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What Is Old Québec. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, Old Québec is the most intact fortified town north of Mexico, retaining its colonial architecture for over 400 years. It is the historic and cultural heart of Québec City, and the birthplace of French North America. Not just a tourist area, this lively neighbourhood is also ...
A well-preserved integrated urban ensemble, the historic district is a remarkable example of a fortified colonial town, and unique north of Mexico. Criterion (iv) : A coherent and well-preserved urban ensemble, the Historic District of Old Québec is an exceptional example of a fortified colonial town and by far the most complete north of Mexico.
The Historic District of Old Québec was designated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee under the following criteria: Criterion (iv): A coherent and well preserved urban ensemble, the Historic District of Old Québec is an exceptional example of a fortified colonial town and by far the most complete north of Mexico.
- International Recognition
- Built and Historical Heritage
- Not A New Project
- 20Th-Century Progress on The Heritage Front
- General Secretariat Located in Québec City
On December 3, 1985, the World Heritage Committee of the United Nations Education, Science and Culture Organisation (UNESCO) voted to inscribe Old Québec on its list of World Heritage sites. The list inventories the world’s cultural and natural treasures having outstanding universal value. In 2012 only 240 cities around the world shared this distin...
Two main criteria were applied to Québec City—its built heritage and its historical heritage. The first concerned the coherence and remarkable degree of preservation of the city’s built heritage. With its French, then British architecture, and its practically intact fortifications, Old Québec is the best preserved and most complete example of a for...
The first project to preserve and present Old Québec goes back to the second half of the 19th century. Québec was already drawing tourists when Lord Dufferin, appointed governor general of Canada in 1872, halted demolition of the fortifications. As soon as he laid eyes on them, he knew Québec would not be the same without them. He had the foresight...
In 1928 another step forward was taken with the creation of the city’s urban planning and conservation commission, tasked with preserving the architectural integrity of Québec’s historic district. At times the commission was powerless to deal with proponents of urban progress, but it would nonetheless play a decisive role in raising awareness of an...
After Old Québec was inscribed on the World Heritage list, then-mayor Jean-Paul L’Allier suggested that Québec City host an international symposium bringing together representatives of the other World Heritage cities to discuss common challenges. The meeting led to the creation of the Organization of World Heritage Cities in 1993 in Fez, Morocco. T...
- Château Frontenac. Perched atop the headland, this iconic symbol for over a century has stood overlooking the St. Lawrence River and Dufferin Terrace for over 100 years.
- Dufferin Terrace. Stretching from the foot of the Citadelle to Château Frontenac, Dufferin Terrace offers breathtaking views of Île d’Orléans, the St. Lawrence River, and Québec City’s Lower Town, making it a perfect spot for taking photos.
- The Toboggan Slide. Riding the toboggan slide on Dufferin Terrace beside the Château Frontenac is a favourite local tradition. For over a century, adventure seekers have been getting their adrenaline rush as they fly downhill at speeds of up to 70 km an hour.
- Citadelle de Québec. The Citadelle was erected between 1820 and 1850, and was the largest British fortress in North America at the time. A national historic site of Canada since 1980, it boasts a characteristic star shape, clearly distinguished from above.
A Walking Itinerary of Old Québec (Vieux-Québec) Old Quebec is a truly unique site in the sense that it’s the only remaining walled city north of Mexico. You’ll gain access to this UNESCO World Heritage Site through several gates placed along the wall. We’ll start at the St. Louis Gate, the closest archway to the Citadel.
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1-888-773-8888. Visit Website. The massive stone walls encircling the Old City, the only such intact fortifications north of Mexico, recalls the history of the French and British regimes. Admire the city from some of the best vantage points and discover the impressive architecture of the walls that make the Historic District of Old Québec City ...
