20+ Delightful Things to Do in Old Quebec City, Canada

There are so many wonderful things to do in old Quebec City, it’s impossible not to be utterly enchanted.  It’s an area that oozes European cachet, romance, and fine cuisine, you’ll be so charmed, you’ll want to date it.

This makes Quebec City a great option for a trip if you’re looking for the old European feel, without having to travel all the way across the Atlantic (and without fighting the summer tourist crowds!)

No matter what time of year you visit, Quebec City (especially old Quebec City) offers lots to do.

About Old Quebec City

Old Quebec City sits on a bluff overlooking the St. Lawrence River in the Province of Quebec, Canada.

The historic district is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, as the birthplace of French civilization in North America.  It’s where, 400 years ago, the French colonists first founded “New France” and started what grew into modern Quebec City.  The old part of the city is a compact area that was contained within fortified walls, much of which exist today.

Do they speak English in Quebec City?

Today, Quebecois French remains the predominant language spoken, although English-speaking visitors won’t have any problems communicating, especially in the tourist areas.

Planning your visit to old Quebec City:

Best time to visit old Quebec City

For me, the best time to visit Quebec City is in the early fall, or at Christmas time.  But, it really depends on what you’re looking for.

Summer is the most popular time to visit Quebec City, when the city is bustling with activities and festivals.  The weather is pleasant with highs up to 25° C (77 ^°F) in July, although there can be some hot and humid days.  This is also the time of the year when the city will be the busiest with tourists, and hotel prices will be higher.

In the fall, there are fewer tourists and temperatures are still comfortable during the day, with highs between 11° C (52° F) to  18° C (64° F).  The real bonus is the gorgeous fall colours, which are particularly vibrant in this part of Canada.

Christmas in Quebec City is magical, with the city decked out in traditional decorations.  The festive spirit carries on through to February when you can join the fun at the Quebec Winter Carnival.  In the winter, you have to bundle up though, with temperatures as cold as -18° C (0° F).

Spring in Quebec City marks the maple syrup season, when everyone heads to a sugar shack for local music and a hearty, sweet meal.  The weather is quite variable.  You might still have snow and freezing temperatures in March, with things gradually warming up towards May.

How many days should you spend in Quebec City?

Three or four days is ideal to truly enjoy your visit to Quebec City.

The old city is small and it’s possible to see the major sights in a couple of days.  However, with only two days, you’d miss out on some of the European ambiance of the city, not to mention its fabulous food.  Take it easy.  Have leisurely dinners.  Do a day trip.  Enjoy.

Getting to and around in old Quebec City:

There are direct flights from many major Canadian and U.S. cities to Quebec City’s Jean Lesage International Airport, which is about 16 kilometres (10 miles) from downtown.  In some cases, international travelers to the city will have to pass through larger hubs like Montreal, Toronto or New York.  The best bet to get from the airport to the old city is Uber.  Taxis are expensive (about $35), and it takes two buses to get downtown.

Via Rail train service is available daily to Quebec City from Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa (my favourite way to get there).  U.S. travelers on Amtrak can connect in Montreal.  For old Quebec City, your end station is Gare du Palais (central station).

It’s easy to drive to Quebec City from Montreal, for example, via Autoroute 40 or 20, taking just under 3 hours.

Do you need a car to get around in the city?

You do not need a car to get around in old Quebec City.  In fact,  I would recommend against driving in the area.

Old Quebec City has many pedestrian-only streets and very little parking.  If you arrive by car, park it at the hotel and enjoy strolling the cobblestone streets.  Don’t forget good walking shoes!  Old Quebec City is divided between two main parts:  Upper Town and Lower Town.  As the names suggest, there’s a fairly steep hill between them.

If you want to take a day trip, you can rent a car in town or at the airport or use other transportation options described below.  Uber is also available.

Where to stay in old Quebec City:

I always recommend that first-time visitors stay in old Quebec City to soak in the full ambiance of this romantic city.  Note however, that you’ll need to book earlier to snag the best hotels, and prices will be higher than for hotels outside the old city walls.

