City guide · Ville de Québec
Quebec City
A walled French-speaking old city on the St Lawrence: where New France began
Quebec City sits on cliffs above the St Lawrence River, with the castle-like Château Frontenac looking down on the cobbled old town. This is a French-speaking city, and its little corner restaurants, winter carnival and ice sculptures all have a strong French flavour.
History
How the city came to be
On 3 July 1608 the French explorer Champlain founded a French settlement on the site of Stadacona, a long-abandoned St Lawrence Iroquoian village, keeping the Algonquin place name 'Kébec'. Called 'the Father of New France', Champlain governed it until his death in 1635. Britain and France fought several wars for North America; in the Seven Years' War British forces took Quebec in 1759, and when the war ended in 1763 it formally passed to Britain. In 1985 the Historic District of Old Québec became a World Heritage Site.
- 1608Champlain founded Quebec
- 1635Champlain died in Quebec
- 1759British forces captured Quebec
- 1763The Seven Years' War ended and the city passed to Britain
- 1985The Historic District of Old Québec became a World Heritage Site
Stories
Stories of the city
History · Old Quebec
Champlain and New France
On 3 July 1608 the French explorer Samuel de Champlain founded a settlement on the site of the long-abandoned Iroquoian village of Stadacona, keeping the Algonquin place name 'Québec'. From a seafaring family, he was also a cartographer and diplomat; not being a nobleman, he never received the formal title of governor, yet he effectively governed New France until he died in Quebec on Christmas Day 1635, and is called the 'Father of New France'.
People
People connected with Quebec City
Must see
Places you shouldn’t miss
Local life
Food and local daily life
Before you go
Rules to know in Quebec City
Canada: cannabis cannot cross the border
- Learn the different cannabis rules in each province
- Carrying cannabis across the border without Health Canada authorisation
Even if bought legally in Canada, taking it out of the country without authorisation will get you arrested.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Canada travel advice
Canada: keep your distance from wildlife in national parks
- Follow park rules
- Take all rubbish and food with you so you don't attract animals
- Approaching wildlife, including marine animals and birds
Keeping a safe distance is a basic park rule.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Canada travel advice