Step into the heart of French Canada with a visit to Quebec City, where cobblestone streets, centuries-old cathedrals and a rich cultural heritage create a setting that feels straight out of a European fairytale. As the capital of Quebec province, it offers a captivating blend of history, charm and adventure.
Quebec City is easy to enjoy. As one of the oldest and most charming cities in North America, each street tells a story of French pride. If you're not yet convinced that your Canadian vacation should include a trip to Quebec City, read on to learn why Quebec City should secure a place on your Canadian vacation itinerary.
To learn how to incorporate Quebec City into your upcoming vacation, check out our Canadian vacation packages.
Top Reasons to Visit Quebec City
Beyond the postcard-perfect facades of Quebec City lies a vibrant community filled with bakeries, cozy restaurants, indie boutiques and a thriving arts scene. This is a place that invites you to wander slowly, savor deeply and immerse yourself in culture, whether you're sipping cider on Île d’Orléans, exploring the ramparts of Old Quebec or hiking through the beautiful landscape.
With its year-round festivals, riverside views and warm hospitality, Quebec City promises to be a place that you'll make memories to last a lifetime.
Here are just a few reasons why Quebec City deserves a spot on your Canadian vacation itinerary:
1. Visit Old Quebec
Old Quebec is the only fortified city on the North American continent. As you stroll through the cobblestone streets and view the historic buildings, you'll feel like you're walking through 18th-century Quebec. Old Quebec is full of European charm and Quebecois heritage.
The town has retained its colonial architecture for over 400 years. While you're there, you'll see the lively residents of the neighborhood while wandering through some of the oldest shopping streets in the country. If you're trying to understand Quebec City, start with Old Quebec. It's a place you don't want to miss. Consider taking a walking tour through this unique part of history.
While you're there, be sure to visit Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral. The church welcomes visitors throughout the year and is recognized as one of the most important historic monuments in the city. Tours are provided throughout the summer.
2. Visit Île d'Orléans & Montmorency
Some places are just worth visiting because of their simplicity. This is how many people feel about Orleans Island (Île d'Orléans). The island has 7,000 residents in over six different municipalities. Each municipality has its character and charm. Going to the island, you'll see an older way of life, with stunning scenery and small gourmet shops with products made from apples, jams and more.
The best way to enjoy the island is by taking a tour. Some tours combine the Île d'Orléans and Montmorency Falls, Quebec's highest waterfall. Tours of this area typically focus on the history of the area as well as the agricultural industry that sustains the island's residents.
If you want to tour Orleans Island while enjoying a tasty glass of wine, sign up for a wine tasting on the island. You'll have the opportunity to visit multiple vineyards, taste the products of the island and learn more about the wines that the people of Orleans Island make every day. It's an excellent opportunity to see beautiful landscapes and historic houses while enjoying something good to drink.
3. Dine Your Way Through the Streets
Québec City's an exceptional place to satisfy one's appetite, what with the abundance and diversity of restaurants on hand. These include some very outstanding expressions of Québécois and French-Canadian cookery, such as the multicourse culinary experience that is Restaurant Taniere3 (a AAA Five Diamond-designated establishment) as well as the seasonal fine-dining exaltation of the provincial foodshed that Laurie Raphaël (also with a AAA Five Diamond-designation as well as Michelin-starred) specializes in and the gastronomic celebration of Québec's terroir on offer at Bistro L'Orygine (AAA Four Diamond-designation).
Other AAA Diamond-designated winners on the Québec City dining scene look more internationally for inspiration, including the Japanese restaurant Hono Izakaya and the Italian eatery Ristorante Michelangelo.
4. Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing Cruise
The St. Lawrence River is an important part of the landscape of Quebec City. On the river, you can see many important buildings and landmarks and you can see it all from a guided sightseeing cruise. The sightseeing cruise takes visitors past Old Quebec, Montmorency Falls, Île d'Orléans and other must-see spots. Your tour guide will teach you the fascinating history of the city.
