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.
Grand Trunk Railway
This postcard shows a calèche, the two-wheeled carriage most commonly seen on Québec City streets. At the time, when the automobile was still in its infancy, horse-drawn carriages were an essential means of transportation. Today, the city still shows a few traces of the horse-drawn carriage, such as carriage gates and stables that have been converted into housing.
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