Québec City’s rich history, welcoming atmosphere, and year-round activities make it a standout tourism destination. Every season brings with it its own set of unique activities and breathtaking scenery. This list of major attractions can assist you in planning your vacation and ensuring that you have a memorable experience.
1. Stroll around some of North America’s oldest streets in Old Québec.
Admire the scenery from every aspect as you walk around the fortified walls that encircle this UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s still very much alive, despite its magnificent 400-year history: beautiful in the winter and vibrant in the summer. Old Québec is best explored on foot, with its quaint tiny streets and local shops, and we highly recommend taking a walking tour to learn about its rich history.
Château Frontenac
The most renowned landmark in Québec City is also the most photographed hotel in the world. It’s certainly worth a visit, whether you’re just passing by for a tour of the Château or staying the night!
Dufferin Terrace
Take a stroll along Dufferin Terrace for a spectacular view of the St. Lawrence River and Château Frontenac, as well as live entertainment and a toboggan run in the summer and winter. The terrace, named for Lord Dufferin, a governor general of Canada who adored Québec City, is so popular that it has been enlarged twice since its inception. While you’re there, check out the ruins of the Saint Louis Forts and Châteaux, which are located beneath this famous promenade.
The Ramparts and Gates
Québec is the only walled city north of Mexico, in case you didn’t know. You’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time as you walk through the Old City’s walls and four gates.
Petit-Champlain
This beautiful pedestrian strip is likely to win you over with its many local stores and enchanting ambience. PetitChamplain is a true memory maker, thanks to its concentration of art galleries and superb bistros.
Place Royale
This historical jewel, Place Royale, is where Québec City was formally created. The city’s architectural environment is characterized by a mix of French and British influences, as seen by the distinctive period architecture.
Plains of Abraham
The legendary Battle of Québec, which decided Canada’s fate when the French surrendered the city to the British, took place on the Plains of Abraham.
Citadelle de Québec
The largest British stronghold in North America is located at the peak of the famed Cap Diamant. The Citadelle is a fascinating military historical monument and home to the Musée Royal 22e Regiment, where you can discover more about the regiment’s and the fortress’s history. It was built by the British between 1820 and 1850 to defend the city.
Basilica Cathedral Notre-Dame de Québec
This basilica cathedral, located in the centre of Old Québec, was the site of the first Catholic parish north of the Spanish colonies. Its remarkable architecture reflects its historical significance in the city.
2. Montmorency Falls
See a waterfall that’s 30 metres higher than Niagara Falls
The views of the Montmorency Falls are just magnificent, whether you’re riding the gondola or crossing the suspension bridge. Only 15 minutes from downtown, you can experience the force of nature.
Suspension Bridge
A trail goes along the cliff’s edge from Manoir Montmorency to the suspension bridge at the very top of the falls. Once you’re on the bridge, you’ll be struck by the falls’ incredible strength as it rushes and roars beneath your feet.
Cable Car
Take the gondola for even more spectacular views of the falls as well as a breathtaking vista of Île d’Orléans and Québec City.
Zipline
If you’re looking for a thrill, the double zipline will take you right up to the falls. On your alone or with a companion, experience the surge of adrenaline. It’ll be the talk of the town for months!
Via Ferrata
Along the via ferrata, see the falls from a fresh perspective. It’s safe, simple (no carabiner required), and allows you to go up close to the falls on three different routes.
The restaurant and patio of the Manoir
On the patio of Manoir Montmorency, the chef welcomes you to have a seat. The natural panoramic environment is breathtaking, the menu offers a wide variety of delicacies, and the culinary offerings are vibrant and flavorful.
Winter Montmorency Falls
In the winter, the Montmorency Falls become a playground for ice climbers. The mist from the falls freezes into the famed “pain de sucre,” or sugar loaf, an outstanding natural ice sculpture, as soon as the cold sets in
3. National Park of Jacques-Cartier
Visit one of Québec’s most beautiful glacier valleys.
