- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
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Why Visit Quebec City
Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases 17th-century fortifications. Beyond iconic Château Frontenac, explore hidden courtyards in Lower Town like Place Royale, offering a glimpse into its French colonial past, which is what Quebec City is famous for.
The city sits atop Cap Diamant, offering stunning views of the Saint Lawrence River, which is 1,197 km long in Quebec. Plains of Abraham Park provides vast green space, perfect for strolls. For evening, experience the illuminated Terrasse Dufferin, one of the best reasons to visit Quebec City.
Local cuisine centers on hearty French-Canadian fare. Try poutine at a local 'casse-croûte' rather than tourist spots, a true taste for anyone visiting Quebec City. Maple taffy on snow is another unique seasonal treat, often found at markets in spring. Marche du Vieux-Port offers local artisan cheeses.
- Quebec CityCanada
- Quebec CityCanada
- Quebec CityCanada
- Quebec CityCanada
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild, fewer crowds
- Jul-Augwarm, very busy
- Wintercold, snowy
- #ComfortableShoes
- #WarmClothing
- #Umbrella
- #PowerAdapterTypeA
- #Camera
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-7 days with day trips
- Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- French & English
- Both are official languages here
- #OldQuebec
- #MontmorencyFalls
- #ChâteauFrontenac
- #PlainsOfAbraham
- #PetitChamplainDistrict
- #NotreDameCathedral
- Explore cobblestone streets
- Visit local markets
- Try poutine
- Attend Winter Carnival
- Take a ferry to Lévis
Recommended Hotels in Quebec City by Experience
Things to do in Quebec City
Discover
Discover iconic Quebec City attractions like Old Town, the stunning Montmorency Falls, and the National Museum of Fine Arts. These sights offer a glimpse into the city's rich history and beautiful architecture.
Experience
Engage in things to experience in Quebec City such as lively festivals, outdoor activities like biking, and cultural activities showcasing local crafts. Culinary tours reveal the area's unique gastronomic delights.
Old Town
Historic district with charming European-style streets.
Montmorency Falls
Spectacular waterfalls, higher than Niagara Falls.
National Museum of Fine Arts
Showcases Canadian and international art collections.
Plains of Abraham
Historic park with beautiful gardens and trails.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Diverse art exhibits set in a historic building.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To get to Quebec City, fly into Jean Lesage Airport (YQB). Quebec City airport to city center connections: RTC bus 78, Orléans Express shuttle bus, or taxis (~$40). Train to Quebec City arrives at Gare du Palais via VIA Rail, connecting from Montréal.
Getting Around
Explore Old Quebec on foot. Public transport in Quebec City uses RTC buses for wider access. Purchase RTC single tickets or day passes at convenience stores. The Funicular links Upper and Lower Town, offering unique views; pay on site.
Local Essentials
When driving in Quebec City, expect narrow, cobblestone streets and steep hills in Old Quebec. Parking is limited; use outside garages. Purchase RTC bus tickets ahead. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven surfaces; Old Quebec requires it.
Where to Stay in Quebec City
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore authentic food Quebec City has to offer with poutine, tourtière, maple taffy, pea soup, and cretons. Try sugar shack meals in season, and sample local cheeses and cider from nearby Île d'Orléans.
Enjoy
Taste local cuisine in Quebec City at popular favorites like Le Lapin Sauté for rabbit dishes, enjoy drinks at the lively Pub Saint-Alexandre, and visit Paillard for delightful pastries. Expect queues!
Le Lapin Saute
Charming spot for rabbit and seasonal dishes, reservations advised.
Aux Anciens Canadiens
Serves traditional Canadian meals, a historic setting.
Restaurant Le Saint-Amour
Fine dining with innovative presentations, book ahead.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
The Quebec Winter Carnival, a must-see event, features ice sculptures and snow slides. Explore the city's French roots during the Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France in August, reflecting the province's history. These are key Quebec City attractions.
Enjoy
Experience contemporary music festivals, theatre productions, and art installations throughout the year. Discover cutting-edge exhibitions and concerts, showcasing diverse Quebec City cultural activities and the latest trends.
Quebec Winter Carnival
Annual winter festival with ice sculptures, parades, and snow slides.
Festival d'été de Québec
Major music festival with diverse genres and international artists.
Fête Nationale (Saint-Jean-Baptiste)
Quebec's national holiday with parades, fireworks, and concerts.
Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France
Historical festival reliving the 17th century with costumes and markets.
Festival de cinéma de la ville de Québec
Annual film festival showcasing Quebecois and international cinema.
Old Quebec in winter is something else
The Plains of Abraham covered in snow is just stunning. The whole city feels like a movie set but totally real. Food is hearty and good, people are warm, and everything is easy to get to on foot.
Best winter city break I've done in years
Carnaval de Québec was absolutely wild in the best way. The ice sculptures on the Grande-Allée were unreal and the crowds were lively without being overwhelming. Tourtière from a small local spot was delicious. Definitely a city that knows how to do winter right.
Petit-Champlain stole my heart
That little street in Lower Town is so pretty it almost doesn't feel real. Lots of small shops and good food around every corner. The funicular ride down is a fun touch too. It's a walkable, beautiful city that doesn't try too hard.
Perfect spot for a history lover
The old city walls are incredibly well preserved and easy to explore on your own. Château Frontenac looming over everything is genuinely impressive up close. The French influence is strong and real, not just for show. Loved every bit of it.
Great fall colors and easy city to get around
Visiting in October meant the foliage was gorgeous everywhere you looked. Rue Saint-Jean had great food options and a cool local feel. Nothing felt too touristy or fake. Compact enough to cover a lot without getting tired.
Genuinely lovely city
Quebec City has a really distinct character that's hard to find elsewhere in North America. The food scene in the Saint-Roch neighborhood was a highlight - lots of creative local spots. Everything feels a bit European without pretending to be.