20 Feb 13 best things to do in Old Quebec City

Leave your car at the hotel and put on your most comfortable shoes. 13 best attractions in Old Quebec City.

Things to do in Old Quebec City :  fantastic activities

Morrin Centre

In the heart of Old Quebec City, The Morin Centre is a nationally recognized site and leading English-language cultural centre. Your guide will take you back in time as you visit the center’s three main rooms.·

• The Victorian Library is breathtaking. This library contains an impressive collection of 27,000 books.
• The sinister prison; the guides tell stories about the miserable life of the prisoners. Dare to enter inside the tiny cells and decipher the graffiti carved by the inmates. Chills guaranteed.
• The Victorian College, a visit inside an old chemical laboratory from 1862.

 

The Morin Center offers also shows, concerts, conferences, and readings. The complete program is on their website.

Guided tours are available every Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Are you passionate about books? Discover the most beautiful libraries in Quebec City, read our article: Take a trip to one of the wonderful libraries of Quebec City and open the doors to knowledge and history.

Ghost Tours of Quebec

Murders, ghosts, and mysteries, discover the hidden history of the old town with Ghost Tours of Quebec. What could be more original and captivating than a guided tour by a lantern light to explore a dark side of the history of Quebec City?  Honestly, you will be surprised to learn about Quebec City’s sordid past.

Thing to do: the historic streets in Old Quebec City

The Dufferin Terrace

A walk on the Dufferin Terrace will offer you an incredible view of the St. Lawrence River. The iconic Château Frontenac is located next to this charming boardwalk.  We recommend an early morning walk up the stairs along the Promenade des Gouverneur’s for a bit of exercise just off of the Terrace, as the river views are invigorating.

During winter, you can experience a slide in a wooden toboggan. This slide has been thrilling visitors for over a century. When the sliding conditions are optimal, the toboggan can reach a speed of 70km/hour. We suggest a slide in the evening when Old Quebec City lights up, the landscape is simply magical.

During summer, streets entertainers, musicians and artists enliven the promenade. You can reach the Plains of Abraham at the end of the boardwalk by the big wooden staircase call the Promenade des Gouverneur’s.

It is now possible to see the remains of the Château Saint-Louis hidden under the terrace. The remains of the castle date from the period 1620 to 1834. Glass bubbles have been set up there in order to see the archaeological excavations from the promenade, even in winter.

We suggest a guided tour of the remains for a complete and immersive experience.

The center is open from mid-May to mid-October. Visit the Forts-and-Châteaux-Saint-Louis National Historic website to plan your visit.

The Funicular

The Old Quebec City Funicular offers to their passengers an incredible view of the St. Lawrence River and the Old Port. It’s a direct connection between the Quartier Petit Champlain and the Terrasse Dufferin.

The first funicular went into operation on November 17, 1879. At this time, it was powered by water and steam. Since 1907, the funicular has been running on electric power. You can access the funicular via the historic House Louis Jolliet, an ancestral home built for Louis Jolliet himself in 1683. The house was restored in 1978. It is a real gem in the Quartier Petit Champlain.

The Funicular is open all year round. To learn more about Louis Jolliet and the funicular, visit their website.

Petit Champlain district and Place Royale

Escape in the streets of the picturesque Petit Champlain district. This romantic neighborhood is the ideal place to make magical memories. The pedestrian streets is lined with shops, local artisans, cafés, art galleries and gourmet restaurants.

Take a moment to go see the Québécois mural located at 102 rue du Petit-Champlain. This enormous mural was revealed in 2001 and it represents the major stages in the life of the Cap-Blanc.

You will fees al if you went back in time by strolling the square of Place Royale. Notre-Dame-Des-Victoires Church, the oldest stone church in North America sits in the center of the square. The church was built in 1688. You can see the stone from the walls of Samuel de Champlain’s second home are still inside the walls of the church.

We suggest a coffee break at Maison Smith, while enjoying a delicious drink at Place Royale. Try their beautiful terrace during warm months of summer.

Saint-Jean Street

Saint-Jean Street is an important commercial artery and one of the oldest in Quebec City. In the 19th century, the merchants lived in the storehouses, giving this street its unique character that can still be found today.

