Free self-guided walk · Quebec City

Upper and Lower Town

A free self-guided walk through Old Québec, from the Saint-Louis Gate past the Château Frontenac and down the Breakneck Stairs to Place Royale.

Distance
1.5 km
Walking time
21 min
Allow
About 2 hours with stops
Stops
6

Open the route in Google MapsQuebec City city guide

About this walk

This walk crosses the fortified Upper Town and descends to the Lower Town, where the city was founded.

Take the funicular back up if you'd rather not climb.

  • Terrain: Steep between the two levels, with stairs.
  • Best time: Morning, before tour groups arrive.

Route map

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Route and stop positions © OpenStreetMap contributors. North is up.

The stops

  1. Porte Saint-Louis

    Start at the gate in the city walls.

  2. Dufferin Terrace

    Walk the boardwalk on the cliff.

  3. Château Frontenac

    The grand hotel on the cliff.

  4. Breakneck Stairs

    Descend the steep stairway to the Lower Town.

  5. Quartier Petit-Champlain

    Narrow lanes of shops.

  6. Place Royale

    Finish in the square where the city was founded.

Tips

  • The funicular links Dufferin Terrace with the Lower Town.
  • Wear boots with grip in winter.
  • Many shops close early outside summer.

Prefer a guide?

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Sources and review date

This walk was last reviewed on 2026-10-28. Distance and walking time come from OpenStreetMap's walking router and don't include time at stops. Opening hours and access change; please check before you go.