Quebec City Guide: 10 Must-Do Activities and Places to See

10 Best Things to Do in Quebec City

1. Admire the Beauty of Château Frontenac ♥️ Must Visit

One of the most iconic landmarks in Quebec, if not all of Canada, is the fairy-tale-like structure perched atop a bluff overlooking the St. Lawrence River, Château Frontenac. Although it resembles a European castle, Château Frontenac is actually a hotel built in 1893 with the primary purpose of attracting tourists to the region. And it has certainly succeeded, as it's the photo of this hotel that first sparked my interest in visiting Quebec.

This place is so popular that it has been crowned the most photographed hotel in the world, thanks to its grand châteauesque architectural style, iconic turrets, and copper roofs. At the center, you’ll find a central tower flanked by five wings, creating an almost impenetrable fortification, making it feel more like a castle than a hotel.

It is one of the most impressive structures I have ever seen! Trust me, you’ll be blown away by its sheer scale the moment you see its turreted roofs rising above the old stone houses of Quebec, just as I did.

You can enter the hotel's lobby to admire its grand interior even if you are not a guest of the hotel, or you can enjoy views of the hotel from various points around the city. One of my favorite viewpoints is from Dufferin Terrace, which is where we’ll be heading next.

If you want to fully experience the hotel, you’ll want to reserve a room and spend a night here. It’s not cheap, and rooms can get booked months in advance, so be sure to plan ahead.

Where to Stay in Quebec City?

Budget

Auberge Internationale de Quebec - HI CANADA

$ | Dorm

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👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

Hotel Manoir Morgan

$$ | Double Room

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High-End

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

$$$ | Double Room

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2. Enjoy the View from Dufferin Terrace

Although Château Frontenac is one of the most popular landmarks in the country and attracts a ton of visitors every year, the place has never felt as crowded as other popular tourist attractions I’ve visited. I think this is because of Dufferin Terrace, a vast boardwalk that spans along the bluff, offering a panoramic view of the St. Lawrence River and an unobstructed view of Château Frontenac.

Constructed in 1859, the terrace is laid out with wooden planks, stretching 270 feet (82 meters) from the cliffside. It provides plenty of room to accommodate both visitors and locals who come to enjoy the magnificent view. This is also why the place feels much less crowded than it actually is, a feature I think other locations should take note of.

Here, you will also find beautiful gazebos and benches where you can relax and enjoy an elevated view of Château Frontenac and the surrounding areas. In winter, you’ll find a toboggan slide at the southern end of the terrace, where you can ride down the hill, a fun activity for all ages.

Sunset is especially beautiful at Dufferin Terrace, so if you're looking for the perfect photo to capture your time in Quebec City, this is the place to be. The terrace is open daily, 24/7, and it becomes quite lively after sundown as well, so be sure to stick around and enjoy the stunning night lights at Château Frontenac.

3. Hang out at Pierre-Dugua-De-Mons Terrace

Located higher up the hill at the southern end of Dufferin Terrace, you will find Pierre-Dugua-De-Mons Terrace, one of my favorite spots in the city and a place I often visit to hang out at sunset. This terrace offers a stunning elevated view of the city, with an unobstructed view of both Château Frontenac and the entire Old Quebec area.

At the terrace, you will also find grassy areas where people often come to picnic and enjoy each other's company. It is a bit of a walk from downtown to the terrace, but trust me, the view is worth every drop of sweat.

Don't trust me? Just look at all the photos I took! I love the viewpoint so much that I came here twice in one day, once during daylight and again at sunset, just to experience the beauty of the golden hour. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. If you're looking for a lovely place to hang out at sunset, this is the spot to be.

4. Explore the Narrow Streets of Quartier Petit Champlain

One of the unique charms of Quebec City is its beautiful cobblestone streets and old stone houses, and one of the best areas to see this is at Quartier Petit Champlain, an old historic neighborhood located just under the bluff where Château Frontenac stands.

Established in the 17th century, it is considered one of the oldest commercial districts in North America. The area is full of boutique shops and European-inspired architecture, with three-story stone buildings featuring stucco facades, steep gabled roofs, and prominent chimneys, all lined on both sides of the street, waiting for you to explore. If this doesn’t make you want to visit, I don’t know what will!

Be sure to drop by and check out Escalier Casse-Cou (Breakneck Steps) while you explore Quartier Petit Champlain. This narrow stairway offers a fantastic view of the area from above. The stairs were given their current name in the mid-19th century due to their steepness, which I think is pretty cool, although I wish it had a darker story behind it 😂.

