Discover the charm of Canada’s most beautiful city with our guide to the best things to do in Quebec City. From exploring historic landmarks and vibrant museums to indulging in culinary delights, our guide to Quebec’s capital will show you the must-see attractions.
When Samuel de Champlain established the first French colony in what is now Quebec City back in 1608, I wonder if he had any idea that it would grow to become one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
This city has had a long and tumultuous history. Not only is it second only to Saint John, New Brunswick, among the oldest cities in Canada, but it was besieged five times in its history. Decades of battles ended when the British conquered the city in 1759.
When the French surrendered its clifftop fortress, the capital of New France became the capital of British North America and eventually became the capital of Canada’s only Francophone province.
Modern Quebec City still retains much of the old-world charm of its European predecessors, but that charm is mixed with incredible Indigenous experiences and modern cuisine and attractions that have made Quebec City one of the most exciting places to visit in Quebec.
I’ve been lucky enough to travel to Quebec City dozens of times for work and play. Each visit unveils a new dimension to a city that somehow seamlessly blends the old and the new.
This guide to the best things to do in Quebec City will help you experience this amazing city from all angles. You’ll discover the magical outdoors, the unforgettable museums, the stylish hotels, and the world-class restaurants that make Quebec City so unforgettable.
Old Quebec
Sitting well over 400 years old, Quebec City is ancient by post-colonial North American standards. Old Quebec City retains all of the charm of its history and presents it in an unforgettable package.
Considered the only walled city in North America, Old Quebec City is one of the most beautiful urban areas in the world. From its cobblestone streets to its historic churches and fortified walls, the old city of Quebec looks like it was torn out of 1500s France and dropped onto the shores of the St. Lawrence River.
Join a Quebec City walking tour or a map from the tourist information centre at 12 Rue Sainte-Anne and stroll past the stunning Fairmont Chateau Frontenac, into the magnificent square by the beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral, and into Quebec City’s lower town where adorable shops and cafes offer local handicrafts and unique souvenirs.
Don’t miss one of my favorite spots in the old city, Place Royale. This large square is usually bustling with live music and tour groups snapping photos of Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church, the oldest stone church in North America.
Citadelle de Québec
Proudly overlooking the Old City is the largest British fortress in North America. Unlike other historic fortresses in Canada, the Citadelle de Quebec is still an active military base. This historic fortress, dating back to 1820, has been the home of the Royal 22e Régiment, the only French language regiment in the Canadian armed forces since 1920.
This remarkable military heritage site is home to the Musée Royal 22e Regiment, an excellent museum that showcases the history of the regiment’s military experience as well as elements of the Canadian military since its inception.
Take a guided tour (which is the only option because it IS still an active military base) to discover the old barracks, armouries, and the active home to the Governor General of Canada for when they are on-site in the city.
Tour the fortified walls and check out the massive cannons that were used to protect Quebec City from American invasion; this spot also offers one of the best views in the city, overlooking the Chateau Frontenac and the St. Lawrence River.
Montmorency Falls
In what may be one of the most picturesque outdoor spots in Quebec City, the Montmorency River tumbles nearly 83 metres down a sheer rock face to meet the mighty St. Lawrence River. Montmorency Falls is more than 30 metres taller than the famous Niagara Falls, and a visit here is one of the top things to do in Quebec City.
Montmorency Falls is a year-round destination. During the winter, a massive cornice builds up at the base of the falls, making for truly unique views for those hiking. During the summer, Parc de la Chute Montmorency is home to zip lines, a suspension bridge, a via Ferrata, a cable car, and cliffside boardwalks.
Montmorency is also the starting point of the Train de Charlevoix, a scenic train route that follows the St. Lawrence River through picturesque Baie St. Paul to the town of La Malbaie, a wonderful stopping-off point for all of the things to do in Charlevoix.
Don’t miss the observation tower, which offers stunning views of Montmorency Falls as well as the vast ile d’Orleans lying just across a short bridge in the middle of the St. Lawrence River.
Musee National des Beau-Arts Du Quebec
Art is a way of life in Quebec City. From the fascinating shops in Lower Quebec to the beautiful lampshades of Avenue Cartier, it seems that every inch of Quebec City is draped in creativity. For art lovers, setting aside a few hours to visit Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec is a must.
This wonderful art museum on Grand Allee O backs onto the sweeping Plains of Abraham. It draws thousands of visitors to its exceptional collection of modern and historic art that spans centuries and continents.
The museum focuses on visual art that ranges from classic paintings to modern sculptures and Indigenous creations. When I visited, there was an entire display called “Noir,” where all of the exhibits in the section were on display but separated by a wall of darkness. It made for a truly compelling visit.
The beautifully curated galleries of this Quebec fine arts museum provide an immersive experience that allows patrons to explore the evolution of artistic expression and discover the cultural tapestry that enriches Quebec City’s heritage.
Beyond the permanent exhibits, the museum hosts rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and engaging events that cater to a wide audience, from seasoned art connoisseurs to families seeking an enriching day out.
