Charlesbourg, former city, Québec region, southern Quebec province, Canada. In 2002 it was incorporated into Quebec city, becoming a borough of the enlarged city. It lies in the northwestern part of the city. First known as Bourg Royal and later renamed in honour of its patron saint, Charles Borromée, it is one of the oldest settlements in the province (founded 1659). It was incorporated as a village in 1914, a town in 1949, and a city in 1960. In 1976 it absorbed three nearby communities and was reincorporated, retaining that status until its merger into Quebec city in 2002. Though once a dairying, fruit-growing, and poultry-raising centre, Charlesbourg is now primarily a residential district of Quebec. Quebec Zoological Garden is nearby.