Quebec City is the capital of the Canadian province of Quebec. It sits on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River in eastern Canada, across the river from Lévis.
Quebec City’s position in the province
The city is roughly 250 kilometres northeast of Montreal by road. It is much farther east than Toronto and New York City, but west of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic provinces. The historic core occupies high ground above a narrowing point in the river.
Is Quebec City the same as Quebec?
No. Quebec is the province; Quebec City is its capital. Montreal is the province’s largest city, while Quebec City is the seat of the provincial government.
Where is Old Quebec?
Old Quebec is the historic district around Upper Town and Lower Town. Upper Town includes the fortified area near Château Frontenac and the Citadelle. Lower Town extends toward Place Royale and the Old Port along the river.
What is nearby?
- Lévis: directly across the St. Lawrence River and connected by ferry and road bridges.
- Montmorency Falls: east of central Quebec City, near the river.
- Île d’Orléans: an island just downstream from the city.
- Wendake: the Huron-Wendat Nation’s urban community northwest of the centre.
- Jacques-Cartier National Park: a mountain and river landscape north of the city.
How travelers arrive
Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport is west of downtown. Intercity trains and many regional buses arrive near the centre, while drivers from Montreal generally approach from the southwest. Our Montreal-to-Quebec City guide compares the main travel options.
For official maps and current visitor information, use Destination Québec cité.