Québec Attractions

Historic Districts & Basilicas

The second most populous province of Canada, Québec is a fascinating mix of culture and history with Anglo and Franco heritage straight from Europe. For those interested in exploring what the province has to offer, the province offers basilicas, preserved districts, and scenic train rides from another era.

The province features the popular cities of Montreal and Québec City alongside beautiful countryside views only a short drive away from the city centres. Pay a visit to bustling Montreal – Canada's largest city after Toronto – and visit sacred churches and basilicas which have dotted the city landscape for centuries.

Don't forget to make your way to the capital of the province – Québec City. A distinct cultural treat, the capital of Francophone Canada features strong European influences and heritages packed into the cobblestone streets of the Old Town Québec. Finally, minutes away from Québec City and Gatineau, which lies just across from Ottawa, the province offers destinations that have attracted thousands of pilgrimages throughout the years and beautiful train rides.

Québec History in the Country

Choose From Scenic Train Rides to Basilicas
Outside of Montreal and Québec, the rest of historic Québec,is easy to figure out. When you're exploring the outskirts of the province's major cities, you're sure to find plenty of historic activities, perfect for a day trip. For starters, history and train buffs may visit the Hull-Chelsea-Wakefield Steam Train in Gatineau, just across Ottawa from the Ottawa River.

Offering scenic passenger train rides along the Gatineau River, this train takes guests back on an authentic 909 steam engine ride throughout the Québec
countryside. Start the journey in Gatineau and continue up to Wakefield, which is populated with charming shops and restaurants. On the way back, enjoy the views thanks to this heroic Quebec steam train.

Famous for being the site of many healing pilgramages, the Sainte Anne de Beaupre Basilica also carries much history at its site northeast of Québec. Established in 1658 as a small chapel, the place of worship originally carried a Saint Anne statue known to heal and perform miracles. Since then, it has been expanded to a beautfiul Neo-Romanesque basilica on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River in the city of Beaupre.

Hull-Chelsea-Wakefield Steam Train

Dating back to 1891, the Hull-Chelsea-Wakefield Steam Train offers scenic passenger train rides along the Gatineau River. The 909 steam engine, built in Sweden in 1907, is one of the last remaining excursion steam trains in Canada.

Step aboard the train for a relaxing journey through the Gatineau Hills. This 66-kilometre round-trip journey delights passengers with a five-hour excursion. The trip begins in The Hull of Gatineau, and stops in Wakefield for two hours before making the return journey.

The many shops and restaurants in Wakefield welcome visitors, as they are invited to enjoy the small Québec town.

Sainte Anne de Beaupre Basilica

While traveling in the province of Québecbe sure to make your way to Sainte Anne de Beaupre, located northeast of Québec City. This beautiful city along the Saint Lawrence River is home to the Sainte Anne de Beaupre Basilica. The site of this magnificent Neo-Romanesque style basilica dates back to 1658 when a small chapel was built to house a Saint Anne statue, and provide a place of worship.

The Roman Catholic Church even credits this Catholic sanctuary with performing miracles. Throughout the years, the basilica became famous for its healing properties and has been expanded to accommodate the millions of pilgrims that visit it. Many pilgrims have left their canes, crutches, and braces at the entrance of the basilica with claims of being healed.