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Your Story Starts Here! Discover Parks Canada Places in Québec City, Québec
© Parks Canada/ Yan May
There are plenty of must-see Parks Canada places to explore in and near Québec City. Wander through the charming Historic District of Old Québec, discover what's hidden beneath the famous Dufferin Terrace or enjoy beautiful landscapes in the heart of the city. Best of all, after arriving by train, they can all be discovered on foot or by public transit!
If these walls could talk: Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site
© Parks Canada / Yan May / Jean-François Frenette
Just a 20-minute walk from Gare du Palais, the Historic District of Old Québec is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the only remaining fortified city north of Mexico! As the former capital of New France, Québec played a pivotal role in the European colonization of the Americas. Today, its fortifications stand as a testament to the city's strategic importance and enduring spirit.
One of the best ways to experience the fortifications is on the Fortifications of Québec guided tour. Starting from the Frontenac kiosk, this route will take you along the ramparts, the Dufferin Terrace, and the Governors' Garden. You'll have access to a unique soldiers' casemate before ending your visit at Artillery Park.
At Artillery Park, don't miss the exhibit dedicated to the role of women in munitions manufacturing during both World Wars, located in the Arsenal Foundry, then continue your exploration at the Dauphine Redoubt, one of Canada's oldest military buildings.
These two visits will help you better understand how Québec's fortifications and military past shaped the daily lives of its inhabitants.
Travelling with kids? Don't miss The Legend of the Talking Walls, a GPS-guided adventure that turns history into a game. Using your smartphone, you'll follow clues, solve puzzles, and complete challenges as you explore the site. Once you've completed your mission, you'll be rewarded with a free tour of the buildings in Artillery Park—a perfect way to cap off your family's historical quest.
How to get there
The Fortifications of Québec are located in the Historic District of Old Québec and have several access points throughout the city, including the ramparts, gates, and parks. Start your visit at the Frontenac Kiosk on the Dufferin Terrace near the Château Frontenac. You can also visit the Arsenal Foundry at Artillery Park, located at 2 D'Auteuil Street.
The Frontenac Kiosk is open from mid-May to mid-October.
Artillery Park is open from mid-May to early September.
Unearthing power: Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site
© Parks Canada/ Yan May
Tucked beneath the bustling Dufferin Terrace, just steps from the iconic Château Frontenac, lies one of Québec City's most fascinating secrets: the Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site. This hidden archaeological gem reveals the foundations of power in New France and British North America, where governors once shaped the destiny of a continent.
From 1620 to 1834, the Château Saint-Louis served as the official residence and administrative centre for French and British governors. Through captivating displays you'll explore the lower courtyard, outbuildings, and even the culinary complex that once served the elite. The site invites you to move at your own pace, uncovering more than 200 years of history layer by layer.
Beyond its political and military significance, the site also sheds light on the diplomatic role of the Governor General in New France and his relationship with the First Nations through a powerful exhibition developed in partnership with the Huron-Wendat Nation.
© Parks Canada / Jean-François Frenette
For those who want a deeper dive, a 60-minute guided tour is available. Led by knowledgeable Parks Canada interpreters, this experience brings the archaeological crypt to life, revealing stories of governance, daily life, and cultural exchange.
How to get there
To access Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site, head to the Frontenac kiosk, located on the Dufferin Terrace in downtown Quebec City. The site is accessible by public transit and only a 21-minute walk from Gare du Palais.
Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site are open mid-May to mid-October.
Where nature meets history: Cartier-Brébeuf National Historic Site
© Parks Canada / Félix Genêt Laframboise
Tucked away in the heart of Québec City's Limoilou district, Cartier-Brébeuf National Historic Site offers a peaceful escape where nature and history intertwine. Easily accessible by bike path and public transit, this urban park is more than just a green space—it's a place where the story of early encounters between Europeans and Indigenous Peoples comes to life.
This site marks the location where Jacques Cartier first met the St. Lawrence Iroquois in the 16th century, a pivotal moment in the history of European exploration in North America. It was also the site of the first Jesuit residence in Québec, making it part of both colonial and religious history in Canada.
© Parks Canada / Félix Genêt Laframboise
To make the most of your visit, download the Parks Canada app and embark on a self-guided tour. The app features period photographs and illustrations, as well as four powerful testimonies that connect the past to the present.
Cartier-Brébeuf isn't just about history. It's also a beautiful place to relax and recharge. Pack a picnic and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, or take a break at one of the three rest areas where interpretive panels share Indigenous perspectives on European encounter.
How to get there
Cartier-Brébeuf National Historic Site is accessible by bike or bus and is accessible year-round.
From tunnels to tablets: Lévis Forts National Historic Site
© Parks Canada / Jean-François Frenette
Just a short ferry ride from Québec City, Lévis Forts National Historic Site offers a captivating journey into Canada's military past. Built between 1865 and 1872, these forts were strategically designed to protect Québec City from a potential American invasion. Today, they stand as a testament to British military engineering and are a unique destination for curious minds of all ages.
Explore the last British fortification built on Canadian soil by walking through the dark vaulted tunnels of Fort No. 1. With an interactive tablet in hand, you can uncover the stories behind the underground firing ranges, casemates, and powder magazine. Families will especially enjoy the chance for children to dress up as period soldiers.
Don't miss the site's unique interactive game, “In Search of Memory.” Help Strof i23, the fort's artificial intelligence, reorganize its memory and uncover hidden pieces of the past. It's a playful and engaging way to connect with history through technology.
How to get there
Take the ferry from Québec City to Lévis, then take public transit. Lévis Forts National Historic Site is open from mid-May to mid-October.
Make your next train trip a voyage through time by visiting Québec City's national historic sites and start your story.
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