QUEBEC CITY - QUEBEC - CANADA
PORT INFORMATION
photo : Quebec City
Quebec is the largest cruise ship port on the St. Lawrence and a hugely popular destination for cruise passengers visiting the area.
Perched atop Cap Diamant, from where it overlooks the St. Lawrence, Quebec City is the cradle of French civilization in North America.
The only fortified city north of Mexico, Quebec City is also one of UNESCO’s prestigious World Heritage sites.
Only a few minutes’ walk from the cruise ship terminal, cruise passengers will find fascinating historic buildings, exquisite gourmet cuisine, and entertainment.
Cruise Terminals in Quebec City
In operation since 2002, the Cruise Terminal in Pointe-à-Carcy was awarded the “Best Destination Experience Independent” this year in 2010. A far cry from what was a hanger housing the area’s large market until it was converted into a terminal for cruise ships.
“The location of the Pointe-à-Carcy cruise terminal, the quality of harbour services, the greeting and close proximity of tourist attractions such as the Petit-Champlain district explain this mark of appreciation” mentions Mr. Ross Gaudreault, President and CEO of the Quebec Port Authority.
Quebec Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) is less than 30 minutes from the cruise terminal.
The terminal at Anse-au-foulon is generally not used for cruise ships starting or ending their cruises in Quebec City, and is only used on the rare occasions where there are more than 3 ships in port.
Cruise Lines using Quebec City Cruise Terminals as an Embarkation / Disembarking Port
Cruise lines using the Port of Quebec City to start and end their cruises include Costa Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), and Princess Cruises. MSC Cruises came to Quebec City, for the first time ever, in September 2010 for three turnaround cruises. Port of Quebec was a point of boarding and disembarking MSC for two of those occasions.
Must See Attractions in Quebec City, Quebec.
Old Quebec: With the cruise terminal right at the heart of Quebec City’s historical district, cruise passengers are on the spot to enjoy one of UNESCO’s World Heritage treasures. It boasts the continent's largest collection of 17th- and 18th-century buildings. Boutiques and quaint cafés line the cobblestone streets. Whatever the time of year your cruise leaves or arrives, you'll find horse-drawn carriages, street entertainers, singers, and artists there.
The Fortifications of Quebec City: Recognized as a World Heritage Site, Quebec is the only fortified city with extant city walls in North America. The Fortifications of Quebec bear witness to the evolution of Quebec's defence system from the 17th to the 19th century and there are close to 4.6 km of walls and imposing gates to explore. Cannons, loopholes, the Esplanade Powder Magazine, a star-shaped Citadel, Artillery Park, and fortresses are all part of this attraction.
Place Royale: With its narrow and picturesque streets of old stone buildings, Place Royale is the oldest neighbourhood in North America, dating back over 400 years to the founding of the city by French explorer Samuel de Champlain. One of the most lovingly restored buildings on the Place Royale is the little church of Notre-Dame des Victoires (1688), a name which evokes so much in the city's history. Enjoy the period buildings and cobblestone streets in the the nearby Petit-Champlain District with its boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
Musée de la Civilisation: The Place-Royale is also home to Musée de la civilisation, a bridge between the past and future with its modern design and fascinating exhibitions. Three museums and the free-admission Maison Chevalier (Chevalier House) are part of the Musée de la Civilisation complex. They are Musée de la Civilisation; the Centre d'Interprétation Place-Royale (Place-Royale Interpretation Centre) which focuses on the history of Quebec City; and Musée de l'Amérique Francaise (Museum of French America).