5. Stroll Around Place Royale

Another awesome place to see stunning European-style stone houses in Quebec City is Place Royale, a historic square that feels very much like what you would find in a small town in Western Europe, with a statue and a stone church in the middle of the square.

Established in the early 17th century, Place Royale is considered the birthplace of French America and offers a glimpse into the early days of Quebec City and the establishment of New France. The area was the city's commercial hub until the mid-19th century when it was moved uphill as the city expanded. Wealthy property owners relocated to Upper Town to escape the infectious diseases brought by ships arriving from Europe.

Nowadays, you will find Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Catholic Church, a beautiful stone church and one of the oldest stone churches in North America, right at the center, surrounded by 17th and 18th-century stone buildings that reflect the French colonial past.

Right around the corner of Place Royale, you will also find a massive mural called Quebec City Mural. Measuring over 400 feet in length and 40 feet in height, it illustrates the history of Quebec City and pays homage to several notable figures. It was inaugurated in 1999 and painted by 12 French and Quebec artists over a 9-week period. It is quite a sight to behold.

At the square, you'll also find many restaurants, cafes, shops, and even an art gallery, making it a great place to hang out, especially when the sun is out. There are also several lovely art galleries featuring works from local artists that you can explore, so be sure to drop by when visiting Quebec City.

6. Check Out The Citadelle of Québec

Located right next to Pierre-Dugua-De-Mons Terrace, you will find the Citadelle of Québec, a historic fortress situated atop Cap Diamant with a great view of the city and the St. Lawrence River. It is the largest British-built fortress in North America and offers a great place to explore for those who want to learn more about the history of the city.

Although the strategic importance of building a fortress atop Cap Diamant was recognized by the French when they arrived in the area, it was not until the British conquest of New France that the construction of the fortress you see today was completed. The British aimed to secure the area in order to protect Quebec City from a potential American attack. It was only in 1871 that the British formally handed the property over to Canada.

The Citadel’s star-shaped design is characteristic of Vauban fortifications, which feature robust stone walls and strategic bastions. This design was a common tactic to make the fortress as difficult as possible to penetrate. You can walk along the fortifications and enjoy stunning views of the city from all directions.

To see inside, you'll need to go on a guided tour, which can take several hours. The guide will take you through all the buildings and explain their significance in great detail. If you have time to spare, you can take the tour; otherwise, you can simply walk around the citadel’s grounds, as they are open to the public. The citadel is open daily from 10 AM to 5:30 PM, and the tour costs 22 CAD. You can book your ticket here.

7. Explore Plains of Abraham

Right next to the citadel, you will find the Plains of Abraham, a historic park that played a pivotal role in the Battle of the Plains of Abraham in the 18th century. This battle marked a significant turning point in the Seven Years' War, leading to British control over New France.

Today, the Plains of Abraham are Canada's first national historic park, and it is massive with the area encompassing about 98 hectares of land atop Cap Diamant. There are several historical sites, including monuments and interpretive panels that provide insights into the area's rich history, that you can explore.

While you're here, you can visit The Plains of Abraham Museum to learn more about the events of the Seven Years' War, explore Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, an art gallery showcasing works from local artists, and enjoy the autumn views at Saint Laurent River Viewpoint, which connects back to Dufferin Terrace, a great way to return to the Old Town without having to climb any hills again.

Since the Plains is now a public park, anyone can visit for free at any time, as the entire area is open 24/7. If you're looking for a lovely green space to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the perfect place to be.

8. Visit the Museum of Civilization 🏛️ Best Museum

If you're a history buff, you might want to check out the Museum of Civilization, located not far from Port Royale. The museum is best known for its interactive exhibitions that focus on understanding the various facets of human society, culture, and history.

The museum is housed in a stunning structure that blends modern design with its historic surroundings. Inside, you’ll find many exhibitions dedicated to understanding the human experience, from how the body works to how society functions, from the history of Quebec to the history of the world, and so much more.

The museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM every day except on Mondays, and the ticket price is 21 - 26 CAD depending on your age. For more information on the tickets and exhibitions, you can check out the official museum's website.

9. Check Out What's Happening at Place D'Youville

Place D'Youville is a large public square that connects the Old Town to the rest of the city, and it is a vibrant gathering spot that often hosts various events and activities throughout the year.

Established in 1878 as the Montcalm public market, it was one of the city's busiest markets until 1929. While it is no longer a market, you can always count on visiting and stumbling upon a random event or activity being held there. When I was there, there were several performers entertaining the city with their music and dances.

