Back from my winter road trip in Quebec, I am writing a complete article on visiting Quebec City. An article that will detail what to do and what to see in Quebec, but also where to eat, where to sleep in Quebec. All my advice for visiting Quebec, an essential city for a stay in the province of Quebec.
Summary:- Tips for preparing your road trip in Quebec
- What to do in Quebec? All the essentials of Quebec
- What to do around Quebec?
- Visit Quebec in Winter
- Program to visit Quebec in 1, 2 or 3 days
- Where to sleep in Quebec?
- Where to eat in Quebec?
- My opinion on the visit of Quebec
Tips for preparing your road trip in Quebec
It's a safe bet that visiting Quebec is part of a larger trip that will take you to discover different places in Quebec. If, like me, the visit to Quebec is part of a road trip in Quebec, here are some practical tips to prepare your trip to Quebec.
Car rental
Renting a vehicle will be essential to visit Quebec. The transport networks, bus, train are relatively underdeveloped. Even if it is possible to reach the main cities of Quebec by bus and even by train, many of the must-see places are difficult to access by these means of transport. As far as car rental is concerned, I recommend using the RentalCars.com price comparison tool, one of the main car rental comparison sites.
Air ticket
Regarding plane tickets, again, the key word will be: compare. The ideal way to access the most interesting offers is to be flexible on the date, of course, but also, if you can, on the cities of departure and arrival. To get to the Quebec region, you can take a look at the cities of Montreal or Quebec, which both have an international airport. For my part, I use the essential Skyscanner which will take care, perfectly, of finding you the best price.
Housing
I will dedicate an article to housing in Quebec very soon. In the meantime, go to the section devoted to “Where to sleep in Quebec”. You can turn to Booking.com which will help you, without difficulty, to find an ideal accommodation in Quebec City. If you are looking for a youth hostel, then I recommend HostelWorld, the reference in terms of hostels.
Activity
Many activities are to be carried out in Quebec, here is a small list of activities that you will have to think about booking in summer, in winter and in all seasons in Quebec:
Activities to do in Quebec in summer:
- Cruise on the St. Lawrence.
- Trip to Tadoussac.
- Zipline at Montmorency Falls
- Rent a scooter and visit Île d'Orléans.
Activities to do in Quebec in winter:
- Quebec Carnival.
- Visit to the Ice Hotel
- Snow Tubing at Valcartier Vacation Village
Activities to do in Quebec in all seasons:
- Guided tour of Quebec
- Capital Observatory.
- Excursion to Montmorency Falls.
- Helicopter flight over Quebec City.
To find out more about the activities you can do in winter in Quebec, I invite you to read our dedicated article: 21 activities to do in winter in Quebec !
Looking for an agency specializing in Quebec?If you are looking for a travel agency, I invite you to go to Imagine Canada, an agency specializing in the creation of tailor-made trips to Quebec. It is an agency that we met during a tourism fair organized each year in different cities in France and that we had the chance to test during our stay in Quebec. I can therefore, knowingly, recommend this agency which has the great advantage of creating, with you, the itinerary that will best suit your desires. Learn more
What to do in Quebec? All the essentials of Quebec
- Old Quebec
- Château Frontenac and Terrasse Dufferin
- Citadelle de Quebec
- Plaines d'Abraham
- Quebec and its museums
- Levis
- The Capital Observatory
- Quebec aquarium
- Visit Île d'Orléans
- Cruise on the St. Lawrence
Old Quebec
Let's start our visit of Quebec with the historic district of the city, the oldest district of Quebec: old Quebec. This district is located along the St. Lawrence River up to the heights of the hill of Quebec. Old Quebec is surrounded by nearly 4,6 km of fortifications, which makes Quebec City the only fortified city in North America.
This district is therefore divided into two parts, a lower part, with the Petit-Champlain district which we will talk about just after, and an upper part with in particular the famous Château Frontenac and the Dufferin terrace. A funicular connects the two parts of old Quebec.
Did you know?Part of this district was, several centuries ago, under water. Many homes are built on the very spot where the St. Lawrence flowed 300 years ago. To see this phenomenon, go to rue Saint-Antoine, you will see three different markings on the ground representing the shore of the river in three different years: 1600, 1700 and 1800.
