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Dufferin Terrace and its fairytale castle are two attractions that never cease to amaze visitors and locals alike, offering spellbinding views of the river and the surrounding landscapes.
You don’t have to dig very deep to become convinced that Québec City is the most romantic city in North America. – Travel + Leisure, January 2012
Perched atop the headland, Château Frontenac has stood overlooking the St. Lawrence River and Dufferin Terrace for over 100 years. Construction on the most-photographed hotel in the world began in 1892. Since then, it has been expanded several times, including in 1924, when a central turret was added, and again in 1926 after fire destroyed part of the building.
Stretching from the foot of the Citadelle to Château Frontenac, Dufferin Terrace offers breathtaking views of Île d’Orléans, the St. Lawrence River, the City of Lévis, and Québec City’s Lower Town, making it a perfect spot for taking photos. The 671-metre-long wooden boardwalk is a popular year-round gathering place.
The narrow streets leading to Dufferin Terrace and Château Frontenac are oozing with charm and cachet, and are well worth taking the time to explore. Rue Saint-Louis and rue Sainte-Anne are lined with renowned restaurants and delightful boutiques.
Rue du Trésor doubles as an outdoor art gallery. Nestled between Château Frontenac and Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral, it attracts a host of artists who display their work on the walls lining the narrow street.
The history of Old Québec has been revealed in the archaeological discoveries made within its walls. Some of the artifacts uncovered are on public display, including at these locations in Old Québec.
Dufferin Terrace is built overtop of Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site, home to the remains of the official residence and seat of power of the French and British governments for over 200 years, from 1620 to 1834. Visitors can explore the site and discover its hidden secrets during the summer months.
There have been more than 65 archaeological excavations on this site, and some half million artifacts and ecofacts have come to light, along with various historic buildings, such as Brasserie Talon from 1666 and the first intendant’s palace from 1685. L'Îlot des Palais Archeological Site is an opportunity to learn more about the history of the Old Québec, from the 14th century to the present day.
The Morrin Centre began as Québec’s first “common gaol.” Today it is home to an English-language cultural centre with a magnificent Victorian library in operation since 1868. The centre’s evolving history is attested by artifacts in the jail exhibit room, the Victorian science laboratory, and the library.
Buskers of every persuasion are out in full force on Dufferin Terrace in the summer, to the delight of passersby. You can also catch all kinds of street entertainment at Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville and on rue Saint-Jean when it is closed to vehicle traffic.
Mid-May to Mid-September
