31 Unmissable Things to Do in Quebec City: Top Sights and Activities

Quebec City is a fantastic place to visit year-round for anyone looking to experience rich history, beautiful architecture, and great food!

It feels like you’re in Europe while exploring Quebec City, but you’re actually in Canada, making it a great option for those in the United States looking for a nearby weekend getaway with a European feel.

Whether you’re walking along the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec, admiring the views of the St. Lawrence River from Dufferin Terrace, or hitting up the local restaurants and cafes, there’s plenty of things to do in Quebec City to keep you busy.

Quebec City is very walkable due to its compact size, making it easy to hit all of the attractions and sights on foot–which is arguably the best way to explore a city!

This guide highlights the best things to do in Quebec City to help you make the most of your trip.

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31 of the Best Things to Do in Quebec City

Below, I have compiled a list of the best things to do in Quebec City to add to your itinerary.

These are activities I did during my trip to Quebec City at Christmas, along with others I discovered while researching and have saved for my next trip!

Below is a Google Map I created with pins marking each of the sights mentioned in this blog post.

You can download it and use it to easily get walking or driving directions while you’re exploring Quebec City.

1. Walk Around Old Quebec

No trip to Quebec City is complete without exploring Old Quebec!

Old Quebec is the historic district and oldest part of the city. 

It is well-known for its charming cobblestone streets, European-inspired architecture, and magical atmosphere–especially at Christmas time.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its fortifications—the only remaining city walls in both Canada and the U.S.

It is separated into two main areas: Upper Town and Lower Town.

Upper Town: It is located on a hill overlooking the St. Lawrence River and is home to many of the iconic sites we discuss in this blog post, including Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Dufferin Terrace, the Plains of Abraham, and the Citadelle de Québec.

Lower Town: The Lower town is at the base of the hill and includes the iconic areas like Quartier Petit Champlain and Place Royale. It’s full of cute shops, restaurants, and historic sites like the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church, one of the oldest stone churches in North America.

2. Visit Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

The iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac hotel is one of the most photographed buildings in Quebec City!

If you’re looking to splurge, this is one of the most luxurious hotels to stay in while visiting Quebec City.

But, you don’t need to stay there to enjoy it! You can wander around the lobby and browse the decorations during Christmas time or grab a coffee at the Starbucks inside.

For great views of the St. Lawrence River and the surrounding city, head to the Dufferin Terrace, located right outside of the hotel.

3. Walk Along Dufferin Terrace

The Dufferin Terrace boardwalk is right outside of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac and offers stunning views of the St. Lawrence River.

It’s a nice place for a walk, especially on a sunny day.

In the winter, there’s even a toboggan slide that looked super fun when we visited.

Unfortunately, we visited the weekend before it opened. It opens on a different day each year depending on the weather conditions since there needs to be enough snow and ice for it to operate.

Check out the date the toboggan slide opens here. In 2024, it opened December 13th.

During the winter, the Dufferin Terrace gets pretty icy so make sure you are wearing good snow boots. We visited on December 7, 2024, and it was completely snow-covered.

4. Explore the Plains of Abraham

The Plains of Abraham is a large historic park where the Battle of Quebec took place.

Today, it’s a beautiful green area perfect for walking, having a picnic, or even cross-country skiing in the winter.

For the cross-country skiing, there are more than 14km of ski trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to expert.

You can rent gear at the Skater’s Chalet at the Skating Rink.

Check out more information here.

5. Take a Ferry to Lévis

The ferry ride to Lévis is an affordable way to get some of the best views of Quebec City.

The trip across the St. Lawrence River only takes about 12 minutes and gives you a different view of the skyline to capture some photos.

Once in Lévis, you can walk around the Quai Paquet which is a more modern park with fun water fountains which would be the perfect place for kids to play in the summer.

The fountain is open from May 17th to October 13th.

It is also just a great area to walk around and take in the views of Quebec City across the water before you head back on the ferry.

Here is the ferry schedule and cost.

6. Visit the Museum of Civilization

The Museum of Civilization is one of the best museums in Quebec City for learning about the history and culture of Quebec. 

It’s a great indoor activity for a rainy day if you enjoy museums.

7. See Montmorency Falls

Located about 15 minutes from Quebec City, Montmorency Falls is a stunning natural waterfall that’s even taller than Niagara Falls!

