Discover The Top 13 Things To Do in Quebec

Picture this: You're in a place that is the perfect combination of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. Add cultural diversity and Canadian elegance to this, and you've got Quebec City! From historic cities to natural wonders and to-die-for cuisines, Quebec City has everything you could ever imagine. So, if you're looking for the best things to do in Quebec City and are wondering where to start, keep reading - and we'll help you out!

About Quebec

Before we explore some of the best things to do in Quebec City, let's learn a little bit about this well-known province. Quebec City, which is the capital of Quebec, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its cobblestone streets, cafes, and historic landmarks. Quebec City is located on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River and is one of the most visited cities in the world. Additionally, there are several popular universities, such as Laval University and McGill University's Quebec City campus, making Quebec City one of the best places to be!

Apart from this, Quebec City also has an excellent public transportation system, making it a lot easier for tourists to venture around the city and explore everything it has to offer! From the historic Citadelle to the majestic Château Frontenac, let's explore some of the best things to do in Quebec City and Quebec City activities!

Top 13 Things To Do in Quebec City

If you've decided to visit Quebec City, you're definitely in for a treat! We have a list of things for you to do in Quebec, which will definitely give you a better understanding of how the city functions, what it's known for, and how well you can settle in. So, let's have a look at some fun things to do in Quebec City:

1. Walking Tour of Old Quebec

French explorer Samuel de Champlain founded the historic district of Old Quebec, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most visited places in Quebec and also the only fully walled city north of Mexico. Visitors can join a number of walking tours or book private adventures, making this one of the most exciting things to do in Quebec City.

2. Visit Quartier Petit Champlain

Another excellent addition to our list of things to do in Quebec City is visiting the Petit-Champlain and Place Royale area. Here, one can find the oldest stone church, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, which was built in 1687. It is one of the most beautiful streets in Canada and should definitely be explored while wondering about things to do in Quebec City in winter. 

3. Watch the Montmorency Falls 

Montmorency Falls, as tall as 272 feet, is one of the most beautiful Quebec tourist attractions. Montmorency Falls is about 100 feet higher than Niagara Falls, making it one of the best Quebec City activities to do. Additionally, visitors can also indulge in other activities around, including cable cars, suspension bridges, and a cliffside boardwalk with amazing views. It is also just a 15-minute drive from the city center. 

4. Picnic at the Plains of Abraham

The Plains of Abraham is one of the most enjoyed spots in Quebec City. Visitors can even explore nearby bakeries and cafes, which are excellent places to grab food! Additionally, with an amazing view of the river, having a picnic at this spot is definitely one of the top 10 things to do in Quebec City. 

5. Immerse in Quebecoise art

It would be wrong to visit Quebec City and not visit the Musée National des Beaux-arts du Québec, which is one of the best places to visit in Quebec City. This is the perfect place to visit if you're somebody who enjoys art and culture. In addition to the 40,000 art pieces dating all the way back to the 1700s, you may also find noteworthy collections of Inuit art housed in the stunning Lassonde Pavilion. 

6. Artillery Park Exploration

The Artillery Park features 18th-century French army barracks and is one of the best places to visit in Quebec City. History lovers will especially enjoy seeing the Arsenal Foundry and Dauphine Redoubt, where you can find guides in period costumes. It is one of the best things to do in Quebec City that covers the history of the French and British troops. 

7. Tea at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.

As one of the most photographed hotels in the world, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is perched on a hilltop and is considered one of the best restaurants in Quebec City. The hotel dates back to 1893 and is full of decorative features that are sure to leave you mesmerized. Make sure to visit the hotel only for the beautiful chandeliers in the lobby!

8. Stroll along Dufferin Terrace

This wooden boardwalk is located right beside the Château Frontenac. As such, it offers beautiful views of the St. Lawrence River and surrounding areas. Visitors can walk along the promenade, relax on the beach, and enjoy live music! Due to its undeniable appeal, visiting Dufferin Terrace is one of the most exciting things to do in Quebec City in summer. 

9. Try different Maple syrups

This is definitely one of the best things to do in Quebec City. Many might not know this, but Quebec is one of the world's largest producers of maple syrup. If you're visiting Quebec in February and May, do not miss out on trying the different flavors of maple goodness!

10. Visit the Quebec Winter Carnival

Visiting The Quebec Winter Carnival should definitely be on your list of things to do in Quebec City! Every February, the city hosts one of the largest winter carnivals - which is a tradition which has been going on since the 1950s. The festival goes on for a total of 10 days and includes a variety of activities, such as night parades, ice canoe racing, musical performances, and snow bathing. And speaking of festivals, make sure you also have a look at some of the biggest music festivals in Canada, which are definitely worth visiting!

11. Hikes and Trails at Jacques-Cartier National Park

This is one of the best Quebec City activities especially for nature lovers. Another exciting addition to our list of fun things to do in Quebec City is visiting the Jacques-Cartier National Park. The park is a mere 45-minute drive from downtown and is spread across 60 miles. Visitors can also choose to kayak or canoe! We suggest visiting the park by the end of September and the beginning of October when it is absolutely stunning.

12. Visit the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré shrine. 

The Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré shrine is one of the oldest pilgrimage sites north of Mexico and one of the most famous of five shrines in Quebec City. The site features beautiful and intricate details that are definitely worth visiting. Stained glass, stone, and wooden sculptures decorate the Catholic basilica, and paintings and mosaics are also on display. In the summer, a river shuttle connects Old Quebec to the shrine, making it easy to explore the site and its scenic surroundings.

13. Sleep in Ice Hotels

If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind overnight stay experience, then this is definitely one of the best things to do in Quebec City. Consider a trip to Hôtel de Glace, which is a hotel built with 2,300 blocks of ice and 15,000 tons of snow. Located at Village Vacances Valcartier, which is just 20 minutes away from downtown Quebec City, this hotel welcomes people for tours and overnight stays from January to March. It may also interest you to know that the temperature of the rooms hovers around 23 degrees Fahrenheit (even when it's -22 degrees Fahrenheit outside), and guests can warm up in hot tubs, saunas, insulating sheets, and arctic-grade sleeping bags.

Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an adventurer, Quebec City has something to offer everyone. From cobblestone streets steeped in history to delectable cuisine and exciting outdoor activities, Quebec City is a destination that will leave you wanting more. So, pack your bags, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to experience the unique charm of this unforgettable city!