Under Dufferin Terrace beside Château Frontenac, this archaeological site preserves the remains of the official residences of French and British governors. Walk among walls, doorframes and traces of rooms where colonial-era decisions were made, then use the exhibits and digital reconstructions to picture the buildings before they were lost to fire in 1834. A guided tour adds context to the excavations and artifacts, including objects linked to food storage and cooking. It is a compact stop for understanding the history beneath one of Québec City’s best-known promenades.
The seat of government beneath the terrace
The site lies below Dufferin Terrace, beside Château Frontenac. Its remains belong to a succession of forts and châteaux that stood here before the terrace covered them. The location served as the residence and seat of power for French and British governors, connecting the underground ruins to Québec City’s political history.
Samuel de Champlain occupied the site in the 1620s. It became the French governors’ official residence in the 1630s, then passed to British governors after the change of rule. The buildings were destroyed by fire in 1834. Today, the archaeological remains give a ground-level view of a place otherwise glimpsed through the terrace above.
Reading the remains
The visit takes you through excavated rooms and structural traces, including walls and doorframes. Household finds such as wine bottles and kitchenware offer clues to daily life in the governors’ residence, including how food was stored and prepared. The exhibits pair artifacts with digital reconstructions, helping you relate the surviving stonework to the buildings that once occupied the site.
A guided visit is available in English and French and lasts about an hour. The guide can explain what the excavations reveal and point out details that are easy to pass over on your own. There are also explanatory displays inside, so you can follow the history at your own pace.
FAQ
Where is the Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site?
It is beneath Dufferin Terrace, next to Château Frontenac in Québec City.
How long does a visit take?
A guided visit takes about an hour.
Are guided tours available in English?
Yes. Guided tours are offered in English and French.
What can you see at the site?
The underground archaeological remains include walls and doorframes, alongside household artifacts, exhibits and digital reconstructions.
