Summary
Sitting alongside the St. Lawrence River directly opposite Quebec City is the charming city of Lévis. With its intimate, village-like atmosphere, it serves as a delightful destination for visitors.
Lévis is accessible from Quebec City by ferry, as well as by two bridges. While it is frequently preferred by day-trippers, the city boasts a variety of attractions that merit more time for exploration.
Here are several essential experiences for anyone visiting Lévis:
1. Enjoy the views
Take a ferry ride along the St. Lawrence River and indulge in breathtaking views. Not only will you observe Lévis itself, but you will also appreciate the beauty of Quebec City.
Ferries operate throughout the year, departing from both city terminals every 20 to 30 minutes. For those wishing to appreciate the evening scenery, ferries leave Lévis hourly on the hour.
Ensure to bring a camera for capturing images of Old Quebec City as you glide past. Whether traveling during the day or evening, you are guaranteed to be impressed.
2. Visit a historic train yard
The Charny district is home to Joffre Yard and features a historic roundhouse, designated as a National Historic Site of Canada.
The district also hosts Charny railway station, one of the oldest stations in Lévis, which continues to operate today as a stop on the Montreal-Quebec line.
Via Rail provides shuttle bus services from the station to Gare du Palais in Quebec City, making it a significant stop on the Montreal – Gaspé line.
3. Go back in time
Lévis is home to one of Canada’s oldest parishes, Saint-Nicolas, which has a history dating back to 1694.
As you walk through the district, you can experience a sense of history while appreciating the many historic buildings. This area is situated along the river, providing excellent views of Quebec City.
Saint-Nicolas was named in honor of Nicolas de Myre, a notable 4th-century Christian saint.
4. Walk across the river
This refers to crossing the Quebec Bridge, which features a pedestrian walkway allowing you to traverse the river from Lévis to Quebec City.
The bridge measures 987 meters in length, 29 meters in width, and stands 104 meters high, making it the longest cantilever bridge span in the world.
If walking is not preferred, there are three highway lanes on the bridge, offering a quicker means to cross the river; however, walking provides a more rewarding experience.
5. Discover the St. Lawrence
The Route des Navigateurs reveals the historical significance of the St. Lawrence River, not only within Lévis but throughout the province. This scenic route extends along the river for 470 kilometers.
A section of the Route des Navigateurs traverses Lévis, allowing you to explore the river’s history without departing from the city.
The route is marked by blue signposts that guide travelers along the way. Along the route, one can find beautiful city parks such as Parc de L’Anse-Tibbits, Parc de L’Anse-Benson, and Parc et Marina de la Chaudiere.
6. Stare at a waterfall
Located just outside the city center, Chaudiere Falls can be found off Route 75 near Charny. The waterfall cascades along the Chaudiere River amid stunning natural scenery.
Take a moment to marvel at the falls and be captivated by their allure. Viewpoints are available to take in the spectacle, offering excellent opportunities for photographers to capture the falls and their beautiful surroundings.
You can easily spend several hours in this area, as the adjacent park features nature trails and even a suspension bridge.
7. Explore a fort
Lévis features three forts strategically positioned along the St. Lawrence River. These were constructed in such a manner that it avoided the need for a single long wall.
Fort No. 1 was erected by the British Army between 1865 and 1872. Today, it is recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada and is referred to as Lévis Forts.
Explore this star-shaped fort and gain insight into military life during its operational period. Engage in a guided tour of the tunnels, casemates, and underground chambers, or stroll around the outdoor area to explore the terreplain, rolling bridge, and caponier.
8. Visit a mansion
This mansion was once the residence of Alphonse Desjardins, the founder of the Desjardins Group. Today, it is dedicated to preserving his legacy.
Maison Alphonse-Desjardins attracts nearly 200,000 visitors each year. The former mansion, now a museum, remains open year-round and the entrance is free of charge.
Participate in a guided tour of the house to delve into the history of the Desjardins family. Alternatively, you can visit the mansion independently and explore at your own pace.
9. Look at art
The Louise-Carrier Gallery is housed within a historic Anglican church and is named after the acclaimed local portrait artist, Louise Carrier.
Portions of the gallery are located in the artist’s former residence, which stands next to the church. Each year, over 200,000 visitors explore the gallery to view remarkable artwork.
The gallery showcases works by local artists and offers both a permanent collection as well as several traveling exhibitions throughout the year.
10. Slash around in a fountain
Whether during the day or at night, the Fontaine du Quai Paquet provides an excellent opportunity to cool off on a hot summer day. Visitors can walk through it and have fun splashing around.
This expansive 2,400 square meter fountain is equipped with 160 jets that rise to nine meters in height. The jets activate at different levels throughout the day, in intervals ranging from five to twenty minutes.
Surrounding the fountain are promenades and green areas, allowing you to relax on the grass or take a seat on a bench to watch the lively display.
11. Look at polar bears
Just across the river in Quebec City, the Aquarium du Québec offers visitors the opportunity to observe polar bears through an underwater viewing station.
In addition to polar bears, the aquarium houses a diverse array of marine life, including starfish, harbor seals, and walruses. Approximately 10,000 animals inhabit this facility.
Visitors can engage closely with numerous animals or explore the aquarium at their leisure, participating in interactive experiences such as touching stingrays and handling amphibians, or enjoying the playful antics of walruses.
12. Tour a historic neighbourhood
The quartier St-Romuald is located adjacent to the St. Lawrence River, characterized as a charming area with a history spanning over 8,000 years, making it a perfect locale for a walking tour.
Stroll through the streets to explore this historic neighborhood while enjoying its beautiful buildings, picturesque homes, and a lovely church.
During your visit, take the opportunity to stop at one of the local bars or restaurants, many of which are housed in historic buildings. The area also features some charming local shops.
13. Take a cooking class
Experience traditional Quebec cuisine through a cooking class held in a historic home. Madame Germaine offers lessons in local culinary traditions, alongside various international cuisines.
Participate in a cooking class at her venue, where you will learn to prepare an authentic three-course Quebec meal, and choose from classes focused on Chinese, Indian, or Vietnamese dishes.
Class fees encompass all ingredients, instruction, and recipes, plus the opportunity to savor the meal you crafted!
14. Go shopping
As in many cities globally, Lévis hosts a large shopping mall that will satisfy any shopping enthusiast. Wander through Les Galeries Chagnon to discover clothing, accessories, and other souvenirs.
The mall primarily features Canadian and Quebec brands, including Reitmans, Tristan, and la Vie en Rose, alongside several fast-food options and a substantial Walmart.
For a more local experience, visit the Marché de Lévis, where food is the primary focus, and many local artisans present their crafts.
15. Visit a shipyard
Chantier maritime A.C. Davie is a historic shipyard recognized as a National Historic Site. A visit to the shipyard allows you to relive a significant chapter in the city’s maritime history.
Now functioning as a museum, the shipyard showcases both indoor and outdoor exhibits. One highlight is the yacht Jeffy Jan II, which has sailed the St. Lawrence River since 1939.
Moreover, the Chantier maritime A.C. Davie contains an interactive museum featuring the remains of the first Canadian-built tow plane, along with an impressive collection of miniature engravings.