Source : Quebec.qc.ca
I will talk to you again, a little later, about this district since it is here that I had the chance to stay, at the incredible Auberge Saint-Antoine.
Let's now move on to a district of this old Quebec, the Petit-Champlain district.
Opt for a guided tour of Quebec:
In order to learn more about Quebec City and its history, I strongly recommend that you visit Quebec via a guided tour one or two hours. If you can, favor this visit as soon as you arrive, it will allow you to find your way more easily in Quebec City during the rest of your stay but also to return to visit the places that you particularly appreciated.
Petit-Champlain district
The Petit-Champlain district, especially its main street, rue du Petit-Champlain, is undoubtedly one of the most touristic places in Quebec City. Named in honor of Samuel de Champlain, founder of Quebec City, this district is made up of various small streets, shops of all kinds, cafes and restaurants. Here you will find the magnificent Place Royale, where the first settlers who came to found Quebec City settled. Not far from there, take a look at the "Fresque des Québécois", a magnificent mural painted on the facade of a house and representing the history of Quebec City.
Rue Petit-Champlain, particularly decorated in winter at Christmas time, is one of the most beautiful in the city. It is in this one that the funicular is located which will allow you to reach the Dufferin terrace and thus the Frontenac castle.
Frontenac Castle and Dufferin Terrace
Let's now move on to one of Quebec City's emblematic places, the Chateau Frontenac and Dufferin Terrace. Two essentials of a visit to Quebec. The first, the Château Frontenac, is a huge castle, originally built in 1893 which continued to be enlarged over time until 1993. This castle is now a hotel, operated by the luxury hotel chain : Fairmont.
The castle cannot be visited but it is always possible to enter the hall, have a drink at the 1608 bar or simply have a coffee at the Starbuck coffee located inside the castle. It is of course possible to stay at the castle by reserving one of its luxurious rooms.
In front of the Château Frontenac, you cannot miss the immense esplanade which overlooks the Petit-Champlain district, the port, as well as the Saint-Laurent. This esplanade, the Dufferin Terrace was built in 1838 on the very site of the old Château Saint-Louis, destroyed by flame a few years earlier. Also enlarged several times, the terrace is now almost 450 meters long.
This place, very lively in summer and winter, hosts various events but is above all a meeting place. The terrace is the arrival (or departure) point of the funicular linking the lower town to the upper town.
Citadelle de Quebec
The citadel of Quebec, located not far from the Château Frontenac, is one of the largest British forts in North America. This one is built in the same style, Vauban, as many forts in France. It was built in Quebec around 1850 to defend the province from invaders from the St. Lawrence. He is at the origin of the installation of settlers in the region and therefore, of the birth of the city of Quebec.
The fort can only be visited via guided tours for the simple reason that it is still used by a Canadian army infantry regiment. For more information, visit the official website of the citadel of Quebec.
Plaines d'Abraham
The Plains of Abraham is a huge park in the heart of Quebec City. These plains are the place of multiple activities, in all seasons. In winter, the park has an ice ring so that Quebecers can practice ice skating. Many skiers also come here to practice cross-country skiing.
In summer, the park is used for many events such as concerts, fireworks, festivals, etc.
These plains, also called Parc des Champs-de-Bataille, were the scene of many battles, notably in 1759 when the English and the French clashed for the capture of the city of Quebec, taken back from the French by the English.
Quebec and its museums
Quebec City has many museums to discover. Here is a list of the main museums to visit during a stay in Quebec.
- Civilization Museum: The Museum of Civilization is one of the most popular in Quebec City. It traces the history of the inhabitants of Quebec, from the first Inuit and Amerindians to the present day, in a permanent exhibition. Many temporary exhibitions are also present in this museum such as, during our visit, an impressive exhibition on the city of London. An interactive and exciting museum that I highly recommend.
- Royal Square Museum: This museum retraces the history of Quebec and the Place Royale on which it is located. You will learn more about the first inhabitants of Quebec, about French and then British colonization.
