This photograph shows Sous-le-Cap Street in Québec City’s Lower Town. We see children and a carriage with men. As we can see here, people mainly got around town in two-wheeled carriages at the beginning of the 20th century. This means of transport was ideal for narrow streets like this one.

1905 - 1930

Québec City by horse-drawn carriage

Horse-drawn carriages, called “calèches,” are an integral part of Québec City’s history. From colonial times to the era of the automobile, the carriage was the preferred means of getting around town. Initially two-wheeled, it gradually evolved into a four-wheeled model in the 20th century. Uncovered in nice weather, calèches were fitted with a soft leather roof that could be folded out to protect passengers from the elements. In winter, runners turned the carriage into a sled that could be used on snow and ice. Horses were useful for clearing snow, fighting fires and policing neighbourhoods. Gradually replaced over the century by the automobile, horse-drawn carriages have nonetheless retained their appeal for tourists.

Sous-le-Cap Street, Québec City

Auteur inconnu This photograph shows Sous-le-Cap Street in Québec City’s Lower Town. We see children and a carriage with men. As we can see here, people mainly got around town in two-wheeled carriages at the beginning of the 20th century. This means of transport was ideal for narrow streets like this one.

Chronoscope Can you locate this place on the map? (unilingual French for a limited time)

Depicted period: 1915

Source: Ville de Québec Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Date: circa 1915

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