Overview

Founded in 1608 as a fur trading colony, Quebec City is one of the oldest cities and the only walled city in North America. Over its four hundred years, the city went from being French to British and then French again, creating a beautiful mix of architectural styles. The cobbled streets of Old Quebec are filled with beautifully preserved buildings, stunning churches and chapels, and quaint cafes. It is a French-speaking city with a strategic location atop steep cliffs that overlook the St. Lawrence River, adding even more to its charm. You can’t help but feel like you’ve traveled back in time as you walk the cobblestone streets of Quebec City, visiting landmarks that have stood the test of time.

Quebec City attracts travelers with its rich history and European charm, but it also offers a vibrant entertainment scene. Visitors can enjoy a variety of arts, music, shopping, culture, and exceptional dining. The locals are passionate about their city and eager to share that enthusiasm with visitors - it is truly a must-visit destination!

Things to Do

Visit Old Quebec, also known by the locals as Vieux-Quebec. This UNESCO World Heritage Site of the cobbled streets of Old Quebec are filled with beautifully preserved buildings are filled with beautifully preserved buildings and quaint cafes. As you wander the area you’ll see beautiful churches and architecture dating back over 400 years. The narrow, pedestrian-only cobblestone streets located here are lined with historic buildings, souvenir shops, bistros, artisan boutiques, and Quebec-cuisine restaurants.

Quebec City’s old town is divided into two sections: Upper Town (Haute-Ville) and Lower Town (Basse-Ville). Upper Town is above the escarpment on Cape Diamond (Cap Diamant) and Lower Town is below the escarpment. A funicular and a staircase called the “Breakneck Stairs” connect Upper Town to Lower Town in Old Quebec. You can decide whether to explore on your own, or go on a paid or free Quebec City walking tour. For the latter, plenty of options are available depending on your interests. Another option is a hop-on-hop-off bus tour that stops at various points throughout the city, it’s also possible to just stay on board the entire trip, so you can get a better plan of your travels later.

Take a stroll down the main road running through the Old Town, Rue du Petit-Champlain, where you’ll find some of the first houses from the former French colony that was built hundreds of years ago. Along this street, you’ll find bistros, art galleries, and specialized handicraft boutiques.

Be sure to take a peek inside the Notre-Dame des Victoires, one of the oldest churches in North America, built on the ruins of Champlain’s first settlement in 1723. It was rebuilt in 1859 after being heavily bombarded in 1759 and, to this day, continues the tradition of blessings and handing out buns on the feast day of St. Genevieve.

The Quartier Petit Champlain is one of the most beautiful area of the city located on the lower part of Old Quebec. Wandering the myriad of narrow, pedestrian-only streets that lace between the historic buildings makes you feel like you are in the heart of an old European City. Photographers will also find interesting sites here such as the umbrella-covered lane (Rue du Cul de Sac) that offers a colorful spectacle, as well as some respite from the sun or rain.

Place Royale is on the site of Quebec’s foundation. In 1608, Samuel de Champlain built a fur trading post and permanent settlement in New France, the base of French civilization in North America. Place Royal is home to the largest group of 17th and 18th-century buildings that tell the story of 400 centuries of history. It was named Place Royal after Louis XIV of France.

Explore the Citadelle of Quebec, facing the St. Lawrence River and sitting on top of Cap Diamant which reaches a height of 100 meters and backed by over 200 years of history. This massive fortress is protected by thick walls, ramparts, and ditches that were built in 1832. It is still an active military post currently used by generals, officers, servicemen, and the summer residence of the Governor - General of Canada. If you are here in the morning, you can catch the Changing of the Guard at 10 am from late June through early September. Be sure to check out the fort’s museum exhibits and guided tours. Also, spend some time soaking up the stunning views of the city and the St. Lawrence River from high above Quebec City.

See the Plains of Abraham (Champs de Bataille) located just outside the city walls. This was where the British led by General Wolfe, fought the French-led Montcalm and won back in 1759. Exhibits located throughout the park retell the tumultuous past of how Quebec City resisted and then fell to the British. Families visiting with children will find interactive exhibits at the museum, which encourages younger visitors to engage with history.

Enjoy a ferry ride across the river onboard the traversier over to the charming little town called Lévis. The ferry leaves its port at Old Quebec every half hour and only lasts about 15 minutes. During that time, you get beautiful, panoramic views of the city.

Take a cable car over the waterfalls a the unmissable Park de la Chute-Montmorency. The park’s 272-foot waterfalls, which are nearly 100 feet taller than Niagra Falls are beautiful to experience. A cable car will take you up the cliff to the manor at the top where a footpath will lead you to a suspended footbridge stretching across the waterfall’s drop. It’s quite a thrill!

Enjoy the beautiful nature at Jacques-Cartier National Park, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, located just 30 minutes from Quebec City. The park offers verdant valleys, rushing rivers, and towering peaks - truly something for everyone. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looker to wander around the great outdoors. The park’s diverse wildlife and stunning landscape make it a must-visit for nature lovers.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Quebec City is vibrant and lively, offering bars, pubs, and restaurants that bring an eclectic mix of dining options. Music lovers can find live entertainment almost every night at one of the many bars in the city. There's no shortage of bars and pubs within the city walls. You'll find a bunch on Rue Saint-Jean, both inside and the fortifications and in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood. Avenue Cartier also has its share of charming pubs. And then there's Grand Allée, which is considered THE place to go to experience the best of Quebec City nightlife. In the Lower Town you'll find several clubs in Saint-Roch along Rue du Parvis and Avenue Saint-Joseph.

Cuisine

The best local dishes in Quebec City range from indulgent sugar-filled desserts to hearty, vegetable-rich soups. A must-try is the world-famous poutine, a staple of Quebecois cuisine. As the capital of the vast eastern province, Quebec City is an ideal place to experience French-Canadian food.

Centuries of French settlement have left a significant impact on the local culinary culture, combined with the need for nutrient-dense foods during harsh winters. The result of this is satisfying European-inspired comfort dishes that are perfect for a cold day (or any day, really). A local favorite, Poutine consists of French fries or thick-cut potato chips drizzled with gravy and smothered in semi-creamy cheese curds. This dish is served throughout Canada, though it is believed to have originated in Quebec. Soupe aux pois is a hearty pea soup dating back to when Samuel de Champlain landed in New France, with his ships stocked full of salted meats and dried beans. Today, this dish has evolved with more ingredients and variations but remains a local favorite. Viande fumée (smoked meat) originated in Montreal and is also widely popular in Quebec City...Just to name a few.