- Museum of French America: As its name suggests, this museum teaches us more about French colonization and the traces left by it: works of art, furniture, etc.
- Fort Museum: Located very close to the Château Frontenac, the museum of the fort retraces, thanks to a sound and light show, the six sieges of the city of Quebec.
- National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec: This museum exhibits a large collection of works (approximately 39) produced by Quebec artists and thus promotes Quebec art in all its forms.
Levi's
Lévis is none other than the city located just across from Québec, separated from the latter by the St. Lawrence. Several ways to reach this city, use your vehicle and cross the famous Quebec Bridge or, much more practical and faster, use the ferry that connects Quebec City to Lévis.
The ferry takes you to Old Quebec, not far from the Petit-Champlain district. This one will only cost you a small handful of dollars round trip.
The main interest of this little crossing is to enjoy a breathtaking view of old Quebec, its hill and, of course, its Château Frontenac.
A short walk in the old quarter of Lévis to the terrace of Lévis can be a good idea.
The Capital Observatory
The Capital Observatory is none other than the highest viewpoint over Quebec City. Go to the 31st floor of the Marie-Guyart tower on the Grande Allée to visit Quebec from the 221 meters of this floor exclusively reserved for the observatory. From this vantage point, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the entire city of Quebec and its surroundings. An essential visit to Quebec City, winter and summer.
Quebec Aquarium
Located slightly outside Quebec City, about twenty kilometers from the center of Quebec, the aquarium of Quebec is a unique place in Quebec. This aquarium is home to around 10 specimens of all kinds.
It is possible tobuy your admission ticket for the aquarium of Quebec online.
Part of the aquarium focuses on the fauna of the St. Lawrence but also of Canadian waters in general with the presence of walruses, seals and also polar bears. You can also admire snow foxes.
An astonishing part is reserved for jellyfish as well as seahorses and rays.
Summer and winter alike, the aquarium sets up various activities such as, during our visit in winter, a light trail. A place to discover with the family during a visit to Quebec.
Visit Île d'Orléans
During your visit to Quebec, you will surely have noticed this imposing piece of land in the middle of the St. Lawrence. Accessible only by a bridge located opposite the Montmorency Falls, you have just discovered Île d'Orléans! Renowned for its agriculture and its many local producers, I invite you to plan half a day in your itinerary to go around this island. Stop to taste the many specialties: its fruits (especially the strawberries which have made its reputation), its chocolate (and its ice cream in summer) at the Chocolaterie de l'Ile d'Orléans, its wines at the Sainte-Pétronille vineyard ( and yes, even in Quebec there is good wine) or discover the house Monna & filles which cultivates blackcurrant and produces a multitude of products based around this precious berry.
Without forgetting its privileged geographical location, which will allow you to have an impregnable point of view on the Montmorency falls.
Cruise on the St. Lawrence
A cruise on the St. Lawrence is undoubtedly one of the essential activities of a visit to Quebec. This only takes place in summer, starting in May. The only cruise company is AML.
The cruise lasts approximately 1h30 and takes you to discover the places of interest of the Saint-Laurent such as Île d'Orléans, Côte-de-Beaupré, the magnificent Montmorency Falls, which we will discuss below, or the Laurentian mountains. . During the cruise you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Château Frontenac. Cruises depart from the AML pier on Dalhousie Street in Old Quebec.
This one-and-a-half-hour cruise to discover the surroundings of Quebec book online.
What to do around Quebec?
Excursions around Quebec City are numerous. You can get there either by car if you have rented a vehicle, but you can also opt for day trips from Quebec.
Montmorency Falls
The discovery of the Montmorency Falls is the main activity to be carried out outside of Quebec City. These 83m high falls are higher than Niagara Falls. They offer spectacular views and many activities, winter and summer.
Reach the Montmorency Falls by car, about 15km from downtown Quebec City, by bike, or via a guided tour of the city. Access to the falls is chargeable, but it is possible to obtain an online ticket including access to the site, parking and especially access by cable car for less than 10€.
If you opt for a guided bike or bus tour from Quebec, admission is covered. The visit to the falls can be combined with a guided tour of the city.
