Old world enchantment
Fly from Timmins to Québec City for French flair in the midst of the Québécois wilderness.
As you wander down winding laneways through centuries of French Canadian history, you’re sure to find yourself enchanted by Québec City’s European atmosphere. With cobblestone streets leading to historic points of interest, you’re never more than a few steps from the best things to do in Québec City.
Explore the area on foot to get closer to the city’s past. Whether you’re walking by the Château Frontenac on the Terrasse Dufferin, or strolling alongside the Fortifications de Québec on the Promenade des Gouverneurs, every avenue leads to amazing sites.
One of the city’s more challenging treks, l’Escalier Casse-Cou, connects the two sections of Vieux-Québec. Step up these steep stairs to pass between the Haute-Ville and Basse-Ville of Québec City’s old town. You can choose to skip the steps altogether with a ride on the fun Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec, for amazing views without the effort.
Some of Québec City’s most historic structures are situated in the Haute-Ville and Basse-Ville. Between the two, buildings like the Citadelle de Québec, Séminaire de Québec, and Hôtel du Parlement write the city’s history in stone.
To learn more about this rich history, step inside the Musée de l’Amérique francophone and the Musée de la Place-Royale. Both these educational institutions are part of the larger Musée de la civilisation complex, which spreads across several sites in Québec City.
Beyond the museum walls, the historic displays in Plaines d’Abraham commemorate the city’s role in the Seven Years’ War. Part of the larger Parc des Champs-de-Bataille, this green space is the perfect place to spend some time outside enjoying Québec City’s outdoors during your trip from Timmins.
Saint-Roch
A new side of the city
After your plane from Timmins lands, set off for the revitalized Saint-Roch, for hip shopping in a historic setting.
Founded in the 17th century, Saint-Roch was the city’s first working class suburb. Ships and shoes were the two main products produced in Saint-Roch’s workers. The historic heart of the neighbourhood is still the Église Saint-Roch, which stands on the site of three previous churches. The current version dates back to the 1920s and is the biggest church in Québec City.
Until the 1950s, the area acted as a manufacturing hub for the city. An influx of shopping malls into the neighbourhood eroded the business structure, resulting in decades of decline.
Today, Saint-Roch has been reborn and is thriving once more. In the area’s repurposed warehouse venues, a rich retail scene of cool clothing boutiques has sprung up. Former factories now serve up trendy fare, attracting foodies from all over.
Rue Saint-Joseph has become one of Québec City’s hippest shopping spots. During the winter holidays, colourful lights line the way. Adding to the festive decorations, an enormous 50 foot Christmas tree towers over the street. With the tallest tree in town and some of the city’s chicest shopping, Rue Saint-Joseph is a must-see in the winter months.
After a walk along Rue Saint-Joseph, step onto some of Saint-Roch’s other paths. Whether you’re strolling the shores of the Riviere Saint-Charles, or the gorgeous gardens of Jardin Saint-Roch, you’ll find scenic routes through Saint-Roch in every season.
When you’re ready to say goodbye to Saint-Roch, make a stop at the Gare du Palais. This striking historic train and bus station provides service to the next stop on your trip from Timmins. If you prefer to travel by foot, amazing neighbourhoods like the Hôtel du Parlement and Vieux Limoilou are just a short walk away.
Colline Parlementaire (Parliament Hill)
The heart of Québec’s politics
Get up close and political with Québec City on your trip from Timmins, with a visit to the city’s Parliament Hill, Colline Parlementaire.
Throughout the heritage-rich Colline Parlementaire, the picturesque Hôtel du Parlement dominates the skyline. This structure first began construction in 1877 and nine years later, in 1886, the building was completed. With architecture inspired by the Louvre Palace in Paris, the Hôtel du Parlement is one of the few buildings in Québec built in the French style.
For over a century, the Hôtel du Parlement has been the seat of the National Assembly of Québec. Get to the heart of the Province’s politics with a guided tour of the Hotel’s historic halls. After watching Québec’s politics in process, have a meal in the Hôtel’s Le Parlementaire restaurant. This beaux-arts style dining room serves up dishes prepared with local produce grown in the gardens surrounding the building.
In the scenic Jardins du Parlement, species native to Québec thrive in a carefully curated horticulture. Aside from natural features, the grounds of the Hôtel hold several other attractions. Influential figures from a variety of fields, ranging from soldiers, to politicians, to founders are commemorated in a series of 26 bronze statues.
Venture further from the Colline Parlementaire to find even more Québec City sites. Walk through history at the Porte Saint-Louis city gate. Built as an entrance into the walled city of the old town, this gate dates back to the 17th century.
A little further away, you’ll find the Plaines d’Abraham park, situated in the larger Parc des Champs-de-Bataille. From theses scenic green spaces, you’ll have an expansive vista of the St. Lawrence River below.
For a vantage point over the whole of Québec City, climb to the top of the Observatoire de la Capitale. At over 200 metres tall, this building provides visitors with an unparalleled view of Québec City. Step inside to spot the next stop on your trip from Timmins to Québec City.
Getting to Timmins Victor M. Power Airport (YTS)
Porter’s check-in desk is located in the departures area, near security checkpoint A.
Timmins Victor M. Power Airport (YTS) is about 13 km / 8 mi from downtown Timmins.
Transportation
Taxis from downtown cost about $25 CAD. Car service costs about $70 CAD.
Please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental before your departing flight.
The information and figures above are for reference only, and may not be current. Please visit each airport's website for up-to-date details.
Landing in Québec City
Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) is about 16 km / 10 mi from downtown Québec City.
Transportation
Take the Réseau de Transport de la Capitale 78 bus from the airport stop. The fare is $3.50 CAD.
Taxis to downtown cost about $35 CAD. Car service costs about $85 CAD.
Car rental services are available on the ground level of the administrative building of Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB)
Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport Parking
Driving to Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport? There are options to choose from. InParq multi-level parkings cots $2.50 per 15 minutes, for a maxium of $24.50 for 24 hours or $147 for the week. ProxiParq outdoors parking has rates of $19.50 for 24 hours and $97.50 for one week.
The information and figures above are for reference only, and may not be current. Please visit each airport's website for up-to-date details.
Flights may be operated by Porter Airlines (Canada) Ltd or Porter Airlines Inc.