Things to do in old Quebec City:

Here are some of the best things to do in Old Quebec City, whether you visit in summer or winter or any other time of the year.

1. Visit the Château Frontenac – the most photographed hotel in the world

Probably the most iconic iconic landmark in Quebec City, the Château Frontenac was built over 100 years ago as a luxury stopover for railway passengers – – it was never actually a real castle!

A resting place for the rich and royal, the guest list has included King George and Queen Elizabeth, Monaco’s Princess Grace,  and Alfred Hitchcock. You can learn more by booking an exclusive guided tour of the hotel.

It’s still a hotel today (which makes this a perfect first stop if you plan to stay here – I did once!)  The hotel exudes old world elegance, with its wood-paneled ceilings in the lobby and a soaring hallway chandelier.

You can stop in at the 1608 Bar to savour some wine and local cheese while enjoying the views of the St. Lawrence River or enjoy a lavish meal at the Champlain restaurant. The hotel also does a wonderful afternoon tea.

Check pricing and reviews for the Château Frontenac in Quebec City.

Location:  1 Rue des Carrières (You can’t miss it!)

2.  Stroll Dufferin Terrace

A walk along this 671-metre long boardwalk beside the Château Frontenac is de rigueur.  I imagine hotels guests took this same stroll 100 years ago to show off their finery.

The Dufferin Terrace is a 200 year old wooden promenade connecting to the historic Citadelle, a huge star-shaped fort, and runs alongside the Château Frontenac.

While the winds here can be brisk, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views from the gazebos that line the terrace, as well as interesting historic sights like the cannons that the British captured from the Russians during the Crimean War and your first glimpse of the original fortifications of the city.

This is a lively spot year-round.  In the summer, street performers are out in full force.  In the winter, riding the toboggan slide on Dufferin Terrace is quite a thrill – – they fly downhill at speeds of up to 70 kilometres an hour.

3. Wander the streets of Quartier Petit-Champlain

Quartier Petit-Champlain, nestled in the Lower Town area of the city is widely regarded at the most beautiful neighbourhood in Quebec City for its bewitching mix of culture and history.  The street, rue du Petit-Champlain was actually voted Canada’s most beautiful street in 2014.

Lined with bistros, shops and art galleries, you’ll love walking along the cobblestone streets, soaking up the heritage of the old buildings with their gabled roofs.   It feels like stepping back in time and into France

4.  Take the Funiculaire

From Lower Town, you can climb the “Breakneck Stairs” up to Dufferin Terrace and Upper Town.  Or you can take the funicular (funiculaire in French).

The funicular links the Quartier Petit-Champlain to the Château Frontenac.  In operation since 1879, it offers a wonderful view of the neighbourhood and the St. Lawrence River, as you ascend to Dufferin Terrace.

There are multiple stairs (not just the Breakneck Stairs) connecting Lower Town and Upper Town, but the funicular is a fun option and will save you from losing your breath.

Location:  16 Rue du Petit Champlain

5.  Take the Ferry across the St. Lawrence River

Another way to get spectacular views of the city is to take the ferry from Quebec City across the St. Lawrence River to the neighbouring city of Levis.

It’s a perfect way to watch the sun set and the city light up at night.  For only $7 for the round trip,  it’s an ideal way to relax for a couple of hours out of the city.

Ferry Terminal Location:  10 Rue des Traversiers  (You can get tickets on site).

6. Take a Tour in a Horse-Drawn Carriage

How many cities do you know that still have hitching posts along the road?  Look for the posts, and that’s where you’ll find a horse-drawn carriage for a tour of the old city (usually across the street from the Château Frontenac).  Locally, it’s known as a calèche. 

While the tours can be pricey, they cover the key city highlights, with narration by the driver.

This is the best finishing touch to that Old World feel you can only get in Old Quebec City.

7.  Admire the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral

The Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral, a national historic monument of Canada, is the oldest Catholic parish in North America.