It is possible to reach the top of the falls via a step that will take you up stairs or take the cable car. It is common to ascend to the falls by cable car and then walk back down.
From the top of the falls, you can take a footbridge to go from one side of the waterfall to the other and also try your hand at ziplining. Indeed a double zip line over 300 meters long, in operation only in summer, allows you to soar above the falls to reach the other side.
In winter, it is mandatory to opt for the cable car to reach the top of the waterfall. Part of the falls being frozen in winter, they are an ideal playground for all ice climbers.
Valcartier Village and Ice Hotel
About a 30-minute drive north of Quebec is a children's paradise, the Valcartier vacation village. This holiday village is indisputably dedicated to leisure activities of all kinds. Summer and winter, the village is full of families who come for a day or more to enjoy the many activities offered by this village.
In summer, you can enjoy a huge outdoor aquatic area, volleyball courts or even a campsite to spend the night there.
In winter, the park is transformed and becomes the largest winter leisure park in North America with the establishment of numerous hiking and skating trails, but above all countless areas for sliding on ice. Let's not forget the Bora Parc, an indoor aquatic area with slides, wave pools, surfing area, etc.
The center also includes a spa area, gym, restaurants and bars as well as a 4-star hotel.
The Valcartier vacation village attracts a lot of tourists, especially in winter, because it is on this site that the must-see ice hotel is located! A real hotel with more than 42 rooms entirely made of ice and snow. I will tell you about it a little further down in the section devoted to visiting Quebec in winter.
Wendake
Located half an hour from Quebec, the Wendake Native Reserve is an interesting place, rich in history and local culture. I therefore invite you to take the time to take a detour through Wendake and discover this part of Quebec history.
First, the Huron Traditional Site allows you to learn a little better about the way of life of the Hurons and its evolution throughout history thanks to the reconstruction of a typical village. I recommend the guided tour, you will thus discover the traditions, customs and rites that animated and still punctuate the life of the Huron-Wendat today.
In addition, indigenous craftsmanship is very present, so I invite you to visit some typical shops and get an authentic dream catcher, handcrafted jewelry or a carved wooden totem. All these objects are important symbols and sacred ancestral representations in the eyes of these communities, so it is important to have special respect for all purchases you make there.
Regarding the good local addresses not to miss, I will recommend two. First of all, a restaurant that I had the chance to test: the Sagamité. Typically local, you will have the chance to discover First Nation gastronomy and its history. I advise you to fall for the Potence! You will not be disappointed.
The second piece of advice will be to go through theHotel First Nations Museum. Located near the Akiawenrahk' river, the setting is absolutely magical. You can spend a night there, have a meal at La Traite restaurant, take advantage of the riverside terrace for a drink, or visit the Huron-Wendat Museum.
So many good reasons to come and visit Wendake!
Spend a night atFirst Nations museum hotel in Wendake.
Whale Watching in Tadoussac from Quebec
If you're visiting Quebec City on a road trip in the region, chances are you've heard of Tadoussac. Tadoussac is a must for a stay in Quebec. This place has become famous thanks to the many marine mammals that live off the town, you will understand, I am talking about whales here. An excursion to discover these is a real must in the region.
Tadoussac is located about 3 hours drive from Quebec City. You can get there by car and then take your observation cruise. It is also possible to opt for a day trip from Quebec. You will be picked up from Quebec City and you will reach, by bus and accompanied by a guide, the boarding site for the observation cruises. If your schedule is somewhat tight, then this day trip could be very useful.
Book your excursion from Quebec to go whale watching in Tadoussac.
Visit Quebec in Winter
Now let me tell you about the visit of Quebec, in winter. Many are wondering whether to visit Quebec in winter or not. It is true that a visit to Quebec City and more broadly to Quebec in winter is completely different from a stay in summer. The climate of this region of the world in summer is the opposite of what you may experience in winter. If your fears are about weather or snow, then I prefer to be clear, yes, it will be cold and yes, there will definitely be – a lot – of snow. However I want to reassure you, I myself visited Quebec in winter and, even if some precautions are to be taken, it is quite doable. We will even see that visiting Quebec in winter offers some advantages!
