View from Upper Town

The panorama from the upper town, in Quebec City

From the upper town, Parc Montmorency offers a plunging view over the Saint Lawrence, where the river is narrowest. The Quebec City audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this panorama and the very origin of the name of the city.

Where the river narrows

Parc Montmorency, at the tip of the upper town, offers a plunging view over the Saint Lawrence river. It is here that the river is narrowest, which explains the strategic location of the city. The very name of Quebec comes from a word of the Algonquin language that means where the river narrows. From this natural belvedere, you take in the river, the lower town and the opposite bank, in a panorama that sums up the geography of the city.

What to see

Here you enjoy a plunging view over the Saint Lawrence, where the river is narrowest, as well as over the lower town and the opposite bank, from the upper town. This panorama sums up the geography and the history of Quebec. It is a must-see stop for lovers of viewpoints, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The panorama is discovered from the upper town of Old Quebec, notably at Parc Montmorency, reachable on foot. They are open-air public spaces, freely accessible. The view over the Saint Lawrence is particularly beautiful on a clear day and at the end of the day.

Where does the name of Quebec come from?

From a word of the Algonquin language meaning where the river narrows, in reference to the Saint Lawrence, which is narrowest at this place.

From where to admire the panorama over the Saint Lawrence?

From the upper town of Old Quebec, notably at Parc Montmorency, which offers a plunging view over the river.