The large and hilly Jacques-Cartier National Park, crisscrossed by deep valleys and rivers, is a haven for outdoor lovers. The park and its verdant surrounds may be enjoyed in a variety of ways. You could see beavers, deer, and perhaps moose in their native habitats if you hike along one of the numerous routes.
Trails for Hiking
Over 100 kilometers of hiking routes may be found in JacquesCartier National Park. It’s a terrific site to experience the region’s splendor, with its lush foliage and magnificent vistas. The hillsides clad with dazzling fall color provide a wonderful experience in the fall.
Camping Areas
If you enjoy camping, you’ll be pleased to learn that there are several charming campgrounds where you may pitch a tent for the night.
Kayaking & Canoeing
Explore the river valley in a canoe or kayak, exactly like the indigenous peoples who have done it for ages. You’ll be blown away by the sheer magnitude of the valley walls and the forest with its limitless hues of green as you float down a river that alternates between peaceful and thundering.
Winter in Jacques-Cartier National Park
When the park has been blanketed in snow, it’s time to break out the snowshoes, take in the scenery, and go backcountry skiing.
4. Orléans Island
On a day tour packed with history and flavors, connect with local artists.
Stop by one of the island’s numerous artisan shops and farm stalls for a wonderful tasting of local products and some of the best shopping you’ve done in years! Driving around the Île d’Orléans is like taking a journey back in time to rural Québec in the 18th century, complete with centuries-old communities, farms, churches, and historic residences. As the cradle of French North America, it was the starting point for many of our forefathers—families that immigrated from France and settled across the continent. Five of Québec’s most beautiful communities are located on the island.
Artisans and Products from the Suburb
On the island, there are several gastronomic stops. Enjoy a picnic in one of the gorgeous villages overlooking the St. Lawrence River and visit the wineries, cider producers, chocolate stores, vinegar manufacturers, and cheesemakers. You’ll have a fantastic day since the island is so real and the people are so kind.
Heritage Sites That Will Take Your Breath Away
Over 600 ancient structures have been meticulously repaired and conserved on Île d’Orléans, including exquisite stone residences from the French colonial era and New France’s oldest rural church.
5. Québec’s National Museum of Fine Arts; Appreciate beautiful art at the biggest collection of Québec art in the world.
The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ) holds a reference collection of over 40,000 pieces that provides a comprehensive overview of Québec art from the 17th century to now. Visit the museum’s pavilions, which are tucked amid the broad plains of Abraham, to get a complete sense of the outstanding artists from across the world whose work is on show.
Exhibitions
Work by Québec’s finest artists, as well as an amazing collection of Inuit art, may be found in the museum’s permanent collections.
A Charming Pavilion
The Lassonde Pavilion is a magnificent piece of architecture that is popular among Instagrammers. The corridors and stairwells, which are drenched in light from the huge glass windows, are guaranteed to entice you.
Family Fun
MNBAQ is entertaining for the whole family, with activities for youngsters and guided tours.
6. The Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
Spend some time in silence at the world’s oldest pilgrimage site north of Mexico.
Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims who have visited the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine, one of Québec’s five national shrines, for over 350 years to pay their respects to Saint Anne. Step inside to view the basilica’s beautiful stained glass, murals, mosaics, and stone and wooden sculptures. Saint Anne is a popular saint among the sick and disabled. She is said to have miraculous healing powers. Many things are hanging from the sanctuary columns as thanks for Saint Anne’s blessings.
The Vault
The vault, which is covered with mosaics depicting Saint Anne’s life, is a popular attraction among visitors.
The Way of the Cross
The Cruciform Path
Outside, below the escarpment, you can walk a modern-day pilgrimage along a path that leads you past 14 stations depicting scenes from Christ’s Passion. Each station has five bronze statues, which were built in stages between 1913 and 1945.
7. Valcartier Village Vacations; Have a good time at the largest theme park in Eastern Canada.
In the winter, you may have a blast in the Americas’ largest snow playground and stay in North America’s only ice hotel.
