Quebec City
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| Quebec City | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Quebec City |
| Settlement type | Capital city |
| Motto | Don de Dieu feray valoir, (I shall put God's gift to good use) |
| Coordinates | 46, 48, 58, N... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | Canada |
| Subdivision type1 | Province |
| Subdivision name1 | Quebec |
| Subdivision type2 | Region |
| Subdivision name2 | Capitale-Nationale |
| Subdivision type3 | Metropolitan community |
| Subdivision name3 | Communauté métropolitaine de Québec |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | July 3, 1608 |
| Founder | Samuel de Champlain |
| Government type | Mayor–council government |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Bruno Marchand |
| Area total km2 | 485.77 |
| Area land km2 | 454.10 |
| Area urban km2 | 427.66 |
| Area metro km2 | 3345.63 |
| Elevation m | 98 |
| Population total | 549,459 |
| Population as of | 2021 |
| Population density km2 | 1176.8 |
| Population urban | 705,103 |
| Population metro | 839,311 |
| Population rank | 11th |
| Population demonym | Quebecer, Québécois |
| Timezone | EST |
| Utc offset | −5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | −4 |
| Postal code type | Postal code(s) |
| Postal code | G1A to G2N |
| Area code | 418 and 581 |
| Website | www.ville.quebec.qc.ca |
Quebec City is the capital city of the Canadian province of Quebec. Founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, it is one of the oldest European settlements in North America. The city is renowned for its well-preserved Historic District of Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and serves as a major political, cultural, and economic hub for the province.
History
The site was originally inhabited by Iroquoian peoples, including the St. Lawrence Iroquoians, before the arrival of Europeans. Samuel de Champlain established Habitation de Québec in 1608, founding a key fur trade post for New France. The settlement was the scene of pivotal conflicts, including the Battle of the Plains of Abraham in 1759 during the Seven Years' War, which led to British control under the Treaty of Paris (1763). It served as the capital of the Province of Quebec (1763–1791) and later the Lower Canada colony. During the American Revolutionary War, it was attacked in the Battle of Quebec (1775) by American forces led by Benedict Arnold and Richard Montgomery. In 1867, it became the capital of the newly formed province of Quebec following Canadian Confederation.
Geography
The city is located on the north bank of the Saint Lawrence River at its narrowing, known as the Kebec, from which its name originates. Its topography is dominated by the Cap-Diamant promontory and the Plateau, with the Laurentian Mountains to the north. The Rivière Saint-Charles flows through the city before emptying into the Saint Lawrence River. The Île d'Orléans is located just northeast in the river. The Capitale-Nationale region encompasses the city and its surrounding areas, characterized by a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm summers.
Demographics
As of the 2021 Canadian census, the city proper had a population of 549,459, with a metropolitan population exceeding 839,311. The vast majority of residents are French-speaking, with French as the first official language for over 94% of the population. Significant historical communities include Irish Quebecers and English-speaking Quebecers. The city is also home to institutions like Université Laval and the Institut national de la recherche scientifique, attracting a large student population.
Government
The city operates under a Mayor–council government structure, with the current Mayor being Bruno Marchand of the Québec 21 party. It is the seat of the National Assembly of Quebec and the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec. The city is divided into six boroughs, each with its own council. It is also the administrative centre for the Communauté métropolitaine de Québec and the Capitale-Nationale region.
Economy
The economy is dominated by the public sector, being the provincial capital and home to the Government of Quebec and federal agencies. Other major sectors include tourism, technology, insurance, and manufacturing. Key employers and institutions include Université Laval, the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, and companies like Desjardins Group, La Capitale, and IBM. The Port of Quebec remains an important hub for shipping and trade.
Culture
The city is a central pillar of Francophone culture in the Americas. It hosts major events like the Quebec Winter Carnival, the Festival d'été de Québec, and the New France Festival. It is a centre for music, theatre, and literature, with institutions such as the Orchestre symphonique de Québec, the Grand Théâtre de Québec, and the Morrin Centre. The local cuisine is influenced by its French-Canadian heritage, featuring dishes like poutine, tourtière, and maple syrup products.
Landmarks and tourism
The Historic District of Old Québec, surrounded by Fortifications of Quebec, is the city's primary attraction, featuring landmarks like Château Frontenac, Place Royale, and the Citadelle of Quebec. Other significant sites include the Plains of Abraham (now the Battlefields Park), the Parliament Building (Quebec), and the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré nearby. Museums such as the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec and the Musée de la civilisation are major cultural draws. The Montmorency Falls, located just east, are a prominent natural attraction.
Category:Quebec City Category:Provincial capitals in Canada Category:Populated places established in 1608