If you are looking for a destination that combines history, culture, nature, and charm, look no further than Quebec City. This beautiful city is the capital of the province of Quebec and one of the oldest cities in North America. It has a rich and diverse heritage that reflects its French and British influences, as well as its indigenous roots. Whether you visit in the summer or the winter, you will find plenty of things to do in Quebec City that will make your trip unforgettable.
In this blog post, we will share with you 10 of the best things to do in Quebec City that you don’t want to miss. From exploring the historic Old Quebec to admiring the stunning Montmorency Falls, these attractions will show you why Quebec City is a must-see destination for travelers of all ages and interests.
Old Quebec
One of the first things to do in Quebec City is to visit the Old Quebec, the historic and charming heart of the city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the only walled city north of Mexico and it will make you feel like you have traveled back in time. You can walk along the fortified walls that surround the Old City and admire the view from every angle. You can also marvel at the Château Frontenac, the most photographed hotel in the world and a symbol of Quebec City. This majestic castle-like hotel overlooks the Dufferin Terrace, a popular promenade that offers stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and the city skyline. You can enjoy live entertainment in the summer or take a thrilling toboggan ride in the winter on this iconic terrace.
Another attraction that you don’t want to miss is Petit-Champlain, a charming pedestrian street that is known for its local shops and art galleries. This is the perfect place to buy some souvenirs or enjoy a delicious meal in one of the cozy bistros. Finally, you can visit Place Royale, the historical square where Quebec City was officially founded in 1608. Here you can admire the unique period architecture and learn more about the city’s history at the Musée de la Place Royale.
Citadelle of Quebec
Another thing to do in Quebec City is to visit the Citadelle of Quebec, the largest British fortress in North America. This impressive fortress was built by the British between 1820 and 1850 to defend the city from potential attacks. It is located at the top of the Cap Diamant, a strategic point that offers panoramic views of the city and the river. You can take a guided tour of the Citadelle and learn about its history and architecture, as well as its current role as the official residence of the Governor General of Canada and the home of the Royal 22 e Regiment.
You can also visit the Musée Royal 22 e Regiment, where you can see exhibits and artifacts related to the regiment and the fortress. If you visit in the summer, you can watch the changing of the guard ceremony that takes place every day at 10 a.m. This is a colorful and traditional spectacle that showcases the military heritage of Quebec City.
Musée de la civilisation
If you are interested in learning more about the history and culture of Quebec and Canada, as well as other civilizations around the world, you should visit the Musée de la civilisation. This museum is one of the most popular and visited museums in Quebec City, and it offers a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits that showcase art, science, and society. You can explore the exhibits that tell the story of Quebec and its people, such as “People of Quebec… Then and Now” and “This Is Our Story”.
You can also discover the exhibits that feature different aspects of human civilization, such as “Egyptian Magic” and “Curiosities of the Natural World”. The museum also has interactive and educational activities for children and families, such as “Once Upon a Time” and “The Library at Night”. The Musée de la civilisation is a great place to spend a few hours or a whole day, depending on your interests and curiosity.
The Battlefields Park
If you are a fan of history and nature, you should not miss the Battlefields Park, also known as the Plains of Abraham. This is the site where the famous Battle of Quebec took place in 1759, when the French lost the city to the British. This battle was a decisive moment in the history of Canada and North America, and you can learn more about it at the Plains of Abraham Museum, where you can see exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations. The park is also a beautiful urban green space where you can enjoy nature, sports, and cultural events throughout the year. You can walk, bike, or picnic on the grassy fields, admire the flowers and trees in the gardens, or visit the Martello Towers and the Joan of Arc Garden. You can also join guided tours, historical reenactments, concerts, and festivals that take place in the park. The Battlefields Park is a place where you can experience history and nature in harmony.
Montmorency Falls
One of the most spectacular things to do in Quebec City is to visit the Montmorency Falls, a stunning waterfall that is higher than Niagara Falls and located just a few minutes from downtown Quebec City. You can admire the falls from different perspectives and enjoy some thrilling activities there. You can take a cable car that will take you to the top of the cliff, where you can walk across a suspension bridge that spans the falls and offers breathtaking views.