An Open Air Waterpark
The 35 waterslides, two adventure rivers, and massive wavepool provide for a memorable day of exhilarating fun in the summer!
Indoor Waterpark; Bora Park
This indoor waterpark is open 365 days a year and features 14 slides, including two extreme slides, as well as a family pool with water toys, a surfing wave, and an adventure river.
The Ice Hotel
From January through March, you can visit and even stay at North America’s first ice hotel. Rooms, a chapel, and an ice bar are all part of this temporary work of art made completely of ice and snow.
A Winter Park
This massive winter playground will have everyone having a joy playing in the snow, with tubing runs as far as the eye can see! Thrill enthusiasts can ride a snow raft down the hill or spin at high speeds in the Tornade. The slope is also outfitted with tow lines to get you back to the top in record time.
8. Aquarium du Québec (Québec Aquarium)
Enter a fascinating universe of approximately 10,000 specimens representing 300 different species!
The Aquarium du Québec has a breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence River. Visit the Awesome Ocean Discovery tunnel to learn about the species that live in the Pacific’s depths, as well as Québec’s rivers and streams. Make friends with marine mammals such as polar bears, walruses, and other seal species. The aquarium grounds have everything you need for a memorable day with your family, including splash pads, picnic areas with a view of the St. Lawrence River, and a ropes course for the youngsters.
Ocean Discovery Tunnel is a fantastic attraction.
In the Awesome Ocean Discovery Tunnel, see an undersea world from beneath a massive aquarium. You’ll learn about the Pacific Ocean’s depths and the concerns that affect marine life.
The Walrus
Aquarium de Québec, renowned for its walrus expertise, provides gentle introductions to these marine mammals from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Jellyfish and Seahorses are wonderful creatures.
In the Deep Sea Pavilion, you can meet the marine animals that reside in our oceans. Hundreds of jellyfish, seahorses, and seadragons may be seen, as well as an interactive pool where you can pet rays.
9. Musée de la civilisation; One of Québec’s most popular interactive museums will teach you something new.
Participate in hands-on seminars for the entire family on a variety of current, historical, and occasionally strange topics. Through a mix of permanent and temporary displays with an international or Québec focus, the Musée de la Civilisation offers new insight on many societies and historical situations. Don’t miss the Pompeii exhibition this summer.
Permanent Exhibitions
At the Musée de la Civilisation, you may learn about Québec culture through two unique displays. Through a variety of artefacts and archival papers, People of Québec… Then and Now chronicles our history and the events that formed it. As a way of exposing their contemporary cultures, This Is Our Story was created in collaboration with 11 Indigenous nations.
Zones for Young People
The Musée de la Civilisation is Québec City’s leading family museum, with family-friendly programming and activities such as interactive exhibitions and a weekend costume workshop. It’ll be a fun educational adventure for your kids!
10. Wendake
Discover Huron-Wendat ancestors’ customs.
Wendake, the pulsating center of the Huron-Wendat Nation, is a great place to learn about Huron-Wendat culture. Take in dancing, hear stories and legends, and visit the HuronWendat Museum and real craft stores in the hamlet, which is just a few minutes from downtown Québec City, to learn about their lengthy history, culture, and traditional wisdom. Taste the best Northern terroir food, with subtle and luscious meals using game meat and corn, to round off the entire indigenous experience.
The Huron-Wendat Culture
The Museum is an excellent place to learn about history and culture. You’ll hear legends that have fuelled their imaginations for ages, warmed by the fire in the longhouse. After that, attend a craft session at the Huron Onhoüa Chetek8e Traditional Site.
The Pathway that would be Illuminated at Night
Onhwa’ Lumina, a new enchanting multimedia night walk into the heart of Wendat Culture, is not to be missed.
Cuisine of the First Nations
In Wendake’s restaurants, corn, game meat, and fish take center stage. La Traite, housed within the Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations, a boutique hotel and museum complex, offers a taste of Indigenous culinary tradition.