16 Fun Things To Do In Quebec City Canada

I visited Quebec last winter to experience the eastern side of Canada for the first time. I fell in love with this area and decided I needed to come back to see it even more. It is a breathtaking city and what I love about it, is that it is easy to experience any outdoor activity your heart desires. The city of Quebec is filled with so much history and architectural beauty, while on the outskirts lie thousands of miles of mountains, waterfalls, and rivers galore.

Whatever you want to do, I have listed some of my favorite things to do in Quebec City! This guide will help you experience the best of the best things in the city. Whether you want a relaxing or adventurous vacation, I have listed the perfect activities just for you!

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Where To Stay In Quebec City

• Monsieur Jean, Vieux Québec: It is a fantastic hotel that is decorated in all blue. I loved the chic look of the lobby, and the beds were so comfy. >Book Here
• Hotel Manoir Morgan: If you want the European vibes and want to be close to the major attractions, then you need to book this hotel. >Book Here
• Delta Hotels, Mont Sainte-Anne: If you want to be closer to nature and go skiing or hiking, then this is a fantastic choice. >Book Here

Tours In Quebec City

Maps Of Best Things To Do In Quebec City Canada

Best Time To Visit Quebec

There really is not a bad time to visit Quebec City. This place is fantastic all year round! It is great to go skiing and experience all the Christmas decorations and lights in the winter. In the Fall, the colorful trees are out of this world. In the summer, the hiking trails are so stunning; and in the Spring, the waterfalls are roaring.

If you want to save money or avoid the crowds, Spring and Fall are the perfect times to visit, as the summer and winter are packed due to festivals. Spring is the Maple Syrup season, while Fall is all about the red and yellow foliage.

Fun Things To Do In Quebec City Canada

Walk Around Old Quebec City

My favorite part of Quebec was exploring Old Québec City. The streets in this area are gorgeous, and there are cobblestone streets and impressive colonial architecture that has been kept intact for over 400 years.

It is highly recommended to take a walking tour of this area to learn all about the history and architecture. You can book a tour here. Many people take a guided tour, and you will see many tours throughout the city.

Take Pictures With The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

When you think of Quebec City, the first thing you think about is the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. It is the most well-known landmark in the city and looks like a European castle. It opened in 1893 and is an 18-floor hotel and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I loved walking around the city and seeing the hotel from different angles. Some of my favorite photography spots were at the City Center Swing, Dufferin Terrace, and Place d’Armes. If you want to experience it even further, you can stay a night at the hotel.

Ride On The Famous Funicular

The Funicular is something that everyone must do when visiting Québec City. It costs around $4 USD for one way up or down (going up is probably more worth it). From the Funicular, you can see the Saint Lawrence River and Old Quebec. The structure was built in 1879 and has been renovated twice, adding electricity and updating the configuration. It remains one of Quebec City’s must-do historical activities.

Eat At One Of The Many Cafe’s

When walking around Quebec City, you will notice many people sitting outside a cafe, drinking their morning coffee or eating breakfast. You should definitely partake in this wonderful activity and relax and enjoy the stunning architecture surrounding you.

The most popular Cafes in the city are Smith Cafe and Paillard. I loved the food at Paillard, especially the sandwiches, and the Smith Cafe had such good coffee. There are many of these cafes sprinkled throughout the city, but the one I think you should see is the Café La Maison Smith Notre-Dame. This cafe is located in the center of Old Quebec and, in my opinion, has the best views.

Explore Île d’Orléans

Île d’Orléans is one of the first places in the province that was colonized by the French. Now the island is a fantastic spot to drink wine and eat some great food. You can take tasting tours here, or you can explore on your own. I liked having a drink at the Cassis Monna & Filles. The outdoor setting is lovely, and they also have a restaurant.

Take A Cable Car At The Montmorency Falls

Getting to experience the majestic Montmorency Falls should be at the top of your to-do list when visiting Quebec City. It is located 30 minutes from the city, but it is easy to get to. The waterfall is so immense that you can see it when driving on the highway nearby.

You can do a few things while at the park. You can take the cable car (which is what I did), walk around the whole park, or you can take the zipline.

I really enjoyed taking the cable car. The views were breathtaking from the car, but if you don’t want to spend the money, you can also walk around and experience it on your own time. Just note that some areas can be quite steep.

You can still access the park in the winter. In fact, it is quite a magical experience because the waterfall freezes over!

Make sure to book a tour here before experiencing this wonderful waterfall.

Take Pictures At The Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral

Notre-Dame de Québec Church was built in 1647, and two hundred years later, Pius IX declared it a basilica. It has burned down twice but has been rebuilt using the original plans, and throughout the years, the beautiful decor has been added, making it the brilliantly lavish stunning church it is today. I really enjoyed walking inside the church and seeing the beautiful art, glass windows, columns, and candles.

