Quebec City, Canada: travel guide
Walled French-colonial old town and UNESCO World Heritage site, the most European city in North America.
- Country
- Canada
- Currency
- CAD
- Time zone
- America/Toronto
- Nearest airport
- YQB
Top places to visit in Quebec City
Old Quebec (Vieux-Quebec)
Heritage · 4.8 rating · about 3 h
A UNESCO World Heritage historic district and the only fortified city north of Mexico. Cobblestone streets, 17th- and 18th-century architecture, ramparts and gates.
Château Frontenac
Heritage · 4.7 rating · about 1 h
The most photographed hotel in the world, this grand 1893 Fairmont railway hotel towers over Old Quebec on Cap Diamant. A National Historic Site and the icon of the city skyline.
Quartier Petit-Champlain
Heritage · 4.7 rating · about 1.5 h
One of North America's oldest commercial districts, a charming pedestrian quarter of narrow cobblestone lanes, boutiques and cafes in Lower Town beneath Château Frontenac.
Montmorency Falls (Chute Montmorency)
Waterfall · 4.7 rating · about 2 h
At 83 metres, these falls are 30 metres higher than Niagara. A suspension bridge crosses the top, a cable car climbs the cliff and a panoramic staircase descends the gorge.
Place Royale
Heritage · 4.6 rating · about 0.8 h
The birthplace of French America, this cobblestone square in Lower Town is where Champlain founded Quebec in 1608. Home to Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church.
Plains of Abraham (Battlefields Park)
Nature · 4.7 rating · about 1.5 h
A vast urban park atop the cliffs where the pivotal 1759 battle decided the fate of New France. Now used for walks, picnics, festivals and winter activities.
La Citadelle de Quebec
Fort · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · entry CAD 22
A star-shaped active military fortress completed in 1850, still home to the Royal 22e Regiment. Features the Changing of the Guard ceremony in summer and panoramic views of the St. Lawrence.
Terrasse Dufferin
Viewpoint · 4.7 rating · about 0.8 h
A grand wooden boardwalk perched on the cliff beside Château Frontenac, offering sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River and Lower Town. Connects to the Promenade des Gouverneurs.
Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral
Church · 4.6 rating · about 0.8 h
The primatial church of Canada and oldest parish north of Mexico, founded 1647. A grand baroque cathedral with a gilded interior and a Holy Door, one of only a handful worldwide.
Ile d'Orleans
Nature · 4.6 rating · about 4 h
A bucolic island in the St. Lawrence just east of the city, dubbed the Garden of Quebec. Six villages, heritage farms, orchards, vineyards, cider houses and chocolate makers.
Musee de la civilisation
Museum · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · entry CAD 22
A modern, highly regarded museum in Lower Town with engaging exhibits on Quebec history, Indigenous cultures and world civilizations. Architecturally striking and family-friendly.
Parliament Building (Hotel du Parlement)
Heritage · 4.5 rating · about 1 h
The seat of Quebec's National Assembly, a Second Empire-style edifice from 1886 with a 52-metre tower and a facade lined with bronze statues of historical figures. Free guided tours.
Things to do
- Old Quebec Walking Tour Walking Tour · 2 h · from CAD 35 per person
- Montmorency Falls & Ile d'Orleans Tour Sightseeing · 4 h · from CAD 95 per person
- St. Lawrence River Cruise Cruise · 1.5 h · from CAD 45 per person
- Quebec City Food Tour Food Tour · 3 h · from CAD 89 per person
- La Citadelle Guided Tour & Changing of the Guard Guided Tour · 1 h · from CAD 22 per person
- Whale Watching Day Trip to Tadoussac Wildlife · 11 h · from CAD 199 per person
- Ghost Tour of Old Quebec Walking Tour · 1.5 h · from CAD 28 per person
- Horse-Drawn Caleche Ride Sightseeing · 0.7 h · from CAD 110 per person
Day trips and tours
- Montmorency Falls & Ile d'Orleans Half-Day Tour 4.5 h · from CAD 95
- Tadoussac Whale-Watching Full-Day Excursion 12 h · from CAD 199
- Charlevoix Scenic Drive Day Tour 9 h · from CAD 159
Where to stay in Quebec City
- Old Quebec (Upper Town) about CAD 280 per night
The historic walled heart of the city, atop the cliff. Most atmospheric and central, surrounded by landmarks - but pricier and hilly.
- Petit-Champlain / Lower Town about CAD 250 per night
The picturesque riverside quarter below the cliff, with cobblestone lanes, boutiques and the Old Port. Charming and romantic.
- Saint-Roch about CAD 170 per night
A revitalized downtown district outside the walls, with hip restaurants, bars, shops and better-value hotels. Lively and local.
Hotels
- Auberge Saint-Antoine 4.5-star · CAD 320 to CAD 700 per night
- Fairmont Le Château Frontenac 4.5-star · CAD 350 to CAD 900 per night
- Hotel Le Germain Quebec 4-star · CAD 200 to CAD 360 per night
- Hotel Le Vincent 3.5-star · CAD 110 to CAD 200 per night
- Hotel Champlain 3.5-star · CAD 150 to CAD 280 per night
- Hotel Manoir Victoria 4-star · CAD 170 to CAD 320 per night
Where to eat
- Chez Ashton Quebecois, Fast Food, Poutine · about CAD 16 per person
- Le Cochon Dingue French, Bistro, Brunch · about CAD 35 per person
- Cafe du Monde French, Brasserie · about CAD 45 per person
- Aux Anciens Canadiens Quebecois, Canadian, French · about CAD 55 per person
- Paillard Cafe, Bakery, French · about CAD 18 per person
- La Buche Quebecois, Comfort Food · about CAD 35 per person
- Le Lapin Saute French, Bistro, Quebecois · about CAD 45 per person
- Le Clocher Penche Quebecois, Bistro, French · about CAD 45 per person
Getting around
- Bus main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Ride Hail main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Walking main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
Safety and scams to avoid
Overpriced caleche (carriage) rides
Place d'Armes and around Château Frontenac
Some carriage drivers quote a vague price then charge per person or for extra time, inflating the final fare for tourists.
How to avoid it: Confirm the total price and duration in writing before boarding - caleches are priced per carriage (up to ~4 people), not per person.
Tourist-trap restaurants on Rue Saint-Louis
Rue Saint-Louis, Old Quebec
A few spots on the busiest tourist street push mediocre, overpriced set menus and aggressive upselling to passersby.
How to avoid it: Check reviews, look where locals eat (Saint-Roch, Saint-Jean-Baptiste), and be wary of staff hawking deals on the street.