The Basilica dates back to 1647 and has had a tumultuous history of bombardment and reconstruction.  Many of the art works remain from the time of the French regime, and it is the final resting place for four governors of New France.

If you’re a lover of old, beautiful architecture, this is a must-see stop.

Location:  Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, 16, rue De Buade

8. Drop in at the Maison de la littérature

The Maison de la littérature combines a public library with a centre to promote the local literary scene.  There’s even a comic strip studio and a literary bistro.

Even if you don’t read French, this place is worth a look for its stunning design.  It’s located in a former church that was built in 1848.  The renovated building still features soaring church windows and a unique spiral staircase, a perfect venue for that Instagram shot.

9.  Visit the Morrin Centre

The Morrin Centre was built over 200 years ago as Quebec City’s first prison. Now, this national historic site houses a beautiful English-language library.  Its collection has 26,000 literary gems, some dating back to the 16th century.

You can tour the haunting prison cells, and then enjoy a Victorian tea in the Library. Tours last from 45 to 50 minutes and are available in English and in French.  The tea is available on Sunday afternoons during the summer.

Location:  44 Chaussée des Écossais

10.  Discover the dark side of old Quebec City on a ghostly walking tour

Take a 90-minute walking tour through the darker history of New France.  The guide for this tour dresses as one of the city’s notorious characters and shares stories of terrible crimes and misdemeanors that happened here centuries ago.

It’s a ghoulish, but entertaining walk through the old city after the sun goes down.

Book the Ghosts and Crimes of New France Walking Tour here.

11. Walk the Fortifications

Quebec City is the only remaining fortified city in North America north of Mexico, with close to 4.6 kilometres of walls and gates to explore.

The fortifications, themselves, are considered to be a national historic site.

Location:  The two main gates are on on Saint Louis and Saint-Jean streets.

12.  March up to the historic Citadelle de Québec

The star-shaped Citadelle de Québec, in a commanding position on Cap Diamant above the river, is a massive fortress built mainly by the British to defend the city against an American invasion.  It’s been called the “Gibralter of the Americas.”  Today, it’s the base for Canada’s Royal 22s, known as the Vandoos.

You can take a one-hour guided tour of the Citadelle to  learn the history, and find out why it’s shaped like a star.  In the summer, you can also see the changing of the guard at 10 a.m. every day.

Behind the Citadelle, take a walk through the Plains of Abraham, the historic battlefield where British forces invaded and defeated the French in 1759.  In the summer, the park hosts a variety of concerts and festivals.

Location:  1 Côte de la Citadelle

13. Shop at North America’s Oldest Grocery Store

The Grand Marché  is intended to be the new gourmet destination in Québec City.  It isn’t actually in the old city, but it replaces one that was located there.  With over 100 food producers and artisans, it’s the perfect place to get a taste of the region.

There’s a farmers’ market, but you’ll find lots of great items to nibble on, from cheeses to pastries.  Of course, there are many choices here to get the classic Quebec City souvenir – – maple syrup (and other maple products like candy, fudge or maple butter).  The prices are usually better at the market because you’re buying directly from the producers.

The market is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  To get there, you can take a free shuttle that runs every hour from in front of the Château Frontenac, starting at 9:45 a.m. (Available from mid-June to mid-October).

Location: ExpoCité, 250, boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel, édifice M

15.  See the Fresque des Québécois, a glimpse of Quebec culture

You can’t miss the huge “Fresque des Québécois” in Lower Town. It’s the largest wall mural in the city, located close to Place Royale.

The colourful, intricately painted mural recounts the history and heritage of the City.  In the windows of the painted building,  you’ll see some 15 historic figures and nearly a dozen of Quebec’s leading writers and artists.

To learn more about this mural and to find others in Quebec City, see Quebec City History in Murals.

Location: 29 Rue Notre-Dame

16.  Step Back in Time in Place Royale

Place Royale is a beautiful square at the site where Samuel de Champlain built a fort and trading post after his arrival in 1608 – – the first permanent French settlement in North America.

