A Mini-Guide to Canada's most memorable and charming city. Quebec City is one of those magical Canadian cities that will leave you speechless. The romantic cobblestone streets, amazing restaurants around every corner, and the historic landmarks and activities that will keep you as occupied as you want. This city has something for everyone and should definitely be a visit for anyone coming to the province of Quebec!
Quebec City is FULL of charm. This place has romantic cobblestone street, world-class dining, nature at your front door step, and activities for everyone.
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After living in Quebec City for a short stint, we tried our best to make the most out of living in one of the most beautiful cities Canada has to offer. Quebec really is such a beautiful province worth visiting, and Quebec City is NO exception to this - it's up at the top of our list for must-visit cities in Canada!
What To Know
How To Get Here
There is an airport into Quebec City, but flights here are usually pricier as it's not a large airport. However if this is where you fly into, you will need to take a taxi / Uber to downtown, OR check out the public transportation options listed on the airports website.
The easiest way to get around to all the locations is always with your own car, however in Quebec City, depending on how many days you stay / where your hotel is, you won't be needing a car very often. There is also public transportation, taxi's, Ubers, and the city is easily walkable.
For parking, the Citadel at Quebec offers free two-hour parking. It's right next to downtown so it's an easy walk in! Otherwise, there are parking lots spread across the city, you just may have to do some walking / pay a decent amount.
Language
Both English and French are spoken here. French is the main language of Quebec, but given that this is a touristy spot, most people will speak English as well.
Money
Quebec City, especially the downtown area, is just as expensive as all the rest of the cities in Canada. Like the rest of Canada, card and cash are both accepted at all locations.
When to Visit
I really don't think there is a bad time to visit Quebec City! Summer is full of festivals and outdoor picnics, Fall is the best time for the stunning scenery full of the reds / oranges / yellows in the leaves, Winter is when they have the iconic winter carnival and ice hotel activities, and Spring is the best time for spring blooms and outdoor walks before the summer heat hits. If I had to choose however, fall would be the best time - I am a sucker for the scenery during fall.
Where To Stay
There are many options of where to stay in Quebec City through a bunch of different price ranges, It really depends on your budget and what you're looking to get out of the weekend.
If you want to be downtown and able to walk into and around the city easily, staying right downtown or near there is the easiest option.
This is definitely the most elegant place to stay in Quebec City. It's also in the heart of downtown and super accessible to the rest of Quebec City. If you're looking for luxury this is it!
Les Lofts have places all over Quebec - you should explore all their locations to see the different spots you can stay in! These lofts are luxurious, modern, and elegant.
Here is a mid-range option for those looking to be in and around the city but not break the bank!
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AirBNB also has some great options in and around the downtown area for reasonable prices. We have stayed at a few of them!
If you're looking for some nature-escapes with stunning views and the option to drive downtown, look outside of downtown. Quebec City is close to some amazing parks and scenery. There are tons of chalet options and mountain resorts to look into.
What To Do
Quebec City has so many things to do both in and outside of the city. Here are our options that are guaranteed to fill your itinerary.
This historic location is great for a walk to learn more about the history of Quebec City and enjoy the scenic views. Besides the history, this area of Quebec and further down the road are great running and strolling areas to admire Quebec City!
This terrace is perhaps the most visited spot in Quebec City. Right on the bank of the famous Chateau Frontenac, in the middle of the cobblestone streets of Quebec City, and overlooking the river below, this is where all walks should lead. Plus, if you head up the hill towards the Citadel, there's a beautiful hill where you'll find people having a picnic and enjoying the river views below.
These impressive falls are worth a visit - about 15 minutes outside of Quebec City. We visited in winter and it really was such a beautiful scene. They even have a zip line and via ferrata here!
Probably one of my favourite spots near Quebec City! This little island is FULL of vineyards for wine tastings. Spend the day touring around, tasting wine, and the country-side feels of this beautiful area.
This art museum has lots to explore and admire and is just a short walk from Quebec City. The perfect activity for those that love the arts or are looking for some indoor activities.
This spa is STUNNING. It has so many different areas for hot-tubbing, relaxing, cold-water, and even a restaurant to enjoy. Plus, it overlooks the St-Lawrence river!
This is a well-known road in Quebec City with tons of restaurants, pubs, and more to explore. This is also a popular place for nightlife in the evenings, but has some great restaurants in general for those looking for a nice dinner or pub!
This park is worth a visit for anyone that is into water or hiking activities. The drive into the park alone is worth the trip - especially in the fall! Definitely make your way out here if you have a car and are looking for some beautiful hiking options.
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Here is our guide to the best hikes from Quebec City (if you are looking for some more outdoor adventures!):
This park is easily accessible and easy to navigate on your own - however if you like a guide to make it easier to get around and less thinking, this is a great option to see one of Quebecs best park just outside of Quebec City - the perfect day trip!
Sometimes the best way to see a city is to have a local show you around. This walking tour will show you the best spots in the city all in one shot, so you don't have to waste your time researching and navigating yourself.
This would probably be my most recommended tour! You can easily walk and get a feel for Quebec City by walking and eating your way through it, but this tour gives you more of a feel of Quebec in general (plus who doesn't love wine, a bit of countryside, and beautiful views).
This sightseeing cruise will take you to famous landmarks from a different vantage point - the St-Lawrence River. Many observe the river, but not many observe the scenery FROM the river!
Make your way through the St-Lawrence River on this whale watching cruise (plus seals and more). Quebec has some really beautiful marine life and scenery and this is such a great way to be able to admire it all.
Who doesn't love a hop-on hop-off bus. These are the best way to have someone tell you and take you to all the best spots in the area without having to think of anything except the next pick up timing!
When we first moved to Quebec City, we asked our friend for her recommendations and she gave us a HUGE list that did not disappoint. One thing about Quebec is there are NO shortage of good restaurants here - and they are scattered around every corner of the city. Here are our favourite spots in Quebec City for dining (to note, these are all mostly lunch / dinner spots).
This is a very well known restaurant known for tasting menus and wine pairings. This was one of the first restaurants we went to in Quebec City and we were so amazed by this place!
Right under Chateau Frontenac on the picturesque streets of Quebec City you'll find this chain restaurant. Although I am usually not a fan of chain restaurants, this spot is easy, serves AMAZING food, and has some Quebec staples (duck poutine is our favourite here...).
A fresh menu full of French cuisine! Located on one of my favourite streets in Quebec City (full of surprise AMAZING restaurants and far enough from downtown that it's not too busy), this was one of our favourite restaurants in Quebec that we tried.
A fun taco spot outside of the historical centre of Quebec City that's worth a visit! There are tons of hip restaurants in this area, and this Mexican restaurant and their fun drinks should be on your list.
Another easy spot to get to, and a super fun drink spot! They have a great casual menu (tartare is SO good here) that pairs well with their cocktails. A great light dinner or pre-dinner (pre-partying!!!) drinks!
A very popular and highly rated spot - for good reason. Also located on Grand-Allee, this spot gets lots of foot traffic. However, the fresh seafood and steak options keep people coming back. This spot was such a delight with the modern interior - a great date night spot.
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We Hope You Love Quebec City!
Quebec City has such a charm about it, and with so many unique things to do, we are sure you will love it. Be sure to check out our other thatch guides on our home page, and also our blog for more Quebec & travel content.
With a full time job, there are twenty five days a year I want to FILL with travelling and have been doing so every year. We love to research, plan, and travel to new destinations around the world as much as possible. We travel at least twice per year and quite a bit for work, and love to share our favourite places along the way with everyone who wants it!
