Ultimate Things to Do in Quebec City Canada

Explore Vieux-Québec and its stunning architecture, enjoy a glass of beer and some delicious food in one of lively places in the Saint-Roch downtown neighbourhood, or just take a walk along the cobbled streets—there is a lot to do in Quebec City. Whatever it is, make sure you have your walking shoes handy. The city will make you go up and down hills with guaranteed stunning views of the surroundings.

The only fortified city of North Mexico, Old Quebec is a well-preserved treasure. Explore 400 years of history while basking in European charm as you take a stroll through Old Quebec. With postcard perfect backgrounds and beautiful mansard-roof houses, this will be a walk to remember.

Dufferin Terrace overlooks the St. Lawrence River and offers breathtaking views of the city’s lower town and Île d’Orléans. This 671-meter long boardwalk made of wood is a great spot to take photos. Street entertainers fill this place during the summer, and they are a delight to watch.

Dufferin Terrace is famous for its fairy tale castle that never fails to amaze visitors. They offer magnificent views of the surrounding landscapes.

Château Frontenac overlooks the Dufferin Terrace is an iconic symbol here. This is the world’s most photographed hotel whose construction began in the year 1892.

You will love to meander along the illuminated streets of Place Royale and the Petit-Champlain district. Place Royale is the first site where the French settled in North America. We will take about Place Royale later in details. The Rue du Petit-Champlain is among the first commercial streets of the continent and is lined with restaurants and beautiful boutique stores. It stays decorated all winter long and is a delight to watch. You will love taking a stroll along this enchanting street during this time.

You will also love talking a walk along the charming streets surrounding the Old Port. Street cafes, art galleries and antique stores line these streets and their enchanting décor will keep you mesmerized for hours.

Place des Canotiers is a beautiful park located near the Old Port. And it is the best place to sit and relax while soaking up to the gorgeous views of the St. Lawrence River, Petit-Champlain, Château Frontenac, and nearby districts. Make sure to include this in your list of things to do in Quebec City.

The Battlefields Park is a must-see in the beautiful Quebec City. It comprises the famous Plains of Abraham and the nearby Des Braves Park. It is one of the few urban National Parks in Canada, and been the site of two infamous battles in the past.

As many as 50 artillery pieces are scattered all over the park. The park is home to many Martello towers and monuments that are centuries old. It has many beautiful walking trails and is a favorite among the locals for running, picnicking, skating and skiing. Open air concerts are organized in summer and the park is the site for Winter Carnival festivities.

The Québécois or the people of Quebec City consider Place Royale as the spiritual and literal center of the city. This small, picturesque plaza is considered to be the birthplace of French Canada.

You will step back in time the moment your enter Place Royale. This cobblestone town is bordered by 17^th and 18^th century buildings. The French settlement began from here in the year 1608. It was the main marketplace and business center for more than 200 years. You can learn about the history of Quebec City by taking a tour of the Place Royale.

It has been named after King Louis XIV, and you will get to see a replica bust of the French monarch adoring the square.

The Church Notre-Dame-des-Victoires is one of the main attractions in this plaza. This beautiful church is one of the city’s oldest and has been designed with a fortress-shaped altar. Stunning artwork decorates the inside of the church.

Visit the Centre d’interprétation de Place-Royale to learn a little more about the city’s history. It is built on a site where 5,000 years old artifacts were found. Many of them are on display in this interpretation center.

The Chevalier House, erstwhile the London Coffee House is an 18^th century building located on the Rue du Marché-Champlain. It was frequented by merchants and naval officers. This building along with the adjoining two houses, have now become a museum.

The Plains of Abraham have been the site of many memorable happenings. They are a part of the Battlefield Park, about which we have already talked about. This park was built in the year 1908 to commemorate the 300^th year of founding of the Quebec City.

The Joan of Arc Garden is a beautiful garden in this park. It is home to more than 150 different plant and flower varieties that are a delight to watch.

What makes the Plains of Abraham famous is the battle that was fought on 13^th September, 1759 between the British and French. The British defeated the French and the battle ended in less than 30 minutes.

After the battle, the land was used for housing, grazing and minor industries. The land was ceded by Quebec City in 1908, and went under the care of the National Battlefields Commission. Today, the park is visited by more than 4 million visitors all year round for relaxation, sports, festivals and concerts.

The Plains of Abraham is an important part of every person’s life in Quebec City. It has been the site for many historic milestones, and today, it is the site of many cultural events.

Make sure to visit the fine arts museum in the Plains of Abraham. Its stunning architecture and remarkable exhibits make this place worth a visit. It is included in every person's things to do in Quebec City list.

The fall is a beautiful time to visit Quebec City. It gets coloured in the lovely hues of autumn, and that is not less than a visual treat.

Autumn festivals, colourful landscapes, fall foliage and a lot more attract tourists to Quebec during fall.

The best time to see gorgeous autumn colours is from late September to early October. Whether you are relaxing in the Battlefields Park or you are on the Dufferin Terrace soaking up to the views of the surrounding landscapes, the views will be stunning.

The warm reds and bright golden yellows of the leaves will serve as the perfect backdrop for pictures. You will love exploring the walking and biking trails in and around the city during this time.

Fall in the best time to enjoy the countryside charm of the city. Visit any of the apple farms, and get a chance to pick your own apple. Buy freshly made apple pies and other baked goods from these farms itself. You can also witness cranberry harvesting during this time. Autumn festivals are also quite popular in Quebec City.

The downtown neighborhood of Saint-Roch is the place to be, and a visit to this place should definitely be in your list of things to do in Quebec City.

