Is the Holy Door at Notre-Dame de Québec always open?

No, the Holy Door is only opened during Jubilee years or special occasions designated by the Pope. The next scheduled opening is for the Jubilee of 2025.

Are there entry fees for the cathedrals?

Entry to the main sanctuary of the Basilica and the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity is generally free, though donations are encouraged. Specific areas like the Basilica crypt or the Monastère museums require a paid ticket.

Is this walking route accessible for strollers?

Yes, the route is manageable with a stroller, though the historic cobblestones in Old Quebec can be bumpy. Most major sites have ramps or street-level access.

What is the best time of day to explore these sites?

Morning is best, around 9:30 AM or 10:00 AM. This allows you to avoid the afternoon crowds and ensures you have enough time before churches close for evening services.

Can I take photos inside the religious buildings?

Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but flash is often prohibited and you should avoid taking photos during active religious services.

Where is the best place to start a neighborhood stroll in Upper Town?

Starting at the Édifice Price or the nearby Place d'Armes is ideal, as it is centrally located and close to public transit and the Tourist Information Centre.

Are there guided tour Quebec City options for these specific buildings?

While Zigway provides a self-guided experience, many of the museums at the stops, like the Monastère des Augustines, offer their own specific on-site guided tours for their collections.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into a world where time seems to slow down, and the stone walls whisper stories of devotion, education, and healing. Old Quebec’s Upper Town is more than just a picturesque neighborhood; it is the spiritual and intellectual cradle of French North America. This self-guided walking route invites you to explore the architectural gems and hidden cloisters that defined the city’s character for over four centuries. As you traverse these historic streets, you will witness the fascinating interplay between the French Catholic foundations and the British Anglican influence that followed the Conquest of 1759. The architecture here ranges from the soaring Art Deco heights of the Édifice Price to the quiet, neoclassical elegance of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity and the baroque splendor of the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral. What makes this walking route special is the access it provides to the legacy of the city's founding religious orders. You will stand before the Monastère des Ursulines, where some of the first women to arrive in New France established a school that still operates today, and conclude at the Monastère des Augustines, a site dedicated to healthcare since 1639. This is not just a look at buildings; it is an exploration of the people who built the social fabric of Quebec. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or a history buff, this self-guided walk offers a peaceful alternative to the more crowded tourist paths, allowing you to discover the city’s 'Spiritual Sanctuary' at your own pace. While many enjoy a walking tour Quebec City to see the fortifications, this specific route focuses on the interior beauty and the quiet courtyards that many visitors overlook. It is a neighborhood stroll that captures the essence of Quebec’s soul, from its oldest parish to the pioneering seminaries that shaped generations of leaders.

Highlights

The Art Deco grandeur of the Édifice Price skyscraper

The serene chapel and history of the Ursuline Monastère

The first Anglican cathedral built outside the British Isles

The rare Holy Door at Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral

The historic courtyard of the Séminaire de Québec

The healing heritage of the Augustinian sisters

Tour Stops (6)

Édifice Price

Welcome to the starting point of your self-guided walk. Standing tall at 18 stories, the Édifice Price is Old Quebec’s only skyscraper. Built in the late 1920s for the Price Brothers, titans of the lumber industry, its Art Deco style was initially controversial because it rose so far above the historic skyline. Notice the copper roof and the intricate stone carvings near the top. Today, it serves as the official residence for the Premier of Quebec. It stands as a symbol of the city's transition into modernity, positioned right at the gateway to the religious and historic heart of the Upper Town.

Pôle culturel du Monastère des Ursulines

A short walk brings you to one of the most significant sites in North American history. The Ursuline nuns arrived here in 1639, led by Marie de l'Incarnation, to establish a school for girls—both French and Indigenous. The monastery complex is a maze of buildings that have evolved over centuries. The chapel is a masterpiece of wood carving, housing the tomb of Marie de l'Incarnation and the heart of General Montcalm. This site represents the immense role that religious women played in the education and social development of New France, maintaining a presence here for nearly 400 years.

Cathedral of the Holy Trinity

As you approach the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, you'll notice a shift in architectural style. Completed in 1804, this was the first Anglican cathedral built outside the British Isles. Its Neoclassical design, inspired by London's St Martin-in-the-Fields, was a deliberate statement of British presence following the fall of New France. Inside, you can find communion silver gifted by King George III and pews made of oak imported from the Royal Woods of Windsor. The quiet, grassy close surrounding the cathedral offers a peaceful respite from the bustling city streets.

Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral

This site has been the heart of the Catholic faith in Quebec since 1647. As the oldest parish north of Mexico, the Basilica-Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Québec has survived numerous fires and bombardments. Its current facade is neoclassical, while the interior is a breathtaking display of gold leaf, ornate altars, and a stunning baldachin. It is also home to the only Holy Door in the Americas outside of Europe—a symbolic gateway usually only opened during Jubilee years. Beneath your feet lies a crypt where many of New France’s governors and bishops are buried.

Séminaire De Québec

Founded in 1663 by François de Laval, the first Bishop of Quebec, the Séminaire de Québec was established to train priests and later became the foundation for Laval University. The white stone buildings and the large enclosed courtyard are classic examples of 17th-century French colonial architecture. Though much of the interior is private, the exterior and the museum reflect the city's intellectual heritage. This institution was the center of French culture and higher education in North America for centuries, acting as a bridge between religious devotion and academic pursuit.

Le Monastère des Augustines

Our final stop is the Monastère des Augustines, a site dedicated to healing since the 17th century. The Augustinian sisters were sent by Louis XIII to establish the first hospital in North America north of Mexico. Today, the monastery has been beautifully restored into a wellness hotel and museum. It houses thousands of artifacts detailing the history of medicine and the sisters' daily lives. It is a place of profound tranquility, blending the heritage of the past with a modern focus on health and well-being. It’s the perfect spot to reflect on your journey through Quebec’s spiritual history.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walk takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes depending on how long you spend inside the cathedrals and museums. The total walking distance is less than 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles).