Summary
The capital city of Canada’s Quebec province, Quebec City is a stunning location rich in history, culture, and remarkable architecture. The picturesque surroundings, overlooking the St. Lawrence River with the Laurentian Mountains to the north, further enhance its allure.
Consistently ranked among Canada’s premier tourist destinations, Quebec City boasts its charming Old Town, reminiscent of Paris, along with vibrant festivals. It caters to romance seekers, families, and solo travelers alike, presenting diverse experiences for all. Below, discover the 15 most notable attractions and activities in Quebec City.
1. Go back in time
Old Quebec features North America’s only remaining fortified city walls and is home to Canada’s oldest military structure, La Citadelle.
This historic area, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, consists of two main sections: Upper Town and Lower Town.
Upper Town serves as the main tourist zone, housing notable sites such as the renowned Château Frontenac, Hotel-Dieu de Québec, the Séminaire de Québec, and the Ursulines Convent. Conversely, Lower Town is where one can find Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, Place de Paris, and Gare du Palais.
2. Wander around a prison
The Morrin Centre, established over 200 years ago, was initially Quebec City’s first prison. Currently functioning as a museum and learning center, it also houses the city’s sole English library.
Recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada, the Morrin Centre’s history dates back to 1712. The former prison once served as the city’s first Anglophone institute of higher education, now hosting the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec.
Visitors can tour the facilities, exploring jail cells, including those designated for death row inmates and isolation. The tour also includes the historical college’s chemistry lab and a charming Victorian library.
3. Relax in a park
Among the parks in Quebec City, Battlefields Park stands out. This historic park features the Plains of Abraham, the site of the renowned Battle of the Plains of Abraham.
Within Battlefields Park, approximately 50 historical artillery pieces can be found, including four Martello towers, constructed by the British to thwart American advances against the old city walls.
Today, the Plains of Abraham serves as the main exhibition area for the park, hosting festivals, outdoor concerts, and sporting events, while also providing a pleasant setting for relaxation.
4. Visit parliament
The impressive eight-storey Parliament Building, constructed in 1877, exemplifies Second Empire architectural style, featuring a frontal tower that rises to 52 meters.
Located on Parliament Hill, just outside the old city walls, the building is surrounded by beautiful gardens and sculptures commemorating significant figures in Quebec’s history.
Free guided tours provide insights into the historical context of Quebec’s government and the architecture of the building itself, while guests are welcome to stroll through the picturesque gardens.
5. Go to church
Located east of the city along the Saint Lawrence River, the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is a striking Romanesque revival basilica established to honor Saint Anne.
Today, this significant Catholic church attracts millions of pilgrims annually and has been designated as a Patrimoine culturel du Québec.
Many believe the basilica possesses the ability to heal the sick and disabled. Regardless, visitors can explore the shrine of Saint Anne while appreciating the impressive architecture, frescoes, and handcrafted copper doors.
6. Explore one of North America’s oldest communities
The quaint streets, steps, and charming ambiance of the Petit-Champlain district make it one of North America’s oldest commercial enclaves.
Visitors can wander through this picturesque neighborhood, which is lined with boutique shops and bistros housed in refurbished historic buildings, radiating a romantic, European allure.
Located at the base of Cap Diamant, the Breakneck Stairs represent one of the district’s key landmarks, recognized as the oldest staircase in the city.
7. Snap photos of a waterfall
Located approximately 12 kilometers outside Quebec City, Montmorency Falls, with a height of 84 meters, ranks as one of the city’s most esteemed attractions despite being outside its limits.
As Quebec’s largest waterfall, it cascades over a cliff into the Saint Lawrence River, surrounded by multiple staircases for optimal photography and an appreciation of its natural beauty.
During summertime, the falls emit a yellow hue due to high iron content. Additionally, the summer season offers a remarkable fireworks competition held right in front of the falls, providing a spectacular sight.
8. Walk around a castle
Though Château Frontenac is part of Old Quebec, it is a notable attraction in its own right, recognized as the world’s most photographed hotel.
Designed by American architect Bruce Price, the 611-room hotel opened in 1893 and was deemed a National Historic Site of Canada in 1980.
