Old Québec City has a lot to offer; from dining in a fancy restaurant and staying in Quebec hotels to shopping on the streets, old Quebec has much to be amazed at. This old city is a very popular tourist destination, all in one place. It feels much more like a European country than Canada. So, booking a trip to the magnificent old Quebec would be the best if you want to give yourself an old European feel without travelling to Europe.

Before I move to the popular attractions there, let me tell you some more interesting details about the city.

Old Quebec City, officially known as the Historic District of Old Quebec, is among the UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is a historic ghetto of Québec City, Quebec, Canada, located at the top and foot of Cap-Diamant, which is on the eastern edge of a plateau called the promontory of Quebec (Quebec hills).

The city has preserved its colonial architecture for over 400 years and is one of the most intact fortified towns in northern Mexico. It is also known as the native land of French North America.  Old Québec City is renowned for its history, magnificent European architecture, cobblestone streets, stone buildings, rich French-Canadian culture, and fortifications. It is a rich French-speaking province where 80% of its residents and 95% of Quebecers speak French. However, English is also a very common language there and is spoken well by the people.

Now, check my top recommendations for you in this amazing city.

1. Visit Fairmont le Chateau Frontenac: World’s Most Photographed Hotel

Designed by Bruce Price, the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac or Château Frontenac is a world-famous hotel in Upper Town on the southern side of Place d’Armes. There are many hotels in this city but this one is special. Any guesses?

You will experience all the royal vibes there. Yeah! this royal hotel offers its customers many facilities and a beautiful view of the Lawrence River. You can book a room for yourself and enjoy an elegant royal stay. Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is a 5-star luxury hotel. You can get yourself a relaxing spa, dine in any of the three restaurants, or simply enjoy a drink at their bar. It is also famous for its warm hospitality as well as delicious cuisine. The famous Château Frontenac is also pet-friendly- you can always bring your pet with you to the hotel. It is a perfect location for everything you want to do. So, if you can afford it, then you must not miss this royal wonder.

2. Go on the Old Quebec City’s Food Tour

This got you drooling, right? Try not to miss the old Quebec food tour because this tour helps you discover one of the most authentic tastes of the European-like neighbourhood. It is a 3-hour walking tour of about 1.7 km. It includes five stops and eight different food and drink tastings, which are more than enough to satisfy your hunger. This famous food tour takes place on weekdays and private requests. Now that you have the information don’t forget to grab your tickets and indulge in the authentic tastes.

3. Drop by the Morrin Centre

Standing high 200 hundred years ago, the Morrin Centre is a nationally recognized heritage site and leading English language culture centre, which is located in the heart of historic Quebec City.

It was the city’s first jail but is now one of the most beautiful libraries. The library offers varied events such as the annual writers’ festivals, concerts, children’s activities, readings, and lectures. Visit the library during these events and have fun reading, listening, and doing other activities. You can also book a traditional afternoon tea for yourself and just live in the moment and have the best experience of the famous City.

4. Be amazed at Maison de La Litterature (House of Litterature)

Are you a literature person? Great! The city has a beautiful House of Literature for you. It is located in the historic neighbourhood. It gives its visitors a very Scandinavian feel. It focuses on literature, visual arts, and other mediums. Maison de La Litterature is a place where you can write, read, and completely immerse yourself in literature. If you are interested in literature, it is a place for you! The entire building is dedicated to an exhibit on Quebec literature. It is the only combination of public libraries and centres for literary creation on the continent. 

5. Say Hi from Seminaire de Quebec

The oldest educational institution, Seminaire de Quebec, was founded in 1663 and became a National Historic Site of Canada in 1929. It amazes visitors with its whitewashed courtyard and wrought-iron gate. You can visit the place, admire its beauty, and say hi from one of its windows. As you enter the building, you will witness the beauty of this historic building, which played a central role in the province’s history. You will also see majestic promotion rooms and other sites which are available for private events, receptions, and weddings.

6. Wander Around Promenade des Gouverneurs

Promenade des Gouverneurs is a giant boardwalk that connects the Plains of Abraham to Dufferin Terrace and Château Frontenac. To reach the top, you need to climb 308 steps, which is not at all easy as the cliffs are quite steep. However, the view is worth it once you get to the top. It is breathtaking because of the view of the island of Orlean and the rivers. This wooden tail follows a path of the citadel, with old fortification walls on one side of the walkway.

7. Buy Antiques at Rue Saint-Paul

For antique lovers, Rue Saint-Paul has some of the best antiques around the city. And I recommend you explore this. So, get your hands on some travel-friendly antiques for yourself, your family, and your friends. The place is at the foot of Chateau Frontenac in the quieter area of Lower Town. Visit Francois Dollier de Casson’s laid-out Rue Saint Street, one of the city’s oldest streets, with many cool shops, including Antiquities Bolduc, a fantastic shop for antiques.

8. Joyride the Ferry across the St. Lawrence River

Do you want to get the best view of Old Quebec? So, you definitely need to take this ferry service, which operates on the Lawrence River between the capital and its neighbour, Levis. You just need to take the ferry, sit back and enjoy the magnificent view that blossoms before your eyes. 

Hundreds of people ride the Lawrence River ferry between Quebec City and Levis daily. The view is one of the best things you will experience during this ride. In the daytime, witness the city’s beautiful landscape and see the beauty of Château Frontenac as it stands tall on the Cap Diamant, whereas at night time, you will be completely amazed by the city’s lights as they reflect on the waves.