Located only 5 minutes away from Old Quebec, Saint-Roch offers the perfect amalgamation of food, culture, fashion, technology and nightlife. Walk down the stairs from the Saint-Jean-Baptiste to reach the hippest part of the city. There are also buses that connect Saint-Roch to other parts of the city.

Saint-Roch is famous for its trendy shops, hip bars and pubs, delicious eateries, and cinemas.

This part of the city is particularly popular among the foodies. You get great restaurants here that offer great value for your money, and microbreweries brewing fresh beer. Also, make sure to visit a gourmet grocery store here and take back a few things home.

A 15-meter Christmas tree illuminates Saint-Roch in winter, and is a beauty to watch.

You will love being a part of the neighborhood’s lively spirit day and night, all year round. Most of the bars and pubs stay open late night to serve customers who drop by for a drink or two after watching a play or concert. Regardless of the time of to visit, Saint-Roch should definitely be in your list of things to do in Quebec City.

The Montmorency Falls Park is open all year round. It is located only a few minutes from Old Quebec City and is home to two stunning waterfalls.

The waterfalls are higher than Niagara and starts from a height of 83 m above the sea level. You can take the cable car up the cliff to the Manor and start the panoramic walking tour. At the Manor, you will find an interpretation center, restaurant, and a gift shop. Walk on the footpath along the cliff top and you will come to a suspended bridge. The view of the surrounding area from this bridge is breathtaking. Keep walking and you will soon find stairs that will take you to the foot of the falls. Taking this 487-step staircase will complete your daily cardio quota.

There is also a zipline past the Montmorency falls, ideal for people looking for a bit of adrenaline rush. Guided tours are also available. Best things to do in Quebec City is incomplete without a visit to this place.

A St. Lawrence River cruise or boat tour is a must addition in your list of things to do in Quebec City. Cruises and boat tours on the river will let you see the city in a whole new light.

Book early to get a front row seat and observe marine animals, island plants and birds in their natural habitats as you take the cruise along the river. You will also get to see many urban and natural landscapes.

Many operators offer cruises and boat tours on the St. Lawrence River. There are cruises that last for 1-2 hours and cruises that last for days.

Guided Sightseeing Boat Tours are available that will let you discover the beauty of Quebec City and its countryside. Your boat tour will start from Cap Diamant and end at the Montmorency Falls. See the city’s skyline, get spellbound by the pastoral charm of Ile d'orleans, go beneath the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, and see the surging waters of the Montmorency Falls in these boat tours.

All day tours are also available that include a combination of bike tours and boat tours. St. Lawrence is an enchanting river with many spectacular manmade canals and locks. A cruise or a boat tour on this river will live behind picturesque memories that will stay engraved in your minds forever.

The vast Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier is a mountainous plateau cut by deep gorges and valleys. Located only 30 minutes away from the city, this place is home to one of the most magnificent glacier valleys that will cast a spell on you with its beauty.

At the bottom is the Jacques Cartier River, which is calm at few places and turbulent at others. This plateau is mostly dominated by coniferous trees, while the valleys have deciduous trees.

It is open all year round, and the natural beauty of this place is serene and astounding.

The park has 100 km of walking trails that offer a great view of the surrounding landscapes. You can also rent canoes and kayaks here on an hourly basis. Biking, wildlife watching, skiing, winter hiking, and skating are only some of the things that you can do here.

This park has some kind of activity for people of age groups and is a must inclusion in everyone's list of things to do in Quebec City.

Another attraction that must be included in your list of things to do in Quebec City is a visit to Aquarium du Québec. This aquarium is a great place to visit in Canada. Dive into the marine world and get to meet 10,000 marine animals that include fish, amphibians, reptiles, sea mammals and invertebrates. This fascinating aquarium is spread across 16 hectares and consists of both outdoor and indoor areas.

Each season and festival has something special in store for you. Cool off in summer by participating in the water games, or explore the outdoor trails along the St. Lawrence River in winter. From December to March, the Festilumières will keep you enchanted. A part of the aquarium gets adorned with 500,000 LED lights and the illuminated trees, structures in shapes of animals and light projections are sure to set in the festive mood.

This museum in Quebec City exhibits more than 25,000 artworks done by Quebec artists or produced in the city, some of which dates back to 18^th century. This cultural destination is a must-visit for all, whether you are interested in art or not. There are colorful sculptural installations, abstract contemporary art by famous artists, a boutique bookstore for bookworms, an upscale bistro for wine lovers, and an architecture you will fall in love with.

The architecture of this world-class museum is the first thing that you will notice. It is a beautiful blend of contemporary designs that include many preexisting buildings. ‘This is Our Story’ and ‘People of Quebec: Then and Now’ are the two permanent exhibits here. They are interesting, educational and highly interactive.

This museum focuses on current issues and is one of a kind. It is a huge place with a lot of interesting things to see. You will not regret including this in your list of things to do in Quebec City, as it is another one of the best places to visit in Canada

Explore Château Frontenac

Château Frontenac is a hotel and tourist spot in Quebec City. You can go inside the hotel to just admire the architecture of the hotel and historical artefacts. Guided tours are also available. The Château National Historic Site and Saint-Louis Forts, located adjacent to the hotel and hidden under the Dufferin Terrace are open to the public in summer.

These are some of the best things to do in Quebec City. The best way to explore this place in Canada is at your own pace. It is difficult to list all the best places to visit in Canada’s Quebec City as many have no name and can just be a street or a tiny bookstore. Take a stroll along the streets or rent a bike and ride along the St. Lawrence River. Take breaks to admire the beauty of the city.