The Notre-Dame Cathedral has been a Québec City landmark since it was built in 1647 as the first cathedral in North America. Today it is the primary church of Canada. Featuring an opulent Rococo interior, grand stained-glass windows and a magnificent gilded altarpiece, the structure has had a significant influence on Québec City architecture. Having barely withstood several fires and bombardments, the current building is a replica of what it was in the 17^th century.

If traveling with children—or chocoholics—a fun activity is to visit the museum attached to famed chocolatier Érico. The exhibition hall details the history of the cocoa plant and the use of chocolate from the Mayan times to today. Don’t miss the viewing window that overlooks the factory, where one can often see the chocolatiers at work.

Hop on one of the ferries that brings commuters back and forth between Québec City and Lévis on the opposite bank of the St. Lawrence River. The view from the water puts the city in stunning perspective. In warm weather, it is worth spending some time on the Lévis side exploring the fort built by the British and other historical sites.

In the warmer months, biking around Québec City is a scenic way to take in the dramatic landscape. One of the best spots to ride is along the Promenade Samuel-De-Champlain, which abuts the river and was a gift from the federal government for Québec City’s 400^th anniversary in 2008. Indagare members can contact the Bookings Team to set up a guided tour.

Dating back to the early 19^th century, the Citadelle of Québec is part of the Ramparts, and is the current official home of the Governor General and Monarch of Canada. It is the largest British fortress in North America, and offers spectacular views from its perch atop Cape Diamond. To fully understand the history of the fortress, visitors can explore the Royal 22e Régiment Museum, located at the entrance to the fortress. Indagare members can contact the Bookings Team to set up a guided tour.

The Musée de la Civilisation has been dubbed ‘the museum of human adventure’ for its unique look at cultural Canada (and beyond) and commitment to interactive programs and workshops. Set on a historic site in the heart of the Lower Town, the beautiful building—designed by celebrated architect Moshe Safdie—recreates an 18th century house, a stone wharf, a monumental sculpture and many exhibition rooms and auditoriums. Their diverse traveling exhibitions include explorations of extraterrestrials, the notion of leisure time around the world and the history of Canadian animation filmmakers. There are also permanent displays on the first settlers in Québec, its people and territories. Indagare members can contact the Bookings Team to arrange a guided tour.

Located in a fairytale 200-year-old building opposite the Château Frontenac, the Musée du Fort brings the military history of Québec to life with a state-of-the-art sound and light show and 400-square-foot model of the city as it existed in 1750. The permanent exhibitions celebrate the history of the city from the time of the first explorers to the British conquest. Indagare members can contact the Bookings Team to arrange a guided tour.

The charming square at the base of Cape Diamond can get unbearably crowded when cruise ships come to town. However, if you are lucky enough to pass through it on a quiet day, you will understand instantly why UNESCO declared the city a World Heritage Site. With its perfectly preserved church, Notre Dame-des-Victories, and surrounding stone Norman-style houses, you may feel transported back hundreds of years. Step inside the church to see its unusual fort-shaped altar and the ship hanging from the ceiling that was modeled on one that brought the French soldiers here in 1664. The Centre d’Interpretation contains a number of exhibits on the city’s history, including displays of an 18th-century family in full period dress and an area where children can try on period costumes.

While not officially a part of Québec City until 1908, this 240-acre plot of land just outside the city played a decisive role in Canada’s history. In 1758, the area that would become known as the Plains of Abraham was the site of the Battle of Québec, waged by the British against the French during the Seven Years’ War. The British won the battle and the war, which impacted the later founding of Canada. The expansive, grassy area is now a National Historic Site and is used as a leisure park for concerts, festivals, sports and various recreational activities. Indagare members can contact the Bookings Team to arrange an in-depth tour with one of our preferred guides.

Québec City boasts the last remaining city walls in North America, in large part thanks to the British, who began fortifying them after claiming the city in the wake of the Battle of the Plains of Abraham. Named a National Historic Site in 1948, the walls enclose most of Old Québec, and feature four remaining gates. A fun way to experience the fortification—and get a new perspective on the city—is to walk on top of the walls, which are nearly 3 miles in length.

The enormous boardwalk beneath the Château Frontenac and overlooking the St. Lawrence is one of the most picturesque spots in Québec City. You can walk its length or snag a bench to unwind in the sunshine. In winter there’s a long toboggan run that starts on the hill above and shoots tobogganers along much of the length.

The Winter Carnival, first held in 1894, is reason enough to brave the near-artic temperatures of January and February. During this time, the already picturesque city transforms under a blanket of white snow, punctuated by ice sculptures and festive holiday lights. Some of the most famous attractions are the parades, a masquerade ball at the Château Frontenac, free outdoor banquets, snow sculpture contests and an amusement park set up on the Plains of Abraham. No matter the temperature, the celebratory spirit—and joie-de-vivre—is felt by all.