Trip to Quebec City and Its Surroundings
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Quebec City is considered, and rightly so, the most beautiful city in Canada. It resembles a European city much more than a Canadian one. The city features impressive structures, picturesque streets, cobbled alleys, castles, a wall with gates, and plenty of restaurants, cafes, shops, museums, a wide river with a cruise port, and tourist attractions. It is recommended to dedicate at least two full days (at least three nights) to it in order to appreciate the best it has to offer. More is preferable.
Quebec City is the capital of the province of Quebec, Canada's largest province, which covers an area of over 1.5 million square kilometers (almost twice the size of Ontario). Its official French name is: Ville de Québec.
The city was established as early as 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, a French explorer and diplomat. Today, over half a million residents live there.
The official language in the province of Quebec is French. Everything is written only in French, unlike the rest of bilingual Canada where everything is written in both English and French, but it is easy and comfortable to manage in English as well.
The city integrates well into a trip with Montreal (the largest city in the province, located about a three-hour drive southwest of Quebec City, with direct flights from Israel) or as part of a trip in Eastern Canada through the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and of course additional destinations in the state/province of Quebec.
Even though it is far from the ocean, many cruise ships arrive via the wide river, the Saint Lawrence River, especially in late summer and autumn. Its port is located in the heart of the Old Town. Cruise passengers do not need to take a guided tour from the ship because the city is close to the port; simply get off the ship and walk around the impressive city.
Also in the immediate vicinity of the city are great travel destinations: impressive waterfalls, Orleans Island, a large aquarium, a water park, and a national nature park.
♦ Recommended Hotels in Quebec City
♦ Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac – A luxury historic 5-star rated hotel in the heart of the Old Town. A hotel that is an attraction in itself (details below). The impressive and elegant hotel features an indoor pool, hot tub, gym, spa, business center, bar, and restaurant. Parking and internet available for an additional fee.
♦ Le Capitole Hotel- A 4-star rated hotel in the heart of the Old Town. The hotel is connected to a theater and features 2 restaurants, an indoor pool, gym, and spa. Rooms are stylishly designed and spacious. Parking for an additional fee. Free internet.
♦ Hotel Manoir Morgan- A 3-star rated hotel located in the heart of the Old Town, 100 meters from the Fairmont Hotel. The hotel features a bar, restaurant, and a terrace overlooking an impressive view. Comfortable and spacious rooms. Parking for an additional fee. Free internet.
♦ Courtyard by Marriott Quebec City- A 4-star rated hotel located about a 10-minute drive from the Old Town. Affordable prices, a modern hotel with spacious rooms. The hotel features an indoor pool, gym, restaurant, and bar. Free internet and parking.
Weather and When It Is Recommended to Visit the City
The recommended (and naturally busiest) season for touring the city is during the summer.
The average maximum temperatures from June to August are around 24-26 degrees Celsius, and the minimums are around 11-14. In May and September, it is cooler, between 19-20 degrees maximum and minimums of 5-8.
The coldest months are January and February, when the average temperature is -6 to -16. On the coldest days, the temperature even reaches -30 degrees Celsius at night. The city has an average of 166 days where the temperature drops below zero.
Canadians are unfazed by the cold, and in winter in Quebec City they hold a winter festival, usually from late January to mid-February (the upcoming one will be February 3-12, 2023), featuring festive evening parades, a procession of floats with singers, clowns, musicians, and orchestras, snow and ice activities, skiing and ice skating competitions, and sports games.
The months with the most rain are in the summer between May and September, averaging 110 mm of rain per month.
From November to early April, it usually snows, with an annual average of 3 meters.
Destinations and Attractions in Quebec City
♦ Recommended Guided Tours in Quebec City (Available for Purchase on Viator):
♦ Additional Tours in the City:
● Guided tour of the Parliament Building
The tour is free, but space must be reserved in advance on the website.
