Sightseeing Places to Visit in Quebec City
Canada

27 Cool Tourist Places to Visit and Things to Do in Quebec City

Mustafa Natalwala 2855 Views

Quebec City is the capital of the Quebec province of Canada. Some of the best things to do in Quebec City include exploring colonial history, and war history, enjoying artworks, visiting historical buildings and museums, enjoying winter activities and exploring nature. The city has had a long and storied history. It is one of the oldest European settlements in North America. The region was called Kebec, meaning “where the river narrows”, by the native Algonquian people. Though the majority of the best places to visit in Quebec City hail from the colonial and post-colonial periods. The settlement in the region was founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1608. Though colonial occupation and many buildings pre-date this event. The fortification walls are one of the oldest things to see in Quebec City and the only remaining fortified city walls north of Mexico in the Americas.

These walls encompass the old part of the city and this area is home to the majority of Quebec City’s tourist attractions. At the heart of the old walls is the magnanimous Citadel. This fortress was first built by the French and was developed and expanded by French and British forces. It is considered the origin of the settlement and is now one of the most popular Quebec City tourist spots.

The old Quebec area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich history and cultural significance. The area stands on 2 levels named Upper Town and Lower Town. There are several ways you can travel between the two during Quebec City sightseeing including stairways, trams and even a toboggan slide (only in winters). This area is also home to historical museums, art museums, archeological sites and iconic buildings.

People also visit Quebec City for the Francophone culture. There are museums and cultural centers dedicated to the history and evolution of this culture in language, literature, music, food, fashion, art, architecture and lifestyle. A major aspect of this culture can be experienced when interacting with the local people. You will experience incredible warmth, friendliness and generosity during Quebec City travel.

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Top 27 Tourist Places to Visit in Quebec City in 5 Days (Trip Itinerary)

Day 1

1. Place Royale

This public square is considered the heart of Quebec City and the birthplace of French America. It is among the top old Quebec City attractions for its history, architecture, cultural significance and social interaction value. You will see buildings hailing from the 17th to 19th century, cobble-stoned streets, quaint food joints and shops. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this place.

Place Royale

2. Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Catholic Church

Also known as Our Lady of Victories Church, this is one of the oldest churches in Canada and also one of the first stone churches built in the country. It is one of the best places to visit in Quebec City for its historical and cultural significance. It was dedicated to the victory of French forces over the British. You will need half an hour or so from Quebec City sightseeing for this church.

Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Catholic Church

3. Quartier du Petit Champlain

This cobbled stone area of the city dates back to 1608. It is among the best preserved historic districts and one of the most picturesque things to see in Quebec City. You will see a blend of heritage from the 17th century onwards in buildings, shops, murals, street signs, cafes, restaurants and so on. You will need about an hour for this place.

Quartier du Petit Champlain

4. Old Quebec Funicular (Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec)

This 19th-century funicular railway line connects two parts of old Quebec City, the Upper Town and Lower Town. The train operates at a 45-degree angle and is one of the best things to do in Quebec City for great views of the old areas. You will need half an hour for this train ride.

Old Quebec Funicular

5. Dufferin Terrace (Terrasse Dufferin)

This terrace walkway was built in 1838 and overlooks the St. Lawrence river. It is one of the most photographed Quebec City tourist attractions. The walkway was built as an extension of Saint Louis Fort’s defenses. You will see military cannons put there as historical monuments. The walkway also has a statue of Samuel du Champlain, the Father of New France and also statues of other generals who died during the battle of the Plains of Abraham. You will need 30 to 45 minutes from Quebec City travel for Dufferin Terrace.

Dufferin Terrace

6. Au 1884 Toboggan Slide

The Au 1884 restaurant is situated on the Dufferin Terrace and is home to a toboggan slide, one of the top outdoor activities to do in Quebec City in winter. The slide and the restaurant were built in the year 1884 and have attracted thrill seekers ever since. The slide is operational between December and March. You will need about 30 minutes for this ride when you visit Quebec City.