Starting at 7 p.m., the tour information is replaced with music for a relaxing evening on the water.
5. Ride the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus
Sometimes taking a bus is easier than walking. This is why many travelers opt to take the hop-on-hop-off bus tour. The hop-on-hop-off bus provides commentary and great views from a double-decker bus. You can see the city from the comfort of a bus or get on and off to visit the sites as you wish.
The hop-on-hop-off bus is designed with travelers in mind and will take you to some of the city's most memorable places.
6. Go Whale Watching
Did you know you could go whale watching in Quebec City? The adventure begins at the National Marine Conservation Area, Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. You'll have your choice of vessels: a spacious observation boat or a Zodiac ride, where you will encounter up to 13 whale species in the area.
The tour also takes visitors through the St. Lawrence River. Seeing whales can be a truly momentous experience and with so many different types of whales in the area, you could be in for a real treat.
7. Take An E-Bike Tour
Cities are full of people on bikes and now you could be one of them. When you view Quebec City while riding an e-bike, you can discover the city's rich heritage in a memorable and eco-friendly way. E-bikes glide easily and can take you through the vibrant neighborhoods of Quebec City.
E-bike rentals are available throughout the city, but when you sign up for an e-bike tour, you can learn more about Quebec City from an experienced, knowledgeable tour guide. These tours are only appropriate for people in good physical shape and with bike riding experience.
8. Hike Through Jacques-Cartier National Park
An hour from downtown Quebec City is Jacques-Cartier National Park, a park full of trails, nature and wilderness. Tours are available or you can visit the park independently.
Tours may include breaks to sample local food and drinks while you learn more about the local culture, people and landscape that helped shape Quebec City into what it is today.
9. See Beautiful Works of Art at the Quebec National Museum of Fine Arts
The Quebec National Museum of Fine Arts offers an incredible collection of Quebecois art, including art from the 17th century through the present day. Altogether, the collection contains over 40,000 pieces.
A visit to this museum will help you learn more about the people of the city, starting from its earliest inhabitants. The museum also holds the largest collection of art books in Quebec as well as a restaurant where you can get something to eat.
10. Visit Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum and Boutique
Albert Gilles, a Quebec City resident and artist, created embossed copper for famous people, including Walt Disney and Pope Pius XII. You can see many of his works at the Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum and Boutique. The museum is run by his wife, daughters and granddaughters. While there, you can also shop at the museum boutique.
11. Visit the Charlevoix Region
The Charlevoix region is an area shaped by a meteorite over 400 million years ago. It's known for its temperate climate, breathtaking beauty, excellent national parks and sightseeing opportunities. In the Charlevoix Region, you can hike, scale peaks, enjoy excellent dining opportunities in restaurants and relax. The area is also known for its excellent hospitality, so you can consider an overnight stay in one of the many hotels.
For a unique experience during your visit, consider horse riding in Saint Paul Valley, where you'll enjoy immersion in the beautiful landscape. This is an opportunity you can enjoy whether you're an experienced rider or a beginner. Riding a horse allows you to see Charlevoix from a unique perspective and gives you an opportunity to make lasting memories.
12. Soak up the Views & the History at the Citadelle of Quebec
Overlooking the St. Lawrence River from its bold position surmounting Cap Diamant (Cape Diamond), the Citadelle of Québec stands as one of the greatest historical landmarks not only in the province, but all of Canada. While the bulk of this star-shaped fortress dates from construction between 1820 and 1831, its earliest roots reach back into the era of New France: It includes the 1693-1694 Cape Diamond Redoubt, among the oldest standing military structures in Canada, as well as the 1750-built Powder Magazine. Part of Québec City's broader fortifications, the Citadelle incorporates the Dalhousie Gate, the one historical gate in that Old Québec defensive walling that wasn't modified to accommodate vehicular traffic.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site and Canadian National Historic Site offers guided tours year-round and fascinating museum exhibits that complement the historical architecture, not to mention superb views over the riverfront. It's also, notably, still an active military garrison, the Royal 22e Regiment having been stationed here since 1920.