● River Cruise: A 90-minute cruise departing from the Port of Quebec several times a day, passing near the city walls on the St. Lawrence River and near the famous Montmorency Falls: Quebec City Guided Sightseeing Cruise
♦ Recommended Guided Tours Outside Quebec City:
The Lower Old Town
Place Royale square is located in the center of the Lower Old Town and features a church surrounded by alleys with shops, restaurants, galleries, and more. Nearby is the funicular that leads to Terrasse Dufferin and the Upper Old Town, offering a beautiful view of the city and the river. The river and cruise port are located in the Lower Old Town area. This part of the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
Terrasse Dufferin
A long observation terrace offering a lovely view of the St. Lawrence River and the Old Town below it. About two million people visit this terrace every year. Until 1834, only governors and their guests could stroll along it until it was destroyed in a fire. It was rebuilt 4 years later, after which the public was also permitted to walk on it.
It can be reached from the Old Town below by riding the funicular (steep incline railway) or on foot via Cote de la Montagne street.
Fortress Ruins Beneath Terrasse Dufferin - Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux
Right underneath Terrasse Dufferin lie archaeological remains of the fort and château that served as the residence of governors between 1620 and 1834. The site belongs to the National Parks system, and entry is via stairs located on Terrasse Dufferin. On the floor of the terrace, there are also several glass windows through which you can view the archaeological site underneath.
Château Frontenac (Hotel)
On the other (western) side of Terrasse Dufferin in the upper section of the Old Quarter stands a historical (opened in 1893), luxurious, and most impressive 5-star hotel called:
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac which was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway company.
Those staying at this hotel enjoy its unique design, central location in the heart of the Upper Old Town, and elegant European-style rooms with large windows overlooking the beautiful city views. The hotel also features a restaurant, indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, gym, and spa.
It is recommended to enter the hotel lobby to admire its beauty and luxury, or to book a one-hour guided tour of the hotel: Guided Tour of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Quebec City
It is considered the most photographed hotel in the whole world!
Governors' Promenade - PROMENADE DES GOUVERNEURS
From the southern end of Terrasse Dufferin, continuing further south leads to the Governors' Promenade, which hugs the Citadelle of Quebec on its southeastern side, offering views of the river below.
The Citadel of Quebec - La Citadelle de Québec
Atop a high cliff overlooking the river sits the Citadelle of Quebec, commanding the passage of vessels on the river. It is the oldest military structure in Canada and the largest remaining fort in North America. Organized tours are held here, including the changing of the guard ceremony that takes place daily during the summer months at 10:00 AM. The Citadelle contains an active military base and serves as a secondary residence for the Governor General of Canada and the Monarch (King of England). It also houses a military museum.
The Citadelle can only be toured with a guided tour. Open daily 10:00-17:30.
The Plains of Abraham – Plains of Abraham
The plains are located in a historical park bordering the Citadelle of Quebec to the southwest. In 1759, a historic battle took place on the plains in which the French lost to the British. Today, it is a sprawling urban park named after the battle that occurred there. The park features large lawns, beautiful gardens called the Joan of Arc Garden, statues, antique cannons, and scenic viewpoints. The Quebec Museum of Fine Arts and a historical museum about the Plains of Abraham are also located here.
Quebec City Walls
Sections of the city walls and entrance gates have been preserved, and you can walk along a small portion of the walls. You can access the top of the wall via stairs located at St. John Gate on the street of the same name, or via stairs at another nearby gate called Kent Gate above Duphine Street. The wall winds and continues further south to another gate named St. Louis Gate above the street of the same name, connecting from there to the Citadelle of Quebec.
Recommended Streets for Entertainment, Shopping, Restaurants, Galleries, and More in Quebec City
- Sections of St. Jean Street serve as bustling pedestrian walkways packed with many restaurants and shops where it is recommended to stroll, shop, and eat at a good restaurant.
- The picturesque Rue Petit Champlain in the Lower Old Town.
- Av. Cartier avenue, located in the Arts District (home to the Fine Arts Museum, theaters, and opera), featuring quality shops, cafes, and restaurants.
- Rue Saint-Joseph in the Saint-Roch quarter is a vibrant street with trendy shops, numerous restaurants, clubs, and pubs, turning into a pedestrian zone every weekend from mid-May through the end of summer.
- Place Royale square in the Lower Old Town, mentioned earlier.
Parliament Building in Quebec City
It is highly recommended for anyone visiting Quebec City to take a one-hour guided tour of the Parliament buildings, constructed in French style combined with modern touches (such as a unique light tunnel). They are located in the Upper Town, on Parliament Hill near the Old Town wall and close to the Citadelle of Quebec. The tour is free, but reservations must be made in advance online. It is a very impressive building, and the tour includes entry to committee rooms and numerous halls, with interesting explanations of its unique design and the statues and symbols decorating the walls. In the Parliament library and a small section of rooms, self-guided tours are also permitted.