Au 1884 Toboggan Slide

7. Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

Built-in the 17th century, this is one of the most photographed hotels in the world. It is named after the then governor of the colony Louis de Baude who was the Count of Frontenac. It is among the most popular Quebec City tourist spots for its architecture and history. The hotel was designed by Bruce Price and is inspired by European architecture of the Middle Ages and Renaissance period. This hotel is famous among Quebec attractions for hosting well-known people such as Winston Churchill, Franklin D Roosevelt, Alfred Hitchcock, Anne Baxter and many more. You will need at least an hour from Quebec sightseeing to tour this hotel.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in advance.

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

8. Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec)

This historical neighborhood is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old Quebec comprises of Upper Town (Haute Ville) and Lower Tower (Basse Ville). The area is home to numerous Quebec tourist attractions. The area and the city have their origins in the 17th century with the establishment of Fort Saint Louis by Samuel de Champlain. The area has a unique vibe that takes you back in time. There are a lot of fun things to do in old Quebec City including sightseeing of historical buildings, shopping, fine dining, toboggan slide and more. It will take you about an hour or so to explore this area.

I suggest you should go for a Guided Walking Tour of Old Quebec City.

Old Quebec

9. Cathedral of the Holy Trinity

This church was built between 1800 and 1804 and was the first Anglican Cathedral built outside Britain. The church is known for its simplistic Gothic design and has a unique tower with 8 bells. It is popular among historical places to go in Quebec City. You will need about 30 to 45 minutes for this church.

Cathedral of the Holy Trinity

Day 2

1. National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec (Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec)

Popularly known as MNBAQ, this fine arts museum is a world heritage site. The museum is situated in National Battlefields Park and used to serve as a prison during the 19th century. The museum is one of the most interesting places to go in Quebec City. A part of the museum is used as an exhibit to showcase prison conditions in the 19th century. The fine arts museum has exhibits hailing from different time periods with a major focus on 20th-century art, colonial art, and modern abstract art. The venue is also known for hosting major cultural events and activities in Quebec City. You will need about 2 hours from Quebec travel to tour this museum.

National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec

2. Battlefields Park (Parc des Champs-de-Bataille)

This park is spread over an area of 267 acres and encompasses Plains of Abraham and Des Braves Park historic sites. It is home to several historical tourist places in Quebec City. It honors the soldiers who died in the 1759 battle between French and British forces. You will see battle memorials, defense structures, statues and sculptures concerning the battle while exploring it. The park is also quite popular among locals and tourists alike for recreational activities and fun things to do in Quebec City. You will need about 2 hours to tour this park.

Battlefields Park

3. Citadelle of Quebec (La Citadelle de Québec)

This Fort is a World Heritage Site, the oldest military building in Canada and the largest British fortress in North America. The fort was built as part of a defense system laid by the British between 1820 and 1850. It is one of the most famous places in Quebec City. People can take guided or self-guided tours of the Citadel showcases highlights of its 300 years of history. You will need about 2 hours to explore this fort when you visit Quebec City.

Citadelle of Quebec

4. Quebec Parliament Building (Hôtel du Parlement du Québec)

The parliament building was built in 1866 and is designed in the Second Empire style of architecture. It is one of the top places to visit in Quebec City for its architecture and political and historical significance. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour the building complex.

Quebec Parliament Building

5. Ramparts of Quebec City

The fortified walls of the city were built in the 17th century. These walls encompass a majority of old Quebec. The fortification system is a major Quebec point of interest as they have been a site of major battles and historical events. You will need an hour or so to tour alongside the fortification.

Ramparts of Quebec City

Day 3

1. Sainte Anne de Beaupre Basilica (Basilique Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré)

Built-in the 17th century, this basilica attracts several pilgrims as it is believed to harbor healing powers. The church is also included among the top things to do in Quebec City for its Neo-Gothic and Romanesque architecture, mosaics, paintings, stained glass windows and sculptures. The interior capitals of the church depicting 52 religious subjects and Stations of the Cross sculptures were designed by Joseph Emile Brunet, a renowned Canadian sculptor. You will need to about 2 hours from Quebec City sightseeing to explore this church.

