Best Things to Do In Québec
Embark on a cultural voyage with our self-guided audio tours, diving into the vibrant heart of Québec's heritage and landscapes.
Québec City: Le Quartier Petit Champlain
What is it?
A historic neighborhood known for its picturesque cobblestone streets and artisan shops.
Why you should go?
Le Quartier Petit Champlain is often cherished as a slice of Europe in North America. With its array of boutiques, cafes, and galleries, it's a vibrant hub for both shopping and cultural exploration. During a leisurely stroll, audio tours recount folktales, merchant trade stories, and the area's evolution from fur trading to tourism. Whether blanketed by winter's snow or adorned with summer blooms, it's a must-visit location for any itinerary.
Québec City: The Fortifications of Québec
What is it?
A series of defensive fortifications surrounding the heart of Old Québec.
Why you should go?
The walls of the Fortifications of Québec whisper tales of colonial defense and the struggle for control in New France. As the last remaining fortified city walls in North America, north of Mexico, they beckon history buffs with tales of sieges and empire building. The self-guided audio tour along the walls unveils strategic architectural insights and offers a literal overview of the town's historic layout, making for a surreal walk through history.
Québec City: The Parliament Building
What is it?
An imposing and historic seat of Québec's provincial government, exemplifying Second Empire architectural grandeur.
Why you should go?
The Parliament Building is a nexus of political activity and architectural magnificence. Visitors can explore the structure where important decisions shaping the province are made. The impressive facade and ornately decorated interior, as well as the surrounding Jardins de l'Assemblée Nationale, offer a rich experience, especially during an audio-guided tour that brings to light the history of Québec’s governance and the building's art and iconography.
Québec City: St. Lawrence Market
What is it?
A buzzing marketplace with local vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and gourmet treats.
Why you should go?
St. Lawrence Market is the heartbeat of Québec City's local commerce, showcasing the best of regional flavors and craftsmanship. It’s where gourmets and curious travellers mingle, sampling local delicacies like poutine and maple syrup products. Informative audio narratives guide visitors through the market’s history and the stories behind each vendor, turning every visit into a feast for the senses and an authentic encounter with Québecois culture.
Québec City: The Observatory of the Capitale
What is it?
An observation deck offering panoramic views of Québec City from 221 meters above sea level.
Why you should go?
The Observatory of the Capitale presents the unique opportunity to gaze upon Québec City from the highest point in the area. With a 360-degree viewpoint, it grants visitors a spectacular photographic vantage point and a better understanding of the city's geography. The educational audio tour illuminates landmarks, natural features, and significant historical events, ensuring that every visitor leaves with a memorable impression and deeper appreciation of this picturesque city.
Québec City: Château Frontenac
What is it?
A historic hotel recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dominating the cityscape.
Why you should go?
Château Frontenac is not only an iconic hotel, it's a symbol of Québec City's rich European charm and history. As one of the most photographed hotels in the world, its châteauesque architecture offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the past. Tours of the Château provide a deeper understanding of its significance while offering stunning views of the St. Lawrence River, making it a quintessential stop for an enriching travel experience in Québec.
Québec City: Place Royale
What is it?
The birthplace of French America, a historically rich square in Old Québec.
Why you should go?
Place Royale is where Québec began, boasting cobblestoned pathways leading to the oldest stone church in North America, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires. The surrounding area is steeped in history, with the square itself acting as an open-air museum. Audio tours illuminate the stories of early settlers, the French regime, and the square's pivotal role in Québec's development. This picturesque spot offers visitors a tactile connection to the province's French origins.
Québec City: La Citadelle de Québec
What is it?
An active military installation and the official residence of the Canadian monarch and the Governor General of Canada.
Why you should go?
La Citadalle de Québec offers an exceptional encounter with Canadian military history. As North America's largest fortification, the fortress provides unique insights into military strategy and defense. The site's strategic location atop Cap Diamant affords panoramic views, while the changing of the guard ceremony adds a touch of royal pageantry. Engaging audio tours recount battles, architectural evolution, and the Citadelle’s role in the contemporary military landscape.
Québec City: The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec
What is it?
A premier art museum with collections spanning the history of Québec art.
Why you should go?
The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec is a haven for art aficionados. Here, one can immerse in the province's artistic narrative, with works ranging from classical to contemporary. The museum complex itself, an amalgamation of modern design and historical architecture, is set within the National Battlefields Park, offering a cultural and visual feast. The audio guides provide rich explanations of exhibits, artists, and their profound impact on Québec's artistic heritage.
Québec City: Montmorency Falls Park
What is it?
An awe-inspiring natural wonder taller than Niagara Falls, located just minutes from Québec City.
Why you should go?
As one of the province's most spectacular natural attractions, Montmorency Falls offers visitors the chance to witness the power and beauty of nature. A cable car ride or a trek along the suspension bridge provides stunning perspectives of the falls, the Île d’Orléans, and the St. Lawrence River. Through self-guided audio tours, guests learn about the falls' formation, ecological significance, and the historic battles that took place in this area, making it a multifaceted destination.
TOP-5 tours in Québec for first-time visitors
- Explore the historic charm of Old Québec, walking through centuries-old buildings and picturesque streets, narrated by local historians.
- Discover the breathtaking Montmorency Falls with a guide detailing its natural splendor and historical significance, complemented by ambient sounds.
- Delight in the cultural tapestry of the Quartier Petit Champlain, with stories of artisans and the evolution of Québec's artisan district in your ears.
- Uncover the majestic Plains of Abraham, where tales of battles and peaceful transformations guide you through these hallowed grounds.
- Wander through the storied halls of the Musée de la Civilisation, with expert commentary unveiling the secrets behind Québec's rich history.
