10 Stops on a Quebec City Instagram Tour
From the moment I arrived, upon stepping foot in Gare du Palais, a train station that made me feel like I’d been transported to a small village in the French countryside in Europe – NOT Canada, I knew my camera would be busy snapping photos of Quebec City.
With cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, a mix of architectural styles, and pops of colour Quebec City is an Instagram lover’s paradise. With a wealth of things to do in the city, it’s easy to find something for everyone – including the Instagrammer! So, I thought what better way to introduce you to my new favourite city than with a Quebec City Instagram tour.
Quebec City Instagram Tour
Chateau Frontenac
Who doesn’t love an enchanted castle? And right in the heart of Quebec City you’ll find one. Well, it might not be a real castle but the Chateau Frontenac certainly has all the bewitching attributes of one. Towering over Old Quebec, the Chateau is the perfect spot to start our Quebec City Instagram tour.
The Chateau Frontenac is dubbed the most photographed hotel in the World. 2018 marks the Chateau’s 125th anniversary. And this luxury hotel has it all! Its home to over 600 guestrooms, dining options, a stunning lobby with resident dog, and there are even tours available.
While many of the rooms offer picturesque views over Old Quebec and the St. Lawrence, the ideal spot to Instagram the Chateau Frontenac is out on the Dufferin Terrace. Walk towards the hill where the Citadel lies. Then turn and look back. Towering above you in all her glory is your Instagram-worthy shot!
Want to stay at the Chateau Frontenac? Book your stay today!
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Pierre-Dugua-De Mons Terrace
For me, one of the BEST views of Quebec City is from Pierre-Dugua-De Mons Terrace. Near the Chateau you’ll find a path to the west that will lead you up to this Terrace, located within the Bastion-de-la-Reine Park. With a little bit of effort, climbing to the top, you’ll be reward with a sweeping view of Quebec City.
One of the Instagram worthy Quebec City shots is easily from this fabulous vantage point. From here you’ll be able to capture the Dufferin Terrace, the iconic Chateau Frontenac, and so much more of the beauty that will inspire you to visit Quebec City!
Architecture
One of the main aspects that make Quebec City photogenic is its varying architectural styles. Around every turn you’ll discover new lines, attractive angles, and buildings that are itching to be photographed. On this Quebec City Instagram tour I encourage you to wander this very walkable city and look deep and look up.
Within Old Quebec City you’ll find architecture styles that range from the French style (like the Seminary of Quebec), English Neoclassical (like the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity), Romantic influence (like the Chateau Frontenac), and even Art Deco (like the Price Building).
So, if its Instagram-worthy photos of architecture you’re looking for here are a few favourites; the red roofs of the Auberge du Tresor or the Aux Anciens Canadiens Restaurant, Gare du Palais train station, and the Parliament Building.
Old City Gates
Quebec City is full of National Historic Sites, you’ll find history around every bend in this UNESCO World Heritage Site city. Quebec City’s defence system was built between 1608 and 1871 and consists of the 3 Martello towers, 4 gates, the Citadelle and ramparts. Incredibly, the fortified city walls that surround Old Quebec are the only remaining ones that still exist in the Americas north of Mexico.
While every aspect of Quebec City’s fortification is noteworthy for photos, to me, the most photogenic are the gates. And out of them all the St. Louis Gate is ideal for Instagram-worthy Quebec City shots. From early mornings with little to no traffic to midday with brilliant blue skies above and carriage rides trundling through, and even lit up at night the St. Louis Gate is picturesque at any time of day.
Related Post: Via Rail Tips – Canadian Train Travel at its Best
Funicular
Our Quebec City Instagram tour continues on from Upper Town down to Lower Town. There are various ways to get between Lower Town and up on the cape. One is the Breakneck Stairs. And the other, and certainly more photogenic is via the Funicular. The Funicular has linked the Dufferin Terrace to the Lower Town for over 100 years.
The 195 foot ride down offers views of the Lower Town, the St. Lawrence River, and across to Levis. And even the views of the Chateau Frontenac are fabulous. The ride is not long, so don’t forget to start snapping! At the bottom, you enter the centuries-old home of Louis Jolliet, a Canadian explorer.
Rue du Petit Champlain
I couldn’t assemble a Quebec City Instagram tour without adding Rue du Petit Champlain. With cobblestone streets and all the charm of a riverside village, it’s no surprise why this street was voted Canada’s most beautiful street.
Home to colourful and unique boutiques and bistros, Rue du Petit Champlain is a pedestrian thoroughfare. Depending on the shot you’re after you’ll snap a great one any time of day. But for those, like me, looking for quiet scenes head there before 8 am before the city stirs awake.
Place Royal
Just around the corner from Rue du Petit Champlain you’ll find another Quebec City gem – Place Royal. Spin around and point and shoot and you’ll grab an Instagram-worthy photo, no matter where you stop. Place Royal is the first permanent French settlement in North America. Home to cobblestone streets, Paris-like cafés, and North America’s oldest stone church, Place Royal is a square chalked full of endless photo opportunities.
Rue Sous-le-Cap
Instagram junkies are ALWAYS on the hunt for hidden gems in the places they visit. One of my favourite hidden gems in Quebec City is Sous-le-Cap. This charming alleyway is home colourful wooden terraces that cross overhead and is devoid of tourists. Rue Sous-le-Cap is the city’s narrowest street and one of the least know. But it’s also one of the top photography spots in Quebec City. Running behind the buildings along Rue Saint-Paul, it is one of the city’s oldest streets and is said to once be home to the red-light district.
Rue Christie
Another Instagram-worthy street in Quebec City is Rue Christie. A stroll down Rue Couillard will get you a glimpse down this colourful street. Another hidden gem in the city, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a tourist, unless they’re passing by on one of the guided walking tours with Tours Voir Quebec.
Quebec City Sunset
I must admit, any sunset is Instagram-worthy. Check out one of my favourites from my visit to San Diego here. But the sunset that Quebec City rewarded me with on my final night there was truly magical. The sun sank over the hill of Rue Sainte-Ursule on my way back to my hotel. The colours, so rich and deep, I’m sure Mother Nature was creating a work of art.
I’m sure there are a hundred great places to catch a Quebec City sunset. So be sure to wander out at dusk in search of an Instagrammable on your next Quebec City trip!
Where to Stay in Quebec City
Looking for a place to stay in Quebec City? There are some incredible places to stay! BOOK NOW to find the perfect location for you! Or book your stay at Hotel Acadia, right in the heart of Old Quebec City, where historic charm meets modern style. You can read my review here.
Has this Quebec City Instagram tour inspired you to visit?
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