One of the groups I remember quite fondly is a band of musicians who roam the streets of Old Town, making music from whatever they can find. Equipped with percussion instruments, saxophones, and clarinets, they can create entertaining melodies using just a metal rail they found on the street. It was truly incredible!

When I was there, I also stumbled upon a group of performers, two on mechanical legs wearing bird-shaped costumes, while the other danced and mimed the bird personas as they moved around the street, interacting with tourists. It really livened up the cold October night for me, so if you are not sure what to do, be sure to come and check out Place D'Youville.

10. Visit Montmorency Falls as a Day Trip ☀️ Great Day Trip

Montmorency Falls is one of the most beautiful natural spots to visit near Quebec City. Just a 40-minute bus ride will take you to a massive waterfall surrounded by lush green vegetation, with several walking trails to explore.

The waterfall stands about 83 meters tall, which is 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls. You'll be able to admire it up close from all directions, whether from an elevated viewpoint, a distant vantage point, or right above the falls themselves, thanks to the walking paths and viewpoints built around the area.

To get to the waterfall, I recommend catching bus #800 from Gare du Palais Bus Stop. It’ll take you straight to Montmorency Falls in about 35 minutes for just around 3.5 CAD. When you get there, be sure to hop off at des Rapides Bus Stop, as it is closer to the entrance than the Montmorency Bus Stop. The entrance fee to the fall is 5.74 CAD per person.

Once you've entered, you have several options. You can either walk across the top of the waterfall and take the stairs down to the bottom, or you can take the cable car up and down directly from the entrance. Personally, I love walking, it allowed me to get up close to the waterfall, take my time, and really soak in the beauty of the place... literally! 😂

Make sure to pack a rain jacket, as you’ll definitely get wet the closer you get to the waterfall. It’s totally worth it, but in winter, the cold spray can be pretty brutal 😅. You can expect to spend at least half a day here, exploring the beautiful walking paths. I highly recommend visiting in autumn, as I did, when the fall colors of the trees are in full swing.

The waterfall is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, and the entrance fee is between 8 and 9 CAD per person. The cable car costs around 15 CAD for a round-trip ticket and 13 CAD for a one-way ticket. There are often long lines for the cable car, so if you want to avoid the wait, I suggest walking up the same way you came down.

Just keep in mind that there is no bus stop at the bottom, so you’ll need to return to the entrance to catch the #800 bus back to Quebec City at the Montmorency Bus Stop. If you’d rather not deal with any of this, you can opt for an organized day trip to handle all the logistics for you.

What to Eat and Drink in Quebec City?

1. Eat Canadian Breakfast at L'Antiquaire Buffet

If you are looking to try some of the finest local breakfasts, I highly recommend checking out L'Antiquaire Buffet, known for its authentic Quebecois cuisine and warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Located not too far from the Museum of Civilization, it has been a local favorite for over 40 years.

The restaurant serves all kinds of breakfast food, which is my favorite type of food 😛, both Quebecois and others, like breakfast poutine, "Cipaille", a delicious meat pie, "Ragoût de Boulettes", a lovely meatball stew, and the universal classics like Egg Benedicts. They are delicious and come in a very generous portion.

I had a breakfast plate here for lunch, and it filled me up for the entire day! If you love breakfast food as much as I do and want to try some local breakfast, L'Antiquaire Buffet is the place to be. The restaurant is open from 6 AM to 9 PM every day.

2. Enjoy a cup of coffee at Café La Maison Smith St-Jean

For a lovely cup of coffee and the crispiest croissant you will have here, you can't go wrong with Café La Maison Smith St-Jean, one of my favorite cafes in Quebec City, located right on the main street of Rue Saint-Jean.

They serve delicious and high-quality coffees, as well as a wide range of pastries that are freshly baked every day. I personally love their crispy croissant, and I often come here for a light breakfast before I go out and explore the city.

The cafe is also quite cozy with several seating areas, which makes it a great place to hide from the cold and cozy up with a delicious cup of coffee. The cafe is open between 7 AM and 5-10 PM, depending on the day.

3. Grab a Quick Bite at Paillard

Another one of my favorite spots that I often frequent for a quick bite is Paillard, a café/boulangerie located right on the main street of Rue Saint-Jean. The place is known for its delicious breads and pastries, which perfectly combine the talent of French artisans with an "American-style" experience. It is a franchise native of Quebec, and a must-try when you are here.

It's like having a proper French bakery in Canada, offering a variety of delicious baked goods. They also serve some of the most delicious sandwiches I've tried, with the New Yorker being my favorite.