Museum of Civilization - MUSEUM OF CIVILIZATION
Located in a unique building in the Lower Town. It is considered the most popular museum in the city and is suitable for everyone, including families, because its exhibits are highly interactive and entertaining. Using impressive technological means, the museum depicts human history, as well as the culture and history of Quebec. Workshops are also held here, and guided tours are available for some of the exhibits.
Short video about Quebec City and the nearby waterfalls:
Destinations and Attractions Around Quebec City
Montmorency Falls Park - Montmorency Falls
This is a great and impressive nature park located about a 15-minute drive northeast of Quebec City. The park features high, roaring waterfalls that can be reached by cable car or stairs. Above the waterfalls is a suspension bridge from which you can look down at the falls from above. The site offers walking trails with viewpoints from various angles over the falls, and for thrill-seekers looking for action, there is also a zipline over the falls and cliff climbing. It is recommended to go up to the upper viewpoint via cable car and walk down the trail that includes many stairs. While walking, in addition to the waterfalls, you can enjoy lush vegetation and an abundance of squirrels and birds.
Orleans Island – Île d'Orléans
About a twenty-minute drive from Quebec City lies a large island named "Orleans" (Île d'Orléans), connected to the mainland by a bridge (near Montmorency Falls), offering views of Quebec City from its southern side. This island offers various culinary experiences. It is primarily an agricultural island with many wineries, breweries, cideries, fields, and orchards brimming with fruit—especially apple trees—as well as small, family-owned factories producing cheese, maple, and chocolate.
The fun part is hopping from one spot to another: picking apples and tasting cider in one, sampling wine among vineyards in another, then moving on to chocolate and ice cream tastings along with other treats according to your preferences and group composition. The landscape is pastoral with sunflower fields and charming houses. The island also features many restaurants. Highly recommended: Le Moulin de St-Laurent.
For those wishing to leave the city on a guided 3.5-hour tour to Orleans Island for winery visits, wine, cider, and chocolate tastings:
Island of Orleans taste and Drink Tour
Aquarium of Quebec City - Aquarium du Québec
A large aquarium with about 10,000 animals, including Arctic wildlife: bears, seals, and more, complete with a glass tunnel for a spectacular view of the fish swimming above you. There are no animal shows, but there are feeding times accompanied by explanations. Located southwest of the city center, about a 15-minute drive (13 km).
Water Park including Hotel
Near Quebec City (located about half an hour northwest of the city center, 30 km): Village Vacances Valcartier
The location features both a massive outdoor water park and a new indoor water park that is open year-round!
In winter, from January through March, the hotel opens a wing made entirely out of ice! The only one in North America! It is a breathtaking architectural work featuring an entrance hall, ice slide, bedrooms and suites carved from ice, an ice bar, and a chapel (where weddings are held). For the brave: you can book a night stay in an ice room or suite!
National Nature Park Tour - Jacques-Cartier National Park
The park is located about a 45-minute drive (50 km) from central Quebec City to the Discovery and Visitors Centre in the southern part of the park.
The nature park offers trails along the river, scenic views of forests and rivers, and options for calm or thrilling river trips via kayaks, canoes, tubing, etc.
♦ A recommended half-day guided tour in this park with transportation from the city can be booked on Viator: Guided Hike in Jacques-Cartier National Park
Recommended Restaurants in Quebec City
♦ Bistro Sous le Fort – French restaurant. Located in the heart of the Lower Old Town, near the funicular and Place Royale, on a street that extends into the famous Rue Petit Champlain.
♦ Chez Rioux & Pettigrew – French-Canadian restaurant including vegetarian options. Located near the yacht harbor.
♦ La Pizzaio – Italian restaurant including pizzas. Located near the city's train station (Gare du Palais).
♦ Bistro La Goulette – For lovers of North African and Mediterranean food, a recommended Tunisian restaurant in the Art District.
♦ Restaurant Tanière³ - A luxury (and expensive) restaurant where you do not order from a menu, but rather receive a series of fixed-menu courses. Intimate atmosphere, catering to a limited number of diners each evening. Located in the Lower Old Town.