About Breakneck Steps (L'Escalier Casse-Cou)

Built in 1635, the 59-step stairs, known as Breakneck Steps, got its name from the locals who felt that the steps were steep. Today, these steps still stand tall, serving as a free pass that connects the lower town and the upper town. These stairs also offer some great photo opportunities and a chance to explore quaint and crafty local shops, restaurants, and breweries along the climb up or while coming down, depending on which way you're headed to. These stairs will not only give you a European feel while you’re on them but are also very critical to see all of Old Town Quebec, where the beauty of the history of the city resides.

Must See

  • Local beer shops along the stairs.
  • Crafty shopping stops.
  • A beautiful view of the Lower Town.
  • Lighting at night during festivals and holidays.

How to reach

By car/cab: From the city center, it will take 7 min to reach the stairs via Boulevard Charest E and QC-136 O as they are 2.8 km away. 

By bus: Walk for about 2 min (170 m) to Place J.-Cartier from the city center and from there, board the 801 towards Pointe-de-Sainte-Foy (Ouest). Drop off at Place d'Youville and walk for about 15 min (1.1 km) to reach the stairs.

By bike: It is an 11 min ride to the stairs from the city center via Rue du Roi as they are 2.3 km away.

By foot: From the city center, it takes about 29 min to walk to the stairs via Rue du Roi as they are 2.3 km away.

 

Tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, there are quite a few stairs to climb.
  • If you take the stairs to go up and the funicular to go back down, you can avoid getting overly tired as well as have a pleasant experience of exploring the local shops alongside the stairs.
  • Watch your steps while coming down, the stairs are pretty steep.
  • Have a charged phone/camera with you as the location is very picturesque.

 

Visit Time

Sunday: Open 24 hours

Monday: Open 24 hours

Tuesday: Open 24 hours

Wednesday: Open 24 hours

Thursday: Open 24 hours

Friday: Open 24 hours

Saturday: Open 24 hours

Time Icon

Waiting Time

None

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

No

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

1 to 2 hours

 

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Weather

Overcast Clouds -8.04°C

 

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