Rue du Trésor (Treasure Street) is a charming little alley in Old Québec where art, history, and local culture meet. Known for its cobblestones, art stalls, and laid-back atmosphere, it’s a perfect stop for a self-guided stroll, especially if you enjoy discovering local art and seeing artists at work.
Getting There
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By Foot: Rue du Trésor is in the heart of Old Québec’s Upper Town. If you’re already visiting the Château Frontenac or Terrasse Dufferin, you’ll find it just steps away, tucked between Rue Saint-Louis and Rue Sainte-Anne.
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By Car: Driving directly into Old Québec can be tricky because of narrow streets and limited parking. The best option is to park in a nearby garage, such as Hôtel de Ville Parking or Parc de l’Esplanade, then walk a few minutes to the alley.
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By Public Transit: RTC buses stop at Place d’Armes and Hôtel de Ville, both within a short walk of Rue du Trésor.
Tips: Check the TransLink Website for current Skytrain schedules.
First Impressions
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Location: The alley runs between Rue Saint-Louis and Rue Sainte-Anne in Old Québec, linking landmarks like the Château Frontenac and the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral.
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Walking Access: Very walkable — it’s mixed with pedestrian alleys, squares, and historic streets, so you’ll likely pass it if you’re exploring Old Québec.
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Visual Feel: Narrow, cobbled, and picturesque. Buildings with old stone, art displays, awnings from the stalls, and artists painting or working make it vibrant.
What You’ll Experience
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Art for Sale: Local artists display watercolours, engravings, paintings, reproductions, silk-screens, etc. You can buy original works, prints, or just enjoy viewing.
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Artists at Work: Many portraitists and caricaturists set up on side streets or in adjoining streets like Rue Sainte-Anne. You can often talk with them as they work.
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Atmosphere: It has a European alleyway charm — open air, often lively during tourist season, quiet at other times.
When to Visit
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Best Season: From mid-May to mid-October is the peak time. During these months, artists are almost always present, and displays go until about 9 PM in many cases.
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Off-Peak: Rest of the year, the presence of artists is less predictable — mostly weekends and during holidays or special events.
History & Background
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The name “Rue du Trésor” comes from colonial times: this alley was once the path to the royal treasury, where locals paid dues under the French Regime.
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In the 1960s, two fine art students started putting their paintings out there; others followed, and eventually the Association des Artistes de la Rue du Trésor (AART) formed to regulate and promote the street art. Rules were established about what works could be sold, licensing for artists, etc.
Things to Do on the Street
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Browse the artworks and chat with the artists — that’s part of the experience.
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Photograph the street scenes, especially with the colourful displays, awnings, and façades.
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Buy a small original work or print as a souvenir.
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Extend your walk: from Rue du Trésor, head to Rue Sainte-Anne to see more artists, or stroll to nearby landmarks like Place d’Armes or the Cathedral.
Tips for Visiting
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Wear comfortable shoes (cobblestones can be uneven).
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Go during daylight or early evening for better light for art and photos.
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Budget a small amount if you want to take something home — prices vary depending on size and medium.
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Respect the art: don’t touch paintings or disturb stalls.
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In summer, bring water or some sun protection if walking in hotter parts of the day.
Getting Back / After Your Visit
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From Rue du Trésor, it’s easy to wander into other parts of Old Québec: Château Frontenac, the Terrasse Dufferin, and the Cathedral are nearby and accessible on foot.
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If you need transit, there are nearby bus stops and taxi or rideshare options.
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If you came by car, walk back to your parking or hotel via Upper Town or along historic streets to enjoy more of the city.
Final Note
Rue du Trésor may be small, but it packs a lot of character. It’s the kind of place where art, history, and local life meet in a narrow, charming alley. If you’re exploring Québec City, it’s worth slowing down, enjoying the street art, observing daily life, maybe buying something original, and taking in the beauty of old stone walls and creative energy. It’s a treasure (quite literally) among the cobblestones.