The number one advantage of visiting Quebec in winter is that you won't be bothered by tourists! Winter is far from being the most touristic season in Quebec.
Here are some other advantages you will have to visit Quebec in winter.
Quebec and its carnival
The carnival of Quebec is a true institution of the city of Quebec. This takes place every year between the end of January and mid-February. The origins of this carnival date back to the end of the 1894th century, around XNUMX, to brighten up the long period of winter cold that rages each year.
Interrupted several times and then brought up to date, the Quebec carnival attracts more tourists every year to attend the festivities.
For two weeks, you can enjoy the carnival village where many activities are set up such as ax throwing, ice sculptures, concerts, etc.
During the three Saturday evenings of the Quebec carnival, the carnival parade takes place during which many floats parade accompanied by dancers and sound and light shows. It is also an opportunity to see the most famous character of the carnival: Man carnival, a true star of Quebec City.
For full access to all the activities offered during the carnival, you will need to bring a precious pass: the Carnival Effigy. It is on sale for $15 and can be purchased online or in “Couche-Tard” stores. The parade is free.
If you have the chance to visit Quebec during this period, then this carnival will be one of the essential things to do in Quebec.
Discover the Ice Hotel
The Ice Hotel is one of Quebec City's must-do activities in winter. As its name suggests, it is a real hotel, where you can sleep, entirely made of ice and snow. These structures, located for several years in the Valcartier vacation village, are rebuilt every year and are visible from January to March. Dates vary depending on the year and the weather.
The ice hotel is surprising, by its size, but also by its architecture. Thousands of blocks of ice are used each year to build the chapel, the bar and also the hotel's forty rooms. Inside, you will find many sculptures, all made by hand.
You can, of course, sleep in the ice hotel, count at least $300. At this price, a room in the 4* hotel in the Valcartier village will be included and you will also have access to the spa and sauna located not far from your ice room.
It is also possible to visit the ice hotel on a guided or unguided tour. You can buy your tickets to visit the ice hotel directly online.
Program to visit Quebec in 1, 2 or 3 days
Visit Quebec in 1 day
Visiting Quebec in one day is not ideal. The city offers many things to do and see and a day may be short to fully enjoy Quebec City. Nevertheless, here is a program to visit Quebec in one day that will take you to discover the essentials of the city.
- The day begins at the famous Chateau Frontenac. Take the time to discover the surroundings as well as the Dufferin Terrace.
- Late morning, head for Old Quebec and its famous Petit-Champlain district.
- Meal in the district of old Quebec, around the Petit-Champlain district.
- In the early afternoon, visit to the Museum of Civilizations located not far from the Petit-Champlain district.
- In the afternoon, head for the Citadel of Quebec then, weather permitting, take a stroll on the Plains of Abraham.
Visit Quebec in 2 days
1 Day:
- The day begins at the famous Château Frontenac. Take the time to discover the surroundings as well as the Dufferin terrace.
- At the end of the morning, head for Old Quebec and its famous Petit-Champlain district.
- Meal in the district of old Quebec, around the Petit-Champlain district.
- In the early afternoon, visit the Museum of Civilizations located not far from the Petit-Champlain district.
- In the afternoon, head to the Citadel of Quebec then, weather permitting, take a stroll on the Plains of Abraham.
2 Day:
- Start of the day around the Plains of Abraham if you didn't have time to enjoy it the day before.
- Go up the Grande Allée, take the opportunity to discover the Hôtel du Parlement
- Climb to the observatory of the capital and enjoy a breathtaking view of Quebec.
- The afternoon can be devoted to an excursion to the Montmorency Falls. Several activities are possible such as hiking or zip-lining.
Visit Quebec in 3 days
1 Day:
- The day begins at the famous Château Frontenac. Take the time to discover the surroundings as well as the Dufferin terrace.
- At the end of the morning, head for Old Quebec and its famous Petit-Champlain district.
- Meal in the district of old Quebec, around the Petit-Champlain district.
- In the early afternoon, visit the Museum of Civilizations located not far from the Petit-Champlain district.
- In the afternoon, head to the Citadel of Quebec then, weather permitting, take a stroll on the Plains of Abraham.
