Funiculaire du Vieux Quebec, Quebec

Old Quebec is quite hilly and some parts are quite steep, so it can get very tiring walking around all day. Luckily, they have a funicular, which is made up of two cars run by cables and a pulley to go up and down steep slopes. It was first built in1879, and has undergone a few reconstructions since. The funicular goes 195 feet high, and the Chateau Frontenac is right at the top. It costs $1.75 to ride one way, but it can save a lot of time, since it only takes about a minute to go each way, and energy, especially for people who have a little more trouble getting around or for people with young kids. There is a very nice view while riding the funicular and from the top. It is worth experiencing at least once, since there are only a handful of operational duniculars in North America.

Address: 16 Petit-Champlain St

This unique funiculaire is located at Louis Jolliet House on 16 Petit-Champlain Street. It costs $1.50 (2005) to travel from near Place Royale to The Dufferin Terrace near the Ch?teau Frontenac or vice versa. It is a quick and far less tiring than walking up the cliffs. It also presents quite a view as it comes down on a 45 degree angle.

The Funiculaire began operation in 1879 under the direction of William Griffith. It was originally a steam operated system that changed to an electrical one. The house that the funiculaire leaves from is Louis-Jolliet House that was built in 1683 by architect Baillif for Louis-Jolliet, discoverer of the Mississipi.

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The steep cliff that exists in the heart of Quebec City divides the town into two parts, an upper and lower part. The upper part has the Le Chateau Frontenac and the cathedral and comprises Old Quebec; the lower part has the town's oldest street situated within the Quartier Petit Champlain. Walking downhill is easy, but walking uphill is hard. Conveniently there is a cable car that you can ride. The cost is $1.50 one way per person. I suggest you use it to go uphill.

This is a really unique way of getting around. Quebec's unique funicular has been shuttling people around at an angle of 45 degrees between upper and lower town since 1879. The lower entrance is located inside the mansion Louis-Jolliet, 16, rue du Petit Champlain near Place Royale. The upper entrance is on the Dufferin Terrace, near the Frontenac Castle. The only funicular of its kind in North America affords a breathtaking panorama of the Saint Lawrence coastline.
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Most people put the Funiculaire under must see activities and rightfully so it is a fun ride. You can find the Funiculaire entrances in front of the Chateau Frontenac and in the Quartier Petit Champlain district. You will get a great view but not neccessarily the best views of the city. I'll give you some great tips on view points.

For me the Funiculaire was a great tool to get from point A, to Point B. Old Quebec is build on cliff sides and it was done this way for militaristic reasons back during its origins. So it makes for some very steps walks up and down.

You can get the idea in this picture I created. One side shows all the steps to get down versus the quick ride back up on the Funicularie for $1.5 CDN, you can't beat it :-)

I do highly recommend though that you do walk down to the Quarter Petit Champlain district at least once because there is a lot to see along the way, it is a beautiful walk. I did do this but later when I wanted to return for specific shops or tasks it was much more efficient to just hope on the Funiculaire!

On April 1879, work began under the direction of the owner, William Griffith. On November 17, regular operation commenced. At that time, a tourist guide compiled by the abbey Louis Beaudet said : "A Funicular transports you from Sous le Fort Street under Dufferin Terrace to the extremity of Ste-Anne Street. It is the attraction of our City".

In 1907 took place a complete reorganization of the Company and the Funicular.

The new Company bought the Louis-Jolliet House and the land annexed (where a monument is erected now). This house was built in 1683 by architect Baillif for Louis-Jolliet, discoverer of the Mississipi, who occupied it until his death in 1700. Louis-Jolliet was the first Quebec-born Canadian to make history. The Company changed also the steam system for an electrical one and covered the Funicular.

In 1997, the Funicular was rebuilt. This is the only Funicular of this type in Canada.

Rather than "breaking your neck" on the stairs, you can pay CAD$1.50 (one-way) to ride the funicular. The entrance at the top is along the Terrasse Dufferin outside Chateau Frontenac (look for the green and white awning building); at the bottom it's in Petit Champlain.

If you want a fast and easy way to get to the Chateau Frontenac take the funiculaire. This system has been moving people between the upper town and lower town since 1879. The upper entrance is on Dufferine Terrace and the lower entrance is on Rue de la Petit Champlain.

Small fees apply.

The funicular has been operating since 1879, serving as a quick transportation system linking the Upper Town and Lower Town. It is the only funicular of this kind in Canada.

Although the minute-ride is quite expansive at $1.50 one way, it is a good alternative to climb the Escalier Casse-Cou and Escalier Frontenac.