The square is also home to Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, the oldest stone church in North America, built in 1688 (in the top photo).  You can learn more about it at the Musee de la Place Royale on the square.

This is my favourite spot in the city, a place to linger and imagine what life was like for the French settlers who walked here.

To learn more about historic old Quebec City, book this popular 2-hour walking tour.

17.  Eat the Local Food

Speaking of favourite things, no visit to Quebec City would be complete without indulging in the fabulous Quebec food.

There are numerous fantastic restaurants that specialize in different takes on Quebec cuisine.

One of my personal favourites is Chez Muffy in Auberge Saint-Antoine.  Nestled in the thick stone walls of a 19th-century warehouse, the restaurant serves a modern take on traditional French cuisine.

Also, don’t miss this decadent cake drenched in maple syrup at Bistro Sous-le-Fort, a cute café at 48 Sous-le-Fort.  See my post on Quebec foods on the traditional Quebec dishes to try, and more restaurant recommendations.

You can also do a food tour to sample multiple restaurants and shops, and benefit from a knowledgeable tour guide.  On this 2.5 hour walking tour, you’ll visit five different locations to sample the flavours of Quebec.  Or you can combine your tastings with some history, on this historical walking tour.

Book your food tour in old Quebec City here or the historical tasting tour here.

18. Join in the joie de vivre at Quebec City Festivals

19.  Take a day tour to Montmorency Falls

On the outskirts of Quebec City, there’s a waterfall that, at 83 metres (272 feet), is 1.5 times higher than Niagara Falls.  You can take a cable car up to the top of Montmorency Falls and feel the power of the water as you look down on the falls from an overhead walkway.

If you’re feeling even more adventurous, you can jump off a cliff and zipline across the falls.

Montmorency Falls is a 15-minute drive from Old Quebec by car or this shuttle bus or it takes about half an hour to get there on the line 800 bus from the train station (Gare de Palais)

Click here to buy an entrance ticket and cable car ride at Parc de la Chute-Montmorency.

Address:  5300 Boulevard Sainte-Anne, Québec

20. Relax at a thermal spa overlooking the St. Lawrence River

After walking up and down the hills of the city, take some time to relax at the Strom Nordic Spa.  It’s only a few steps from old Quebec City and the cruise terminal and has a stunning view of the St. Lawrence River.

It’s a thermal spa that offers outdoor whirlpools, thermal and Nordic baths, Finish saunas, a eucalyptus steam bath, and icebaths (if you dare).

There are also indoor and outdoor relaxation areas with fireplaces and a restaurant.

Book your thermal experience here.

21.  Tour lovely Île d’Orléans

You’ll love the tranquil beauty of Île d’Orléans (Island of Orleans), with its centuries-old homes and churches, orchards and strawberries and unique artisans. It’s also a foodie haven. The island is just half an hour’s drive from old Quebec City – – perfect for a day trip.

You take Autoroute 440E from the city to QC-368 to cross the bridge to the island.  Then follow QC-368, which circles the island.  Stop in at the tourist office when you cross the bridge to get info on the gourmet and artisan spots to visit.

A relaxing (and tasty) way to visit is on a 3-hour tour of the island that visits wineries and shops with chocolate and maple products.   You can also opt for a half-day tour that stops at Montmorency Falls, the stunning Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré and tours Île d’Orléans.

Book your food tour to Île d’Orléans here or book the combined Île d’Orléans and Montmorency Falls tour here.

Old Quebec City Map:

Zoom in and click on the pin markers to see location information and a photo.

As you can see, there are countless fascinating things to do in Old Quebec City, whether you’re looking for history, culture or good food.

Have you visited Old Quebec City before?  What other stops would you add to this list?  Let me know in the comments below.

Pin it:

Planning a visit to Quebec City?  You may also like:

Where to Stay in Quebec City – The Best Hotels by Neighbourhood

The 21 Best Instagram Spots in Quebec City, Canada

Christmas in Quebec City: The Only Planning Guide You Need

What It’s Like to Stay at the World’s Most Photographed Hotel

Quebec Foods You Have to Try