Quebec City
The quintessential city for French Canadian culture and a certain je ne sais quoi that makes Quebec City a brilliant, inviting place to see.
Quebec City Travel Guide
The charming old-world capital of Quebec, Quebec City is famous for its picturesque setting, fascinating historic European architecture and superb dining opportunities. The narrow, cobbled streets lined with shops, cafes and eateries in the UNESCO-listed old part of town have a distinct French character. You’ll find numerous churches, quaint squares and monuments to visit here.
As you head into the ancient Quartier Petit Champlain, you find the city’s special blend of old and new, with modern restaurants and art galleries lining the streets. More French style is evident in Basse-Ville, known for its quaint little alleyways, street musicians, bistros and shops.
There is nothing quite like Quebec City. This extraordinary place is one-of-a-kind destination unlike any other you’ll find in North America. One of the oldest cities on the continent, Quebec City sits on top of a cliff overlooking the Saint Lawrence River.
Yes, it’s very French, but so is quite a lot of this part of Canada. It boasts its own special personality and ambience, a city frozen in times gone by, filled with stone churches that are centuries-old as well as modern structures that are creative and forward-thinking, pretty parks and nightspots open till the wee hours.
In winter, Quebec City comes into its own, a magical French-Canadian wonderland that is definitely part European but also quintessentially Canadian. This is the only walled city in North America, which makes Quebec City stand alone as a city of beauty, uniqueness and style.
Quebec City has a serious charm as you wander some of historic streets.
Best time to visit: In the summer months, June to August, when the weather is warm and the city is lush.
Best Area for Sightseeing: Vieux Quebec Old Quebec is filled with historic sights, all centered around the St Lawrence River. This district is divided into 2, upper and lower, both encircled by the ancient city walls. Here you’ll find numerous attractions to explore, including the Église Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, the iconic Basilique-Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Québec and the vast Séminaire. Basse-Ville, the Lower part of the Old Town, also offers numerous sights to explore, including the Musée de la Civilisation.
Shopping in Quebec City: The city has numerous shopping streets and its charming markets are a joy to explore. Make sure to spend some time at the Marche du Vieux-Port de Quebec, a huge market in the Old Port, offering every type of produce and souvenir imaginable. A stunning shopping street is the Quartier Petit Champlain, where you’ll find plenty of European-style stores, eateries, music venues and souvenir shops. One of Quebec’s biggest malls is also located in the city. Called Les Galeries de la Capital it’s so huge it even features a roller coaster along with plenty of modern shops to enjoy.
Food & Restaurants in Quebec City: French food reigns supreme here, with culinary delights around every corner, everything from humble baguettes to haute cuisine. Most of the city’s gourmet eateries are found in the UNESCO-listed Old Town, but you’ll find stunning restaurants everywhere. Traditional French-Canadian dishes is also available, so make sure to try some while you’re in town.
Nightlife: Quebec City offers it all – live music venues, cosy local pubs, opera and rock ‘n roll. You’ll find many night venues around rue St-Jean and rue St-Joseph, and tourist spots abound on Grande-Allee.
Things to do in Quebec City:
- Stroll along the St Lawrence River or take a ride on the Quebec City-Levis Ferry to see the city from a different perspective.
- Visit the city’s iconic Montmorency Falls.
- Learn all about Quebec City at the Citadel of Quebec, an active military installation.
- Explore the magnificent Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral.
- Spend time at the National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec to view some incredible art works.
- Visit Morrin Center, once a prison and now a language college, to see the old jail cells and the Victorian library.
- Climb Canyon Sainte-Anne or hike across its suspension bridges.
Best way to get around: You can take buses throughout the city, or rent a bicycle to explore downtown.
Best Area for Families: Vieux Port The Old Port district in the north of the city center is a very laidback neighborhood, with some excellent family hotels.