A Walk Through Old Quebec

As we embarked on our shore excursion, we gathered together just before lunch and made our way to the awaiting bus. Our group was divided into two smaller groups of 25 passengers each, ensuring that we all received personalized attention throughout the tour.

Our experienced and knowledgeable tour guide was none other than Yves Trudeau, a proud native of Saguenay, Canada. With his expertise and insider knowledge of the area, we knew we were in for a truly unforgettable cruise excursion.

Lower Town

During our travels in Old Quebec, we explored the Lower Town’s cobblestone streets and learned about the history and architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The area is known for its rich cultural heritage, with a mix of French, British, and Indigenous influences.

After wandering around for a bit, we stumbled upon the picturesque historic square called Place Royal. This square has a fascinating history, having been a key center for commerce, trade, and military activities since the 1600s. It was also the site of the first Royal Governor’s residence in New France.

It’s a place steeped in nearly 400 years of history, and everyone was trying to capture the perfect shot of Old Town Quebec’s oldest Catholic church, Notre Dame des Victories. This church was built in the 17th century and has been beautifully preserved over the centuries. It’s an important landmark in Quebec City and a popular destination for tourists.

Just a stone’s throw away from Place Royal is the famous Petit-Champlain district, a charming pedestrian-only area filled with narrow cobblestone streets, quaint boutiques, specialty shops, and outdoor cafes. Here, you’ll find strolling musicians, jugglers, and street performers entertaining the crowds. This district is also known for its stunning architecture, including many 18th-century buildings that have been beautifully restored.

As we continued our stroll, we were treated to spectacular views of the funicular and its sheer cliff face. This steep incline once served as a natural defense deterrent against incoming invaders. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction that takes visitors from the Lower Town up to the Upper Town, offering stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and the surrounding countryside.

Old Quebec Funicular

Nestled next to a famous local landmark known as the Breakneck Stairs, we found the entrance to the Funiculars. The breakneck stairs are a well-known set of stairs in Old Quebec City that connect the Upper Town to the Lower Town. They are steep and winding, and many locals use them for exercise and as a shortcut to get around the city.

While some may prefer to take the stairs for a more active way to reach the top, we opted for the more leisurely 210 ft journey aboard the historic Old Quebec Funicular. The funicular is a cable car that travels up and down a steep incline, offering stunning views of the city and the St. Lawrence River. It has been in operation since 1879, making it one of the oldest funiculars in North America.

As we ascended to the top in two independent inclined elevator cars, we marveled at the breathtaking views of Old Quebec City below. The Upper Town of Quebec City is known for its charming European-style architecture, including many historic buildings and churches that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. From the top of the funicular, we could see many of these landmarks, as well as the majestic Chateau Frontenac, one of the most iconic buildings in the city.

And just as quickly as we had entered the funicular, we disembarked at the top, eager to continue our adventure in this charming Canadian city. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, Quebec City is a must-visit destination for any traveler.

Upper Town

As we reached the Upper Town overlook on Dufferin Terrace, we were treated to breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding area. From this vantage point, we could see the charming Lower Town, which is known for its historic architecture and winding cobblestone streets. We could also see the bustling port, which has been a key center of commerce and trade in Quebec City for centuries.

In addition, we caught glimpses of the town of Levis on the opposite shore, which is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. We also saw Ile d’Orléans, an idyllic island that is home to picturesque farms, charming villages, and historic landmarks. The Laurentian Mountains, which are a popular destination for skiing and hiking, loomed in the distance, providing a stunning backdrop to the city.

And of course, we couldn’t forget the magnificent Chateau Frontenac, the most famous landmark in Quebec. This stunning hotel was built in 1893 and has since become a symbol of the city. It has hosted many famous guests, including royalty, heads of state, and celebrities.

From the Upper Town overlook, we had the perfect view of this iconic building, and we were in awe of its grandeur and beauty. The hotel is a National Historic Site of Canada, and it’s a must-visit attraction for anyone who travels to Quebec City.

After taking in the breathtaking views, we crossed the street to explore the Monument of Faith Fountain at Place d’Armes. This beautiful fountain is a tribute to the city’s religious history and is dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the patron saint of Quebec City.

The fountain was built in the early 20th century and has become a peaceful oasis in the heart of the bustling city. We admired the intricate details of the fountain and the serene atmosphere of the plaza, which offered a welcome respite from the busy streets of Quebec City.

Cathedrale Holy Trinity

We took a delightful stroll up the charming French-inspired streets for around ten minutes to reach our destination, the Holy Trinity Cathedral. This magnificent cathedral is a significant landmark and holds a special place in history, being the first Anglican Cathedral to be built outside of the British Isles.

One of the Cathedral’s most famous legends is that it’s eight bells, the oldest change-ringing bells in Canada, were smelted in the same foundry that cast the iconic Big Ben clock tower in London. These bells were installed in the Cathedral in 1816, and they have since become a beloved symbol of the church and the city of Quebec.

Unfortunately, we were unable to see these historic bells as the entire Cathedral was covered in scaffolding during our visit. The cathedral was undergoing major renovations at the time, which are aimed at preserving its historic architecture and ensuring that it can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.

