Quebec City in Canada has plenty of attractions for the visitors including Vieux-Québec’s cobbled streets, which you must explore at leisure, amazing views all around, a hip culinary scene and more. Learn about how the presence of the French influenced the region at the Séminaire de Québec or enjoy a glass of chilled local beer in the neighborhood of Sain-Roch. Irrespective of what catches your fancy, you can easily find it here, a city that has a French-Canadian twist. Do not forget to pack a pair of your walking shoes because you may have to do much of the sightseeing in this compact town walking and climbing up and down the hills. Check out these top 10 things to do in Quebec City, Canada, so that you do not miss out on something important while on a vacation.
1. Enjoy a luxurious stay at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Strategically situated within Old Quebec’s walls, the opulent Fairmont Le Château Frontenac has been through an ambitious renaissance project, which will make it one of the leading hotels in the world. This restoration project will fuse the charming past of the hotel with contemporary innovations and will allure you for sure. The breathtaking urban resort will definitely attract you with mesmerizing vistas of the St. Lawrence River.
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Address: 1 Rue des Carrières, Québec, QC G1R 4P5, Canada
Website: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
2. Go back in time while exploring the Museum of Civilization
It is Quebec City’s most popular museum and should definitely feature in your bucket list if you are visiting the city. This visitor-oriented museum has an interactive and participatory approach to encouraging discovery. The exhibits here are simply magnificent and are of international standard, demonstrating the history and culture of the city. You can participate in one of the family workshops on historical or current topics and even opt for a guided tour.
Museum of Civilization
Address: 85 Rue Dalhousie, Québec, QC G1K 8R2, Canada
Website: Museum of Civilization
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
3. Pose in front of the mesmerizing Montmorency Falls
The Montmorency Falls are located just outside the city and plunges farther than even the famous Niagara Falls. You can take a cable car to reach the top of the cliff and begin a walking tour with a panoramic view of the Manor. It houses a gift shop, an interpretation center, and a fine restaurant. Simply follow the path after reaching the summit of the cliff to reach the suspended bridge from where you can see the mesmerizing views of the surroundings. The falls produce dew in the winter leading to the formation of one of the continent’s most stunning ice walls. Make sure to capture the beauty of the walls through your camera lenses.
Montmorency Falls
Address: 5300 Boulevard Sainte-Anne, Québec, QC G1C 1S1, Canada
Website: Montmorency Falls
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 6pm
4. Offer your prayers at the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral
The church has been standing here since 1647 and is regarded as one of the Canada National Historic Sites. The site is of immense architectural value and should definitely feature on your travel itinerary. You will marvel at the spectacular interior decor and a host of arts and archive pieces in this beautiful chapel. Also, see the de Holy Door while you are here and offer your prayers at this cathedral.
Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral
Address: 16 Rue De Buade, Québec, QC G1R 4A1, Canada
Website: Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 4pm; Sat: 7am - 6pm; Sun: 8am - 5pm
5. Learn about the history at La Citadelle de Québec
Welcome to La Citadelle, which is also referred to as the Citadelle of Quebec. An active military base, it is also the secondary formal residence of Canada’s Governor General and the monarch of Canada. Avail one of the guided tours here to get a rich insight into more than three centuries of history while exploring this majestic fortress. This National Historic structure is known for its mesmerizing views of the St. Lawrence River and the city, as well as, its magnificent architecture.
La Citadelle de Québec
Address: 1 Côte de la Citadelle, Québec, QC G1R 3R2, Canada
Website: La Citadelle de Québec
Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 9am - 6pm
6. Get real close to the marine life at Aquarium of Quebec
Come, visit the Aquarium of Quebec and have a feeling of diving into the sea. You can meet around 10,000 aquatic animals, which inhabit this giant aquarium like sea mammals, fish, invertebrates, amphibians, and reptiles. Marine animals such as seals and walruses will offer you with truly unique experiences. You can observe them being trained or when they are feeding. Exploring the aquarium is an unforgettable experience for old and young alike.
Aquarium of Quebec
Address: 1675 Avenue des Hôtels, Québec, QC G1W 4S3, Canada
Website: Aquarium of Quebec
Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 10am - 4pm
7. Visit the colonial battle site of Plains of Abraham
One of Quebec City’s most prominent historical sites, the Plains of Abraham is also a famous recreational site of the city. The grassy expanse has been the site for an important military battle in 1759. The clash resulted in the British taking over New France. The battle has been well documented in the museum of Plains of Abraham. Now converted into a park, it is Quebec City’s outdoor playground and locals come here for outdoor activities like cross-country skiing, jogging, cycling, and strolling.
Plains of Abraham
Address: Wilfrid-Laurier Ave, Quebec City, QC G1R 2L3, Canada
Website: Plains of Abraham
Opening hours: Sun - Sat: 12am - 12am
8. Admire artistic works of Quebecois painters at Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec
One of the major museums in the city, Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec boasts a mammoth collection of over 28,000 works that are usually produced by the local artists of Quebec. These artistic works offer an insight into the history of the city’s art ranging from the 17th century to recent times. It also houses a huge library, which was first opened in 1987. Visit the boutique and enjoy the delicacies specially prepared by the famous chef Marie-Chantal Lepage as a finale for your visit.
Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec
Address: 179 Grande Allée Ouest, Québec, QC G1R 2H1, Canada
Website: Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec
Opening hours: Tues - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
9. Shop till you drop at Quartier Petit Champlain
If you are a shopaholic, you have arrived at the right place. A small but bustling commercial zone, Quartier Petit Champlain is a haven for shoppers. It houses a number of boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and offers you an excellent opportunity to spend some fun-filled hours with your entire family. The shopping zone promotes local artistry because of around 45 restaurants and stores being owned by a local cooperative. The winter months are even more alluring as the entire area is lit by around 15,000 lightbulbs.
Quartier Petit Champlain
Address: 61 Rue du Petit Champlain, Québec, QC G1K 4H5, Canada
Website: Quartier Petit Champlain
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 10am - 5:30pm; Thu - Fri: 10am - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm
10. Take a funicular ride at Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec
Enjoy a fun ride with your entire family at Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec while you are visiting Quebec City. The ride links Quartier Petit-Champlain, Dufferin Terrace, the Old Port, and Place-Royale. You can also enjoy a view of Lower Town and the St. Lawrence River from an exciting vantage point while moving up and down and at an angle of 45-degrees. The funicular has its main entrance in Louis Jolliet House, which is situated at 16 rue Petit-Champlain.
Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec
Address: 16 Rue du Petit Champlain, Québec, QC G1K 4H4, Canada
Website: Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec
Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 7:30am - 10:30pm
Charismatic Quebec City
So, now that we have compiled the 10 best things to do in Quebec City, what are you waiting for? Start making your travel plans and get set for an exciting vacation with your loved ones.
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