Standing atop the Dufferin Terrace, flanked by the towering Château Frontenac behind you, historic Lower Town below you, and sweeping views of the mighty St. Lawrence River and beyond, Quebec City will quickly sweep you away. Home to cobblestone streets reminiscent of Europe, a food scene that will have any foodie salivating, and over 400 years of history – there is a wealth of things to do in Quebec City for every traveller.

Top 16 Things to do in Quebec City

History Lovers & Culture Seekers

Take a Walking Tour

The best way to acquaint yourself with a new city is to take a walking tour. No matter what kind of walking tour it is, free or paid, you’ll be getting to know the city and usually from a local. Tours Voir Québec offers great walking tours of Quebec City. You’ll learn about its 400 years of history, about the key people who helped make it the incredible city it is today, and even learn things you won’t find in a guidebook.

Related Post: +20 Reasons to Visit Canada

Walk the Walls

One of the top things to do in Quebec City is to walk its historic walls. Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the only city in North America, north of Mexico, which is surrounded by fortified ramparts. With gates, the Citadel, Quebec City’s walls are a history lover’s dream. Spanning 4.6 kilometres you can walk it yourself or opt for a guided tour to learn more.

Explore Under the Terrace

Home to a wealth of history, some of which may be hiding beneath your feet! Any history buff looking for things to do in Quebec City will love the Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site. This is a hidden gem that many don’t even realize is located right beneath the popular and scenic Dufferin Terrace. This archaeological site was once the official residence and seat of power of governors for over 200 years. And for less than $4 you can wander the remains of the Chateau Saint-Louis with its preserved walls, various rooms, and over 100 artifacts. Or for $7.8o you can indulge in a fabulous guided tour with one of the Canada Park’s staff to learn more.

Visit Morrin Centre

The Morrin Centre is a Quebec City hidden gem! The solid exterior leaves no clues to the treasures within. Built over 200 years ago, the Morrin Centre was the city’s first prison and one of the oldest in Quebec. Now a National Historic Site where you can enjoy a tour of all this fascinating building once was. From the cell block of the old prison to the science lab of the Morrin College and finally to the library that will have you feeling like you’ve stepped into pages of a Victorian novel.

Visit Place Royale

It was here where it all began. Place Royale was where Samuel de Champlain built the first French settlement in North America. It’s here you’ll also find North America’s oldest stone church, Notre-Dame-de-Victoires, built in 1688. And because of the wealth of history in this square, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time, or perhaps even feel like you’re in a small village in the French countryside.

Beyond the rich history, Place Royale is now a picturesque square, home to 17th & 18th century stone buildings, charming cafés and restaurants, which will make you want to sit back, have a drink, and relish in the atmosphere.

Visit Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral

Right in the heart of Old Quebec, this Basilica is full of beauty and history. Standing on the same site since 1647, after two devastating fires, it still stands in all its glory and is a National Historic Site. Its home to stain glass window, three organs, and a stunning golden canopy over the altar. The Notre-Dame de Quebec means Our Lady of Quebec City and is also home to a Holy Door. These sacred doors, of which there are 8 across the world, can only be opened and passed through roughly every 25 years. And this is the only Holy Door in the Americas.

Stroll Petit Champlain

The Petit Champlain District of Quebec City is in Lower Town and has the ambiance of a European riverside village. Rue du Petit Champlain is one of North America’s oldest commercial streets and was once home to fur trading posts. Now you’ll find a charming pedestrian-friendly cobblestone street lined with unique boutiques and bistros. It was even voted Canada’s most beautiful street.

Related Post: 10 Stops on a Quebec City Instagram Tour

At the top end, you’ll find the famous Breakneck Stairs – the oldest stairway in Quebec City that was built in 1635. Here you’ll also find the Funiculaire, linking Lower Town and the Dufferin Terrace above. The Funiculaire has been running for over 100 years, since 1879. The entrance to it is in the Louis Jolliet House. Built in 1683, it was once home to the French Canadian explorer.

Day Trip to Wendake

Wendake is a self-governing territory of the Huron-Wendat Nation. Located 25 minutes outside of Old Quebec, Wendake offers an incredible opportunity to learn about the Huron-Wendat Nation, their culture and history. Visit Onhoüa Chetek8e Traditional Huron Site where you can take a tour of a reconstructed Huron village. Learn about the sweat lodge, dream catchers, and why they came to Quebec some 400 years ago.

You can even stay at the 4-star Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations that has a restaurant of fine dining. And on site is the Huron-Wendat Museum where you can learn more about the history of the Huron-Wendat Nation. You can also enjoy a truly authentic Huron-Wendat experience by spending the night in a longhouse. Sit back and listen to storytellers while sipping on your Labrador tea while you sit around the fire.

Take a Food Tour

You may not know it, but Quebec City is a foodie’s dream destination! And taking a food tour is the best way to delve into the many delightful things to eat and drink here. Whether you take a tour or explore on your own, you’ll enjoy indulging in handmade chocolates, local cheese, world-famous poutine, maple flavoured everything, and so much more.

Tips: The best poutine in Old Quebec is at Chez Ashton, located at 54 Côte du Palais. And to taste a variety of maple syrups visit Old Port of Quebec Market (Marche du Vieux-Port) at 160 Quai Saint-André.

Nature Lovers

Explore Plains of Abraham

Nature lovers looking for things to do in Quebec City will flock to Plains of Abraham. This historic area is located within the Battlefields Park, Canada’s first National Historic Park. It was here that the Battle of the Plains of Abraham took place in 1759, between the French and British Empires. Now covering 240 acres, and over 100 years old, the Plains of Abraham is the green lung of the city. Take a picnic and relax on the grass, wander the Joan of Arc Garden, or stroll the pathways that offer wonderful views of the city and St. Lawrence.

