Quebec Cruise Port Guide

Quebec City, Canada

Quebec City was occupied by a native Iroquois village. The first permanent European settlement began in 1608 when Samuel de Champlain established a fur trading post. By 1663, New France had become a royal province, administered by a council appointed directly by the crown and answerable to the king's council in France. Long-brewing European struggles between England and France spilled over into the colonies, prompting the construction of Quebec's formidable fortifications. The Seven Years War put an end to French reign and left the city in English hands. An American attack in 1775 was successfully warded off by the English, and for the next century Quebec quietly earned its livelihood as a center for shipbuilding and timber trade.

By 1840, when it was declared the provincial capital of Lower Canada, the accessible supplies of timber had run out. The final blow came with the appearance of steamships that could travel as far as Montreal, while sailing ships found it difficult to proceed beyond Quebec City. Losing its importance as a major port, the city experienced a decline but remained as a center of small industry and local government.

Later years saw a tremendous rise as tourism made use of Quebec's fantastic location and appearance.

Being Canada's most historic city and the only walled city in North America earned it the classification of World Heritage Treasure by UNESCO in 1985.

Today, the visitor is greeted by an authentic, profoundly French city, where 95% of its half million people are French-speaking. Both parts of the city Haute-Ville and Basse-Ville (Upper and Lower Town) feature winding, cobbled streets flanked by 17th- and 18th-century stone houses and churches, graceful parks and squares and countless monuments. Croissants and steaming cups of coffee at a sidewalk cafe conjure images, aromas and sounds of Great emphasis has been placed on Quebec nationalism; as a result the city has become a symbol of the glory of French heritage. The motto "Je me souviens" (I remember) is inscribed above the entrance to the Parliament Building and on the license plates of Quebec cars. As you come ashore, endless pleasures await you in this marvelous city.