Sainte Anne de Beaupre Basilica

2. Montmorency Falls (Chute Montmorency)

This waterfall is named after Henri II, duc de Montmorency. The waterfall is 83 meters high and 45 meters wide. The Montmorency Falls Park offers a lot of outdoor activities to do in Quebec City. There is a footpath trail leading to the waterfall, an aerial tram ride, a suspension bridge, viewpoints, several eateries, hike trails and rock climbing activities. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore this place.

I suggest you should book a Tour of Montmorency Falls with Cable Car Ride in advance.

Montmorency Falls

3. Museum of Civilization (Musée de la Civilisation)

This museum talks about the history and culture of Quebec. It covers the chronology of human settlement and civilization in the region from pre-colonial cultures all the way to the 20th century. It is among must do in Quebec City to understand the region, the people and its culture. You will need about 2 hours to tour this museum.

Museum of Civilization

Day 4

1. Old Port (Quebec Vieux Porte)

This old port was one of the 5 biggest ports in the world during its heyday. The port is still operational and receives commercial and cruise ships. Both the port and its market are among popular Quebec City sights. You will need about an hour to explore this port.

Old Port Quebec

2. Museum of French American (Musée de l’Amérique francophone)

This museum delves into the origin and evolution of francophone culture in North America. The museum explores several aspects of French colonial culture including politics, art, lifestyle, military, literature and so on. It is one of the top attractions in Quebec City to understand the present times of the region. You will need an hour to tour this museum.

Museum of French American

3. Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral

This cathedral serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Quebec. It was first built in 1633 and was expanded over the years. Many renowned artists and architects have contributed to this church including Gaspard Chaussegros de Lery and Raoul Chenevert. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this church.

Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral

4. The Fort Museum (Musée du Fort)

This military museum showcases major battles in the history of the city. It is one of the best places to visit in Quebec City because it not only exhibits but recreates incidents of war with sound and light shows. You will need about an hour to tour this museum.

The Fort Museum

5. Morrin Centre

This cultural center is built inside a former prison. It is focused on the contributions of English speakers to Quebec and Canada.You can take a guided tour of the center which covers artistic, cultural as well as historical aspects. You will need about half an hour or so from Quebec City travel for this tour.

Morrin Centre

Day 5

1. Aquarium of Quebec (Aquarium du Québec)

This Aquarium houses more than 10,000 marine animals including fishes, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and ocean flora. The aquarium is also popular for outdoor and indoor activities to do in Quebec City involving interaction with animals. You can also enjoy scuba diving at this aquarium. You can easily spend 2 to 3 hours exploring this place.

I suggest you should get your Ticket of the Aquarium of Quebec in advance.

Aquarium of Quebec

2. Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site

This site served as the seat of power for English governors in Quebec, but lies in ruins today. All you can see are the remnants of the structure. It is one of the most interesting things to see in Quebec City. The museum helps you piece the puzzle together and gives you an insight into the history of this place. You will need about 2 hours for this place when you visit Quebec City.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site.

Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site

3. Artillery Park National Historic Site

This complex of defensive buildings was built during the 1600s by French forces. Owing to its strategic location, the site was seized and developed by both French and British forces. This site gives an insight into the military and conquest history of Canada. It also gives a glimpse into the military technology of the 17th to 19th centuries. You will need about two hours to tour this place during Quebec sightseeing.

Artillery Park National Historic Site

4. Observatoire de la Capitale

Situated on the 31st floor of the Marie Guyart building, this observation deck gives a 360-degree view of the city and its surroundings. You will be able to spot several Quebec tourist attractions from this vantage point. There is also a multimedia presentation that outlines the history of the city. You will need two hours to enjoy the views and the show.

