13 May Travel guide to visit Quebec City | Canada

Discover the perfect travel guide for a visit in the beautiful and charming Quebec City.

Visit Quebec City | Travel tips

400 years old, with its cobblestone streets, small brick buildings and historic neighborhood, Quebec City is the perfect place to discover the French-speaking Canadian culture and history. Quebec City offers a variety of exciting activities, lively festivals, fascinating museums and outdoor sports in all seasons. Quebec City is the perfect destination for lovers of history, culture and nature.

Where is Quebec City in Canada?

Quebec City is located in the province of Quebec in Canada. Quebec City is the capital of the province. It is located 250km (150 miles) north of the city of Montreal.  This really is an easy drive from Montreal and only takes 2 and a half hours.

Once you arrive, you will fully understand why Quebec City is not a place to miss when visiting Canada.

How many days to visit Quebec City?

In order to visit the major attractions of Quebec City and take the time to relax, we suggest a 2-day itinerary.

Naturally, If you have the possibility of adding a few days to your itinerary, we highly recommend you do so as there are plenty of activities to fill your days and it is well worth it!

Best time to visit Quebec City and how is the weather?

Quebec City is pleasant to visit in all seasons. The best time to visit Quebec City depends on the preferences of each traveler.

Summer (June to August): Summer is the most popular season to visit Quebec as it is generally hot and sunny, with average temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius. There are many festivals and attractions and the city truly becomes festive and alive.

The essentials for summer: when visiting the Old City and the tourist attractions – definitely bring comfortable walking shoes. For the nature lovers: a swimsuit, a pair of good sandals and mosquito repellent.

Autumn (September to November): Autumn is a magnificent season in Quebec, as the leaves of the trees change color and offer a breathtaking spectacle. Temperatures are still pleasant in September, but gradually become cooler in October and November. Peak leaf viewing season varies depending on the temperatures, but be sure to extend your stay by one day so that you can enjoy those brilliant colors with a trip to the Jacques Cartier Parc or the Charlevoix region which is a wonderful day trip from the Old City.

The essentials for autumn: a warm coat, a hat and a scarf.

Winter (December to February): Winter is a cold and snowy season in Quebec, but you will be enchanted by the  Christmas atmosphere and many winter activities, such as skating rinks, snow sports, Winter Carnaval and the Christmas market. The city is simply magical under its carpet of white snow. We have a saying in French:  “layer up like an onion”.  It is so true, just layer up and you will have no problem enjoying the outdoors during winter.

The essentials for winter: long underwear, a long coat, snow pants, good warm boots, a scarf, a hat and warm mittens.

Spring (March to May): Spring is a period of transition in Quebec, with temperatures starting to warm up. Flowers begin to bloom and trees turn green towards the end of May.  The small businesses and residents begin planting their terrasses and window boxes the day after Patriots’ day.  The entire team looks forward to the lush greenery and vibrant colors of all of the flowers.

The essentials for spring :  a raincoat, a pair of rain boots and an umbrella.

What is the local currency?

The currency used is the Canadian dollar (CAD). You can exchange your money at banks, exchange offices, or ATMs.

How to get around in Quebec City without a car?

Quebec City has an efficient public transportation system with buses and Metrobuses that are easy to access throughout the day. Check the schedule on their website.

Le Manoir D’Auteuil is strategically located within the walls of Old Quebec City where all the major attractions of the city, restaurants, shops are easily accessible on foot.

During the summer season, we recommend using an electric bike sharing service, a great way to travel in Quebec City.  There are 74 stations in Quebec City and 780 bikes available. It’s simple, effective, low cost and a great way to move.

We have a station directly in front of the Manoir D’Auteuil at Parc de l’Esplanade. Consult àVélo service website for more information or download the application.

By bike, you can use the bike path networks of Quebec City, which are especially magnificent along the Saint Lawrence River. You can also use taxis or rent a car if you want to explore the surroundings such as Ile d’Orléans, Montmorency Falls or Côte-de-Beaupré.

 

Tours of Old Quebec offers itineraries in and around Quebec City. We have a blog about it! 

