Québec is a city built on steep hills. Staircases abound in connecting the Upper Town with the Lower Town, each exuding its unique charm. Frontenac Stairs (French: L’Escalier Frontenac), one of the most frequented, starts right by the Frontenac Kiosk at the Dufferin Terrace and leads you down the hill to Côte de la Montagne.
Here, the winding street continues to descend until you reach the corner of Mary’s Popcorn. You will want to make a pit stop here—after all, who can resist the sweet and savory aroma of some freshly popped goodness? Yet, there is one more important reason: you have also reached the famous Breakneck Steps (French: L’Escalier Casse-Cou) that connects you to Petit-Champlain, the oldest commercial district in North America.
This neighborhood is quaint yet lively, lined with cobblestone streets and European architecture as well as charming art galleries, boutiques, and eateries. A walk around here is such a pleasant sensory experience that even on a cold day, you feel wrapped in warmth and wonder.
