Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site Tours
8 Reviews

Encircling Old Quebec, these historic walls are the defense system of the only surviving walled city in North America. Originally developed by the French to protect them from the British, and later by the British to protect them from the Americans, the restored Fortifications of Quebec are now a National Historic Site.
The Basics
Running for 2.8 miles (4.6 kilometers) around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Quebec, the Fortifications of Quebec, which were built between the 17th and 19th centuries, are hard to miss. You can follow the circuit yourself, admiring the sweeping views of the city and the St. Lawrence River from the walls. Alternatively, go as part of guided walking tours during the summer months, during which tour leaders provide background on the the city’s military past. You can also view the ramparts during hop-on hop-off bus tours, and bike tours of Quebec City.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The fortifications are a must-do for anyone with an interest in military history and defense.
- Wear sturdy walking shoes, as some parts of the fortifications are sloping and uneven.
- Most of the fortifications are not wheelchair-friendly, though the Citadelle of Quebec (La Citadelle) is.
- Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy on the fortifications.
How to Get There
A good place to start your fortifications walk is at St. John Gate (Porte St-Jean) near Place D’Youville. The square is about a 10-minute walk from Château Frontenac. Local buses stop at nearby D’Youville bus terminal.
When to Get There
The best time to explore the fortifications is during summer, when the warm temperatures make for pleasant strolling. Go early in the morning to experience it at its quietest. The fortifications are also a nice place to watch the sunset.
Old Quebec’s Defenses
Though Quebec’s defensive walls are now used more for sightseeing and recreation, evidence of their military purpose still exists. Look out for cannons near the Citadelle of Quebec, which point out to the river as well as to the city itself. At Porte Saint-Louis, take a short detour down Rue Saint-Louis until the intersection with Rue du Corps de Garde, where you can see a rogue cannonball lodged in the trunk of a tree—a vestige from an old battle.
Address: 100 rue St-Louis, Old Upper Town, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Hours: Open daily, May-October
13 Tours and Activities to Experience Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site
Sort by:Featured

Quebec City Walking Tour
1169
Explore historic Old Québec City on this walking tour. Visit many of Québec City’s top attractions in the Upper and Lower Town districts—like the Fortifications of Québec, Citadelle of Québec, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church and many more. Discover Québec City's history from 1608 to the present day and get to know this UNESCO World Heritage site, with educational and entertaining commentary from a professional tour conductor.
…More
From
$24.99
From
$24.99
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Learn More

Quebec City Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
423
Explore the best of Quebec City on this narrated, hop-on hop-off, double-decker bus tour. Visit many of Quebec City’s top attractions—like Old Québec, Fortifications of Québec, Quartier Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Place Royale, Vieux-Port de Québec, to name just a few. Select the 1-day pass, then board at any of the stops and get to know this UNESCO World Heritage Site in customized fashion, with audio commentary in 10 different languages.
…More
From
$45.16
From
$45.16
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Quebec City Shore Excursion: Grand Walking Tour of Quebec City
45
While docked at the Port of Québec, explore historic Old Québec City on this walking tour. Visit many of Québec City’s top attractions in the Upper and Lower Town districts — like the Fortifications of Québec, Citadelle of Québec, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church and many more. Discover Québec City's history from 1608 to the present day and get to know this UNESCO World Heritage site, with educational and entertaining commentary from a professional tour conductor.
…More
From
$24.99
From
$24.99
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Learn More

Ice Hotel and City Tour in Quebec City
14
Explore the historical sites of Quebec City with a bus tour including a stop at a hotel made entirely of snow and ice. Learn about the city’s architecture and culture while seeing top landmarks such as Chateau Frontenac, the Quebec National Assembly, and Notre-Dame Basilica. Discover the Ice Hotel during a self-guided tour where you can see the ice bar.
…More
From
$66.70
From
$66.70
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Quebec City Bike Tour Along Saint Lawrence River
9
Get to know the best of Old Québec City on this guided bike tour. Enjoy a relaxing 13-mile (20-kilometer) ride along the majestic St. Lawrence River and Old Québec's bike-friendly Lower Town district, learning about its history from 1608 to the present day. Get to know this UNESCO World Heritage Site with educational and entertaining commentary from the knowledgeable guide. See the famous castle/hotel Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, the Citadelle of Quebec, and more while admiring the city’s natural beauty along the Saint Lawrence River. Bike and helmet are included.
…More
From
$52.42
From
$52.42
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Full-Day Québec City Adventure: Bike Tour, Sightseeing Cruise, and Lunch
10
Experience Quebec City by bike and on water on this full-day combo tour. During a bike ride covering 13 miles, explore the old city and port area. A guide shares insight into the local geography and history. Refuel with a hearty Italian lunch before embarking on a sightseeing cruise on the Saint-Lawrence River. Snap photos of the Montmorency Falls and hear commentary on board from a guide dressed as French-Canadian explorer Louis Jolliet. This is the perfect, family-friendly introduction to Quebec City.
…More
From
$112.91
From
$112.91
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Private Guided Quebec City Walking Tour
11
Walk the streets of Old Quebec and marvel in the historic feel of one of the oldest cities in North America. This tour is just for you and your group, and can be customized to your interests and preferences. Choose to visit a few of the most popular sights in Quebec City, or buckle up and see them all.
…More
From
$79.10
Price varies by group size
From
$79.10
Price varies by group size
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Learn More

