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Parliament Buildings
Just outside the old city walls stands the imposing 19th-century Parliament Building, inspired by the Louvre in Paris and designed by the architect, Eugene Etienne Taché. Although it is the working home of the 125-strong National Assembly, the buildings are open to visitors for guided tours, offered in English or French, which highlight the historic value of the unique building as well as informing visitors about the organization and proceedings of the Québec National Assembly.
Address: 1045 Parlementaires Road (visitor's entrance: Door 3 on the corner of Grande-Allée and Honoré-Mercier Avenue)
Phone Number: (418) 643 7239
Website: www.assnat.qc.ca
Hours: Weekdays 9am to 4.30pm (September to June); from 24 June to Labor Day (September) it is also open weekends 10am to 4.30pm
Admission: Free

Place Royale
The site of the historical Place-Royale complex was used in ancient times by Amerindians for trading, until the leader of the first Quebec French settlement, Samuel de Champlain, constructed a formal fortified fur trading post in 1608. The trading post flourished and grew into a thriving town, constructed largely of wood, until in 1682 it was destroyed by fire. Reconstruction was in fire-resistant stone, the buildings that still stand today. Known as the market square, the site once again became a hub of activity, until the end of the 19th century when its importance declined. By 1950 the Place-Royale was a neglected, decaying area. The Government then initiated a restoration program that has turned this historic site, known as the 'birthplace of French America', into one of the city's main attractions. It features a clutch of interesting museums, living history demonstrations and tours of historic buildings.
Address: Interpretation Center of Place-Royale, 27 rue Notre-Dame
Phone Number: Interpretation Center: (418) 646 3167
Transport: Bus 1
Admission: C$16 (adults), C$6 (children 12-16)

Funicular
A panoramic bird's eye view of historic Québec City can be had from the cabin of the Funicular that travels at an angle of 45° from Louis Jolliet House in the heart of the old city to Dufferin Terrace. The funicular has been an attraction in the city since the original steam driven version was erected in 1879.
Address: Quartier Petit-Champlain, Louis-Jolliet House
Phone Number: (418) 692 1132
Website: www.funiculaire-quebec.com
Hours: 7.30am to 11.30pm (up to midnight during summer June to Labor Day/September)
Admission: C$1.75

Fortifications
Guided walking tours of the three-mile (5km) long city wall that surrounds the old city of Québec trace the evolution of the city's defense system across three centuries. The walls are set with interpretation panels. Quebec is the only fortified city in North America and this fact contributed to its being named a World Heritage City. Visitors can also view the Esplanade Powder Magazine.
Address: 100 rue Saint-Louis (tours depart from the Frontenac kiosk, Dufferin Terrace)
Phone Number: (418) 648 7016
Website: www.pc.gc.ca/fortifications
Hours: Daily 10am to 5pm (5 May to 12 October); open with reservations the rest of the year. Guided walking tours depart 2pm daily (June to August and September to 12 October)
Admission: C$3.90 (adults), C$1.90 (children 6-16). Guided walk plus access and visit to the Learning Center: C$9.80 (adults), C$4.90 (children 6-16)

Old Port
In the 19th century the port of Québec on the St Lawrence was one of the most important in the world, with thousands of ships and sailors passing through. Today visitors can relive the bustling atmosphere of the crowded wharves once lined with tall ships at the Old Port Interpretation Center. Characters in period costume conduct guided tours through the streets and alleys pointing out the points of historic significance.
Address: 100 Quai Saint-André
Phone Number: (418) 648 3640
Website: www.pc.gc.ca/vieuxport
Hours: Interpretation Center: daily 10am to 5pm (8 May to 3 September)
Admission: C$4 (adults), C$2 (children 6-16). Guided walks: C$8 (adults), C$7 (children 6-16)

Musée de la Civilization
Billed as 'the museum of human adventure' this very popular contemporary institution in the heart of the Québec historic district is characterized by its innovative and daring outlook. Using interactive technology its thematic exhibits cover all aspects of the human experience, from fundamental issues to major social problems of our times and various aspects of daily life.
Address: 85 Rue Dalhousie
Phone Number: (418) 643 2158
Website: www.mcq.org
Transport: Bus 1
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm; in summer daily 9am to 7pm (24 June to 1 September) and 10am to 5pm (2 September to 13 October)
Admission: C$10 (adults), C$4 (children 12-16), children under 12 free. Free admission on Tuesdays (1 November to 31 May) and 10am to 12pm Saturdays in January and February

Battlefields Park (Plains of Abraham)
Once the setting for bloody battles between the British and French, the Plains of Abraham today serves as Quebec City's 'green lung', a playground and peaceful arboreal retreat, and venue for a variety of fairs and events. The park is to Québec what Central Park is to New York, covering 108 hectares and planted with 6,000 trees. It also features monuments and interpretive centers. In winter locals and visitors alike, as well as several ski-trails enjoy a giant skating rink. Summertime is ideal for strolling the fragrant gardens, jogging or rollerblading, and picnicking.
Address: Discovery Pavilion: 835 Wilfrid-Laurier Avenue
Phone Number: Discovery Pavilion: (418) 648 4071
Website: www.ccbn-nbc.gc.ca
Hours: Daily 8.30am to 5.30pm (24 June to 4 September); Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm (5 September to 23 June)

Montmorency Falls Park
Just to the east of Québec City lies the spectacular Montmorency Falls, plunging 272 feet (83m), one and a half times higher than Niagara Falls. Besides a beautiful setting, the park also boasts historic buildings and a variety of fun activities. A cable car runs up to the historic Manoir Montmorency manor house, dating from 1781, where there is a restaurant, view terrace, interpretation center, reception rooms and boutiques. A suspension bridge hangs directly across the falls, providing a breathtaking view, and a second bridge gives access to the east side of the falls where there are numerous viewpoints and trails.
Address: Avenue Royale, Beauport
Phone Number: (418) 663 3330
Website: www.sepaq.com/chutemontmorency
Hours: Open daily all year
Admission: Free entry to the park. Cable car: C$8.25 return (adults), C$4 return (children)

L'Île d'Orléans
The little island in the St Lawrence River, just 15 minutes from downtown Québec City, is an historical treasure trove containing 600 heritage buildings. Algonquin natives called the island 'windigo', meaning 'bewitched corner', before French colonists arrived in 1535 and named it for the Duke of Orleans. The island is the ancestral home of more than 300 Quebecois families and still has more than 7,000 inhabitants. A perimeter road called The Royal Way, which extends across the Taschereau Bridge to the mainland, connects all the six villages on the island. Visitors enjoy cycling or driving around the island to marvel at panoramic views of the river and explore sites like the oldest church in 'new France'.
Phone Number: (418) 828 9411
Website: www.iledorleans.com

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