At select intervals along the boardwalk, stairs lead down to the lower town. The old walled town of Quebec City was declared a United Nations World Heritage Site in 1985. The old quarter's distinct architecture, narrow alleys, squares and pocket gardens provide thousands of visitors with an idea of what early times might have been like in Quebec City. The old city once housed Laval University, the oldest French-speaking university in Canada. Horse drawn carriages allow visitors to enjoy the sights and sounds of the old city in a relaxing environment.
Tourism is a major contributor to the Quebec City economy.
Since 1954, the city has hosted an annual Winter Festival, complete with ice sculpture competitions, snowshoe races, dog etc. It remains a major port city and transshipment depot. Ship-building, ship repairing, grain handling and general storage and warehousing businesses operate along Quebec City's waterfront. Office buildings house agencies and department os the provincial and federal governments, insurance companies, professionals and retailers. The Val Cartier military base is located on the western outskirts of Quebec City.