Observatoire de la Capitale offers a view of Quebec City like no other. Nestled at the top of a 31-story office skyscraper, Édifice Marie-Guyart (also known as Complexe G), this attraction features a 360 degree view of the entire city from its expansive windows.
Not only is it the tallest building in Quebec City, but it is the tallest building east of Montreal in all of Canada. It was a worthy addition to our 3 days in Quebec City itinerary.
While regular office employees visit this building to go to work, visitors to Quebec can take the elevator to the top floor, 221 metres above the ground, to experience incredible views.
Our Visit to Observatoire de la Capitale
Designed in the Brutalist style, this massive concrete structure was completed in 1972. It was actually quite difficult to take this photograph from directly beneath the building. I had to bend my body way back to do so (it was either that or lay on the ground, which wasn't exactly appealing to me).
It might not be a super tall building compared to the ones in other major cities, but being at the top of the tallest building in Quebec City means that nothing will get in the way of your view.
Once we purchased our tickets at the front desk, we proceeded to the elevator. Make sure you get on the right elevator as they all don't go up to the 31st floor.
It is pretty obvious which elevator is the correct one. There's a huge sign on it promoting the attraction. The elevator ride was really fast to the top.
The Best View in Quebec City
When we got to the top, we were greeted by a lady who took our tickets and engaged in friendly conversation with us. She was always available to answer any questions that we may have had. It was refreshing to have such a warm welcome!
We walked to the right and made our way around the four corners of the building, with each wall of windows offering a different viewpoint. Before each section, there was a short video to watch about Quebec's history and how it fit into the larger cultural shifts in North America.
I'm not sure that the history lesson was entirely necessary as most people were there for the view, plus it was a very generalized overview of historical events with a few small props here and there. I can understand that they wanted to add an educational component at the attraction.
Discovering the Landmarks of Quebec City From Above
There was some technology at the Observatoire that we truly enjoyed and we felt was very useful. In front of all of the windows, there were small touch screens (they were either on iPads or something similar) with a 3D map on each.
You could look out the window and easily spot the same buildings on the touch screen. From there, you could tap on any building and a screen would pop up displaying photographs of the site, detailed facts about what the building was used for, and where it was located. We loved this feature!
We kept looking out the window and asking each other, "What's that building there?" and we could easily answer our own questions by using the touchscreen. This really helped us to get to know the city better.
Not only did we see different views of the places we had visited already, but we became familiar with new ones, too. It actually helped us to locate the Parliament Building, among other spots that we ended up visiting.
The History of Carnaval and Bonhomme
There was also a collection of Bonhomme Christmas ornaments from the iconic Quebec Winter Carnival. I somehow feel as though a display about the history of Quebec would not be complete without showing that delightful snowman.
While at this point in time we hadn't yet visited Quebec City in the winter, we have since returned for Carnaval de Quebec. You can't help but love Bonhomme.
Plan Your Visit to Observatoire de la Capitale
We had a really great time appreciating the scenery of Quebec from up high and all around. We were also getting a little bit overheated from walking around all day, so this was a great escape from the heat as well.
We visited mid-week during the afternoon in the summer at prime tourist season, and it was not busy at all. It might get busy here on the weekends, but you will have no problem enjoying the views quietly and peacefully on the weekdays.
You can buy tickets in advance at the official Observatoire de la Capitale website. But, I don't think it's necessary. You can show up and get them in person, no problem.
Felipe says
Great!
Adelina | Pack Me To says
Awesome views! I love Quebec City so much and all your posts are making me super jealous. I think I'll have to find some time for an East coast trip next year.
Lauren | Justin Plus Lauren says
An East coast trip would be amazing - you could drive out to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick & PEI as well! :) I love it out there!
Chris Boothman says
Gorgeous views! I am now convinced that we need to get back to Quebec City ASAP to explore everything we missed out on. We were so consumed by Vieux Quebec and Montmorency Falls that we just didn't have enough time to experience everything else. We love observatory towers and skyscrapers so this is definitely something we would love to check out!
Lauren | Justin Plus Lauren says
Vieux Quebec and Montmorency Falls are amazing, too! You only have time for so much. But yes, you have reasons to return now!
Rachael@safari254 says
Awesome views!!!
Lauren | Justin Plus Lauren says
Thanks!!
Amy Lynne Hayes says
Aren't observatories fantastic?! I loved going to the top of the Eureka Tower in Melbourne, Australia and catching a glimpse of the city skyline. I don't usually do too well with heights, but inside I'm okay. You'll never see me a balcony up that high though!
Lauren | Justin Plus Lauren says
That one sounds amazing, too! We aren't the greatest with heights either, but we felt totally safe up here with all of the huge windows.
Raphael Alexander Zoren says
I love Canada! Can't wait to be back in Montreal and eat some Poutine :D
Lauren | Justin Plus Lauren says
I love Montreal, too!
Mrs Chasing the Donkey says
Pinning this so when we get out behinds to Canada we can head up here. I have to say, some of those snowmen are kind of weird looking... butI want one :) Thanks for linking up with us for #SundayTraveler again.
Lauren | Justin Plus Lauren says
The best was...I uploaded the photos to Facebook and it recognized a snowman head as a face and asked if I wanted to tag it! And the close-up of the snowman looked rather creepy. It was funny!!
Corinne Vail says
J'aime Quebec! I have not been to the observatory...hmmm next time?!
Lauren | Justin Plus Lauren says
Oui!! :)
BavarianSojourn says
That sounds like a great day. I have yet to make it to Canada properly (once had a refuelling stop off) but I would love to get there soon... :)
Lauren | Justin Plus Lauren says
There are so many wonderful places to see in Canada, I have also barely scratched the surface. Quebec City is really lovely though!
The Crowded Planet says
Amazing! I love the view from the top, especially the shot with Chateau Fontenac... so cool!
Lauren | Justin Plus Lauren says
It was great to see it from another perspective!
Marysia @ My Travel Affairs says
Indeed a great view!
Lauren | Justin Plus Lauren says
Great views from all angles!
Alli Blair says
You guys thought of and did everything on your journey to Quebec City! Those views are wonderful from up there.
Lauren | Justin Plus Lauren says
We managed to see a lot while we were there! We had a fair amount of time so we also did some relaxing too :)
Mytanfeet says
Ooh what lovely views! Also pretty awesome pod chairs, looks super comfy!
Lauren | Justin Plus Lauren says
They were! After a long day of walking, it was a bit difficult getting up :)
Hannah Logan says
Nice view! I also love the collection of the little Bonhomme effigys from the Carnaval. I have the last one with the sun glasses from my visit :)
Lauren | Justin Plus Lauren says
That's fun! I would like to visit back to Quebec City for the winter Carnival :)
Amanda says
Now that is an awesome view and very cool chairs!
Lauren | Justin Plus Lauren says
It was a great view from all around the building!