Once we stepped inside the cathedral, we were treated to a fascinating 30-minute audio-visual presentation that took us on a journey through the cathedral’s history and origins. We learned that the exquisite glass windows behind the altar were installed around 1864 and were designed by a renowned artist named William Morris. The windows depict scenes from the Bible and the history of the church, and they are considered to be some of the finest examples of Victorian stained glass in Canada.

After the presentation, we visited a small, interior, cubicle museum that housed a fascinating collection of objects donated by King George III. These objects include a silver communion service and a royal coat of arms, and they serve as a reminder of the close ties between the British monarchy and the Anglican Church.

As we exited the museum, we observed the magnificent altar once more, which is the centerpiece of the cathedral. The altar was created in the late 19th century and is made of intricately carved stone. We also saw a large pipe organ at the rear, which is known for its exceptional sound quality and is frequently used during musical performances and services. The organ has been recently renovated and features more than 3,000 pipes, making it one of the largest in Canada.

St. Ursulines Convent, Chapel and School

Just a stone’s throw away from the Holy Trinity Cathedral sits the St. Ursulines Convent, Chapel, and School. We were intrigued by the rich history of this fascinating institution, which is the oldest institution of learning for women in North America. The convent was founded by a group of French nuns led by Marie de l’Incarnation in 1639, and it has since become a symbol of women’s empowerment and education.

As we approached the main structure of the convent, we were struck by its impressive size and unique architectural style. The building features a mix of French and British styles, and it has undergone several renovations and additions over the years. The convent includes a chapel, a museum, a library, and a school, and it has played a significant role in the cultural and educational life of Quebec City.

After taking in the exterior of the convent, we walked just around the corner to enter the chapel area. Here, we were treated to breathtaking views of the altar, which is the centerpiece of the chapel. The altar is known for its ornate carvings and intricate details, and we were in awe of its beauty. The chapel also features stunning stained-glass windows that depict scenes from the Bible and the history of the Ursuline Order.

We also saw the grave of Marie de l’Incarnation, the founder of the religious order of the Ursulines in Canada. Marie de l’Incarnation was a French nun who established the convent in 1639 and is revered as a pioneer of women’s education in North America. Her grave is located in the chapel area, and it serves as a reminder of her enduring legacy and the incredible impact she had on the lives of women in Quebec City.

As we explored the chapel area, we were struck by the peaceful atmosphere and the profound sense of history that permeated the space. We couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of reverence and awe for the incredible women who founded this institution and dedicated their lives to educating the next generation of women in Canada. The Ursulines Convent, Chapel, and School is now a National Historic Site of Canada, and it continues to inspire visitors from all over the world.

Morrin Centre

Our next stop was the Morrin Centre, which was originally Quebec City’s first prison. As we arrived at the entrance, we were greeted by a knowledgeable and entertaining guide who gave us a fascinating history of the prison from the outside front steps. We learned that the last man to be hanged at the prison was John Mein, and his execution took place on a balcony that is no longer present above the front door.

Once we entered the establishment, we began our tour by viewing the cell areas and solitary confinement cells. These areas were designed in an extremely narrow fashion to prevent prisoners from attempting to escape.

We couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease as we walked through the cramped and dark cells, and it was a sobering reminder of the harsh realities of life in a 19th-century prison.

After viewing the cell areas and learning about the Morrin Centre’s history as a jail, we proceeded upstairs to the private English-language library of the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec. This library is known as the largest English-speaking library in Quebec, and it features an impressive collection of books and artifacts that date back to the 16th century.

We were greeted by the library’s curator, who gave us an engaging and informative history lesson about the collection. We had the opportunity to view rare manuscripts, old books, and historic artifacts up close, and it was a truly unique and unforgettable experience. The library’s interior was stunning, with high ceilings, beautiful woodwork, and a sense of quiet and peacefulness that was a welcome contrast to the dark and oppressive atmosphere of the prison below.

The Morrin Centre has a rich and varied history, and it has played a significant role in the cultural and intellectual life of Quebec City. In addition to serving as a prison, it has also been used as a college, a military barracks, and a community center. The Literary and Historical Society of Quebec has been based at the Morrin Centre since 1868, and it has worked to preserve the region’s history and culture through its extensive collection of books, documents, and artifacts.

The Morrin Centre is now a National Historic Site of Canada, and it continues to attract visitors from all over the world. It is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the people of Quebec City, and it serves as a reminder of the rich and complex history of this remarkable city.

Return to Dufferin Terrace

Leaving the fascinating Morrin Centre behind, we made our way back to Dufferin Terrace where our coach was waiting to take us back to the pier.

Our brief 15-minute journey, filled with the scenic streets of Quebec City, left us brimming with awe and exhilaration as we reminisced about the remarkable experiences from our shore excursion. It was a memorable and enriching day, and we were grateful for the opportunity to explore this unique and fascinating city.

Cruise Port: Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

Shore Excursion: A Walk Through Old Quebec

Cruise Line/Ship: Holland America Nieuw Statendam

Tour Operator: Tours Voir Quebec

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