When you visit Quebec City, it's best to simply walk around. You never know what you might stumble upon. Justin and I walked down Grand Allee in Upper Town and we came across the Parliament Building in Quebec City.
This majestic, historic building is definitely worth a visit, plus there are some beautiful gardens, too. Be sure to add a trip to the Parliament Building if you're spending 3 days in Quebec like we did.
Along one side of the building, there was a monument dedicated to women in politics, created by sculptor, Jules Lasalle. The monument contains four statues of women who played a lead role in demanding and obtaining the right for women to vote in Quebec. We noticed many statues around the building that honoured important people in Quebec's history.
Visiting Quebec City's Parliament Building
The Parliament Building (in French, Hôtel du Parlement) is an eight storey building built from 1877 to 1886. It is home to the Parliament of Quebec, which is comprised of the National Assembly and the Lieutenant-Governor.
It was one of the few buildings in North America to be constructed in the Second Empire architectural style, providing it with a rather prestigious flair. The building has four separate wings to form a square approximately 100 metres on each side.
It was inspired by the expansion of the Louvre in Paris, and was designated a Quebec national historic monument in 1985. There are tours given daily of the building's interior, which we didn't do (maybe next time!), and there are more details about this on the official website.
Bronze Statues
There are 26 different bronze statues on the building's facade, dedicated to important men and women who helped to shape society in Quebec. It was really interesting to see statues like this built right into spaces on the building itself. I'm not sure that I've ever seen something like it before!
The Gardens
While the Parliament Building itself was grandiose and spectacular, I really enjoyed wandering around the property's gardens. There are many species of trees, plants, shrubs, and flowers that are all native to Quebec.
I loved how there was an edible garden growing on the site, which was home to over 130 different kinds of vegetables, fruits, and herbs. The harvest from the edible garden is donated to a local charity group.
The Tourny Fountain
In the centre of Avenue Honoré-Mercier, directly across from the Parliament Building, stands the Tourny Fountain. It was a gift to the City of Quebec from La Maison Simons, a local family-owned retail store. There were so many brightly coloured flowers all around the fountain, making it quite the sight to behold!
I highly recommend walking around the property of the Parliament Building, or perhaps taking an official tour indoors if you get the chance. Guided tours are offered in French and English. Make a reservation in advance online or on site.
There are also tours of the gardens now, too. All guided tours (both inside the Parliament Building and outdoors in the garden) are free and 60 minutes in length.
Ramesh Pradhan says
Beautiful!
Karyn @ Not Done Travelling says
How beautiful! It looks like some parliament buildings here in Melbourne, but the gardens are much nicer. :) Very cool that there is an edible garden too.
Lauren says
Ooh, nice to know these kinds of buildings exist in Melbourne, too!
Mary {The World Is A Book} says
What a building! It looks like a Parisian hotel or even an exterior of a fancy museum. I like how they pay homage by using those bronze statues. Beautiful photos especially of the gardens.
Lauren says
It is really fancy, isn't it! And the statues are incredibly unique. Quebec City loves its statues - statues were all over the place!
Reasons to Dress says
I LOVE the Parliament buildings in Quebec and your photographs are just stunning. I don't know why I never took a stroll through the gardens when I visited but one of the incredible things about Quebec in the summer is the amount of greenery that appears after the spring. Beautiful post.
Lauren says
Thank you so much! The gardens there were wonderful, and nice to see so much greenery and things growing there! I love community gardens, too!
Mrs Chasing the Donkey says
What colours! Its so great when nature and urban settings can blend. Big thanks for linking up with us for #SundayTraveler again.
Lauren says
It was great to see a splash of color in the flowers amongst the architecture!
Adelina | Pack Me To says
So pretty! I love the shot of the fountain.
Lauren says
Thanks! It was really pretty there!
The Crowded Planet says
Beautiful building, you guys did a great job with your pics. I love the idea of a monument dedicated to women in politics, brilliant!
Lauren | Justin Plus Lauren says
Thank you so much! All of the statues around were really neat, but I did really enjoy the monument dedicated to the important women! Especially since Quebec was originally lagging behind the other provinces in terms of giving women the right to vote, etc.
Alli Blair says
I love that pop of yellow, red, orange and purple! Gorgeous!
Lauren | Justin Plus Lauren says
Everything was so bright and cheery and in full bloom!
Jenna says
Wow, the Parliament looks beautiful! I love the statues built into the side of the building, too. And, the garden! It is so pretty--I always enjoy taking a walk through beautiful gardens. Great find!
Lauren | Justin Plus Lauren says
Thank you! I hope you get the chance to visit there sometime!
Antonette Spaan says
So colorful! Reminds me of Ottawa during the Tulip festival. I've been to various parliament buildings and they're nice but not really on top of our list anymore, we usually prefer churches :-)
Lauren | Justin Plus Lauren says
The bright colors do remind me of Ottawa, yes! I didn't think of that connection until you mentioned it.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} says
If you had not told me this is Quebec, I would have mistaken it for somewhere in France. You can definitely see the French influence. It's so beautiful, especially that brightly landscaped fountain.
Lauren | Justin Plus Lauren says
Oh definitely! Quebec City is a place with many fountains as well, they seemed to be at almost every turn! :)
megan_claire says
So beautiful. Very British-esque!
Lauren | Justin Plus Lauren says
I agree! :)
Hannah Logan says
Beautiful building ( it was really pretty in Winter with all the lights up for Carnival too) however, in terms of Canadian Parliament buildings I think Ottawa takes the win ;)
Lauren | Justin Plus Lauren says
I think you might be biased ;) But I agree - I love the Ottawa Canadian Parliament buildings!! I think that the federal government buildings would have to be the best ones of all just in principle! I bet it did look so pretty during Carnival, I'd love to visit again in the winter!
Claudia Luxembourg says
I get easily bored of cities - good that there is a garden right next to it, so that after the visit one can get close to nature again :)
Lauren | Justin Plus Lauren says
In amongst all of the really nice architecture, it was a great change of pace to see beautiful flowers and gardens!
Mytanfeet says
Love the decor! And what a cute fountain!
Lauren | Justin Plus Lauren says
We really liked the fountain as well!
Serena Chiarle says
Oh, I remember this!!
I had enjoy so much my visit to Québec City, it's been my fave among the cities in Canada I've visited.
And this building is so elegant and beautiful.
Lauren | Justin Plus Lauren says
I'm glad it brought back some memories for you! :)