Take a Ferry Ride

Looking to get out onto the mighty St. Lawrence River? Consider taking a ferry ride across to Lévis. You don’t even have to stay and explore. You’ll love the ferry ride as is. It offers spectacular views over Quebec City, the River, and beyond. The ride is approximately 15 minutes, ferries leave every 20 minutes, but you will have to debark and get back on if you aren’t staying in Lévis. And for only $7 return, it’s a great way to end your time in the city by taking it at sunset.

Stroll Governor’s Promenade

One of my favourite things to do in Quebec City is to stroll the Governor’s Promenade (Promende des Gouverneurs). Built to commemorate Quebec City’s 350th anniversary, this boardwalk trail connects Plains of Abraham to Dufferin Terrace. Stretching around the Citadel, along one of its fortification walls, you’ll enjoy a beautiful stroll with brilliant views of the St. Lawrence. And I recommend starting your walk along the Governor’s Promenade at Plains of Abraham for two reasons. First, you’ll be heading down most of the stairs that are littered along the boardwalk. And secondly, for the striking view of the Château Frontenac and the rest of Old Quebec City as you approach the Dufferin Terrace.

Visit Montmorency Falls

You may be surprised but Quebec City is home to one of Canada’s most beautiful waterfalls!  At 275’ high and 150’ across, Montmorency Falls (Chute Montmorency) is not only the highest waterfall in Quebec but it’s also almost 100’ higher than Niagara Falls. You can easily spend the afternoon or day here exploring the area, including the old Montmorency Manor that is now an interpretation centre, gift shop, and restaurant. You can ride the cable car across the Falls or stroll along the boardwalk from the Manor around and up to the suspension bridge that crossed the mighty Falls. Continue over to descend the nearly 500 stairs down the cliff to the foot of the falls for awesome views and a little mist.

Located only 13km from Old Quebec there are three easy ways to get there. You can rent a bike or take a half-day biking tour to visit. If you have your car it’s less than a 15 minute ride. Or you can grab the #800 bus.

Art Lovers

Hunt for Street Art

Every great city is home to street art in some form or another. And the street art in Quebec City will surprise you. Home to murals, graffiti, sculptures, and more, if you keep your eyes open you’ll find it everywhere. There are a dozen murals throughout the region. Two of the most popular ones can be found in Lower Town.

The Quebec City Mural (Fresque des Québécois), can be found on Cote de la Montagne around the corner from Place-Royal. This mural showcases the story of Quebec City and includes historical figures, the city’s iconic writers and artists, as well as the architecture and fortifications that make Quebec City what it is. The Neptune Inn Mural is near the end of Rue du Petit Champlain. This one shares milestones throughout the history of the city’s working-class waterfront neighbourhood. And a cool tip is that both these murals can be found using Google Maps!

Another great spot for street art in Quebec City is underneath the highway that divides Vieux Quebec and the Saint-Roch neighbourhood. Along Rue Saint-Vallier Est you’ll find a cool mix of street art covering the pillars that the highway stands on. And on the SPAQ Odeon parking garage on Rue Sainte-Marguerite you’ll find a massive piece that looks like a modern Noah’s Arc in vivid colours.

Visit Beaux-Arts Museum

Any Art lover looking for things to do in Quebec City will inevitably be drawn to the Beaux-Arts Museum. Located in the Plains of Abraham, the Museum is home to over 38,000 works ranging from modern to 17th century pieces. Set over four pavilions, it is home to outstanding exhibits, art workshops, a rooftop garden, and even an art garden around the museum.

Wander Artist’s Alley

Another of Quebec City’s gems is Artist’s Alley. I always love to find local artists when visiting a new city, especially one as photogenic as Quebec City is, and purchase a painting. So I was wide-eyed when I stumbled upon Rue du Trésor on my first day. Located down a small, narrow alleyway just east of the Château Frontenac, Rue du Trésor, if my high school French serves me right, means Street of Treasures. And that it is! Home to various artists for decades selling everything from acrylic paintings to etchings, it’s a great place to find a memorable souvenir of your visit to Quebec City.

Related Post: Via Rail Tips – Canadian Train Travel at its Best

Where to Stay in Quebec City

And finally, Quebec City offers some pretty incredible accommodation options. The top three places to stay in Quebec City if you’re looking for unique accommodation are the Château Frontenac, Le Monastere des Augustines, and the Hotel Acadia. The Château Frontenac is like an imposing castle in the heart of old Quebec City. And it’s no surprise it is one of the most photographed hotels in the world. With a grand lobby, outstanding views of the city, St. Lawrence River, and beyond, and even a resident dog, a stay here will make you feel like a queen.

BOOK NOW TO STAY AT THE FRONTENAC!

Perhaps you’re looking for a more relaxed and simple place to stay. How about a monastery? Also located in the heart of old Quebec City is Le Monastere des Augustines. This old monastery blends culture, heritage, and holistic health. You can choose from a variety of packages for your stay including some or all of the following; modern room or renovated cloister, healthy meals, tours, access to the museum, meditation, yoga, and so much more.

BOOK NOW

Or maybe you’re looking for something else. I recommend staying at the Hotel Acadia. With a great location in Old Quebec City, it blends modern amenities with historic charm. All of their rooms, whether it’s a simple one or a suite have a mix of old world charm and luxury, with exposed brick walls and melt-worthy beds. You also have access to spa rooms and a rooftop terrace. Read my review to be inspired to stay!

BOOK YOUR STAY TODAY!

So, no matter your interests, there is an array of things to do in Quebec City. And if you’re visiting in the winter – there’s even more!

This post contains affiliate links. By booking through these links I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Pin this image for reference later!