Wendake
Learning about the local Indigenous culture is an essential part of any visit to Quebec City. The city is home to the only Indigenous community residing within the borders of a major Canadian City.
The community of Wendake, Quebec, has been the official home of the Huron-Wendat First Nation since the mid-1600s. But the community’s history extends far past that. A visit to this quiet suburb is one of the most enlightening experiences in Quebec City.
The Hotel Musee Premiers Nations is one of the community’s highlights. This combination of luxury hotel and Indigenous museum offers premium accommodations as well as an exceptional high-end restaurant serving modern takes on First Nations cuisine.
The on-site museum has an incredible collection of wampum belts, historical artifacts, hand-carved canoes, pottery, and hunting tools.
If you’re visiting Quebec City in the summer, try to time your visit to the community’s powerful pow wow, the largest First Nations celebration east of the Canadian Rockies.
You can read more about Quebec’s Indigenous history and other fascinating Quebec facts here.
Jacques-Cartier National Park
As I was gazing down one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in Québec, it was challenging to process that I was just 30-minutes from downtown Quebec City.
Jacques Cartier National Park offers a journey into a pristine wilderness where glaciers and river waters have carved valleys from the towering Laurentian Mountains. The vast expanse of lush forests, wide rivers, and towering mountains offers a trifecta for adventure lovers.
This year-round outdoor paradise is the perfect escape for nature lovers who still want to enjoy great Quebec City restaurants and world-class hotels. For those who want to immerse themselves even further in nature, there are many campsites and even ready-to-camp luxury camping options within the park.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the park’s diverse ecosystems. Enjoy hiking along mountainside trails with incredible overlooks, kayaking on water, or simply soaking in the park’s tranquility. The park’s pièce de résistance is the stunning Jacques-Cartier River, flowing through a picturesque valley framed by towering cliffs, creating a mesmerizing landscape that captures the essence of the province’s vast outdoors.
Village Vacances Valcartier / Ice Hotel
For those looking to escape the city for a little fun and adventure, Village Vacances Valcartier is one of the best places to visit near Quebec City.
This massive complex boasts a massive seasonal outdoor waterpark as well as an indoor waterpark that’s open year-round. The park is jam-packed and full of waterslides, wave pools, and lazy rivers that create an energizing escape from the summer heat.
For those visiting Quebec City in winter, things at Vacances Valcartier get even more exciting. Surviving the long winters of Quebec’s northern Latitude requires some quality distraction, and this adventure park delivers in spades. It’s North America’s largest winter playground with tubing runs, an outdoor ice-skating trail, and cozy ready-to-camp accommodations.
While all of this sounds fantastic, the true claim to fame of this Quebec City attraction is its famous Hôtel de Glace (ice hotel).
This once-in-a-lifetime experience lets visitors sleep in comfort in a hotel made entirely of ice. The magical atmosphere offers the ultimate Nordic-style getaway experience.
There are themed rooms and family suites on offer, all with comfortable mattresses sitting atop ice beds. The rooms are adorned in a way that keeps guests warm and comfortable while they enjoy one of the most unique hotels in Canada.
Île d’Orléans
Connected to the mainland by a single bridge near the base of Montmorency Falls is a massive 193-square-kilometre island that’s home to some of the best agrotourism experiences in Quebec.
During summer in Quebec City, enjoy a road trip around the island, stopping at artisan outlets and farm stands to sample locally made produce, wines, and baked goods. This rural island features centuries-old villages, farms, and churches, as well as gorgeous roadside art displays.
Don’t miss the local vineyards and cider producers, as well as chocolate shops and cheesemakers. One of my favourite things to do on the island is to stop at as many farm stands and shops as possible to gather the perfect combination for a riverside picnic.
Aquarium du Québec
I love aquariums and marine museums. Getting a glimpse of what life is like under the sea often feels like stepping into another world. Exploramer, a marine museum in Ste-Anne des Monts on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, has long been among my favourite stops on a Gaspesie peninsula road trip.
The Aquarium du Quebec stands as the top aquarium in the province, and it’s one of the most popular things for families to do in Quebec City.
From mesmerizing jellyfish to playful seals and boasting a massive polar bear habitat, this interactive nature exhibit lets guests get up close and personal with all manner of marine life. Among my top experiences at the aquarium are the seal exhibits, where incredible attention to detail has created an authentic habitat and the aquarium tunnels that make it feel like you’re walking under the ocean waves.
The Aquarium du Quebec actively engages in eco-initiatives and educational programs designed to help grow awareness of man’s impact on the marine environment. Their incredible location, overlooking the St. Lawrence River, offers an impactful blend of beauty and awareness of just how closely we live to these marine wonders.
Quebec City Fat Biking
Seeing all of Quebec can be a challenge for those visiting for just a few days. But if you love the accessibility of Quebec City walking tours but wish you could see more than just Quebec City’s old town, these year-round Quebec City bike tours are an ideal match.