Observatoire de la Capitale

5. Breakneck Steps (Escalier Casse-Cou)

These steps are part of the Petit Champlain and are the oldest stairway of the city. The 59 steps connect Sous le Fort to Terrasse Dufferin. You won’t need more than 30 minutes to climb up and down these steps. In doing so, you will have walked the path of history.

Breakneck Steps

If you are looking for more fun things to do in Quebec City, check out the sections below. We have put together an exhaustive list of attractions and activities in and around the city.

Things to do in Quebec City

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Quebec City

  1. Fairmont le Chateau Frontenac
  2. Museum of Civilization
  3. La Citadelle de Quebec
  4. National Museum of Fine Arts / Musee Nacional des Beaux Arts MNBAQ
  5. Plains of Abraham
  6. Our Lady of Quebec Basilica / Notre Dame de Quebec Basilica
  7. Parliament Building
  8. Morrin Center
  9. Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site
  10. Saint Anne de Beaupre Basilica / Sanctuaire Sainte Anne de Beaupre
  11. Our Lady of Victory Church / Notre Dame des Victoires Catholic Church
  12. The Battlefields Park
  13. The Fort Museum
  14. Artillery Park
  15. Pole Cultural du Monastere des Ursulines
  16. Saint Louis Forts and Chateau National Historic Site
  17. Holy Trinity Cathedral
  18. Plains of Abraham Museum
  19. Site Traditionnel Huron Onhoua Chetek
  20. Musee Royal 22 Regiment
  21. Cartier Brebeuf National Historic Site
  22. Monument Samuel de Champlain
  23. Naval Museum of Quebec
  24. L’ilot des Palais Archeological Museum
  25. St. Louis Gate
  26. Levis Forts National Historic Site
  27. Fontaine de Tourny
  28. Seminaire de Quebec
  29. Montmorency Manor
  30. Cataraqui Estate
  31. Espace Felix Leclerc
  32. O’Niell House
  33. Wendake Chalet

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Quebec City

  1. Montmorency Falls
  2. Parc de la Chute
  3. Chaudiere Falls Park
  4. Parc de la Plage
  5. Chutes de la Chaudiere
  6. Chauveau Park
  7. Marais du Nord
  8. Parc de la Foret Ancienne du Mont Wright
  9. Chute Kabir Kouba
  10. Lake Saint Charles
  11. Mont Belair Natural Park
  12. Parc Nautique de Cap Rouge
  13. Cape Diamond
  14. Montagne des Trois Sommets
  15. Mont Sainte Anne
  16. Vallee Bras du Nord Accueil Shannahan

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Quebec City

  1. Aquarium of Quebec
  2. Funiculaire de Vieux Quebec
  3. Stoneham Mountain Resort
  4. Mega Parc
  5. Centre de Ski le Relais
  6. Valcartier Bora Parc
  7. Domaine de Martinez
  8. Parc du Bois de Coulonge
  9. Vignoble Isle de Bachhus Winery
  10. Joan Arc Garden
  11. Parc des Moulins
  12. Parc Victoria
  13. Center Fun Carie Factory
  14. Arbraska Chauveau
  15. Quai Paquet
  16. Moulin des Jesuites de Charlesbourg
  17. Jardin Botanique Roger van den Hende
  18. Aventure Inukshuk
  19. Parc Lineaire le Grand Tronc
  20. Parc Valero les Ecarts
  21. Parcours des Anses
  22. Camp Mercier
  23. Domaine Enchanteur
  24. Centre de la Nature

Shopping in Quebec City

  1. Rue Saint Joseph
  2. Les Galeries de la Capitale
  3. Rue Saint Paul
  4. Place Laurier
  5. Rue Petit Champlain
  6. Place Sainte Foy
  7. Rue du Tresor
  8. Place Royale
  9. Avenue Cartier
  10. Le Grande Marche
  11. Rue Saint Jean
  12. Art District
  13. Saint Roch District

Beaches & Islands in Quebec City

  1. Baie de Beauport

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure Activities to Do in Quebec City

