Best things to do in Quebec
Find out more about those top places in Quebec
Quebec City Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Things to Do, and Places to Visit That Feel Straight Out of Europe
Welcome to Quebec City—where North America took a detour through 18th-century France, sprinkled in some maple syrup, and called it a day. This charming capital of the Quebec province is unlike anywhere else on the continent. With cobblestone streets, centuries-old stone buildings, and locals who’ll happily switch between French and English (and maybe a little sass), Quebec City is one of the top destinations for history lovers, romantics, and croissant enthusiasts alike.
Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a full-on cultural deep dive, this travel guide has everything you need to know about the best places to visit, things to do, and how to make the most of your sightseeing in Quebec City—with a few laughs along the way.
Forts, Cannons, and a Whole Lot of History
Quebec City is the only fortified city north of Mexico, and it wears that title with pride. The city's stone walls, ramparts, and gun batteries were originally built in the 1750s by the French to defend against invasions (primarily from those unpredictable Americans). The British later finished the job—but luckily, no battles ever broke out. Today, those same walls serve as scenic walkways, offering stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and a dose of European charm.
For history buffs, walking the perimeter of the Old City is one of the top things to do in Quebec City. The star-shaped La Citadelle, still a functioning military base, adds a real "don't mess with us" vibe to the otherwise peaceful old town.
Say Bonjour to Le Château Frontenac
If Quebec City had a celebrity, it would be Le Château Frontenac—the ultra-iconic hotel that dominates the skyline. Perched proudly above the St. Lawrence River, it’s often referred to as the most photographed hotel in the world, and honestly, it’s hard to argue. With its fairytale towers and dramatic facade, it looks like something straight out of a Disney movie... if that movie had really good wine lists and valet parking.
Even if you’re not staying at the Château (no judgment, those rooms are not exactly budget-friendly), it’s still one of the top attractions worth visiting. Pop in for a drink, stroll along the Dufferin Terrace boardwalk out front, and get ready for some truly Instagram-worthy moments.
Discover the Old-World Charm of Vieux-Québec
Old Quebec—or Vieux-Québec, if you’re feeling fancy—is the historic heart of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is where you’ll find winding cobblestone alleys, charming cafes, and enough street performers to make you question your life choices. The entire area feels like it was designed for long, romantic walks and poorly planned shopping sprees.
Some of the top places to visit in Old Quebec include the Quartier Petit Champlain (the oldest commercial district in North America), Place Royale, and the historic Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral. Add in a few local boutiques, art galleries, and an overwhelming amount of cheese shops, and you’ve got one of the best sightseeing areas in all of Canada.
Other Fun Things to Do in Quebec City
If you’ve ticked off the major landmarks and still have energy left, here are a few more ideas to keep your itinerary interesting:
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Ride the Old Quebec funicular for a scenic shortcut between the Lower and Upper Towns.
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Visit the Musée de la Civilisation for an entertaining and educational look into Quebec’s history and culture.
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Explore Montmorency Falls just outside the city—a waterfall taller than Niagara, with fewer crowds and better selfie angles.
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Join a ghost tour through the cobblestone streets and discover just how spooky colonial history can be (very).
Why Quebec City Should Be on Your Bucket List
Quebec City is one of those rare places that makes you feel like you've traveled continents without ever leaving North America. It’s beautiful, walkable, overflowing with history, and just quirky enough to keep you entertained. Whether you're here for the photo ops, the food, or to say you’ve stayed in a hotel that looks like a castle, there’s no shortage of top attractions or things to do.
So if you’re making a list of places to visit in Canada, go ahead and write Quebec City in all caps—and underline it. Twice.
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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.