Tuque and Bycicle runs out of a busy shop in Quebec City’s historic lower town. On my ride with them, we cycled through old Quebec City on nimble fat bikes, taking in some of the area’s most photogenic stops before riding along the St. Charles River on a bed of fresh winter snow.
The convenience and speed of the fat bikes meant that we were able to take in many of the incredible local neighbourhoods of Quebec City that most visitors never get a chance to experience.
We made it to Quebec City’s largest indoor market, cycled through sports history along Hockey Lane, and got a true glimpse into what everyday life is like in one of Canada’s most incredible cities.
Musée de la Civilisation
Step back through time at the Musée de la Civilisation. This incredible human history museum has an incredible range of interactive and engaging exhibits that span archaeology, anthropology, and contemporary culture.
Quebec City has one of Canada’s most unique histories, and there is simply no better place to explore that than at this museum. It offers a comprehensive exploration of the city and province’s heritage and the unique effects of civilization on both the Indigenous locals and the European settlers who made their home here.
The Musée de la Civilisation features multimedia presentations, thought-provoking artifacts, and fascinating cultural takes that may leave you questioning your understanding of Canadian history.
Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
This city may have French roots, but centuries of British influence have left their mark, and a time honoured Quebec City experience is afternoon tea. While there are many spots to enjoy afternoon tea in Quebec City, the experience at Le Chateau Frontenac trumps them all.
This refined affair in the hotel’s Dufferin Lounge features an array of delectable pastries, sandwiches, and freshly-baked scones. Everything is served on elegant tiered trays and showcases a love of both tradition and innovation.
The baked goods are paired with a choice of premium teas served amidst a sophisticated ambiance overlooking the St. Lawrence River.
Strom Spa Nordique
My visit to the Strom Spa Nordique came on a whim. It was a split-second decision made after hiking with friends in Jacques Cartier National Park, but it’s a decision that I’m very glad that we made.
Set in a picturesque location on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, Strom Spa Nordique offers a blanket of tranquility and relaxation that is unlike anywhere else in the city. This wellness oasis combines Scandinavian-style wellness experiences such as thermal and cold baths with traditional spa experiences such as saunas, massage treatments, and relaxation areas.
Guests are welcomed with a complimentary bathrobe rental, towels, and a lock for a personal locker. From there, all electronics are left behind, and the focus is entirely on relaxation and rejuvenation.
Among the experiences at Strom are Finnish saunas, eucalyptus steam baths, hot baths, cold baths, indoor relaxation rooms stocked with couches, swings, and hammocks, a saltwater flotation bath (in which I may or may not have fallen asleep), an infinite pool, and a lazy river.
The admission to Strom includes access to just about everything except food at the on-site restaurant, massage treatments, and the optional saltwater floatation bath. So you can easily spend hours or even the whole day there.
Quebec City Food Scene
Quebec City is one of the best cities in Canada for foodies. From casual street food to luxurious fine dining, some absolutely mouthwatering cuisine is on offer throughout the city. One of my favourite things to do in Quebec City is to take in new and exciting food experiences and revisit some of the local classics.
If you’ve never had poutine before, small diners like Chez Gaston or Chez Antoine are the local go-to’s for this greasy comfort food. For classic Quebecois cuisine, La Buche on Rue Saint-Louis serves up Sugar Shack fare fit for a lumberjack, while Le 101 Restaurant de Quartier and Laurie Raphael craft up world-class fine dining experiences.
Do You Need To Know French To Visit Quebec City?
One of the biggest misconceptions I’ve encountered among people wanting to travel to Quebec City is that everyone speaks French and ONLY French. This is so far from the truth.
Quebec City is proudly French, and the province’s dedication to its unique culture and language is part of what makes it such an incredible place to visit. But this is a very international city where many different languages and nationalities are practiced.
For those visiting who don’t know French, you’re going to be just fine. English is spoken in most places, and accommodations are almost always made for those who don’t speak the official language of Quebec.
That being said, as someone who has travelled to more than 50 countries around the world, knowing a few words in the local language is a great way to show that you care. Don’t forget your “merci’s” (thank you’s), your “sil vous plait’s” (please), and a pleasant greeting of “comment ca va” (how are you?).
Are You Ready To Plan Your Visit To Quebec City?
I hope that these tips for the best things to do in Quebec City have helped you plan your visit. This is truly one of the world’s greatest cities, and we at We Explore Canada are proud to encourage tourism in the province of Quebec. The wonderfully unique culture and historic wonders of Quebec City make it one of the most unique places in Canada.
Do you have a favourite attraction or restaurant in Canada? Head over to the We Explore Canada Facebook Community and join the conversation! You’ll find an amazing group of people in Canada who are passionate about travel and love to share their local secrets.
You May Also Like To Read:
Disclosure: Some of these activities were experienced with the help of Destination Quebec Cite. All opinions remain my own.
Kevin Wagar is a founder and editor of We Explore Canada. He has been working in the travel media industry since 2015 when he founded his family travel website Wandering Wagars – Adventure Family Travel.
Over the years Kevin has developed a deep love for his home country and aims to showcase the incredible experiences and amazing small businesses found within it.