Québec City sits on the Saint Lawrence River, about 3 hours driving from Montréal en route to the Québec Maritimes. It is one of the oldest cities in Canada dating back to 1608 but maintains a small-town charm and is easily accessible on foot. From the colourful waterfront to the newer developing areas, the city makes for a lovely long weekend visit. Some might want to compare Québec City (QC) to Montréal, perhaps for the European architecture and French language, but the two cities are quite different. QC feels more relaxed and more open, a little friendlier one might say. Both cities are special in their own way and should be seen, and appreciated, for their individuality.
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Getting to & Around Quebec City
Whether you’re coming from Toronto, Montreal, or another major city the easiest way is to fly directly into Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB). A slower and more scenic option is VIA Rail, at this time the journey from Toronto is roughly 8 hours taking up the entire day. There is a new plan for a Québec high-speed rail project which would cut this journey down to 3 hours but it will take a few years to realize. Once in the city, the public transit options are limited to the RTC bus routes (learn more about public transit), however, if you are in a rush, a taxi or an Uber is a better option. For the most part, you can easily access most of the city on foot but not without a few fairly steep hills.
Rest areas at the Québec City airport lounge.
From charming streets to waterfall views:
What to see & Do
Old Québec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is naturally the top tourist destination. Having walked through the stone city walls you are immediately greeted with colourful houses lining narrow streets, live plants ornamenting the windows. Wander the streets of Petit‑Champlain, pause in Place Royale, tour Château Frontenac, and stroll along the riverfront Dufferin Terrace. Petit‑Champlain is tightly packed with artisanal shops, cafes, and scenic terraces. One of the narrower alleyways is lined with local artists selling one-of-a-kind art prints and handicraft ideas for those looking to bring gifts home.
The lower part of Old Québec can be accessed down a steep road, a multi-layered staircase (which does offer a great view) or a funicular. Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec runs from 9 AM to 9 PM and is definitely worth taking at least to come back up; payments by cash only.
A fun way to see Old Québec is on a group tour paired with some locally famous food stops or broaden the tour beyond the stone walls with a Craft Brewery and Beer Tasting tour. A slower and more scenic option is to see the city from the water with Croisières AML. This is a comfortable boat with complete amenities that loops along the river to Montmorency Falls and back. The evening cruise option includes a cocktail reception with a DJ.
The 83-meter waterfall that the boat offers a sneak peek at is Montmorency Falls (Parc de la Chute-Montmorency), located just 15 minutes outside the city. Montmorency can be a half, if not a full-day destination all on its own. Here a glass cable car will take you up and if time permits you can walk all around the falls back down to the visitor’s centre using a wooden staircase. At the top of the falls is The Manoir restaurant and terrace with a panoramic view. A suspension bridge will take you directly across the falls but if an adrenaline rush is more your speed there is a double zipline that runs along the waterfall barrier.
Among the many museums and historic sites are the British fortress Citadelle de Québec, Basilica Cathedral Notre-Dame de Québec, Musée National des Beaux-arts du Québec for the art lovers, Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine, and Musée de la Civilisation.
Huron-Wendat Museum, located in the First Nations Hotel and Museum, offers a wonderful insight into Wendat culture. In the evening, visitors are invited to take part in the Immersive Multimedia Night Walk, Onhwa’ Lumina. Make sure to check their events calendar for interactive and storytelling experiences and get a taste of First Nations cuisine at La Traite or La Sagamité. Make this an overnight with a stay at the Hôtel – Musée Premières Nations.
From fine dining to microbreweries:
Where to eat & drink
Old Québec is perhaps best for quick snack and terrace beverage breaks. Though Restaurant La Buche is a city staple infamous for their comfort food and Canadian menu. Buvette Scott is perhaps the best stop for French cuisine in the downtown core offering decadent dishes like bass parfait and potato pave paired with natural and unique wines. While in the area, make sure to stop by Le Projet – Spécialité Microbrasseries for a fresh beer flight.
The culinary epicentre of Québec City is stretched along Rue Saint-Joseph E. La Korrigane Brasserie Artisanale and Chez Tao! offer a lively casual atmosphere with comfort food favourites and cold pints. Le Clocher Penché, Le 101 Restaurant de Quartier, JJacques, L’Affaire est Ketchup are great options for an elevated or romantic meal. For beer fans, Noctem Artisans Brasseurs St-Roch in the area is a great option for a crisp flight. Plenty of natural wines are sold in local liquor stores (SAQ) but if you are looking to taste a few Restaurant Ouroboros has a lovely selection. No visit to Quebec is complete without a bagel, get yours at Bügel Fabrique de Bagels.
Above: Tiki cocktails and noodles at Chez Tao!
Below: Cocktails and oysters at JJacques.
A wellness break in the heart of the city
Strøm Spa Nordique is located just below the Planes of Abraham, right in the heart of the city. As soon as you enter the spa the noise of the city fades away in the quiet of the river shore. Sunbathe with a book by the infinity pool, rest in many indoor and outdoor quiet areas, dip between hot and cold pools, or follow the complete circuit through wet and dry saunas. The on-site restaurant, Nord, is a creative gastronomic space with a fine-tuned menu focused on seasonal ingredients and boreal-inspired cuisine.
The spa is open year-round, advance reservations are strongly recommended.
A few images from Strøm Spa Nordique, located in the heart of the city.
From castles to boutique hotels:
Where to stay
One of the most notable structures in the city is Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, a classic Fairmont property with every amenity you can think of. Among the many other hotels in Old Québec are the clean and modern Hôtel Cap Diamant, Hôtel Le Germain with spectacular views of the city, and the grand Hotel 71 by Preferred Hotels & Resorts. For a more unique experience, choose a smaller property Hotel Du Vieux Quebec with a rooftop farm garden.
Stay closer to the restaurant row at the Hilton Quebec, where you can enjoy the rooftop pool even in the winter, or Le Capitole Hôtel. Le Capitole Hôtel is a luxury pet-friendly property with a spa, gym, and a stunning restaurant.
Festivals & Events in Québec City
From Winter Carnival to St. Patrick’s Day and New France Festival there is something on every month. One of the biggest festivals in Québec, Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ), is hosted for 10 days in the Québec City centre gathering thousands of people from across the country. This music festival takes over Planes of Abraham and the entire downtown core with multiple stages showcasing artists of all genres and levels of celebrity.
Turn this weekend into a week-long stay:
Day trips from Québec City
Île d’Orléans is a commonly packaged destination with QC. This charming island consists of 6 villages and can be seen by car or on a group tour. Here you will find historic heritage sites, artisanal shops and food producers, and art galleries. The two not-to-miss stops are Cassis Monna and Daughters La Monnaguette, for some wine and ice cream, and Richard Boily Maple Grove for an informative maple syrup learning experience.
Combine Old Town and Montmorency Falls into a tour, pair Montmorency Falls and Ile d’Orleans into a half-day tour, or visit the Island of Orleans on a wine Tour.
St-Lawrence River is an excellent location for whale watching. The boats go as far as Charlevoix, offering plenty of opportunities to spot these majestic creatures. Choose a Zodiac tour to get up close and personal with the whales or the dry comfort of a larger boat. This is an 11-hour tour and requires advance booking.
