City: Quebec City
Top Things to do in Quebec City
What to do and see in Quebec City, Canada: The Best Things to do
Quebec City may be the only fortified city north of Mexico, but it welcomes visitors with open arms. Explore the Citadel, where you might catch Canadian troops staging a military ceremony. As for food, you could splurge on afternoon tea at the Chateau Frontenac, or do as the locals do and snack on poutine—french fries with gravy and cheese curds.
Restaurants in Quebec City
1. Old Quebec
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13,360 reviews
Reviewed By nowpacking - Dallas, United States
Walk through one of the city gates and you will be transported back in time - wander the cobblestone streets, ride in horse drawn carriages, dine at sidewalk cafes, shop in the artist's alley way, and photograph countless historic buildings. The huge boardwalk overlooking the historic lower town stretches across the front of the beautiful Chateau Frontenac providing the perfect place to sit and enjoy - especially if you can get up early and beat the crowds! Lots of restaurants, shops, beautiful churches (don't miss Notre Dame and the church in Place Royal) and so much charming architecture. Take the stairs down to the lower city or ride the funicular ... stroll the streets, take lots of photographs and have lunch. In the lower city visit Place Royal and Notre-Dame-des-Victories church to see the huge model ship hanging from the ceiling - then eat pizza at La Pizz or a snack at Maison Smith. If you need a ride back up catch the funicular! Don't miss the gorgeous fountain outside the gate and across from the beautiful Parliment building.
2. Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10,037 reviews
These 275-foot falls on the Montmorency River tower higher than even the legendary Niagara Falls. The 2013 season promises to be exhilarating for people who will visit Parc de la Chute-Montmorency – Montmorency Falls, the second most visited site of the provincial capital after Old Quebec. The highlight of all the new summer activities is certainly the opening of two via ferrata routes built in the Boischatel fault near the waterfalls. Via ferrata – this is Italian for “iron roads” - is an activity accessible to everyone over 12 years old that combines hiking and rock climbing. The two paths are built on the rock face on the eastern side of the waterfall. The less adventurous will also be able to get stunning views of the 83-meter high waterfall aboard the cable car which now runs with sparkling new cabins. History buffs will be glad to know that guided tours are now offered each weekend in the company of Sir Frederick Haldimand, who served as Governor of Quebec from 1778 to 1786 and Mathilde Robin, best known as the Lady in White, who lost her fiance during the Montmorency Battle in 1759. Guided tours are offered in French or English until Labour Day weekend.
Reviewed By osnoopy13 - Lilburn, United States
Our small group of 3 drove out from downtown using gps as recommended by staff at our hotel. We were told the falls were as high as Niagra Falls on the Canada-US border, but did not realize there was so much to do at the site. It has an excellent restaurant, walking bridge, zip-line across the falls, parks, tram and you can even walk so close to the falls that you can see rainbows from the spray and get soaking wet. Only one of the group rode across on the zip-line. She says it was great but just over too soon. Although it looks dangerous my daughter said it was very safe and even gives you a free video of your crossing in you have an iphone with you. All of us enjoyed the tram down into the vally where you can walk so close to the falls. Take your group photos from the bottom of the falls and you get great shots of the falls in the background. It was magnificient!!
3. Terrasse Dufferin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,593 reviews
This elevated area offers panoramic views of Old Quebec and the St. Lawrence River. Winter adrenalin junkies line up by the thousands at Les Glissades de la Terrasse to experience the rush of zooming downhill from 270 feet high (82 meters) in a toboggan speeding up to 60 mph (90 kilometers per hour) to the bottom 500 feet (152 meters) away. Located on the Dufferin Terrace overlooking the St. Lawrence River behind Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, the ride is open from mid-December through late March.
Reviewed By mrl325 - Mumbai, India
Terrasse Dufferin connects the upper town wirh the lower town by staircase or furnicular. You can sit on benches and see the street performances, marvel at the massive chateau fontenac, see the beautiful park and statues,look down on beautiful river and see the lower town, climb on the outer walls of the citadel
4. Basilique Cathedrale - Notre-Dame-de-Quebec
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,576 reviews
This famous 17th-century cathedral has been restored several times but still provides visitors with an ambiance of centuries past.
Reviewed By ldjs - Fort Lee, United States
Beautiful cathedral with very unusual image of Christ holding the cross, lots of gold leaf and the holy door to open again in 2025. Canadian dignitaries are buried here. The cathedral is quite important for Quebec and Canada and a heritage site. Definitely worth a visit.
5. Musee de la civilisation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,249 reviews
This museum is characterized by its innovative and daring outlook. It defines itself as a seat of knowledge and ideas, a museum endowed with valuable collections, an education centre and a living memory. It is located in the region's capital, Quebec City, in the heart of an historic district and close to Place Royale.
