Home Canada Quebec City Quartier Petit-Champlain

ATTRACTION GUIDE · QUEBEC CITY

Quartier Petit-Champlain

One of North America's oldest shopping streets, lined with boutiques under the cliffs of Old Quebec.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps

Time needed: 1–2 hours
Entry: Free
Best time: Evening
Area: Lower Town

One of North America's oldest shopping streets.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: 61 Rue du Petit-Champlain, Québec, QC

From Upper Town: Take the funicular or the steep Breakneck Stairs.
Shops: Local crafts, galleries and cafés.
Winter: Decorated with lights and snow in the holiday season.

Open in Google Maps Get directions

The story of Petit-Champlain

Petit-Champlain lies in Lower Town, the oldest part of Quebec City, where Samuel de Champlain founded a trading post in 1608. Its narrow street is often called one of the oldest commercial streets in North America.

Nearby Place Royale is the site of the original settlement, with the stone church of Notre-Dame-des-Victoires.

Best time to visit

Best season

All year; December for holiday decorations.

Best time of day

Evening, when lamps are lit.

Summer

Busy with visitors.

Tips before you go

Take the funicular down.
Take the funicular down and walk back up the Breakneck Stairs.
Find the giant fresco on the side of a building.

Best hotels near Petit-Champlain

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

The castle-hotel above the St Lawrence.

See prices

Auberge Saint-Antoine

Boutique hotel in the Old Port.

See prices

All hotels near Petit-Champlain

What's around Petit-Champlain

Place RoyaleHistoric square.
Breakneck StairsHistoric staircase.
Old Quebec FunicularTo Upper Town.
Museum of CivilizationHistory museum.

Questions travellers ask

How old is Petit-Champlain?

Lower Town dates from 1608.

How do I get there?

By funicular or stairs from Upper Town.

Is it good in winter?

Yes, with festive lights.