Price Building, the first tower in Quebec
Looking up from rue Sainte-Anne, right across from the Château Frontenac, you will spot a copper-clad silhouette that stands out against the sky of Old Quebec. The Price Building, completed in 1930, was the city's first skyscraper and remains one of the few examples of Art Deco architecture in Quebec.
Why check out the Price Building?
Commissioned by the Price Brothers Company, a giant in the Quebec paper industry, the building rises 16 floors and reaches about 60 meters (nearly 200 feet). When it was built, it fundamentally changed the skyline of the Upper Town. Designed by the Montreal architectural firm Ross & Macdonald, it balances structural rigor with signature Art Deco ornamentation, including geometric friezes, stylized gargoyles, and a copper roof that has oxidized into a distinct verdigris green.
Since 2001, the building has housed the official residence of the Premier of Quebec during their stays in the capital. This dual role makes it both a historic monument and an active seat of political power.
What to see here
The interior is not open to the public, but the exterior is worth a close look. The lobby, visible from the street, still features its original woodwork and marble. The exterior carvings on the facade, specifically the beavers and hawks perched on the cornices, provide a subtle nod to the industrial history of the Price family.
The building's location is ideal. Just steps from the rue du Trésor and the Château Frontenac, it fits perfectly into a walking tour of Old Quebec that you can easily finish in under an hour.
Pro tip: To see the Price Building in its proper context, step back toward the terrasse Dufferin, just a few minutes away on foot. From there, you can take in the Art Deco tower, the Château Frontenac, and the slate roofs of Old Quebec all at once. It is the vantage point local photographers prefer in the late afternoon, when the low sun makes the copper on the roof really pop.
Best for
- Fans of Art Deco architecture and urban history
- A quick stop while walking through Old Quebec
- Photographers interested in architectural details and material contrasts
Not ideal if
- You want an interior tour, as it is closed to the public
- You are looking for an immersive or interactive museum experience
Opening hours
Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Sat-Sun: closed.
Pro tip: The entrance hall is open to the public during business hours. Take a moment to admire the Art Deco details and the bronze bas-reliefs that decorate the doors and elevators.
How long for this activity
Plan on 15 to 20 minutes to admire the exterior architecture and take in the details of the lobby. It is a quick stop that fits perfectly into a walk through Vieux-Québec (Old Quebec).
This skyscraper is the first one in Quebec City. The building is still just as impressive, thanks to its height. Unfortunately, it is a private building, so you cannot visit the inside. That said, it is still interesting to walk by and take it all in. It looks a little bit like the Empire State Building in New York.