Walking the Walls of Old Quebec City

Part of the charm of Quebec City (one of North America's oldest European settlements) is its "Old World" flavor. Like many European towns built hundreds of years ago, Quebec City was once protected by thick stone walls which remain today, preserved as a national heritage.

This fortification perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the St. Lawrence River offers a perfect view of the whole area. So we decided to walk around as much of it as we could.


















We began our wall walk at St Jean Gate, where stone steps lead to the grassy top.


















Of course, it's fun to peer down...














... at the street we had just been walking on.














As we walked around, we came across historic old cannons pointed in readiness... as they have been for hundreds of years!














Up on the walls we had an opportunity to view Quebec City in all directions.














Towards the St. Lawrence River...














... and its bustling port.














This angle shows two levels down. The metal structure to the left of the picture becomes a slide in during the winter carnival, as sledders speed down to the terrace in front of the Chateau Frontenac Hotel. (A corner of that wooden terrace is visible.) A cliff drop below that is lower town and the St. Lawrence River again.














Another vantage point gave us a view of a newer part of Quebec City, outside the walls...














... with its taller buildings.














This fountain stands near another gate. (I managed to get a close-up.)


















Wherever we walked, the view was amazing...














It's an adventure I highly recommend.