9. Explore Palace Royale

In 1608, Samuel De Champlain founded old Quebec at this very place. In the 15th century, the Place Royale served as a trading post, storehouse, and fort. You will also find the continent’s oldest stone church, Notre Dame-des Victoires church. Visit the place and observe the French Canadian Civilization as well. Place royale is considered the cradle of French North America as it was a trading post, storehouse, residence, and fort all rolled out in one. It is also known among the historic walking areas.

10. Visit Louise Taverne and Bar à Vin

A famous wine bar, Louise Taverne & Bar à Vin, is located in the heart of Quebec City’s old port. The bar offers a warm and lovely atmosphere with a well-sourced menu, friendly service, and the best selection of privately imported wines, cocktails, and beers. Their terrace has more than 60 seats and is beautifully bathed in the sun during the summer season. So indulge yourself in the beautiful atmosphere, drinks, and cuisine. Free Wi-Fi is also available here!

11. Ride the Funiculaire

A funicular is simply a cable car that goes up and then down the steep hills that separate the upper and lower towns of Quebec City. If you don’t want to climb the stairs, you can always take this Funiculaire and skip the climbing part from the upper town to the lower town. Plus, you will get an elegant, lovely, graceful, and well-crafted view of this beautiful city, “The Old Quebec City.”

12. Walk on the Ramparts

Ramparts are stretched over a distance of 5 to 6 km. While walking by it, you will see a lot of beautiful viewpoints. These walls hold a lot of secrets. You could climb the stairs by Kent Gate and make a self-guided visit to the only fortification in the North of Mexico City.

13. Go Ice Skating in the Old Quebec

Do you love to skate? Well, you can go ice skating on Abraham’s plane and enjoy the beauty of winter in the city. You will also get to experience the beauty of the St. Lawrence River. And yes, don’t forget to bring your wool winter coat because the temperature goes down.

14. Experience North America’s only Walled City

Quebec City has seen many wars and sieges, and in order to protect itself against such attacks, a wall was built around Quebec City. The wall made it easy for the colonists to spot their enemies and prepare for defence in advance. You can go around this only walled city and experience those battles that took place. How fascinating, right?

15. Stay in Quebec City’s Ice Hotel

Do you feel like living on ice? Well, dreams do come true. You can stay in Quebec City’s ice hotel, Hôtel de Glance because it is a winter wonderland magic. This impressive hotel is rebuilt every year with a different theme. This place has dozens of rooms with a beautiful suite, ice carvings, and cool neon lights that give the place a luxury vibe. This is Quebec’s worth-exploring place and is a must-visit.

16. Celebrate Quebec City’s Winter Carnival

Quebec City’s winter carnival (Carnival de Quebec) is worth exploring because it is an annual event that features massive snow structures, rides, street parties, and much more. It also has the world-famous 7-foot-tall snowman that you should not miss during your winter vacation in Quebec!

17. Enjoy the Old Port

The Old Port is what we know as the oldest port of Montreal, Quebec. It stretches over 2 km along the St. Lawrence River and provides various entertainment activities such as Montreal Science Centre, IMAX theatre, cycling, rollerblading, quadricycle, pedalo, and more. You can spend a day here and enjoy the best entertainment.

18. Walk the Streets of Dufferin Terrace

Dufferin Terrace is a 671-meter-long boardwalk beside the Chateau Frontenac. It is a 200-year-old wooden promenade to a huge star-shaped fort called the historic Citadelle. You will experience one of the best views from here and see interesting historic sights like the cannons. In summer, street performers are out, and riding the toboggan slide in winter is quite a thrill for adventure seekers!

19. Explore the City in a Horse Carriage

Do not forget the horse-drawn carriage tours, as old Quebec tours give the best old-world feel. You can find a horse-drawn carriage, usually near Chateau Frontenac, and get to see the city’s best views. The carriage is quite pricy, but the money is worth it because the driver covers all the key highlights with a proper narration. Locally, this horse-drawn carriage is known as a calèche.

20. Go on the Ghostly Walking Tour

Does it sound scary? Well, it is scary. Get a chance to discover the dark history of New France on this 90-minute walking tour. Your guide will be dressed up as an ill-famed character and will tell you about the terrible crimes and other bad things that happened in that particular place centuries before. It is scary but entertaining.

21. Shop at the Oldest Grocery Store

The oldest grocery store in Quebec City takes you back in time with its old-fashioned decor and music. The store is at St. Jean Street, which is named J.A. Moisan. It is basically known for its selection of fine food and foodstuffs from around the world.

22. Watch the Montmorency Falls

83 meters (272 feet) and 1.5 times higher than Niagara Falls, Montmorency Falls lies on the outskirts of Quebec City. You can take a cable car to watch the fall and feel its extreme power. You can also jump off the cliff and zipline across the fall because it is very adventurous. If you love adventures, then it is a must for you.

Spending just 3 to 4 days in the city is more than enough to get the most out of it because it is quite small and all the major sites could be covered in a day or two. Take it easy and enjoy the best time of your life.

Quebec City will give you one of the best travel experiences. It offers an outstanding quality of life and every now and then conducts festivals, parades, and other major events. So, I must say you will have a lovely time wandering in this beautiful city.

Last Updated on March 27, 2024 by soubhik

Last Updated on April 22, 2024 by Pragya Chakrapani