Fun things to do in Québec with kids
Exploring Québec with kids promises an array of entertaining experiences that blend education with playfulness. The Aquarium du Québec is a must-visit, offering a window into marine life with its interactive touch tanks and impressive polar bear habitat. Children can come face-to-face with creatures of the deep, enhancing their knowledge of aquatic ecosystems. For a day full of laughter and discovery, the Mega Parc located inside Les Galeries de la Capitale beckons with its indoor amusement park featuring rides and games suitable for thrill-seekers of all ages. It's an unparalleled escape from the elements and a chance to create lasting family memories. To immerse in Québec's past, the Musées de la Civilisation deliver hands-on exhibits and workshops tailored for young minds. These institutions vividly bring history and culture to life, promoting engagement and a sense of wonder about the world. These locations are only the beginning of what to see in Québec for families seeking an enjoyable and enriching experience.
Things to do in Québec with family
Québec is a treasure trove of family-friendly activities that cater to both the young and the young at heart. The interactive and awe-inspiring Biosphère Environment Museum stands out as an educational hotspot, where sustainability and environmental issues are brought to life through engaging exhibits. It's a place where curious minds can discover and parents can instill eco-conscious values. The Village Vacances Valcartier, a short drive from the city center, offers year-round excitement, from winter snow rafting to summer water park adventures, ensuring a day of laughter and active fun for the whole family. For a quieter, yet equally captivating experience, the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency offers spectacular views and the chance to explore the great outdoors. As you walk the trails or stand near the thunderous falls, the audio tour narratives enrich the natural splendor with historical anecdotes, making it one of the best Québec tours for families seeking both relaxation and education.
Free things to do in Québec
Discovering Québec doesn't always come with a price tag. One can immerse in the magic of Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure, strolling alongside historic buildings and winding streets that tell a tale at every corner. Self-guided walking tours enhance this experience, offering insight into the rich past of this fortified colonial city without costing a dime. Next, the Plains of Abraham invites everyone to roam its vast expanses where pivotal battles shaped Canadian history. It's not only a prime spot for picnicking and leisure activities but also offers an educational journey through various monuments and statues along its paths. Finally, amble across the Promenade Samuel-De Champlain, a beautifully landscaped park by the St. Lawrence River, ideal for cyclers, runners, and families taking in the views. Audio narratives accessible via mobile apps provide a free enhancement to these experiences, making them some of the most rewarding Québec activities available at no cost.
Cheap things to do in Québec
Enjoying Québec on a budget is easy with the myriad of low-cost attractions the city offers. Delve into the history and beauty of the city with an affordable visit to the Morrin Centre, a cultural hub where visitors can explore the former prison turned library with a small donation. The Centre's engrossing tales are ideal for history enthusiasts and literary fans alike. For a modest fee, step into the Observatoire de la Capitale, offering the highest viewpoint in Québec. Here, panoramic views pair with educational exhibits about the city's history and heritage. Lastly, savor Québec's natural beauty at Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, where for a small parking fee, you can witness the awe-inspiring waterfalls and enjoy picnic areas and scenic trails. Enhance the experience with downloadable self-guided tours, available at a minimal cost, that reveal the intriguing stories behind these popular sites, making them some of the best things to do in Québec for frugal travelers.
Things to do in Québec for couples
Québec provides a romantic backdrop for couples, with a suite of activities that kindle affection and adventure. Begin with a serene stroll through the Quartier Petit Champlain, where the charm of cobblestone streets and the cozy ambiance of boutique shops and quaint cafés set the stage for a day of discovery and connection. Intimacy blossoms as partners wander hand in hand, listening to tales of yesteryear through their audio guide. No visit for duos is complete without experiencing the allure of the Montmorency Falls, especially during an evening illumination when the water dances with light—a spectacular sight best shared with a significant other. For an intimate cultural experience, the Musée de la Civilisation connects hearts and minds over thought-provoking exhibitions. Couples can explore the interactive displays, with audio guides offering rich narratives that spark deep conversation and mutual discovery, rounding out the perfect romantic Québec excursion.
Things to As the day turns to dusk, Québec reveals a different kind of charm, with luminous experiences awaiting nocturnal adventurers. The streets of Old Québec take on a magical quality at night; the historic facades are lit up, transforming the district into a fairytale setting. Couples and solo travelers alike can enjoy a moonlit walk and uncover the city's hidden secrets and ghost stories through enchanting audio tours. For those seeking vibrancy, the nightlife on Grande Allée is not to be missed. This buzzing street is lined with bars and restaurants where visitors can indulge in local cuisine and lively entertainment. Lastly, a sunset cruise on the St. Lawrence River provides an unforgettable experience with spectacular views of Québec City's skyline and the surrounding natural beauty. The commentary provided on board offers a narrative that intertwiles the serene ambiance with historical insight, exemplifying the best of Québec tours as night falls.o in Québec at night"
As the day turns to dusk, Québec reveals a different kind of charm, with luminous experiences awaiting nocturnal adventurers. The streets of Old Québec take on a magical quality at night; the historic facades are lit up, transforming the district into a fairytale setting. Couples and solo travelers alike can enjoy a moonlit walk and uncover the city's hidden secrets and ghost stories through enchanting audio tours. For those seeking vibrancy, the nightlife on Grande Allée is not to be missed. This buzzing street is lined with bars and restaurants where visitors can indulge in local cuisine and lively entertainment. Lastly, a sunset cruise on the St. Lawrence River provides an unforgettable experience with spectacular views of Québec City's skyline and the surrounding natural beauty. The commentary provided on board offers a narrative that intertwines the serene ambiance with historical insight, exemplifying the best of Québec tours as night falls.