  1. Hiking
  2. Toboggan Slide
  3. Skiing
  4. Snowboarding
  5. Boat Tours
  6. Snowshoeing
  7. Ice Skating
  8. Ice Fishing
  9. Mountain Biking

Sightseeing in Quebec City

  1. Quartier Petit Champlain
  2. Differin Terrace
  3. Place Royale
  4. Old Port
  5. Ru du Petit Champlain
  6. Observatoire de la Capitale
  7. Samuel de Champlain Promenade
  8. Quebec City Mural
  9. Quebec Bridge
  10. Rue Saint Jean
  11. Grande Allee
  12. Rue du Tresor
  13. Place d’Youville
  14. Pierre Laporte Bridge
  15. Edifice Price
  16. Place d’Armes
  17. Jardin du Gouverner
  18. Pierre Dugua de Mons Terrace
  19. Promenade des Gouverneurs
  20. Rue Saint Louis
  21. Royal Place
  22. Place des Canotiers
  23. Les Glissades de la Terrasse

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Quebec City

  1. Bleu Marine
  2. Arvi
  3. Saint Jean Snack Bar
  4. Legende par la Taniere
  5. Le Clocher Penche
  6. Le Don
  7. Chez Rioux & Pettigrew
  8. Chic Shack
  9. Buvette Echo
  10. Le Lapin Saute
  11. Hono Izakaya
  12. Poutineville
  13. La Baraque a Frites
  14. L’Echaude
  15. Hortus Bistro
  16. Casse Croute Pierrot
  17. JJacques
  18. La Korrigane
  19. L’Affaire est Ketchup
  20. L’Orygine
  21. Bistro Sous le Fort
  22. Le Clocher Penche
  23. La Boite a Pain
  24. Nina Pizza Napoliaine
  25. Paillard
  26. Le Paingruel
  27. Baguette & Chocolat

Where to Stay in Québec City?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Québec City. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Québec City.

Luxurious Hotels

  1. Le Manoir d’Auteuil
  2. Hotel & Suites Le Dauphin Quebec
  3. Hotel Clarendon
  4. Hotel Palace Royal
  5. Auberge Saint-Pierre
  6. Hotel Le Priori
  7. Hilton Quebec
  8. Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
  9. Hotel du Vieux-Quebec
  10. Hotel des Coutellier
  11. Best Western Premier Hotel Aristocrate
  12. Hotel 71

Mid-Range Hotels

  1. Hotel du Nord
  2. Hotel Motel Le Chateauguay
  3. Hotel & Suites Monte-Cristo
  4. Hotel Motel Le Gite Inc.
  5. Econo Lodge Airport
  6. Auberge Amerik
  7. Couette et Cafe 253
  8. Auberge Quebec
  9. Le Motel Chevalier
  10. Hotel Classique

Budget Hotels

  1. Residences Universite Laval
  2. Hotel Citadelle
  3. Hi Quebec, Auberge Internationale de Quebec
  4. Hotel la Maison Demers
  5. Hotel Terrasse Dufferin
  6. QBEDS Hostel
  7. Auberge Michel Doyon
  8. Le Gite 812
  9. Motel Giffard
  10. Hotel Le Voyageur

TripAdvisor

Custom Tours Package in Québec City

How to Reach Quebec City?

By Air

Quebec City is served by Jean Lesage International Airport, which sits about 20 mins away from the city center. You can get direct flights to visit Quebec City from Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Paris, Chicago, Philadelphia, Newark and more. You can get buses and cabs to reach the city from the airport.

By Road

You can get direct trains for Quebec City travel from several major cities in Canada including Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto through ViaRail. The bus network is far more widespread connecting the city to several cities and towns in Canada.

If you are planning to reach Quebec City by road you should head for highway routes 40, A20, or 73.

By Water

There are seasonal cruises running between Montreal and Quebec City. This cruise runs during the summer months and has a journey time of 7 hours. The port also serves several other cruises as well.

Image Reference

Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making

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