Discover Quebec City with a Private Walking Tour by a Local
3
Explore the charm, history, and culture of Old Quebec City through the eyes of a friendly local who will share all the great spots of this incredible World Heritage Site. Tours are private walking tours that are customized to your preferences, and last between 2 and 4 hours at your request.
The tour guides are just regular people living in the city you’re visiting, that way you can learn about the city through their stories. Your guide will meet you at a location of your choosing, be it your hotel or other accommodation, a landmark, or even a metro station inside the Quebec City urban center. Children below 3 years old are free of charge. Children from 3 to 15 get 60% off the regular tour price.
If you are unsure of what you would like to see, your guide will suggest different paths which revolve around Château Frontenac, the Fortifications, Plains of Abraham, Place Royale, Quartier Petit Champlain, and many more!
…More
From
$40.32
From
$40.32
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Quebec City Bike Tour: The Essentials
8
This ride shows you the essential sights of the Upper Town, and the whole experience feels like you are on a casual ride with a local friend that loves telling stories. We keep the groups sizes small for a more intimate, personalized experience.
This intro tour covers the must-see spots, shares the history, and offers stunning views. We ride to the Quebec Parliament, the Museum of Fine Arts, through the Plains of Abraham park, and to the Citadel.
After a break we head to the heart of Old Quebec. Ride on the boardwalk beneath the famous Chateau Frontenac Hotel, catch the amazing views of the St. Lawrence River down below, and finally the narrow cobblestone streets back to the shop.
Everyone has been loving our included Norco Scene bikes - they are super comfortable and so much fun to ride.
If you've never taken a bike tour before, you are more than welcome. We stop every 10-15 min or so to hear local stories & info, check out public art, or snap photos.
…More
From
$60.49
From
$60.49
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Learn More

Old Quebec City Walking Tour + Funicular (Winter/Autumn)
2
We keep our tours small to keep your experience unique. Our local guides will cater to your specific interests and show you a different side of Québec City while covering all essential landmarks.
…More
From
$40.53
From
$40.53
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
Learn More

Private Tour of Quebec City
Experience Old-Quebec at its best along with your licensed guide in period costume during a private walking tour. Get a glimpse of everything this jewel of World Heritage has to offer, as your guide will customize the tour to fit your particular needs and interests. The tour can include the Old-Quebec district and Petit-Champlain borough, as well as the Parliament hill and National Battlefields (Plains of Abraham)
…More
From
$165.44
per group
From
$165.44
per group
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Learn More

Private Walking Tour for American Visitors - 1776 Canada's Road to Independence
Best must-do experience for Americans visiting Quebec City;
In-depth and fun historical overview you can relate to;
Exclusive access to a private lounge for breaks / snacks;
Convenient meeting point: your hotel in Old Quebec.
Many Americans do not know to what a great extent American and Canadian history are intertwined, and thus our tour focuses on the ties that link these two countries. Do you know the link between French-speaking Canada and YOUR part of the continent? There is no better place to study these connections than in beautiful Quebec City.
Our tour examines how early French settlers, the French & Indian War, the Boston Tea Party, the American Revolution, the Louisiana Purchase, the War of 1812 and the American Civil War shaped Quebec and Canada. During this 3-hour walking tour, we will explore sites in both the Upper Town and Lower Town, sites that highlight the significant role played by Quebec City in the history of North America and in the creation of modern Canada.
…More
From
$181.46
per group
From
$181.46
per group
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Beyond the Walls Private Bike Tour
Combing the Upper Town, Lower Town neighborhoods and see all the main attractions plus hidden gems all in one day! At your own leisure, explore some of most stylish ‘Quartiers’ of Quebec City. What a lovely way in beginning your tour inside the prestigious fortification walls. You will see a wide variety of architectural and historical sites which dates far back as the 17th century. Once venturing outside the only remaining city walls north of Mexico, the tour will lead you through revitalized and creative neighborhoods of Quebec City. Enjoy pedaling in tree-lined covered streets of Montcalm, a vibrant cultural neighborhood. Ride down the winding secret passage trail to reach the bike path along the majestic Saint Lawrence River. Discover the artistic neighborhood with its unique colorful spiral staircases and hear fascinating stories . What an amazing chance to mingle with local Quebecois at the “Grand Marché”, sample local delights and meet local producers.
…More
From
$201.62
From
$201.62
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Things to do near Quebec City
- Things to do in Quebec
- Things to do in Montreal
- Things to do in Ottawa
- Things to do in Salem
- Things to do in Boston
- Things to do in Halifax
- Things to do in Long Island
- Things to do in New York City
- Things to do in Newark
- Things to do in Brooklyn
- Things to do in Toronto
- Things to do in Niagara Falls
- Things to do in Buffalo
- Things to do in Massachusetts
- Things to do in Nova Scotia