Move to the rhythm of the city of Québec with its trendy neighbourhoods

The city of Québec may be over 400 years old, but it hasn't aged a bit. It’s vibrant and in prime condition.

The stone-paved streets and historic buildings are truly impressive. Its history and architecture give it its unique character. While strolling there, discover unparallelled cultural heritage. Let’s follow in the footsteps of Samuel de Champlain to discover the trendy neighbourhoods of the beautiful capital. 

No need to take a car or public transport to discover the city of Québec. The neighbourhoods around Old Québec are just a stone's throw away. However, the city is built on the edge of the St. Lawrence River at the top of a cape called Diamant... which means that there are many hills and stairs there. There's even one called the Breakneck Stairs! Get out your best shoes and remember to do your stretches!

To each their own

Old Québec

This is the historic district of the city. The only fortified city in America north of Mexico, Old Québec can be discovered while strolling through the cobblestone lanes. The cradle of French America, this is where there is the oldest architecture and the famous Château Frontenac, the most photographed hotel in the world! The shops, restaurants and many events make it an ever lively and bustling place. Its European character gives it an exceptional charm and romanticism.

Right at the foot of Cap Diamant, where the Château Frontenac perches, the Petit-Champlain district, part of Old Québec, takes us back in time. Feel its French, British, Indigenous, and North American influences. This is where Samuel de Champlain settled in 1608 upon his arrival. Église Notre-Dame-des-Victoires (church), dating from 1688, stands at the centre of Place Royale and its lively terraces.

Feeling like you've seen it before? Perhaps you've admired place Royale on screen, since it has served as the backdrop for more than one film. It's the perfect place to “be a star” and enjoy a nice cold beer sitting on a terrace. Unless you prefer visiting its Québec craft shops?

Saint-Jean-Baptiste 

It's next door to Old Québec, often described as a Bohemian neighbourhood. Rue Saint-Jean is its main street, at least the part outside the fortifications. It's lively with many bars and events, which means people sometimes stay up very late!

It's also a gourmet area with its small bistros and speciality food shops. You can stock up on chocolate, homemade bread, pastries, and other fresh produce. It's also a great place to find decorative items and relics at great prices.

Saint-Roch 

Located in what is known as the Lower Town and easily accessible on foot from Old Québec, Saint-Roch is one of the oldest suburbs. A dense, long-standing working-class neighbourhood with a mix of purposes, it is bustling with a young and trendy clientele!

Today, it's a paradise for lovers of good food. Young chefs express themselves creatively and astonish taste buds with their talent. The Saint-Joseph Street East, the main artery, is home to excellent food small neighbourhood restaurants with affordable prices, trendy bars, and all kinds of boutiques. For a little break in nature, Jean-Paul-L'Allier Gardens are a true green oasis in the heart of the city.

Montcalm 

Considered the arts district, Montcalm is also very eclectic. Nestled on the edge of the Plains of Abraham and beside the Saint-Jean-Baptiste district, it knows how to please! It is home to the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec which impresses with its architecture and world-class exhibitions.

Two streets vie for attention: Grande Allée and Avenue Cartier. The former is a paradise for gourmands and bon vivants, while the latter is more cultural, with its cinema, bookstores, and art galleries. Even the streetlights on Avenue Cartier dazzle in the evening with the beauty of the artwork on the lampshades. Nearby, the Grand Théâtre de Québec (French only) presents spectacular shows.

Limoilou 

Welcoming and family-friendly, this is what best describes Limoilou with its streets lined with tall trees and its alleys that echo with the cries of children playing. It is said that the urban planning of its perpendicular streets is inspired by that of New York City! In the summer, 3e Avenue, its main street, is primarily a pedestrian area.

Like its nearby neighbourhoods, it is home to a host of small food stores, art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, cafés, and more. Some bars and microbreweries are open until the wee hours. On Sundays, its public market offers the chance to stock up on supplies for the week. To recharge and relax from the previous day's festivities, the Cartier-Brébeuf Historic Site, along the Saint-Charles River, is ideal.

When art takes to the streets

You've probably noticed that, in the city of Québec, people are artists at heart, which is evident everywhere! The beauty of the ancient architecture reflects the great sensitivity and attention to detail. Masterful works adorn the walls, and artistic events showcase the talent and originality of creators. There are even have outdoor tours punctuated with unusual works! Want to see them in person? A few suggestions:

• Plein Art, to see the unique creations of local artisans.
• The many public works of art, to admire monuments and historical figures as well as contemporary creations at the turn of a street.
• Art galleries, to see a whole world of creation through their windows.
• The Fresque des Québécois and all other murals, to let the walls tell the stories.
• Avenue Cartier, for the lampshades of the street lights decorated with reproductions of works of art.