From its base in the Louis Joliette House to its top on the Terrace Dufferin the Quebec Funicular offers a unique view of the St. Lawrence and also the relationship between the upper and lower cities. For $1.50 per person you can take one of the 2 funiculars (cable cars). They were first constructed in 1879 using an original route already there between the two parts of the city. Originally the cars were open air and only ran in the summertime. They were rebuilt in 1907 and the Louis Joliette house was purchased to preserve it and also to give an indoor landing. It was also converted from steam to electricity at that time.
Today, after another rebuilding in 1997, ( due to a fatal accident) the funicular is a wonderful and exciting way to enjoy the panoramic view. It also beats the heck out of climbing down the break neck stairs which are the other option to get down to the lower city from this point.
There is no other funicular of its type in North America. It descends the slope at a 45-degree angle from a height of 195 feet and travels 210 feet. It’s one of those things that you must do, at least once. But be prepared, the lines in the summer can be very long and the cars quite crowded.