Designation information

When you arrive in Quebec City by the St. Lawrence River, you’ll see a rocky cape. The headland is covered in greenery, while further down the cliff, stands a cluster of urban development. As you approach, the view appears straight out of a postcard, as it is astonishing to see what resembles Europe, even though you are unmistakably in America. This impression, however, is not one of false promise. It is indeed a creation of European origins that has stood the test of time.

How did we get here?

At the turn of the 17th century, while wars were raging far away and the fur trade thrived on this side of the Atlantic, Samuel de Champlain established a settlement right where the river narrows – Kebec. This strategic location, near Place Royale and where Place de Paris is located today, allowed him a certain control over the comings and goings of the trade and who would navigate past Québec.  At the time, it was more so a beach than a bustling district, traces of which can be found in the archaeological subsoil of some buildings in the area.

Successive governors would later set up their quarters here and take control of the coveted resources on behalf of the kings of France and England. Over the years, through both local and distant armed conflicts, as well as alliances and diplomatic and commercial relations, Quebec was shaped and reshaped. At the top of the hill, religious and political institutions tower over the French-style houses and buildings dedicated to trade and shipping, reminiscent of the colony’s origins.

Even more striking is the presence of military infrastructures and the 5 km of fortification walls that surrounds this urban complex. The masonry enclosure, which can still be seen almost in its entirety, was built over two centuries to protect the successive royals and the lives of their subjects. As you walk around, you’ll discover the imposing masses of earth that hold these walls in place from the inside, and which today contribute to making this historic town a surprisingly grassy place that is enjoyable to visit. 

Even today, as we look out from Dufferin Terrace, feeling behind us the unique urban fabric of America and the nearly complete fortified enclosure erected by royal engineers, and observing the bustling merchant quarter named after its ancestor Champlain below the cliff, we can recognize the strategic value of this meeting point and the efforts made to protect it over time. Old Québec managed to evolve while preserving its historic form, thanks to the recognition of its unique character as the cradle of French America, a fortified city and a living testament to European colonization in America and the many upheavals it caused. The City of Quebec, the Quebec government and the federal government have cared for this time-honoured jewel for decades. This is how it earned a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1985. This inclusion is not just an award; it is a commitment. 

Parks Canada is dedicated to preserving this legacy alongside all those who contribute to it daily, maintaining the fortified walls and the many sites that attract hundreds of thousands of visitors from here and abroad every year. It also fulfills its mandate to monitor and report on the condition of the site on the international stage. This is achieved by acknowledging the ongoing changes that have shaped this emblematic site since its inception, as well as fostering a renewed openness to the lesser-known stories that have forged its identity and to the elements that make it a  vibrant community environment.  

The historic district of Old Québec exists and endures thanks to this collective effort that has spanned several centuries. We invite you to explore and get to know this UNESCO World Heritage Site and share it with future generations.

To learn more: Historic District of Old Québec.