The Walkable Historic Neighborhood In Canada Brimming With Unique European Beauty

If you're yearning for a European escape but aren't ready to hop on a red-eye transatlantic flight, Old Québec City is the perfect destination to satisfy your wanderlust. Located along the St. Lawrence River in eastern Canada, the historic district of Old Québec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a distinctly European feel, where cobblestone streets, landmark architecture (including the oldest city walls still standing north of Mexico), and rich culture will transport you to another time and place. Plus, it's a walkable wonder and one of Canada's most picturesque neighborhoods you should visit at least once.

The 334-acre historic district is made up of two main sections: Upper Town (Haute-Ville) and Lower Town (Basse-Ville). The neighborhood's roots stretch back over 400 years ago to the early 1600s, when French explorer Samuel de Champlain founded the city. Today, Old Québec retains this historic European flair with its beautifully preserved 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th-century buildings representing over 11 distinct architectural styles, making it a real treat for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.

Wandering through Upper Town, you'll encounter the iconic circa-1893 Château Frontenac, the most photographed and one of the most beautiful hotels in the world. Perched majestically atop Cape Diamant, this grand luxury hotel resembles a fairytale castle and offers panoramic views of the river and surrounding landscape — for a handsome dollar, you can spend the night there, just as Leonardo DiCaprio, Queen Elizabeth II, and Paul McCartney once did. The Dufferin Terrace, a wide boardwalk that runs alongside the château, is a popular spot for an afternoon stroll. Lower Town is just as enchanting. The original part of Old Québec, it is home to Place Royale, a picturesque square with one of the oldest churches in North America, the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires.

To ensure you see all the highlights this part of Québec has to offer, join a group tour with Viator. You'll benefit from live commentary from a knowledgeable local guide who can show you all the hidden gems around the neighborhood. The tours often include a coach bus so you can get around quickly and see more without needing to worry about parking. The tour makes stops along the way so you can still enjoy strolling through the pedestrian-friendly shopping and dining haven of Petit-Champlain, one of the oldest commercial streets on the continent. During Christmas, it transforms into the perfect place for a winter holiday vacation. 

What's truly remarkable is that the entire historic district — with its maze of narrow streets and staircases — is easily navigable on foot. For a truly local experience, join a food and drink-focused walking tour. Québec is renowned for its French-inspired gastronomy, featuring dishes like tourtière (meat pie), poutine (fries topped with cheese curds and gravy), and tarte au sucre (sugar pie). Your guide will take you to some incredible spots for tasting menus featuring traditional Quebecois fare. You can also sample wine and gin at some stops along the way if you so choose. Travelers, look no further: Old Québec City will give you a slice of Europe without ever leaving North America.