Guests are not required to stay overnight to appreciate the hotel’s excellence; anyone can dine in its upscale restaurants, enjoy drinks at the bar, or pamper themselves in the luxurious spa. Additionally, the exterior of the hotel is particularly captivating when illuminated at night.
9. Look at marine life
The 16-hectare Aquarium du Québec is home to over 10,000 animals belonging to 300 species. Initially opened in 1953 as a marine biology center, it has since transformed into a public aquarium featuring gardens, pools, and diverse exhibits.
The aquarium encompasses both indoor and outdoor sections, with four indoor areas: Awesome Ocean, Discover the Coastal Zone, Fresh & Salt Water, and Scientific Crossroads.
The outdoor portion showcases three sections, with The Arctic Sector being the most popular, where visitors can observe seals, polar bears, and walruses both above and below the water through underwater glass panels.
10. Enjoy a festival
Quebec City hosts three renowned festivals annually: Winter Carnival, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, and the Quebec City Summer Festival. Other festivals occur as well, but these are the largest and most celebrated.
Winter Carnival, held in February, is particularly famous for its International Ice Sculpture Competition. Annually, nearly one million attendees participate, making it one of the world’s largest winter festivals.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, celebrating French Canadian culture, occurs on June 23rd and 24th. Shortly after, the Quebec City Summer Festival takes place, attracting millions of attendees to its musical performances, which have previously featured renowned artists such as Peter Gabriel, Snoop Dogg, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Queens of the Stone Age, and Sting.
11. Go skiing
For visitors to Quebec in the winter, skiing is an essential activity. Mont-Sainte-Anne, located just 40 kilometers northeast of the city, boasts 71 diverse trails.
The ski resort features slopes on three sides of the mountain, with 19 trails available for night skiing. Runs cater to all skill levels, making it suitable for both skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.
In addition to skiing, numerous alternative winter activities await, including sledding, ice skating, snowshoeing, tubing, and dog sledding. Notably, Mont-Sainte-Anne is also recognized as Canada’s largest cross-country ski center.
12. Gaze at art
Featuring over 35,000 artworks, the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec predominantly showcases pieces created by Quebec artists, with some dating back to the 18th century.
Established in 1933 and situated on the Plains of Abraham, the museum has hosted numerous significant exhibitions, including Treasures of Tutankhamun, Rodin in Québec, and Le Louvre in Québec.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the museum at their leisure or participate in guided tours for more in-depth insights, with opportunities to engage in workshops as well.
13. Walk along a famous street
The Grande Allée, one of Quebec City’s most renowned streets, runs parallel to the Saint Lawrence River. It boasts a picturesque setting characterized by restaurants, exquisite architecture, and the Parc de la Francophonie.
Historically, it was the only road in Quebec City, utilized by fur traders that resided outside the old city, known today as Old Quebec. The street extends from east to west, linking the old town with the Cap-Rouge district to the west.
Notable landmarks along the Grande Allée include the House of Louis St-Laurent, Henry-Stuart House, and the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec.
14. Ride a ferry
Experience a ferry ride across the Saint Lawrence River, connecting Quebec City to Levis. This ferry accommodates passengers, bicycles, and vehicles alike.
While crossing the river, the beautiful scenery provides its own reward, offering spectacular views of Old Quebec and Cap-Diamant.
Along the riverbanks near the piers, visitors can find restaurants, bars, and concert venues. In summer, cycling across to navigate the marked path at Parcours des Anses is an attractive option.
15. Enjoy the views
The observatory on the 31st floor of the Marie-Guyart Building offers the finest vantage point for appreciating the city’s skyline. This 360-degree observatory provides views extending to Levis, Île d’Orléans, and the encompassing countryside.
This skyscraper functions as an office tower, yet the 31st floor remains accessible to the public. From here, visitors can gaze at the cityscape from an elevation of 221 meters above sea level.
Known as Observatoire de la Capitale, this observation area features extensive floor-to-ceiling windows surrounding the building, presenting panoramic views from all perspectives. As the tallest building in Quebec City, it dominates the skyline above Parliament Hill.