You can view the falls from the bottom, take a cable car to the top, or walk across the suspension bridge for an up-close view.

The park surrounding Montmorency Falls is a great place to walk around or go for a hike. 

There are several trails, and the scenery is beautiful! Check out some of the trails here.

It’s worth visiting any time of year, even in the winter!

You can take public transit here if you don’t have a rental car or would just prefer to not drive.

You will take the #800 bus that is headed towards “Terminus Chute-Montmorency” and ride it to the last stop, “#3473 des Rapides.” From there, it is just a short walk to reach Montmorency Falls.

You can always use Google Maps and click the “bus” icon which will give you public transit directions. This is what I always use!

To buy your bus ticket, you can download the RTC app and buy the fare you need on the app.

The app is in French, but you can take a photo of the screen and upload it to Google Translate which will translate it to the language you need.

If you plan to take the #800 bus to Montmorency Falls and back, I recommend purchasing two “RTC-1 Passage – General” tickets, each costing $3.50 CAD—one for the trip there and one for the return.

Once you have purchased these, you can show the bus driver the ticket on your phone.

You can also give the bus driver exact cash if you prefer, but it needs to be exact cash as they can not give you change back.

P.S. If you’re traveling internationally to go to Canada, check out my blog post where we discuss 20 helpful international travel tips!

8. Explore Quartier Petit Champlain

The Quartier Petit Champlain area feels like stepping into a postcard, with its charming stores, narrow streets, and unique atmosphere. 

It’s especially picturesque during Christmas time, but it’s worth visiting year-round. 

There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops to pop into and browse.

• Le Cochon Dingue – great spot for breakfast
• BeaverTails – yummy dessert option

9. Tour The Citadelle of Quebec

The Citadelle of Quebec is located in Old Quebec and offers guided tours that give you a view into Quebec’s military history. 

You can also visit the museum or just enjoy the views of the city from the Citadelle.

You can buy guided tour tickets here. The guided tour lasts around 1 hour and includes access to the exhibits inside the museum.

10. Walk Around Place Royale

Place Royale is where Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec City in 1608.

The architecture reflects this time period and is beautiful to see with its old-time charm.

Don’t miss seeing Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, a small stone church that’s one of the oldest in North America.

Be sure to hit up Cafe Maison Smith in the area and grab some delicious coffee and pastries!

11. Try Local Food

Quebec City has a great food scene, and trying local dishes like poutine, tourtière (meat pie), or maple syrup treats is a must!

For poutine, I recommend going to Snack Bar Saint-Jean. Le Cochon Dingue makes a great breakfast poutine as well!

La Buche is a great restaurant to try tourtière (meat pie). They also have a great brunch menu!

For a maple syrup treat, go to La Petite Cabane à Sucre de Québec where they pour hot maple taffy over snow, and it is rolled onto a stick to enjoy.

For upscale dining, make a reservation at Légende. 

12. Climb the Breakneck Steps

These historic stairs connect Upper and Lower Town and are a fun way to explore both areas. 

Despite the name, the stairs are safe and offer a great view of the cobblestone street ahead.

You’ll likely pass them as you are exploring Old Quebec.

Long flight ahead of you to reach Quebec City? Check out my blog post where we discuss the best things to do on long flights to pass the time!

13. Visit the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral

This historic cathedral is the oldest in North America and is beautifully decorated inside. 

It’s worth a stop to admire the beauty inside while you are exploring Old Quebec, and it is free to enter.

14. Take a Walking Tour

A guided walking tour is a great way to learn about the history and architecture of Quebec City. 

During our trip, we passed several walking tours while exploring on our own.

I usually prefer to explore on my own, but I know some people prefer to have a guide so you can learn about the history of the area.

15. Ride the Funicular

If you don’t want to climb the Breakneck Stairs, take the funicular instead. 

This short ride connects Lower Town (Quartier Petit Champlain) to Upper Town (Dufferin Terrace) and offers great views of the St. Lawrence River along the way. 

It’s a fun and unique mode of transportation! We took it up to Upper Town, and then just walked back down to Lower Town when we were done exploring.

It costs $5 CAD/person per way.

16. Visit the Morrin Centre

The Morrin Centre is a cool place to visit while in Quebec City.

It was once a prison and has been transformed into a cultural center and library. 

You can take a guided tour to see the old jail cells and learn about the building’s history.

Also be sure to take some time to admire the beautiful library, which feels straight out of a Harry Potter movie!