Do I need to speak French to visit Quebec City?

The official language in Quebec is French. Most people also speak English and especially in tourist areas such as Old Quebec

Is Quebec City safe?

Quebec City is considered a safe city for tourists. However, it’s still important to take basic precautions, such as keeping an eye on your valuables and avoiding low-light areas at night.

Finally, do not hesitate to ask the local residents for help if you need information or advice for your visit to Quebec. Quebecers are very welcoming and will be delighted to help you discover their city.

2-Day Quebec City Itinerary

Day 1 | Old Quebec and Petit Champlain neighborhood

Put on your most comfortable shoes and travel back in time through 400 years of history in the beautiful streets of Old Quebec City. Old Quebec City with its fortified colonial city is a heritage site recognized by Unesco. Do you know that the city’s fortifications are still intact.

Start your day with a walk on the Parliament Hill, which offers breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River and Quebec City.  Don’t miss: the Parliament Building and gardens, the Tourny Fountain, the Plains of Abraham and the Martello Towers.

Immerse yourself in 300 years of history and explore the Citadel of Quebec, a historic military fortress located on Cap Diamant overlooking Quebec City. You will have a breathtaking view of Quebec City and the St. Lawrence River.

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

End the morning with a walk on the Terrasse Dufferin. The Château Frontenac dominates this magnificent promenade. This hotel is one of the most emblematic symbols of Quebec City.

In summer, buskers, musicians and artists enliven the promenade. In winter, you can experience a descent in a wooden toboggan.

During lunch time there are many restaurants in Old Quebec City. Take a walk on Saint-Anne street, Saint-Louis street and Saint-Jean street, as there are many delicious options on those streets.

From Terrasse Dufferin, take the funicular down to the Quartier Petit Champlain and the Old Port of Quebec. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets of this picturesque neighborhood. You will be charmed by the local shops, coffee shops, restaurants, and art galeries of this district.

Take some time to admire the Fresque des Québécois located at 102 rue du Petit-Champlain. This huge fresque unveiled in 2001 represents the major stages in the life of Cap-Blanc. A real gem!

Stop on the Place Royale, this place is magical and full of history. The Notre-Dame-Des-Victoires Church located there is the oldest stone church in North America.

If you have some more time, we suggest a visit at Musée de la Civilisation, which presents the history and culture of Quebec through interactive exhibits and artifacts. It is possible to book your tickets in advance depending on the current exhibitions.

Return to the upper town and stroll through Old Quebec.

Don’t miss rue Sainte-Anne and rue du Trésor streets where local artists exhibit their works.  In summer, on rue Sainte-Anne, you will even find artists immortalizing the portraits of tourists from all over the world. It’s a great opportunity to find a unique and original souvenir for you or your family.

A visit to the  Basilique-cathédrale Notre-Dame de Québec should be included in your travel diary. It is a real architectural gem in the neo-classical style.

End the day with a dinner in one of the gastronomic restaurants of Old Quebec City, enjoying the romantic atmosphere.  Check out our list of recommended restaurants in Old Quebec City.

Day 2 | Visit of the Montmorency Fall parc and Île d’Orléans

Visit the Montmorency Fall parc

Visiting the Montmorency Falls is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Located just 15 minutes by car from Quebec City, these majestic falls culminate at more than 80 meters in height and offer a breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence River.

Visitors can take the hanging bridge on the top of the falls to enjoy this exceptional view. It is also possible to hike on the trails around the falls to discover the fauna and flora of the region.

We suggest that you climb it to the top of the waterfall using the cable car. For an unforgettable experience, it can be pleasant to return at the base of the fall by the staircase installed on the side of the mountain.

The more adventurous can even try the zip-line in summer or ice climbing in winter.

We recommend that you book your daily access and parking online and allow 2 hours to visit the entire park.