13. Explore Indigenous Heritage at Wendake
The nationally unique community of Wendake represents the urban First Nations reserve of the Huron-Wendat Nation, an Indigenous enclave within a borough of Québec City. No trip to the provincial capital is complete without a visit to Wendake, which offers incredible immersive cultural experiences, outstanding dining and much more.
From the Indigenous-owned Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations to eateries such as La Traite and the Sagamité Restaurant, some of the best accommodations and cuisine in the Québec City area are yours to enjoy at Wendake. Take a deep dive into the Huron-Wendat Museum, anchored by the permanent exhibit Wendat Endi' (We the Wendat) and a traditional Iroquoian longhouse and tour a reconstruction of a historical Huron-Wendat village. From guided walks to its popular summertime pow-wow, Wendake opens up whole new dimensions of appreciation when it comes to understanding Québec City's deep history and the continued importance of its Indigenous foundation.
14. Attend a Festival or Three
Québec City's festival calendar is of the year-round and ultra-vibrant variety. Take, for instance, the Festival d'été de Québec (aka FEQ), which ranks as the biggest outdoor music festival in all of Canada. Rocking out since 1968, FEQ takes over downtown for 11 high-summer days in July and has featured everyone from the Rolling Stones, Metallica and Elton John to Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar and Bruno Mars. A goodly chunk of August in Québec City, meanwhile, is given over to Grands Feux Loto-Québec, a family-friendly bonanza of live music, dance, food and no shortage of dazzling pyrotechnics, all culminating in the Grand Finale fireworks show.
Also in August, you can step back in time in a ridiculously fun way at the New France Festival (Les Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France), which evokes Québec's French colonial era of the 17th and 18th centuries. Then there's the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec in September (which, along with the just-after Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal, constitutes the only two UCI WorldTour cycling events in North America), the fall-foliage spectacular of the Great Color Adventure up on Mont-Sainte-Anne (also in September). During the holiday season, visitors can enjoy events such as the prix-fixe culinary safari of Quebec Table Gourmande, the European-style Québec City German Market and Montréal's popular Igloofest winter music festival.
How to Get Around Quebec City
There are many ways to get around Quebec City. Many people choose to rent a car and drive to see the sights and move at their own pace. The Jean-Lesage International Airport is approximately 9 miles from Quebec City's downtown area. RTC public transit connects to various bus and train stations. Taxis pick up at the airport and take riders to the city center for a flat fee.
- Walk: Quebec City is walkable, especially around the Old Town area. People may choose to walk to enjoy the unique architecture up-close and wander the beautiful streets slowly.
- Taxi: Taxis are available in the city and can be identified by the sign on their roofs. Your hotel will call you a taxi if one is needed to reach local destinations.
- Bus: The city is served by RTC buses that bring riders to various areas within the city and also connect to the city's two train stations. The bus is a great and affordable transportation option for getting around Quebec City.
- Train: Check out the trains to visit the countryside in a unique way. There's even a train that takes riders on scenic journeys throughout the Charlevoix Region.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Quebec City?
There are two best times of year to visit Quebec City, depending on your travel goals. From June through September, the calendar is booked with festivals and the warmer weather brings tourists in large numbers. Festivals and social events are also popular December through February. The weather is cold, but Quebec City is known for its hot coffee and excellent food. At these times of year, the city is popular with tourists. Learn how to savor Quebec's winter season.
The shoulder seasons of spring and fall tend to see fewer visitors, making them an excellent time to enjoy lower prices and a more relaxed atmosphere. Fall brings Quebec City's spectacular autumn foliage, while spring marks the arrival of fresh maple syrup and the traditions that surround its harvest.
FAQs About Quebec City
If you still have questions about visiting Quebec City, AAA can help. Here are some of the most FAQ about visiting this city
Do I need to rent a car in Quebec City?