Reviewed By CelineLondon85 - London, United Kingdom
Very interesting museum where I learnt so much about the history of the First Nations and Quebec. I highly recommend joining the free guided tours, as you will learn so much. I joined two different tours (« This is our Story » and « History of Quebec ») and both were amazing.
6. Quebec City Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,368 reviews
One of Québec’s best-kept secrets and one of the most spectacular view of the Old Town. Located at the heart of Old Québec City, the ride (one-way) takes about 12 minutes. During summertime, discover the marked bike paths located on both sides of the shore: Corridor du Littoral (Quebec City) and Parcours des Anses (Lévis). In winter, the mouvement of the ice on the St. Lawrence River is truly impressing.
Reviewed By DiveTravelerBHS
Taking the ferry is fun and easy. I enjoyed being on the water and seeing the city from the ferry. I enjoyed visiting the shop with artwork made by locals and also watching the children enjoy playing in the water fountains in the playground.
7. La Citadelle de Quebec
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,792 reviews
National Historic Site and active military base, the Citadelle welcomes you with its guided tours and access to the Musée Royal 22e Régiment. Located on the highest natural point in Quebec City, the Citadelle allows you to enjoy spectacular views on the town and the Saint Lawrence River. Discover the fortress of Old Quebec, home of the Royal 22e Régiment, the only French-speaking regiment with in the Canadian Armed Forces. Tickets include an hour-long guided tour of the Citadelle, mostly outside, and the access to the Musée Royal 22e Régiment. In order to protect the health and safety of our visitors and employees, we have adopted the guidelines by the Québec Ministry of Public Health, including social distancing standards and applicable health measures.
Reviewed By Canary163 - Ottawa, Canada
We returned to the Citadelle with visitors from Chile! They were mesmerized by the outstanding( as always) Changing of the Guard ceremony presented daily at 10:30, weather permitting, during the spring-fall months. BatisseXII, regimental mascot, a goat from the Royal herd, joined his regiment on parade. The ceremony lasts about 35 min, is conducted in French, the language of the Royal22nd( VanDoo’s) Regiment, and is easy to follow due to bilingual commentary offered by a Commentator. The tickets may be bought on site or reserved on the Web. Site for this attraction. Free to active\ retired military with I.D. and immediate family. Suggest...go early to get a seat, better near the speaker’s podium. May remain for photos with the Mascot and his keeper. Very interesting tours and self guided tours of the area. Washrooms on premise, souvenir sales, some refreshments. Medals donated to the Regiment by former members are displayed in a special room and are most impressive for anyone with a knowledge of Canadian military history. Our S.American friends were most pleased with their visit to the Citadelle. Very limited parking in the area, suggest walking up to the area.
8. Plains of Abraham
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,407 reviews
Site of major battles, the Battlefields Park includes the Plains of Abraham and Des Braves Park. Apart from its historical past, the Park is to Québec what Central Park and Hyde Park are to New York and London: a city park of outstanding value, the lungs of the city. The Plains of Abraham Museum is the gateway to the Park, offering exhibitions, activities, services and all information for your visit. Year-round, dive into history with an interactive exhibition on the battles of Québec and an exhibition on artefacts from the Park's archeological collection. From July to the end of October, explore the Plains of Abraham with the Escape Bag Rally or a family treasure hunt. Discover also the dark side of the Plains with fun and terrifying activities for all ages during Halloween and the Month of the Dead. In winter, enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or ice skating! Equipment rental on site ($).
Reviewed By 488lauries - Indianapolis, United States
If you have even a little interest in how North America came to be the way it is, this site and its very good museum are worth a visit. I found the story of the seige of Quebec City to be completely compelling, and this handsome, huge park commemorates it well.
9. Lower Town (Basse-Ville)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,375 reviews
The location of the city's original settlement, historic Lower Town is situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence.
Reviewed By hayesone - Pinner, United Kingdom
This is the heart of old Quebec very busy great shops and galleries and a lovely feel to it all Place royal is the heartbeat and everything is very and accessible even if disabled if you use the funicular This area must not be missed at any time if the day
10. Place Royale
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,884 reviews
This famous town plaza is the heart of historic Lower Town and has been an important social center since the city's founding.
Reviewed By Curlgolf - Toronto, Canada
There was a deep blanket of snow because of a blizzard the day we arrived, but it's amazing how quickly they get the snow out of the narrow old roads in lower town. Beautiful square with stone buildings up to 300 years old capped by snow, pedestrians only, almost like a fairy tale. There's even a modern, clean public washroom just off the square.
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