Best things to do in Quebec
Find out more about those top places in Quebec
Quebec City is unlike any city in North America and not just because of its majority Francophone population. Ringed by fortifications that were begun by the French in the 1750s and completed by the British a century later, Quebec’s vast city walls and gun batteries were designed to defend against an American invasion that never came. While the city walls today no longer serve a practical purpose, they add a touch of old world charm to the streets of Quebec City and separate the spectacular La Citadelle from the city’s downtown. Beyond the fortifications, Quebec City’s dominant landmark is Le Chateau Frontenac, the elegant claimant to the title of world’s most photographed hotel, while beneath the hotel fittingly Parisian boulevards stretch alongside the St Lawrence River.
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Old Quebec
Old Quebec is not called 'Old' simply because of old buildings, it is called Old Quebec due to its richness in museums and historic landmarks. With fortifications dating back to the 17th-century binding it, Old Quebec is divided into two - upper town and lower town. The upper town is home to the 1800s Citadelle fort, Terrasse Dufferin which is a wide boardwalk that overlooks the city and the grand Chãteau Frontenac hotel. With a funicular connecting to Lower Town and the Quartier Petit Champlain, a walking tour of this location is in order. A 1688 stone church, some charming boutiques, and Place Royale square can be found on Rue du Petit Champlain.
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Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
The original design of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac was to be a stopover for railway travelers and was built in the late 19th century. The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac was built by William Van Home, who was the general manager of the Canadian Pacific Railway at the time.
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Montmorency Falls
With its location only 15 minutes from the Old Quebec, the Montmorency Falls Park presents itself as an outstanding and excellent historic site. The landscape is dominated by the fall which is 83 meters high and there are many ways to feel the strength of the waterfall depending on where you approach from.
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La Citadelle de Québec
Also known as La Citadelle, the Citadella of Quebec can be found atop cap Diamant and it adjoins the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City. This location is to the present day, the secondary official residence of both the Governor General of Canada and the Canadian monarch. A private tour with a local guarantees that you discover all the sights there are to see.
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Whale Watching
When exiting the Tadoussac Marina or Baie-Ste-Catherine Pier, you would happen upon these elegant mammals right in their natural Marine habitat. To enjoy this particular tour, get on a Zodiac inflatable boat and have a great time watching the Whales in the Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park.
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Aquarium of Quebec
Quebec City is home to a special outdoor/indoor aquarium that overlooks the St. Lawrence River. This exclusive aquarium features indoor displays of various aquatic animals including fish, amphibians, reptiles and some invertebrates. Meanwhile, the outdoor habitats house walruses, arctic foxes, polar bears, and seals.