2 Day:
- Start of the day around the Plains of Abraham if you didn't have time to enjoy it the day before.
- Go up the Grande Allée, take the opportunity to discover the Hôtel du Parlement
- Climb to the observatory of the capital and enjoy a breathtaking view of Quebec.
- The afternoon can be devoted to an excursion to the Montmorency Falls. Several activities are possible such as hiking or zip-lining.
3 Day:
- Several solutions are available to you for this 3rd day in Quebec, it will be possible during the morning to go to the island of Orleans
- If you are traveling with the family then an afternoon at the Valcartier vacation village could be a good idea in order to have a good time, have fun and take advantage of the many facilities of the village. In addition, if you visit Quebec in winter, you can admire the ice hotel in the village.
- If you are traveling in the summer, an afternoon in Wendake at the First Nations Museum will allow you to learn more about the history of the region.
Where to sleep in Quebec?
Here is a short paragraph dedicated to housing in Quebec City. I will tell you about what is, for me, the best area to stay in Quebec and especially the best hotel in Quebec.
Which district to choose to stay in Quebec?
Let's start with the neighborhood. In my opinion, the ideal neighborhood to stay in Quebec City will be old Quebec. The oldest district brings together most of the things to do and see in Quebec and will allow you easy access to all of the city's points of interest such as the Grande Allée with the Parliament Building, the the Capital observatory, the Carnival if you visit Quebec in winter, but also the banks of the St. Lawrence with the pier for cruises on the St. Lawrence, the ferry, or excursions to the island of Orleans.
Which hotel to choose to stay in Quebec?
There are many accommodations in Quebec. You will find all types of accommodation, at all prices. I will soon devote an article to answer the question “Where to sleep in Quebec? ".
I will only tell you about one hotel here, the one in which I had the chance and the pleasure of staying, theAuberge Saint-Antoine. If, like me, you inquire about the best hotels in the city, then you will quickly come across the Auberge Saint-Antoine, one of the most luxurious and renowned hotels in Quebec.
This establishment, located in old Quebec, a stone's throw from the Petit-Champlain district and not far from the banks of the St. Lawrence, will be an ideal choice for its location but also for the quality of the service and the rooms it offers. .
I have also devoted an article to this sumptuous hotel in which I recommend you to stay: Auberge Saint-Antoine, the best hotel in Quebec?
Where to eat in Quebec?
First of all, if you are looking for good places to eat in Quebec, I advise you to turn to the district of old Quebec. Even if you will find many other good addresses throughout the city, the district of old Quebec is renowned for its concentration of very good chefs, it is even nicknamed the district of chefs. Here are some good addresses that have made the reputation of this district: the Laurie Raphaël, the Initiale, the Panache, the Scalded or even the Legend by La Tanière.
Here are some good places to eat in Quebec:
The log : First of all, to eat one of the traditional dishes of Quebec, I recommend the restaurant: La Bûche. This restaurant wonderfully recreates the atmosphere of a sugar shack with an all-wood interior. You can taste Chinese pie (Quebec dish), "ears of Christ", or even poutine. A friendly atmosphere for an equally excellent meal.
At Muffy's: You can also take a trip to the Auberge Saint-Antoine restaurant, " At Muffy's housed in a magnificent building dating from 1822. This restaurant offers refined family cuisine in a warm atmosphere.
Beaver tails : Impossible to spend a stay in Quebec without going for a walk in the inescapable shop “Queues de Castor”. This restaurant chain offers beavertails, a typical Canadian pastry covered in maple syrup, chocolate or many other delicious accompaniments. A dish that I highly recommend you try.
Visit Quebec – My opinion on visiting Quebec
Quebec was one of my big surprises during my trip to Quebec. I discovered a pleasant city, on a human scale, which conceals things to do and see. Despite my visit to the city in winter, there is no shortage of activities, especially during carnival time. Old Quebec is absolutely beautiful, its narrow streets are far from what one might imagine of a city on the American continent. I can only advise you to visit Quebec, for my part I can't wait to discover the city in summer, its summer activities, its festivals and its parks!
