Québec City is full of history and attractions in its oldest sector of Lower Town. This capital city of the francophone province showcases a proud past. Tour La Citadelle de Québec on a hill overlooking the city and the major shipping channel of the St. Lawrence River.

Built by British forces, La Citadelle de Québec defended the region even before Canada had become a full country. The need for it became apparent after the War of 1812. Docents dressed in period military uniforms provide accounts of the area’s 300-year history. Visit Canada’s oldest military building, constructed in 1693 by the French. One of the principal residences of the queen’s representative, the governor general of Canada, is located within the fort’s walls. Experience the fortress’s authentic atmosphere maintained by the Royal 22e Regiment, which performs daily duties such as the changing of the guard and firing of the noon gun.

The Lower Town is also where you’ll find the Plains of Abraham, the site of a historical battle between French and English forces in 1759. Stroll through this park area and observe exhibitions and historical activities of the event that marked the end of French rule in the region.

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is an impressive building overlooking Lower Town and the river. It opened in 1893 as a luxury hotel for rail passengers and maintains the high standard of excellence today. Visit the hotel’s lobby to peruse its collection of memorabilia spanning 400 years.

Continue farther down the hill toward the river to experience the city’s old sector of restaurants, cafés, stores and picturesque street views. Another attraction about 15 minutes from this area is Montmorency Falls, with a mighty chute that is somewhat taller than Niagara Falls.

Get to Lower Town by flying directly to Québec City or traveling via Montréal. You may feel that you have traveled not just to Canada but also to the old-world charm of a European village.