17. Explore Île d’Orléans

This island, located just a short drive from Quebec City, is perfect for a day trip.

It’s home to local farms, wineries, and charming villages. 

You can rent a bike or drive around the island to try fresh strawberries at Ferme Jean-Pierre Plante and sip tea at La Maison de Thé.

I recommend doing this during the summer, and you can drive along the Chemin Royal loop to bring you through the six charming villages.

18. Shop at Simons

Quebec’s popular department store, Simons, is a great place to shop for clothing, accessories, and home goods. 

It’s also fun to just explore for window shopping!

19. Go Ice Skating at Place D’Youville

During the winter, this outdoor skating rink at Place D’Youville near the old city walls is a fun spot to go ice skating.

Skates are available to rent, and the atmosphere is magical when it’s lit up at night for Christmas!

There is no admission fee, just a cost to rent skates.

It is open from mid-November to mid-March.

20. Take a Cruise on the St. Lawrence River

During the warmer months, you can take a river cruise to enjoy scenic views of the city.

Some cruises focus on sightseeing, while others offer dinner or themed experiences. 

Croisières AML is a great company to use! They offer 5-Course Dinner Cruises, Brunch Cruises, Evening Cruises, and normal sightseeing cruises.

21. Attend a Festival

Quebec City has several festivals throughout the year, from the Winter Carnival in February to the Festival d’été de Québec in July, which is an outdoor music festival.

It could be fun to line up your trip with one of these popular festivals, but if you’re trying to avoid peak crowds, then it would be best to avoid these dates.

These events are a great way to experience the local culture!

Check out the full list of festivals year-round here.

22. Visit the Parliament Building

The Quebec Parliament Building has beautiful architecture and is located just outside the walls of Old Quebec. 

Free guided tours are available, and you’ll learn about Quebec’s political history while exploring the inside.

You can reserve a guided tour of the Parliament Building here.

If you just want a guided tour of the library, you can reserve one here.

You don’t have to join a guided tour though if you just want to explore on your own.

23. Explore Rue Saint-Jean

Rue Saint-Jean is a lively street filled with shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. 

It’s a great spot to grab a bite to eat, go shopping, or enjoy a coffee.

This area is a little less touristy than Old Quebec but still has plenty of charm!

• Tutto Gelato – if you’re looking for a sweet treat!
• Les Bruleries – grab a yummy coffee here and enjoy the upstairs seating

24. Experience the Christmas Markets in Quebec City

Quebec City at Christmas time is nothing short of magical!

I visited Quebec City during the first weekend in December and was able to see the city decorated with lights and festive Christmas decorations.

Visiting all of the Christmas markets in Quebec City was a highlight of the trip and is worth the time if you’re visiting during Christmas time.

Check out my itinerary for Quebec City at Christmas time to see everything we did in our one day here!

25. Hike or Ski at Stoneham Mountain Resort

Located about 20 minutes from Quebec City, Stoneham Mountain Resort is a great place for outdoor winter activities.

In the winter, you can ski or snowboard, and in the summer, the trails are great for hiking. 

It’s a nice way to enjoy nature in Quebec!

26. Relax at a Spa

Spas are a popular way to relax in Quebec, especially during the colder months. 

Strom Spa is one of the most popular options offering outdoor thermal baths and saunas with incredible views.

It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing!

27. See the Quebec City Mural

This large mural in Old Quebec tells the story of the city’s history. 

It’s a great spot for photos and provides a view into Quebec’s past.

It is near Place Royale and is worth a stop while you’re in the area.

28. Take a Food Tour

A food tour is a great way to try some of Quebec’s best local dishes while learning about the city’s foodie scene.

Tours usually include stops at bakeries and restaurants, giving you a variety of food to try.

29. Bike Along the Samuel-De Champlain Promenade

The Samuel-De Champlain Promenade is a waterfront path that goes along the St. Lawrence River and is perfect for biking or walking. 

It offers beautiful views of the water, with plenty of spots to stop and relax.

30. Visit the National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec

This art museum features works by local Quebec artists, both historical and contemporary. 

It is located within the Plains of Abraham area.

It’s a great place to visit if you’re an art lover!

You can buy tickets online here.

31. Stay at a Boutique Hotel

Quebec City has many boutique hotels that offer a unique and more cozy experience compared to larger hotel chain options.

