All About Québec City
Québec, also Quebec or Québec City (French: Ville de Québec), is the capital of the Canadian province of Québec.
Founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, Québec City is one of the oldest cities in North America. The ramparts surrounding Old Québec (Vieux-Québec) are the only fortified city walls remaining in the Americas north of Mexico, and were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985 as the ‘Historic District of Old Québec.’
Throughout its existence, Québec City has served as a capital. From 1608 to 1627 and 1632 to 1763, it was capital of French Canada and all of New France; from 1763 to 1791, it was the capital of the Province of Québec; from 1791 to 1841, it was the capital of Lower Canada; from 1852 to 1856 and from 1859 to 1866, it was capital of the Province of Canada; and since 1867, it has been capital of the Province of Québec. The administrative region in which Québec City is situated is officially referred to as Capitale-Nationale, and the term “national capital” is used to refer to Québec City itself at provincial level.
The climate of Québec City is classified as humid continental. Québec City experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and occasionally hot, with periods of hotter temperatures which, compounded with the high humidity, create a high heat index that belie the average high of 22–25 °C (72–77 °F) and lows of 11–13 °C (52–55 °F). Winters are often cold, windy and snowy with average high temperatures −5 to −8 °C (23 to 18 °F) and lows −13 to −18 °C (9 to 0 °F). Spring and fall, although short, bring chilly to warm temperatures. Late heat waves as well as “Indian summers” are a common occurrence.
On average, Québec City receives 1,190 millimetres (46.85 in) of precipitation, of which 899 millimetres (35.39 in) is rain and 303 millimetres (11.93 in) is the melt from 316 centimetres (124.4 in) of snowfall per annum. The city experiences around 1,916 hours of bright sunshine annually or 41.5% of possible sunshine, with summer being the sunniest, but also slightly the wettest season. During winter, snow stays on ground from about December to April.
Quebecois are very convivial and social. They love to spend time with their favourite people while sharing a good meal or having a chat over a drink or a cup of coffee. Quebec is internationally renowned for its wonderful ciders (an apple-based alcoholic beverage), as well as for its artisanal beers and gourmet cheeses, to name but a few delicious local products. Quebecers are very respectful of others, even in conflict situations, and always choose respectful ways of expressing themselves, including the deliberate use of politically correct language.
Quebec City is divided into six boroughs (known as arrondissements). Each one has a unique style and offers a distinctive environment with specific socio-demographic characteristics. Although they differ, the boroughs offer a diversified range of services designed to meet local resident’ diverging needs.
The six boroughs are:
Emergency Services
Call 911 if you require fire, police, or an ambulance!
Info-Sante
Phone: 811 or visit: Website
The Info-Santé is a free and confidential service that allows you to contact a health care professional about non-urgent problems by telephone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It offers answers to common health questions and directs users to the right service in the health and social services network.
Quebec
City
Things to See
and DO
Quebec City Council
Hospitals
and Clinics
Old Québec
Walk along the fortified walls surrounding this UNESCO World Heritage Site and admire the view from many different vantage points. Visit various notable historical sites, such as Petit-Champlain District, Place Royale, the Plains of Abraham and the Parliament Building. As you stroll along the Dufferin Terrace, be sure to take a picture of world-famous Château Frontenac, the most photographed hotel on the planet. Old Quebec is the only walled city north of Mexico.
Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
Whether you’re riding the gondola, climbing the scenic stairway or crossing the suspension bridge, the views of the Montmorency Falls are simply breathtaking. Experience the power of nature, only 15 minutes from downtown. For thrill-seekers, 3 via ferrata routes and a double zipline are a sure-fire way to get your adrenaline fix. They are 30 metres higher than Niagara Falls.
Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier
This vast and mountainous plateau, crisscrossed by deep valleys and rivers, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. There are a multitude of ways to experience the park and its lush surroundings. Make your own expedition by hiking, snowshoeing, fishing, camping, canoeing or kayaking. Website
Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ)
Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec houses a reference collection of more than 38,000 works—a comprehensive overview of Québec art from the 17th century to the present day. The museum spans 4 pavilions in the center of the magnificent Plains of Abraham.
Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine
Follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims who have been coming to this site, one of 5 national shrines in Québec, for over 350 years to pay homage to Saint Anne. Step inside and admire the glorious stained glass, paintings, mosaics, and stone and wooden sculptures that adorn the basilica.
Musée de la Civilisation
Join in hands-on workshops for the whole family on a wide range of current, historical, and sometimes unusual subjects. The museum sheds new light on diverse societies and moments in history through a mix of permanent and temporary exhibits with an international or Québec focus.
Citadelle de Quebec
1, côte de la Citadelle
Québec, QC G1R 3R2
This National Historic Site is located atop Cap Diamant in Old Québec. Its walls enclose 300 years of history from the New France period to today. Known as "the Gibraltar of the Americas" on account of its strategic location, the Citadel has the star-shaped form characteristic of Vauban fortifications. Breathtaking view of the city and the St. Lawrence River. Guided tours year-round. Admission fee includes access to the museum exhibits and, in the summer, to the Changing of the Guard and Beating of the Retreat ceremonies.