You can also hike or bike along the trails that surround the falls and explore the park. If you are feeling adventurous, you can zipline across the falls and feel the spray of the water on your face. You can also climb the stairs that lead to the base of the falls, where you can see the impressive force and beauty of nature. The Montmorency Falls are a must-see attraction for anyone who loves waterfalls and adventure.
Terrasse Dufferin
Another thing to do in Quebec City is to stroll along the Terrasse Dufferin, a popular and iconic promenade that offers stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and the Château Frontenac. This wooden boardwalk was built in the 19th century and named after Lord Dufferin, a governor general of Canada who loved Quebec City. You can enjoy the view from every angle and take some amazing photos of the city and the river. You can also find some attractions and activities on the terrace, such as the remains of the Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux, which lie beneath the promenade and reveal the history of the city.
You can also enjoy live entertainment in the summer, such as street performers, musicians, and artists. In the winter, you can have some fun on the toboggan run that dates back to 1884 and reaches speeds of up to 70 km/h. The Terrasse Dufferin is a place where you can relax and enjoy the scenery and the atmosphere of Quebec City.
Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec
If you are a fan of art, you should not miss the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, a museum that features a large collection of Quebecois and Canadian art from different periods and styles. The museum is located in the Battlefields Park and consists of four pavilions that showcase the artistic diversity and creativity of the region. You can admire works by some of the most famous and influential artists from Quebec and Canada, such as Jean-Paul Riopelle, Alfred Pellan, and Marc-Aurèle Fortin.
You can also discover works by contemporary and emerging artists that reflect the current trends and issues of society. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that feature national and international artists and themes. The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec is a must-see for art lovers and anyone who wants to appreciate the artistic expression and identity of Quebec and Canada.
Parliament Building
Another thing to do in Quebec City is to visit the Parliament Building, the impressive building that is the seat of the provincial government. This building was built in the late 19th century and has a rich architectural and artistic heritage. It is inspired by the Louvre Palace in Paris and features a Second Empire style with a central tower and four wings. You can take a guided tour of the building and learn about its history and functions, as well as admire the artworks and decorations that adorn its rooms and halls.
You can also visit the National Assembly Library, which has a collection of over one million documents and books. Outside the building, you can see the statues and monuments that honor some of the most important figures and events in Quebec’s history. You can also enjoy the gardens and fountains that surround the building and add to its beauty. The Parliament Building is a place where you can learn more about the political and cultural heritage of Quebec and its people.
Aquarium du Québec
If you love animals and marine life, you should visit the Aquarium du Québec, a place that showcases the biodiversity of the St. Lawrence River and the Canadian waters. You can observe nearly 10,000 specimens of fish, amphibians, invertebrates, and marine mammals, including polar bears, seals, walruses, and more. You can also enjoy interactive and educational activities for children and families, such as touching pools, feeding sessions, and animal encounters.
The aquarium also has a projection show called IMMERSION, where you can see hundreds of animated animals on a giant screen. In the summer, you can also enjoy the water games and the obstacle course in the park. The Aquarium du Québec is a fun and fascinating attraction for all ages.
Musée du Fort
If you are interested in learning more about the military history of Quebec City and its role in the shaping of Canada, you should visit the Musée du Fort, a museum that offers a light and sound show of historic Quebec. You can watch a 30-minute presentation that tells the story of six sieges that took place in Quebec City between 1629 and 1760, including the famous Battle of Quebec in 1759. You can see a large model of Quebec City in 1750 and learn about the strategies and tactics of the French and British armies.
You can also see exhibits and artifacts that illustrate the life and culture of the soldiers and civilians during that period. The Musée du Fort is a great place to discover the history and heritage of Quebec City.
Conclusion
As you can see, Quebec City is a wonderful destination that has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for history, culture, nature, or adventure, you will find it in this beautiful and charming city. We hope that this blog post has given you some ideas of the best things to do in Quebec City and that you are ready to plan your trip. If you need more information or tips, you can check out these useful links and resources:
- Visit Québec City: The official website of Quebec City tourism, where you can find more attractions, events, accommodations, and travel guides.
- Quebec City Travel Guide: A comprehensive and updated travel guide by Lonely Planet, where you can find more recommendations, maps, reviews, and tips.
- Quebec City Tours: A selection of the best tours and activities in Quebec City by Viator, where you can book online and enjoy discounts and deals.
We hope that you have enjoyed reading this blog post and that you have learned something new. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading and happy travels!