• Auberge Saint-Pierre – historic charm with modern amenities
• Hotel Le Priori – cute boutique hotel and great location
• Le Manoir d’Auteuil – European-inspired rooms

Trying to pack only in a carry-on suitcase for your trip to Quebec City? Be sure to read up on my 40 carry-on packing tips to save space!

Helpful Information for Your Trip to Quebec City

Where to Stay in Quebec City

Quebec City has several charming boutique hotels to stay in located right inside of the walls of Old Quebec. (I have listed some right above this!)

I would recommend staying in one of these hotels to be close to everything and just to have a more picturesque experience.

If you’re looking to save some money though, you can stay in Quebec City just right outside of Old Quebec, like we did.

It might not be as “picturesque” but you’re still within walking distance of Old Quebec since the city is not very big.

We stayed in the Delta Hotels by Marriott and had no complaints!

If you’re wanting a luxury experience and looking to splurge, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is the top choice, especially during Christmas time.

This interactive map below is helpful to find all of the accommodation options in and around Old Quebec.

I also always check Booking.com for hotels to find some good deals and be able to read reviews from others who have stayed there.

How to Get to Quebec City from the Airport

If you’re flying into Jean Lesage International Airport in Quebec City, the easiest and quickest way to get to your accommodations is by taxi.

The ride takes about 25 minutes and costs a flat fee of $41.40 CAD. You can find more information about the taxi services here.

If you’re wanting to save some money, you can take public transit from the airport to downtown Quebec City.

The RTC Bus 76 will take you from the airport to the Sainte-Foy bus terminal, where you can transfer to either the #800 or #801 bus to reach downtown Quebec City.

The total cost is $3.50 CAD per ride, but keep in mind it can take around an hour.

To make navigating public transit easier, use Google Maps and select the “Transit” option (which is the bus icon)—it will show you exactly which buses to take and where to get on and off depending on where your hotel is located.

This is what I always use to help me navigate public transit!

You can read more about the public transit from the airport here.

I also recommend downloading the RTC app to purchase your tickets in advance.

The app is in French, but you can take a screenshot of the screen and use Google Translate to convert it to your language.

If you only plan on using public transit to and from the airport, purchase the “RTC-1 Passage – General” ticket for $3.50 CAD, which is valid for 90 minutes.

If you’re traveling with luggage—especially in winter—I recommend spending the extra money on a taxi since it will be a more comfortable experience.

Once you arrive downtown, you won’t need taxis or Ubers since most attractions are within walking distance.

Should You Rent a Car in Quebec City?

I wouldn’t recommend renting a car in Quebec City, because you can walk everywhere you need to, especially in the Old Quebec area.

You will most likely have to pay for parking at your hotel too which can be quite expensive.

If you’re visiting during the winter time, I especially don’t recommend renting a car.

The roads can get very slick when it snows, and if you’re not used to driving in the snow, it can be quite dangerous.

But, if you’re visiting outside of winter time and are wanting to take day trips to areas outside of the main city area, renting a car could be worth it for sure!

The #800 public transit bus can take you to many areas around the city as well if they are too far of a walk.

A single RTC bus ticket costs $3.50 CAD and can be purchased at convenience stores, stations, the RTC app, or with exact change on the bus.

If you’re wanting to rent a car, I find the best deals on Expedia. Alamo is one of my favorite rental car companies!

Getting from Montreal to Quebec City

If you’re flying into Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport—a popular choice because flights are often cheaper—I highly recommend taking the Via Rail train to Quebec City.

This is exactly what we did since we wanted to explore both Montreal and Quebec City, and the flight prices into Montreal were significantly cheaper.

If you plan to head straight to Quebec City after landing in Montreal, book your Via Rail train to depart from Dorval Station and arrive at Gare du Palais Station in Quebec City.

Dorval Station is the closest train station to the Montreal airport, and there’s a free shuttle that takes you between the airport and Dorval Station.

However, if you’re spending time in downtown Montreal before heading to Quebec City, then I recommend booking the Via Rail train to depart out of Central Station, which is located in downtown Montreal.

If you have a few hours to explore downtown Montreal before your train departs, Via Rail offers a checkroom service where they can hold your luggage.

We departed out of Central Station and arrived in Quebec City at Gare du Palais.

The train ride took about 3.5 to 4 hours, and it was such a comfortable and enjoyable experience—especially during the winter months when we didn’t want to deal with driving a rental car on icy roads.