Explore Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier

Jacques Cartier National Park is an accessible park to explore near Quebec City. You only need a day to explore this wonderful park, which is located only 30 minutes away!

There is a river that runs through the national park, and the highway runs right next to the river, so you can stop and take photos all around these areas. I recommend you explore this park at a slow pace. Stop the car when you see a bridge or a tall colorful mountain and take in the beauty.

You can also canoe in the summer or hike some amazing trails. Some of the best trails include The Wolves Trail for those looking for a challenge and the Éperon Trail if you want a more leisurely hike with a good viewpoint.

Shop At The Petit Champlain District

The Petit Champlain District has many shops and restaurants to explore. I loved walking around this area and seeing the wonderful fall decoration. This is the location of the famous Umbrella Alley, and hopefully, it will be open when you go, as it was temporarily closed when I made my way here.

Check Out The Canyon Sainte-Anne

One of the most unique waterfalls I have ever seen is located in the Canyon Sainte-Anne park. I adored this park! It is effortless to explore (you only need a couple of hours to see all of it), and the waterfalls and bridges are out of this world!

The park has three bridges, one large waterfall, and many viewpoints. I loved how the many bridges gave us different perspectives of the canyon. The canyon is a little farther away from the city, but I preferred this park over Montmorency Falls because it is less crowded and has a hidden canyon vibe.

Experience The Amazing Mont-Sainte-Anne

Mont-Sainte-Anne is an incredible place near Quebec City that is perfect for the adventurous spirit. There are waterfalls here and skiing, hiking, and mountain biking opportunities. I stayed at the Delta Hotel so that I could take my time and explore this fantastic region.

The waterfall shown above is the wonderful Chutes Larose. I highly recommend hiking this trail. It is very short, but has many stairs that take you to the base of the waterfall. The trail has just been updated.

If you love skiing, you will love skiing at Mont Sainte Anne. The views are incredible at the top, even if you are not a skier. I hiked up the mountain and took the La Crete route on the way up and La Gondoleuse on the way down.

There are many signs throughout the mountain, so it is easy to find your way around. I will warn you that it is so steep! But you can always take the gondola if they are open. Unfortunately, they were not open when I went, but I didn’t mind it because it was great exercise.

Hike Around Parc national des Grands-Jardins

Parc national des Grands-Jardins was the best Fall experience I have ever had! I highly recommend exploring this national park for at least a day. It is a bit of a drive from Quebec City, but if you are there around the end of September, definitely check out this outstanding national park. The trees turn a bright yellow color.

Since they limit access to every national park, I booked my park access authorization here. I hiked La Chouenne Trail, and it was moderate and short. Bring a jacket, though, because the winds were pretty crazy!

Another popular hike is Le Pioui and Mont du Lac des Cygnes Loop. That trail is a lot longer and more difficult and features a lake.

Relax At A Nordic Spa

Did you know that Quebec City is known for its Nordic Spas? There are many sprinkled around the outskirts of the city. You can book the most popular spa right here.

To enjoy the spas to the fullest, make sure you do each of the steps below:

• Warm up your body in a hot tub, sauna, or steam room. 
• Next, take a cold plunge because it stimulates your circulatory system.
• Then relax in one of the cozy chairs.
• Do this three times for maximum benefit.

Stay At The Club Med Québec-Charlevoix

Club Med is the cool new resort to go skiing in Quebec. The resort is fantastic and has some of the best food I have ever eaten! I loved how skiing is included in your stay at the resort, and they also have a babysitting area for the kids. >Book Your Trip Here

Take Pictures At The Hôtel de Glace

The only ice hotel in North America, opens January- March and is filled with ice art displays, ice sculptures, and even the drinking glasses are made of ice. You don’t need to stay at the hotel to experience the world-famous Hôtel de Glace. You can book your day ticket here.

See La Citadelle de Québec

La Citadelle de Quebec is a 300-year-old star-shaped fortress, which still has guards, and if you get there at the right time, you can witness the guards change shifts. At 10 am daily is the changing of the guard, and the beating of the retreat is at 6 pm Saturday. There are also many opportunities for tours of the area.

Final Thoughts On Things To See In Quebec City

Thanks for reading all about Quebec City attractions! I had so much fun exploring this wonderful city. The history and outstanding outdoor scenery make this one of my favorite Canadian destinations. Before you go, check out some of my other Canada posts below:

• The Best Two Week Canadian Rockies Itinerary
• 21 Awesome Things To Do in Jasper National Park
• The 15 Absolute Best Hikes in Banff National Park

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