fixed part of your plans.

A different focus: the Aquarium du Québec

The Aquarium du Québec is located in Sainte-Foy, within the city of Québec. It showcases 10,000 specimens from hundreds of different species of marine mammals, fish, and invertebrates. This thematic focus offers a different perspective from the fortifications and waterfront activities: at the aquarium, the various animal groups take center stage. If you want to include wildlife in your travel plans, this is another specific way to shape your stay in Québec.

Experiences as a starting point for your vacation rental search

The different options can help you decide what to focus on when searching for a vacation rental in Québec. First, consider whether the historic urban district, activities along the river, or the aquarium will take up the most time during your stay. If you’re traveling with others, this order can help you sort out shared interests and individual must-dos. This turns the choice between history, activity, and wildlife into a practical basis for planning the rest of your trip.

For more travel ideas, you can also discover Wendake and Charlesbourg.

Discover more destinations: Ancienne Lorette, Beauport, Beaconsfield, Sainte-Foy.

Go to the broader travel overview: Communauté-Urbaine-De-Québec.