If you’re visiting during the summer, renting a car might be worth it depending on where else you want to drive during your trip. But honestly, the train ride is such a relaxing experience that it’s hard to beat.

When we booked our tickets, there wasn’t a big price difference between Economy and Business Class, so we decided to book Business Class, and it was 100% worth it.

With Business Class, you get access to a separate lounge at the train stations where you can relax before boarding and enjoy free coffee and drinks.

You will also board the train first, have roomier seats, and get a free hot meal, unlimited drinks, and a snack.

Check out my blog post where I go more in-depth about my experience riding the train from Montreal to Quebec City!

If you’re torn between visiting Montreal vs. Quebec City and are short on time, check out my blog post where we compare Quebec City vs. Montreal to help you figure out which city is best for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Quebec City Worth Visiting?

I can speak from firsthand experience that Quebec City is 100% worth visiting!

My Mom and I visited as a short weekend getaway during Christmas time, and we both agreed that it felt like we were in a European town, with its cobblestone streets and beautiful architecture.

It is such a fun city to explore, specifically Old Quebec, since there is so much history and old-world charm.

Check out my other blog post if you want to see exactly what we did during our one day in Quebec City during Christmas time.

Is 2 Days Enough in Quebec City?

Yes, I think two days is enough time in Quebec City to explore the popular Old Quebec area and the other surrounding areas.

You can dedicate one day to exploring Old Quebec’s Upper and Lower Towns and see the popular sights.

Then, on your second day, you can visit Montmorency Falls, take the Lévis Ferry, and relax at Strom Spa.

How Can I Spend 3 Days in Quebec City?

With three days, you’ll have more time to experience the best of Quebec City!

You can follow what I suggest above for the first two days in Quebec City.

On the third day, you can visit Île d’Orléans and take your time exploring the different local shops and stands as well as the charming villages along the Chemin Royal loop.

This would need to be done with a rental car which I recommend browsing Expedia for to find a good deal.

Is it Worth Visiting Quebec City in December?

Yes, this might be one of the best times to visit to get you in the Christmas spirit!

We visited Quebec City during the first weekend of December and had the best time.

It does get very cold though so be sure to come prepared with warm clothes, plenty of layers, and good snow boots.

Here is what I recommend packing if you’re visiting Quebec City during winter:

• Merino wool shirt – first base layer
• Fleece pullover – second base layer
• Long winter coat – I recommend getting a winter coat that at least goes past your butt to keep your warm
• Fleece-Lined Leggings or Long Underwear – to wear under your pants to keep your legs warm
• Snow Pants – these are great to keep your legs warm from the wind and cold
• Hat or Earmuffs – Something to cover your head and ears is a must! These are the earmuffs I wore, and I loved them!
• Gloves – a must to keep your hands warm!
• Waterproof Boots – I recommend wearing snow boots or hiking boots to keep your feet dry and warm. I wore these hiking boots, and they were great! These will also make sure you do not slip while walking on the icy streets.
• Wool socks – these are great to make sure your feet stay warm and dry
• Scarf – nice accessory to keep you warm

Can You Speak English in Quebec City?

I only speak English with a very basic understanding of French, and I was able to communicate with everyone using English.

With that being said, it is important to be aware of the fact that French is the primary language here.

In most cases when entering a restaurant, hotel, or store, you’ll be greeted with a “Bonjour!” or sometimes a mix of both “Bonjour” and “Hi” so they know what language you speak.

We learned that nearly everyone working at hotels and restaurants were bilingual and spoke both French and English, so communication was never an issue.

The only times you might run into a small language barrier are with taxi or Uber drivers, but you can easily use Google Translate to help if needed.

To be respectful and show some effort, I’d recommend learning a few basic French phrases:

• Bonjour = Hello
• Merci = Thank you
• Désolé = Sorry
• Pardon = Excuse me

Also, shout out to all of you bilingual people! It is so impressive when someone can speak more than one language.

Conclusion

Quebec City is a place that truly has it all, making it perfect for a weekend getaway!

It is a walkable city (my favorite!), and it has so much history and charm.

Whether you’re exploring Old Quebec on the cobblestone streets, seeing the Montmorency Falls, or enjoying local food and coffee, there are plenty of activities to enjoy year-round.

I hope this list of the best things to do in Quebec City helps you plan an unforgettable trip!