The Quebec Funiculaire: A Fun Way to See the City
The Old Quebec Funicular is a must-do for any visitor to Quebec City. This historic funicular railway connects the Upper Town (Haute-Ville) to the Lower Town (Basse-Ville) in just a few minutes, making it a great way to see the city without having to walk up the steep hill.
What are “funiculaire”?
The word “funiculaire” is derived from the Latin word “funiculus”, which means “small rope”. It was first used in the early 19th century to describe a type of railway that uses cables to transport passengers or goods up and down a steep slope.
The first funicular is built in Paris in 1869. It was a short line that connected the Trocadéro Gardens to the Champ de Mars. The success of this line led to the construction of funiculars in other cities around the world, including Lisbon, Barcelona, and Quebec City.
Today, there are funiculars in over 100 cities around the world. They are means of transportation, as well as a tourist attraction.
Fun facts about funiculars:
- The longest funicular in the world is the Funicular de la Penja in Spain. It is 1,840 meters long and has a vertical drop of 754 meters.
- The steepest funicular in the world is the Funicular de Monte Generoso in Switzerland. It has a gradient of 110%.
- The oldest funicular in the world that is still in operation is the Funicular de São Cristóvão in Lisbon, Portugal. It was built in 1885.
Funiculars are a fun and efficient way to get around steep slopes. They are also a popular tourist attraction, and they offer stunning views of the surrounding area.
Quebec’s Funiculaire
The funicular was built in 1879 and was originally powered by water. It was converted to electricity in 1907. The funicular has two cars, each of which can carry up to 60 people. The cars travel at a speed of 2.5 meters per second, and the ride takes about 30 seconds.
The funicular is located at the corner of Dufferin Terrace and Rue du Petit-Champlain. It is open from 9:00 AM to 10:30 PM, seven days a week. The cost of a ride is CAD $5.00 for adults and children.
In addition to being a convenient way to get around, the funicular also offers stunning views of the city. From the top, you can see the St. Lawrence River, the Citadelle of Quebec, and the Old Town. The funicular is a great way to get a bird’s-eye view of Quebec City and its rich history.
Here are some other things to know about the Old Quebec Funicular:
- It is the oldest funicular in North America that is still in operation.
- It has been featured in several movies and television shows, including “The Day After Tomorrow” and “The Umbrella Academy.”
- It is a popular tourist attraction, and it can get crowded during peak times.
When you Visit Quebec City, be sure to take a ride on the Old Quebec Funicular. It is a fun and convenient way to see the city, and it offers stunning views that you will not want to miss.
