The Clarendon Hotel is at the very centre of the historical district of Old Quebec, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to being surrounded by stone fortifications connected to the Citadel, the Old City has many fascinating nooks and crannies to be explored. Upon leaving the hotel, you might head toward some mysteriously enticing street, stroll in a bosky park or take one of the many staircases linking Upper and Lower Town. Take advantage of the opportunity to visit Old Quebec, especially the sites of interest near the Clarendon, but there is a lot to see in the other parts of town as well.

Trendy Districts

Quebec City is proud of its many trendy neighbourhoods spread across the city like a stunning architectural blanket. Since they are located next to one another, you can go for a stroll in complete safety without fear of wandering into a rougher part of town. Below are some of the most beautiful districts in the city.

Located only a few minutes from the Clarendon Hotel, Grande-Allée is a street crossing Parliament Hill and is known as Quebec City's Elysian Fields. Lined with gorgeous Victorian homes that have been transformed into restaurants, sidewalk cafés, bars and discos, Grande-Allée is as coquettish as the young beaus and belles who come to experience the local nightlife. A popular gathering place for local residents and tourists!

A little farther away, the Montcalm district has been considered fashionable for many years now. Its well-to-do population lives in fine style near the Plains of Abraham, a large public park ideal for sunbathing or practicing a range of sports (cross-country skiing, inline skating and jogging, among others). The provincial art gallery, the Musée des beaux-arts du Québec, is also located on the Plains. The Montcalm district is renowned for its fashion boutiques, urban spa, digital movie theatre, bookstores, shops, superb restaurants and sidewalk cafés.

Faubourg Saint-Jean-Baptiste, simply called the Faubourg by local residents, is a former working class neighbourhood that has been recently gentrified, with its modest 20th century homes lovingly restored. Some of the carriage gates and small alleyways lead to courtyards with lush, carefully-tended gardens. Quebec City's gay village is also located here.

From the Faubourg, take the "du Soleil" staircase, one of the most beautiful in Quebec City, down to the Saint-Roch district, known as the new downtown core. Saint-Roch has shed its less glamorous past to become the darling of urban developers. New economy companies and wealthy young professionals flock to this district boasting fine restaurants, high-end boutiques and trendy bars.