How long does it take to walk through Old Quebec?

A comprehensive walk through the historic district usually takes 2 to 3 hours. This specific 150-minute route includes time for a ferry crossing and multiple photography stops at key viewpoints.

Is the Pierre-Dugua-De-Mons Terrace free to visit?

Yes, the terrace is a public park area and is free to access. It is located just above the Dufferin Terrace and provides one of the most famous vistas in Canada without any admission fee.

Can I take the funicular instead of the Breakneck Steps?

Yes, the Old Quebec Funicular is a great alternative to the Escalier Casse-Cou. It connects the Dufferin Terrace in the Upper Town to the Quartier Petit Champlain in the Lower Town for a small fee.

Where is the best view of Château Frontenac?

The most iconic 'postcard' view is from the Pierre-Dugua-De-Mons Terrace. For a view from below, the Petit Champlain district offers stunning upward angles, while the ferry provides a majestic skyline perspective.

Is the Lévis ferry expensive?

No, the ferry is part of the local transit system and is very affordable. It costs only a few dollars for a pedestrian round trip, making it one of the best value experiences for sightseeing in the city.

How difficult is the walk to the Citadelle area?

The walk is considered challenging because of the steep inclines and stairs. The climb from Dufferin Terrace to the higher viewpoints requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

What is the best time for photography in Quebec City?

The best time is during the 'Golden Hour,' which is roughly one hour before sunset. The low sun highlights the textures of the stone walls and gives the copper roofs of the Château a brilliant glow.

Are there public toilets near Terrasse Dufferin?

Yes, public restrooms are located inside the funicular building on the terrace level. There are also facilities available in the nearby Fairmont Le Château Frontenac for guests or in the commercial areas of the Lower Town.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

2 hr 30 min

Duration

6

Stops

Challenging

Difficulty

About This Tour

Quebec City is often described as a piece of Europe nestled in North America, and there is no better way to capture its magic than through a lens during the golden hour. This self-guided walk takes you through the winding, cobblestone streets of Old Quebec, focusing on the most iconic and photogenic vistas the city has to offer. From the heights of the Upper Town to the charming alleyways of the Lower Town, this route is designed for those who want to experience the city’s architectural beauty and dramatic landscapes at their own pace. Starting at the historic Montmorency Park, you will overlook the St. Lawrence River before descending the famous "Breakneck Steps." The journey continues along the grand Terrasse Dufferin, where the Château Frontenac dominates the skyline. As the sun begins to dip, the climb to Pierre-Dugua-De-Mons Terrace provides the classic postcard view of the city. To capture the skyline in its full glory, the route includes a trip across the river via the Lévis Ferry, offering a unique perspective of the illuminated fortifications. This walking tour Quebec City route is more than just a photography excursion; it is an exploration of North America's only fortified city north of Mexico. You’ll encounter centuries of history reflected in the stone walls and copper roofs. Whether you are a professional photographer or an Instagram enthusiast, this neighborhood stroll offers unparalleled opportunities to document the timeless charm of Quebec. While some sections are steep, the reward at each landing is a view that has inspired artists for generations. Unlike a standard guided tour Quebec City offers, this independent journey allows you to wait for the perfect light without the pressure of a group. Discover the "Gibraltar of North America" through this carefully curated photography walk and see why Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Highlights

Panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River from Montmorency Park
The iconic leading lines of the Escalier Casse-Cou (Breakneck Steps)
Majestic angles of the world-famous Château Frontenac
The definitive 'postcard view' from Pierre-Dugua-De-Mons Terrace
Stunning skyline photography from the Lévis Ferry

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

Montmorency Park National Historic Site

Montmorency Park National Historic Site serves as a grand introduction to the elevations of Old Quebec. Situated at the top of Côte de la Montagne, this park offers a sweeping vista of the St. Lawrence River and the bustling port below. Historically, this land was the site of the first Parliament of the Province of Canada, and today, it remains a vital green space within the fortifications. For photographers, the park provides a perfect vantage point to capture the contrast between the historic Upper Town and the maritime activity of the river. The statues and cannons scattered throughout the grounds offer excellent foreground elements for framing shots of the distant Lévis shoreline, especially as the morning light hits the water.

2

Escalier Casse-Cou

Known as the Escalier Casse-Cou or "Breakneck Steps," this is arguably the most famous staircase in the city. Connecting the Upper Town to the Lower Town, these steps date back to the early days of the French colony, though the current iron structure is more modern. Looking down from the top, the view of Rue du Petit-Champlain—one of the oldest commercial streets in North America—is a photographer's dream. The narrow alleyway, lined with stone buildings and colorful signs, creates a perfect leading line for your composition. It is particularly magical during the golden hour when the shadows stretch across the cobblestones and the streetlights begin to flicker on, creating a cozy, European atmosphere.

3

Terrasse Dufferin

Terrasse Dufferin is a magnificent wooden boardwalk that wraps around the base of the iconic Château Frontenac. This wide promenade offers some of the most recognizable views in the world. As you walk along the terrace, the sheer scale of the world's most photographed hotel becomes apparent. Beneath your feet lie the archaeological remains of the Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux, the former seat of power for French and British governors. From a photography perspective, the terrace provides endless angles of the Château’s green copper roofs and stone turrets. On the river side, the view extends toward the Île d'Orléans, providing a sense of the vastness of the St. Lawrence River that defined the city’s destiny.

4

Pierre-Dugua-De-Mons Terrace

For the definitive postcard shot of Quebec City, the Pierre-Dugua-De-Mons Terrace is unparalleled. Located a short, steep walk up from Terrasse Dufferin toward the Citadelle, this grassy overlook provides a panoramic view that includes the Château Frontenac, the St. Lawrence River, and the Laurentian Mountains in the distance. Named after the merchant-explorer who co-founded the first permanent French settlement in North America, this spot is a favorite for locals watching the sunset. The elevation allows you to capture the layered architecture of the city, with the fortifications in the foreground and the historic skyline stretching out behind. It is the perfect place to set up a tripod and wait for the lights of the city to glow against the blue hour sky.

5

Lévis Ferry Terminal

A journey to the Lévis Ferry Terminal offers a perspective that few visitors take the time to see. While the ferry serves as a vital transit link between the north and south shores, for photographers, it is a floating platform for capturing the skyline of Old Quebec. As the boat pulls away from the dock, the massive cliffside and the towering Château Frontenac rise majestically above the river. The view of the fortified walls and the steep roofs of the Lower Town is best captured from the water. Whether you cross during the day to see the ice floes in winter or at night to see the city lights reflected in the ripples, the ferry provides a sense of the city’s defensive position and its maritime soul.

6

Quebec Remparts Ice Hockey Club

The final stop brings a modern twist to the journey at the home of the Quebec Remparts Ice Hockey Club. Located at the sleek Centre Vidéotron, this stop celebrates the "Remparts"—a team name that pays homage to the very walls you have just explored. While the historic center is made of stone and mortar, this arena is a masterpiece of modern glass and steel architecture. Its curved, luminous exterior is particularly striking after dark, offering a different kind of photographic challenge. The building reflects the sky and the surrounding parkland, symbolizing the city’s evolution beyond its old walls. It serves as a reminder that while Quebec is a living museum, it is also a vibrant, modern city with a deep passion for its hockey legends.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Golden Hour photography route is ideal for sunset, specifically focusing on the Pierre-Dugua-De-Mons Terrace. This spot offers an elevated, panoramic view of the Château Frontenac and the St. Lawrence River as the sun dips below the horizon.