Quebec City

Québec City sits on the Saint Lawrence River in Canada's mostly French-speaking Québec province. Dating to 1608, it has a fortified colonial core, Vieux-Québec and Place Royale, with stone buildings and narrow streets. This area is the site of the towering Château Frontenac Hotel and imposing Citadelle of Québec. The Petit Champlain district’s cobblestone streets are lined with bistros and boutiques.

On September 13, 1759, during the Seven Years’ War—a worldwide conflict known in the United States as the French and Indian War—British troops under the command of General James Wolfe scaled the cliffs leading up to the city of Quebec. Their risky gambit paid off when they defeated the French forces under Louis-Joseph de Montcalm on the Plains of Abraham. Wolfe was fatally wounded during the battle, and though his victory ensured British supremacy in Canada, it also prompted the French to later support American colonists during the American Revolution.

The Citadel, jut beside our hotel (Chateau Laurier)

The Plains of Abraham site of the 1759 battle

View from the Plains over the St. Lawrence River

Steps up the steep cliff face to the Plains

Top of Escalier Casse-Cou (Breakneck steps)

There is a funicular car to avoid the steps!

Quebec City

Montreal

Saguenay Fjord National Park