Unless you're only going to visit the central neighborhoods in the city and Old Quebec, you may want a vehicle while you are in the city. If you are not going to use a car, there are many tours that offer transportation to and from hotels.
Is Quebec City Safe?
Quebec City is very safe. It experiences low crime rates every year. The city also ranks in the top lists of safest North American cities. While taking public transportation, follow basic safety tips. Watch your bags and keep valuables close.
Can I use U.S. dollars in Quebec City?
Yes, you may use US dollars at most establishments in Quebec City. The exchange between American and Canadian dollars is not even and treating US dollars as equal to Canadian dollars may become expensive. The best way to save money is to exchange US dollars with Canadian dollars. This can be done at banks and exchange offices.
What is Quebec City known for?
Quebec City is known for its historic charm, great shopping opportunities and excellent Quebecois restaurants. There's so much to do in the city that it's hard to choose. While in Quebec City, you may enjoy the excellent local cuisine, take a guided tour to learn more about the city's history and get out on the water with a boat tour.
Not sure where to start your trip? Try Old Quebec, where you'll develop an understanding of the city's beginnings. Walking along the fortification walls gives you a sense of life in the 17th century.
Is there free Wi-Fi in Quebec City?
There are free Wi-Fi access points on many commercial streets in Quebec City. Look for the ZAP Quebec Network. The instructions are in French only, so plan on using a translator if needed.
What's the weather like in Quebec City?
Quebec City experiences very cold winters and warm summers. The St. Lawrence River freezes in winter. Quebec City also gets a lot of rain, so it's important to plan accordingly.
What are some recommended places to stay in Quebec City?
Whether on a budget or looking for luxury, you're sure to find a place to stay in Quebec City. Find hotel rooms via Trip Canvas to stay at some of the best hotels available at the best prices. If you don't have a car and want to stay close to Old Quebec, choose accommodations in the neighborhoods of Saint-Roch, Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Montcalm, Limoilou or Saint-Sauveur.
Here are some excellent hotels that travelers enjoy staying at when they visit Quebec City:
- For modern vibes and a convenient location: Four Points by Sheraton Levis Convention Centre
- For a stay downtown: Delta Hotels by Marriott Québec
- For a stylish and upscale experience: Marriott Québec City Downtown
- For a charming, European-style vibe: Hôtel Manoir Victoria
What are some of the best places to eat in Quebec City?
There are many excellent restaurants in Quebec City. Québécois food is a lot like French food but with a unique twist. If you enjoy trying different types of foods while you travel, you'll love Quebec City. One thing not to miss is a snack dish called poutine. This dish is made up of French fries, cheese curds and hot gravy.
The city is known for excellent crepes, croissants and onion soup. Onion soup is available in many restaurants. Don't miss it.
Here are some restaurants to consider in Quebec City:
- For Québécois cuisine: Laurie Raphaël
- For a taste of French pride: Restaurant Le Saint Amour
- For more flavors of Quebec: Restaurant Légende
Want to find more outstanding restaurants in Quebec City? Let Trip Canvas guide you as you search the city for some of the best places to eat.
Is Quebec City expensive?
Quebec City is affordable for travelers with a mid-range travel budget. If you'd like to visit Quebec City on a tight budget, plan carefully, take advantage of travel discounts from AAA and try visiting in the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) when there are fewer tourists and lower prices. To help, here are five cheap things to do in Quebec City.
Ready to Visit Quebec City?
Quebec City is a city rich with history and Quebecois heritage. It's important to take advantage of your time there and soak in all the landmarks and opportunities the city has to offer. If you're ready to plan your trip, start with AAA's Trip Canvas, where you can create an itinerary you'll love.
You can also start your vacation to Canada by planning with the AAA Travel Experts. The team at AAA Travel is here to help people like you find the best places to stay and discounts at your destination. We help AAA members access discounts on everything from hotels to rental cars to adventures.