Île d’Orléans

When you leave Montmorency Falls, the bridge to access the Île d’Orléans is directly in front. A roadtrip on the island is a great way to visit this beautiful region. Enjoy some gourmet stops and breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River. Discover the local products and the history of this part of the country. The landscapes are just breathtaking all around the island. Here are some destination to put on your Île d’Orleans bucket list::

Cassis Monna et Filles

Just a few minutes from the bridge, Cassis et Monna & Filles is an gourmet stop on Île d’Orléans where the blackcurrant is the star. Visit the economuseum, the wine cellar, the boutique and the dairy bar entirely dedicated to the processing of blackcurrants in all their forms and flavors. We suggest that you take the dinner break at their gorgeous restaurant La Monnagette.

Adress: 1225 chemin Royal, Saint-Pierre-de-l’Île-d’Orléans, Qc, G0A 4E0

Tous Jours Boutique

Discover Tous Jours Boutique, a shop selling local products, second-hand clothing and a pretty coffee shop called le Jardin Secret. Buy some products entirely made here in Quebec or in Canada for you or someone you love.  Poster, jewellery, decoration, clothing, accessories and beauty care.

Adress : 1370 chemin Royal, Saint-Pierre, QC, G0A 4E0

La Maison de nos Aïeux

La Maison de nos Aïeux is a small museum that tells the story of the pioneers of Île d’Orléans. Immerse yourself in the history of this mythical island. You can learn about the traditions and culture of the region, as well as the families who established the island.

Adress: 2485, chemin Royal, Sainte-Famille, île d’Orléans (Québec), G0A 3P0

Les Fromages de l’Isle D’Orléans

Cheese lovers, you need to stop at the Fromagerie de l’Isle d’Orléans, an award-winning maker of artisanal historic cheeses from the colonial period of New France. For a unique experience, the staff welcome you in period costume. There you can learn about the cheese-making process and buy some products to bring home.

Confiturerie Tigidou

Discover Confiturerie Tigidou’s products in their magnificent coffee shop located on the shores of the St. Lawrence River. You will find apple cream, jam, marmalade, jelly, natural fruit syrup and more. Visitors can taste local products and do some shopping in this picturesque and historic place in the city of Saint-Laurent.

Adress :7007 chemin Royal, Saint-Laurent-de-l’Île d’Orléans, G0A 3Z0

A short walk around the Saint-Laurent marina is also a must.

The observation tower

At the tip of the Island to the east, you will find the observation tower in the town of Saint-François. A breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence River awaits you. There you can see some beautiful other island in the St-Lawrence River: Île Madame, Île Ruau and Cap Tourmente.  Passionate about nature and birds, this part of the island is home to an impressive diversity of birds.

Chocolaterie de l’Île d’Orléans

Finish your tour with a delicious ice cream at the Chocolaterie de l’Île d’Orléans. You can also buy handmade goods, including chocolates and confectionery. If the weather is pleasant, we suggest a walk on the Horatio-Walker promenade. An incredible view of the St. Lawrence River, Montmorency Falls, the Île d’Orléans Bridge and Quebec City await you.

Adress: 8330 Chemin Royal, Sainte-Pétronille, QC, G0A 4C0

Wine and cider lovers

Here are the best addresses to discover the region’s vineyards:

Le Vignoble du Mitan
2608 chemin Royal, Sainte-Famille-de-l’île-d’Orléans, QC, G0A 3P0

Grange Restaurant et Vignoble
517 Chemin du Carrefour, Saint-Pierre-de-l’Île-d’Orléans, Quebec G0A 4E0

Domaine Sainte-Famille, Vignoble, Cidrerie et Verger
2388 chemin RoyaleSainte-Famille-de-l’Île-d’Orléans, Qc, G0A 3P0

La Seigneurie de Liret
2378 Chem. Royal, Sainte-Famille, QC G0A 3P0

Vignoble Isle de Bacchus
1335 Chem. Royal, Saint-Pierre, QC G0A 4E0

This itinerary will allow you to discover the most popular attractions of Île d’Orléans in one day, while tasting local flavors and learning about the history of the region.  Two days is a bit tight to experience all that Quebec City has to offer, but is very doable.

We are ready to offer additional suggestions should you choose to add on a few days to your Quebec City adventure!

Book your stay with us by clicking here or by calling us at 418.694.1173.