Quebec City, the capital of the Canadian province Quebec and the oldest city in Canada, is definitely a must-see city with things to do all year round. The city is located near Montreal and Ottawa, as well as several national parks both in Canada and the United States, which should also be added to the road-trip list. Quebec City is a French speaking city bound with culture and beauty that reflects the French-Canadian history.
Continue reading to convince yourself that Quebec should be on your bucket list.
Must do:
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
You will have undoubtedly seen this gorgeous 5-star hotel on postcards and brochures for Quebec. The palace style hotel is known as ‘the most photographed hotel in the world’ and covers the Quebec skyline. Whether you’re staying the night or just posing for a picture, it’s worth the visit!
Quebec Old Town and Quartier Petit Champlain
Wander through Petit-Champlain, one of the oldest shopping streets in North America. The old town is comprised of small lanes and cobbled streets with a very charming atmosphere. Take the Funiculaire du Vieux-Quebec to the lower town where you will find an array of shops, cafes, and restaurants each as unique and charming as the next. The old town is key to the history of Quebec and this can be noticed in the old buildings. If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Quebec, why not join an old town walking tour.
La Citadelle de Quebec
Located at the top of the Cap Diamant hill is the active military fort. Built by the French to protect Quebec against potential attack, this fortress is full of history. Take a guided tour to learn more about Quebec’s history or just stroll up the hill to look at the views, either way you will be sure to get some great photos of Quebec City below. During the summer months, everyday at 10am you will get to watch the changing of the guard on the Citadelle’s palace grounds which is another great experience that is included in the museum admission price.
Trésor Street
Take a trip to this narrow pedestrian street lined with stalls of local artists and their work. The open-air gallery was founded in the 1960s by aspiring art students, who wanted to exhibit their work for the visitors.
Terrasse Dufferin
This terrace circles around the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac towards the Citadelle. Wander along the terrace that overlooks the St Lawrence River. Depends what season you are visiting you will find street activities filling the boardwalk with an incredible atmosphere. In the summer months you will see street performers showcasing their talents, and in winter the terrace becomes a huge toboggan run.
Montmorency Falls
If you prefer nature settings over the town, this place is certainly for you. Less than a 20-minute drive north of Quebec City is the incredible Montmorency waterfall. At 83 metres high, taller than Niagara Falls, this stunning waterfall covers the landscape for amazing views and photo opportunities. While you are there, take a ride on the zipline or the cable car that circuits the top of the waterfall and surrounding parkland.
Seasonal activities: WINTER IN QUEBEC
Winter in Quebec and you should be prepared for freezing temperatures and a lot of snow between the November and March, January and February being the coldest. Christmas in Quebec is magical with the traditional markets and festive atmosphere. Here are a few activities that you should consider if you are visiting Quebec in the winter months.
Winter carnival
The winter carnival takes place in February and lasts for three weeks. You will find many magical events and activities taking place in the snowy surroundings. Watch ice sculptures being formed, or take a sleigh ride, you can ice skate or play games in the snow. There are also many rides, attractions and food stalls made from ice. The perfect winter day out for all the family, just make sure you wrap up warm.
Christmas markets
During November and December head to Le Grand Marché to wander round the stalls at the Christmas Market. You will find many wooden stalls filled with local and international products, crafts, foods, and so much more, all in the magical setting of Old Quebec.
Near-by:
Montreal
Roughly 150 miles from Quebec City is another Canadian city, Montreal. Montreal is the most populous city in the province of Quebec. In Montreal you will find the Mount Royal mountain lookout, Basilica and Botanical Gardens.
Mont-Tremblant National Park
Slightly further away at 266km from Quebec City is Mont-Tremblant National Park. In summer, this ski resort becomes a hotspot for outdoor activities such as kayaking, mountain luge, hiking, cycling, water sports and so much more. You could easily spend a week here, so it is certainly one to add to the road trip list.
Jacques-Cartier National Park
Less than an hour drive from Quebec is the Jacques-Cartier National Park where you can choose from several scenic hiking trails that offer stunning views of the mountains and valley below.
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