Saint-Jean Street will charm you with its shops, souvenir boutiques, restaurants and ancestral homes.

Pass the Porte Saint-Jean, symbol of Quebec City, you will find Place d’Youville. Surrounded by the Capitole, the Théâtre le Diamant and the Palais Montcalm, Place d’Youville is alive in all seasons.

We highly recommend a romantic skate in winter at the outdoor skating rink in Place d’Youville. Equipment rental is available in the heated pavilion. In summer, public entertainers and festivales make the place vibrate!

Trésor Street

Trésor Street is a small cobblestone alley with a europeen cachet that connects Sainte-Anne Street to Saint-Louis Street. This street is a must-see. From mid-May to mid-October, Trésor Street is crowded with local artists and travelers. You can even meet some of these local artists as you shop.

The adventure continues on the cobblestones of Sainte-Anne Street, where caricaturist and portraitist earn their livings while immortalizing portraits of travelers from all over the world.

Cartier Avenue

Cartier Avenue is a lively street in the heart of the Montcalm district. Here you will find shops, restaurants, bars and cafes, with local residents residing above their businesses. In the Halls Cartier, there is a small local market: fish shop, cheese shop, butchery and bakery.

On hot summer days, we suggest a gourmet stop at the Glacier Aberdeen, a veritable institution on Cartier Avenue.

Thing to do: cultural and historical activities in Old Quebec City

The Musée des Beaux-Arts du Québec

Nestled on the Plains of Abraham, the Musée des Beaux-Arts du Québec offers exhibitions on Quebec art of all period. With a heritage of more than 42,000 works art dating from the 17th century to the present day, this museum is a must-see. Educational and cultural activities are offered around these exhibitions.

You can choose between a guided tour of the museum or to visit the museum independently. The museum consists of 4 pavilions as well as an art garden with 24 magnificent sculptures from different periods.

The Plains of Abraham

The Plains of Abraham, a green oasis in the heart of downtown, is the place to relax outside, walk or practice your favorite sport. Historical fun fact: the great battles of the city in 1759 and 1760 took place on these plains.

The Plains of Abraham now offers activities for all tastes depending on the season. In winter, come and enjoy the ice skating rink. The plains skating rink is refrigerated all winter to provide excellent skating conditions.

You can find 14 km of classic cross-country skiing trails for the cross country-skiers pleasure. There are slopes for all levels (beginner, intermediate and expert). Check the ski condition on the Nordic Pulse web application.

Access to all activities is free if you have your own equipment. It is possible to rent equipment at the skaters’ chalet.

A visit to the Citadel of Québec

Strategically located on the highest point of Quebec City, the Cap Diamant, the Citadel was built between the 1820s and 1850s. Shaped like a star seen from the sky, this fortress played a crucial role in the history of the defense of Quebec City.

Transport yourself in the past with a guided tour through the historic buildings of this fortress.  You will discover 300 years of Quebec City history!

The admission to the Citadel also includes a free visit to the permanent exhibitions of the 22e Regiment Museum.  The one-hour guided tours are offered in French and English. Booking tickets online is highly recommended.

Not to be missed in summer: the changing of the guard!

Breathtaking views of Old Quebec

The Québec-Lévis ferry

The Québec-Lévis ferry is a fun way to explore the St. Lawrence River for a short getaway. Take the opportunity to wander through Old Lévis and admire the spectacular view of the Château Frontenac and Quebec City.

This makes for an amazing photo shoot at night as the Old City is beautifully illuminated. It is possible to take the ferry by foot, by bike or by car. Round-trip time is about 1 hour. Consult the ferry schedule on their website to plan your trip.

The Observatoire de la Capitale

Located on the top floor of the Marie-Guyart building, the Observatoire de la Capitale offers you a 360-degree view of Quebec City. The building is 221 meters high and the view is breathtaking up there.

The Manoir d’Auteuil is located in the heart of all these activities. Everything is easily accessible by foot. Book your stay with us by clicking here or by calling us at 418.694.1173.