Québec City is a grand, historic city overlooking the St. Lawrence River, with its skyline dominated by the iconic Château Frontenac Hotel. As one of the oldest European settlements in North America, it was founded by the French explorer Samuel de Champlain and changed hands between the French and English several times before being ceded to the English in 1763.
The walled Old Upper Town sits atop the Cap-Diamant promontory, a bluff that juts into the river, narrowing it significantly. Below, along the waterfront, is the Old Lower Town, a maze of narrow streets filled with boutique shops, street performers, and artisan eateries. The locals here are passionate about their city, and while Old Québec reflects various European influences, it retains a unique charm that captivates you from the moment you arrive.