They also offer daily specials and combos, so you can try a variety of dishes without breaking the bank. I also appreciate that they have a large seating area that can accommodate plenty of people. Plus, they open early, from 6 AM to 7 PM, which is a big plus in my book as I'm a morning person. If you are in Quebec City, be sure to give Paillard a try.

How to Get to Quebec City?

There aren’t many direct flights to Quebec City's airport from outside Canada, so your best option is to transit through Montreal, the province’s main travel hub. Airlines like Air Canada and Lufthansa offer flights to Quebec City, and you can use platforms like Skyscanner or Expedia to find the most affordable options from your home country.

How to Get From Quebec City Airport to Downtown?

I’ll be honest, there’s no easy way to get from Quebec City’s airport to downtown Quebec City using public transportation. Based on my experience taking the local bus #80 to Dorchester and then transferring to bus #800 to reach Old Quebec, I don't recommend it. While both buses are cheap (it was 3.5 CAD in total) and run frequently, the first leg took over 45 minutes because the bus makes frequent stops and can get quite crowded, as it’s not a dedicated airport shuttle.

After a long flight to Quebec City, you might not want to deal with such a hassle. For a more convenient option, you’re better off taking an Uber or booking a private transfer. This is especially recommended if you have a lot of luggage.

How to Get Around Quebec City?

By Walking: Quebec City is highly walkable, with most of its tourist attractions concentrated in the Old Town area. If you want easy access to all the city’s attractions on foot, I recommend staying in the Old Town area.

By Bus: For further away places like Montmorency Falls, you can rely on the city bus to take you there and back. You can easily use Google Maps to find which bus to take and what time you should be at the bus stop. The bus will cost 3.50 CAD per 90-minute trip and you can transfer as many times as you like during the period.

RTC, the transit company in Quebec City, has phased out paper tickets. You can only purchase a ticket either from a machine on the bus using a contactless card (available on select buses) or via the RTC Paiement app (Apple | Android). Once you have downloaded the app, you can buy a ticket with your credit card and show it to the bus driver as you board. Be sure to activate the ticket a few minutes before boarding to avoid holding up the line.

How many days to spend in Quebec City?

I think 2 days is a good amount of time to see all the attractions I’ve mentioned here, while also giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the city without feeling rushed. You can spend the first day visiting the Old Town while spending the next day exploring the Plains of Abraham and going on a day trip to Montmorency Falls, and more.

For a complete itinerary to Quebec City, check out:2 Days in Quebec City: A Backpacking Itinerary

What to Pack for Quebec City?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Quebec City, Canada:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Down Jacket: In freezing temperatures, a down jacket is essential. The Columbia Men's Lone Fir Hooded Jacket (for women) is my choice. They are warm, lightweight, and available in various colors.
• Wool Beanie: A wool beanie is perfect for keeping your head and ears warm.
• Wool Gloves: I always have wool gloves handy to keep my hands warm in cold weather.
• Wool Socks: Don't forget to keep your feet warm with wool socks.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: For buses, I always go with Busbud when traveling in Quebec City, Canada while for trains, Omio is my go-to place to book all my train travels in advance.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.

Tickets & Deals: Klook is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.

Further Reading for Canada

If you are looking for more articles about Canada, here are a few articles that might help you plan your trip:

• Want to visit Canada in 10 days? Here's an itienrary for you: 10 Days in Canada: A Backpacking Itinerary without Cars.
• Toronto's true charm lies within its diverse neighborhoods. To really experience the best the city has to offer, you are going to need this guide: Discover Toronto: 12 Awesome Things to Do and See.
• You can experience so much in Toronto in just 3 days! Check out this complete itinerary for first-time visitors: 3 Days in Toronto: A Backpacking Itinerary.
• Niagara Falls is as epic as it gets when it comes to natural destinations. If you want to visit it, you are going to need this travel guide: Exploring Canada's Niagara Falls in a Day: A Complete Travel Guide.
• Being the largest city in French Canada, Montreal strikes the perfect balance between nature and city life, and it is jam-packed with awesome things to do and see. Here are the 10 Incredible Things to Do in Montreal.
• If you want to visit Montreal on a weekend trip, this itinerary is for you! 2 Days in Montreal: The Ultimate Itinerary.
• Planning to visit Quebec City soon and not sure where to begin? This travel guide is for you: 2 Days in Quebec City: A Backpacking Itinerary.
• To see all articles about Canada, be sure to check out our Canada travel guide page.
• For a complete itinerary of both the US and Canada, check out: One Month in USA & Canada: A Backpacking Itinerary without Cars.
• Looking for more travel guides for North America? You will find more over at our North America page.
• For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.