Québec

Québec
Picture provided by Linda van Leuken
The Historic District of Québec is one of the oldest settlements in Canada, and the first to have been founded with the explicit goal of receiving permanent settlement and not as a commercial outpost. It was founded by Samuel de Champlain on 3 July 1608 at the site of a long abandoned St. Lawrence Iroquoian settlement called Stadacona.

The Historic District of Québec was designated a WHS because it is the most complete fortified colonial town left in North America, and because as the capital of New France it marks a stage in the modern development of this continent.

Year Decision Comments
2006Name changeFrom "Historic District of Québec" to "Historic District of Old Québec"
2003Requested by State Party to not be examined at WHC sessionExtension to the Historic District of Québec
2000Name changeFrom "Quebec (Historic area)" to "Historic District of Québec"
1985 Inscribed Reasons for inscription
1984DeferredBecause of current discussions regarding "Historic Towns" and nomination criteria

Reviews

Xeres Nelro ():
Quebec is an amazing city. i have fond memories of the 3 days i spent there. the city was founded in 1608 by a Frenchman; Samuel de champlain. there aren't many buildings in quebec, still existing, from the 1600s, but Quebec has a wealth of buildings from the 1700s and on.
most of the old town has been taken up by museums, cafes, shops, and government buildings. not too many people live in the old town.
one of the most interesting things I found, is the contrast between the upper and lower towns; they are really quite different. the upper town has more grand/monumental architecture, while the lower town is less spectacular, but has older buildings. i found that i enjoyed walking around the lower town more then the upper town, the culture soaks in more in the lower town.
the walls which encircle Quebec are famous (they are the only ones in N. American north of Mexico), and delight to walk along. cannons are placed at various intervals along the wall. the wall walk was one of the highlights of Quebec for me.
the chateau Frontenac was built in the 1890s, one of Canada's great railway hotels. this is a magnificent building, easily the most beautiful building in Quebec; and it dominates the town. the Chateau Frontenac can be seen from almost anywhere in quebec.

i recommend going across the river to Levis; the views of Quebec are incredible from there.

Practical Info: Quebec is a 9 hour drive from Toronto, and a 3 hour drive from montrael.
Date posted: June 2008
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I went to Quebec City for the first time in 2004 and was swept away at once by the European-styled architecture of Old Quebec City. I saw horse-drawn carriages on cobblestoned streets available only to pedestrians. Conversely, I found Quebec City to be modern, with an excellent zoo and aquarium as well as fascinating sites nearby, such as Montmorency Falls, the Plains of Abraham, and Valcartier Village. Additionally, Quebec City is important to my family because that is where my parents went on their honeymoon in 1985.
 
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Besides being the only walled city in North America north of Mexico, Quebec City is an authentic slice of the Old World situated in the heart of the New.
A mere 9-10 hour drive from New York City, Quebec offers a genuine European experience without having to cross the pond. Dominating the pleasant Haute Terre (upper town) area, is the monolithic Chateau Frontenac, a fancy hotel that serves as the city's icon. Nearby is a scenic promenade overlooking the mighty St. Lawrence and the pedestrian are of Basse Terre (lower town) with its scores of restaurants and souvenir shops. All in all its a great place to sate the inner francophile in all of us.
 
Philip T.K. (Canada):
Despite living only 3 hours away from Québec, I have never been to this remarkable city until recently. After having spent a day visiting this walled city, I can conclude that it is definitely worth its place on the World Heritage List. Nowhere else in North America will you be able to see such a city with its unique French taste. Unlike in the bilingual city of Montreal, Québec is almost totally French-speaking! While there in the beginning January of 2007, I managed to visit the citadel on a bilingual tour. From the top, you can see the skyline of the city and the neighbouring city of Levis. It also overlooks the Plains of Abraham. Other places of interest in Québec include the Notre Dame des Victoires chuch, the Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral, the neighbouring "Musée de l'Amérique française" and of course, the Château Frontenac. Unfortunately, I was unable to visit the interior of either the Notre Dame des Victoires church or the Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral. I guess this is just another reason to return to this wonderful city! It is celebrating its 400th anniversary in 2008 with many planned events.

Note: There has been a long-standing attempt to separate the province of Quebec from Canada. As such, many signs of separatism can be seen here. For example, the Quebec flag is usually flown instead of the Canadian flag. Also, the Legislative Assembly of Quebec is officially called the National Assembly of Quebec. The welcoming sign of the city goes along the lines of "Welcome to Quebec, our national capital."
 
Klaus Freisinger (Austria):
There a very few historic towns on the North American continent, at least by European standards, but Québec is one of them and could easily hold its own in the Old World. The citadel, the cathedral, all the old buildings like the Chateau Frontenac, cannons everywhere - e.g. on the battlefield of the Plains of Abraham -, even a real city wall (I believe the only one on this side of the Atlantic) give Québec a real medieval feel. Add the fact that this city is about 99% French-speaking and you won´t believe where you are. This city is highly recommended, but only during the warmer months - in winter it must be terribly cold there, even though there is a winter carnival. Could be interesting as well.
 
Ivan ManDy (Philippines):
I visited Quebec at one of the craziest times of the year- January. I remember walking the streets and the temperature was -40 C (including the windchill). I loved the every nook and cranny of the city, its just too bad I wasnt able to explore the city walls because of the snow. Check out the Musee de Amerique-Francais in the old Seminaire (?), though slightly propagandist, is one of the best introductions of the history of the French in North America.
Not on the WHS list but its also worth checking out the Isle de Orleans for a slice of provincial Quebecois life and tasty maple butter spread!
 
Juan Carlos (México):
Québec: What could i say about the city? Is the right place to fall in love, music everywhere, nice people, the feeling on the air is as exquisit as the architecture, small old fashion streets with flowers outside the houses. What a wonderful feeling to be with someone you love.
 
Kelly K. Henry (USA):
Quebec City is Europe in North America. The city deserves several days to visit thoroughly and wander all the streets. The citadel and the upper town are lined with 200 year old cannons and overlook the Palais Royal or lower town. This is the kind of town to enjoy by sitting in an outdoor cafe and watching the world go by, people watching on the Dufferin Terrace high above the St. Lawrence River and practicing your french with the delightful shopowners and innkeepers.
 
Ralph Zema (USA):
Quebec City is a bit difficult to categorize. It is superbly French in its architecture and urban design but, it is also the very heart of Quebecois culture: a lively blend of indigenous and European traits. Quebec's location is magnificent, and the towering Hotel Frontenac and Citadel give this city a truly monumental stature. The historic walls and gates, cafe's,churches and museums create an unforgettable ambiance. Spend a week in this place and you will be transported to another time, and another world.
 


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