Porte Kent
A historic fortified gate in Old Quebec City, serving as a key access point to Upper Town and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for exploring and photos
Porte Kent
Best Time
Best for exploring and photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic fortified gate in Old Quebec City, serving as a key access point to Upper Town and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
"A beautiful entry into Quebec City, offering a great historic experience and views."
📸 Capture the History
Porte Kent is a fantastic spot for photos, especially with the historic fortifications surrounding it. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Explore the Ramparts
After passing through the gate, take time to walk along the ramparts for stunning city views. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Fortified Gate
Old Quebec City
A significant part of Quebec City's UNESCO World Heritage fortifications, offering a glimpse into its colonial past.
Gateway to Upper Town
Old Quebec City
One of the four main gates providing access to Upper Town, connecting you to the heart of historic Quebec.
Architectural Landmark
Old Quebec City
Erected in 1879, this iconic gate is a testament to the city's defensive structures and colonial history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand Porte Kent's Significance
Access and Surroundings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the History
Porte Kent is a fantastic spot for photos, especially with the historic fortifications surrounding it. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Explore the Ramparts
After passing through the gate, take time to walk along the ramparts for stunning city views. :athletic_shoe:
📍 Connect to Old Quebec
Porte Kent is a key entry point to explore the charming cobblestone streets and historic sites of Old Quebec. :world_map:
❄️ Winter Snow Slide
In winter, a unique snow slide runs from Porte Kent down to Place d'Youville for a fun ride! :snowflake:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the History
Porte Kent is a fantastic spot for photos, especially with the historic fortifications surrounding it. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Explore the Ramparts
After passing through the gate, take time to walk along the ramparts for stunning city views. :athletic_shoe:
📍 Connect to Old Quebec
Porte Kent is a key entry point to explore the charming cobblestone streets and historic sites of Old Quebec. :world_map:
❄️ Winter Snow Slide
In winter, a unique snow slide runs from Porte Kent down to Place d'Youville for a fun ride! :snowflake:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Porte Kent to be a beautiful and historically significant entry point into Old Quebec. It's appreciated as a well-preserved piece of the city's fortifications and a gateway to exploring the historic district. The winter snow slide adds a unique, fun element for visitors.
"We drove up to Quebec for 4 days to see the historic sites and eat.
Walking around our neighborhood in the old city, we passed by the Kent Gate, part of the old wall around Quebec City. A nice piece of history."
THE EXPLORER
"There are four main city gates built into the ramparts that provide access to Old Quebec’s Upper Town including Kent Gate, Prescott Gate, Saint-Jean Gate, and Saint-Louis Gate.
The last (1879) of the three main city gates to be built. 'Kent Gate' lies between Porte St-Jean and Porte St-Louis. This iconic gate is part of the fortification system comprising bastions, gates, and defensive structures that account for Québec City's renown as a fortified colonial city and the reason Old Québec was named a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Only three other gates (St-Jean, Saint-Louis, and Prescott) that were part of the original fortifications survive.
it was erected in 1879 and named in honor of Queen Victoria’s father, the Duke of Kent. This famous ruler of the British Empire sponsored its construction."
Sanjay Gupta
"Just like the St Jones gate counterpart, the Kent Gate is also easily accessible and offers a great historic experience and views of Quebec city"
Sviet Slav
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Porte Kent is conveniently located in Old Quebec City and is easily accessible by walking if you are staying in the historic district. It's part of the city's fortifications, serving as a gateway to Upper Town. Public transport options are also available to reach the general area of Old Quebec.
Yes, Porte Kent is very accessible for pedestrians. It's one of the main city gates and a popular entry point into the historic Upper Town of Quebec City.
If you're in downtown Quebec City, walking is a pleasant option, or you can take a short bus ride to the Old Quebec area. Porte Kent is a prominent landmark within the historic walls.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Porte Kent is an outdoor historic landmark and part of the city's fortifications. There is no admission fee to see or pass through the gate.
Porte Kent is always accessible as it's an open gateway within the historic city walls. You can visit it at any time of day or night.
There is no cost to enter the fortified city through Porte Kent. It serves as a free public access point to Old Quebec's Upper Town.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Porte Kent, you can admire the historic architecture, learn about its significance as part of Quebec's fortifications, and use it as a gateway to explore the charming streets of Old Quebec. In winter, there's a unique snow slide!
Porte Kent is one of the last city gates built in 1879, named after the Duke of Kent. It's a crucial part of Quebec City's UNESCO World Heritage fortifications, showcasing its history as a colonial fortified city.
Absolutely! Porte Kent offers excellent photo opportunities, capturing the historic gate, the surrounding ramparts, and the entrance to the picturesque Old Quebec.
During winter, a thrilling snow slide operates from Porte Kent down to Place d'Youville, offering a fun and unique way to experience the city.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography at Porte Kent. Daytime provides clear views of the architecture, while evenings can be atmospheric.
You can capture wide shots of the gate and fortifications, details of the stonework, and use it as a backdrop for photos with the charming streets of Old Quebec.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
During warmer months, it's a great starting point for exploring the historic Upper Town, with plenty of open spaces and interesting sights to keep children engaged. The historical aspect can be simplified for younger kids by focusing on stories of knights and castles. Consider making it a game to find all the different gates of Old Quebec. The accessibility of the gate makes it easy for strollers, and the surrounding area is generally safe for walking. Pack snacks and drinks, as exploring the historic district can take time.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For the best shots, aim for the golden hours around sunrise and sunset when the light is soft and warm, casting dramatic shadows. Consider incorporating the charming cobblestone streets of Old Quebec that lead away from the gate into your compositions. In winter, the snow-covered landscape adds a unique, picturesque element to your photos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Porte Kent
The gate is one of only four surviving gates from the original fortifications, alongside Saint-Jean, Saint-Louis, and Prescott Gates. It serves as a crucial access point to Upper Town, seamlessly integrating the historic defenses with the vibrant life of the city. Passing through Porte Kent offers visitors a direct connection to the historical narrative of Quebec City, from its military significance to its architectural evolution.
Beyond its historical context, Porte Kent is also a point of interest for its unique seasonal offerings. During the winter months, it transforms into the starting point for a thrilling snow slide that descends to Place d'Youville, providing a fun and memorable experience for visitors of all ages. This blend of historical preservation and modern-day enjoyment makes Porte Kent a multifaceted attraction.
Experiencing Porte Kent in Winter
Visitors can expect a thrilling ride down the icy slope, providing a memorable contrast to the solemn history of the fortifications. It's a popular activity that draws both locals and tourists looking for a bit of adventure. Remember to dress warmly, as the temperatures can be quite low, and the wind can be brisk around the open gate.
Beyond the snow slide, the winter ambiance around Porte Kent is also noteworthy. The snow-covered ramparts and the historic architecture create a picturesque scene, perfect for photography. While the slide is the main draw, simply walking through the gate in winter offers a different, yet equally captivating, perspective on this historic site.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit