Getting There By Water
Quebec’s port has undergone a number of changes since those days a couple of centuries ago, when it was one of the continent’s pre-eminent ports. The port is located on the St Lawrence River, 1370 km (851 miles) from the Atlantic Ocean. Overseen by the Quebec Port Authority (tel: (418) 648 3640; fax: (418) 648 4160; website: www.portquebec.ca), it is divided into three sectors, two of which – Beauport and Anse au Foulon – handle industrial cargoes. The central sector, at the convergence of the St Charles River and St Lawrence River, the Estuary, handles general cargo and cruise ships. It includes the Bassin Louise, where leisure craft are moored and from which boat tours depart, as well as the Vieux Port (Old Port), much of which has been converted for leisure activities. Facilities include parking, restaurants, bars, bicycle hire and a market.
Ferry services: The Société des traversiers du Québec (tel: (418) 644 3704; website: www.traversiers.gouv.qc.ca) operates the ferry from Lévis, directly across the river to Quebec City, departing every 30–60 minutes 0630–0220 (journey time – 10 minutes). The fare is C$2 each way (C$2.50 in summer).
Transport to the city: The Bassin Louise is situated directly north of Old Quebec and, although short, the walk to town is uphill. The ferry from Lévis docks near Place Royale in Basse-Ville and the easiest route to the upper part of Old Quebec is by the funicular (website: www.funiculaire-quebec.com).
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