Top 9 Things To Do In Quebec City

Loaded with history and culture, Québec City is unique among North American cities and maintains its European roots with a predominantly French-speaking society. With its cobblestone streets, 17th and 18th-century architecture and outdoor cafes, Old Québec has a European-style charm. It is a magical wonderland in the winter and a breathtaking landscape in the summer time. Here is our list of the Top 9 Things To Do In Quebec City.

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Old Port

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The Port of Quebec is an inland port and the oldest port in Canada. The harbor dates from the 17th century when ships brought supplies and settlers to the new colony. Nowadays it is a popular cruise destination. You will love the charm of rue Saint-Paul, with its inviting antique shops, art galleries, sidewalk cafés and the Old Port Market that has a large variety of seasonal foodstuffs or produce for sale, including locally-made cheese, deli meats, baked goods, fresh fruit and vegetables as well as fine food items.

Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre

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Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, located only 20 minutes outside of Québec City, is the second oldest pilgrimage site in North America. Each year, over a million and a half pilgrims and visitors come to the Shrine to spend some time in peaceful prayer and reflection.

Place Royale

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This small but picturesque plaza is famous as the birthplace of French America. It is where the city was established in the early seventeenth century and where Samuel de Champlain chose this site to construct a trading post in 1608. It grew throughout the 17th and 18th centuries to become a bustling town marketplace and the heart of business and industry in Quebec City.

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

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This grande dame, which lords over Quebec City from a cliff overlooking the St. Lawrence River, is one of the most photographed hotels in the world. This heritage urban resort will seduce you with its breathtaking views and the architecture of the Old fortified City, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In any one of its 611 guestrooms and suites, you’ll feel an elegant touch of historic Europe.

Citadelle of Quebec

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The star-shaped Citadelle, one of Quebec City’s most distinctive features, is open every day to explore the largest British military fortifications in North America, which is still in active use. The official residence of the Governor General of Canada and home to the Royal 22nd Regiment, you can take guided tours year-round and in the summer, you may even get to see the Changing of the Guard. If you enjoy a little spookiness, try the Ghost Tour of the Citadelle at night. Source: we3travel

Plains of Abraham

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Not far from Parliament Hill are the Plains of Abraham which are beautiful parklands and also the scene of the 1759 battle between the French and British Empires in North America. This green heart of the city is a community focal point and welcomes some 4 million visitors, both tourists, and locals, each year.

Quartier Petit-Champlain

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Quartier Petit Champlain is a historic neighbourhood in the Lower Town area of Old Quebec. It is known as one of the most beautiful sites of Old Quebec. Particularly magical during winter, illuminated by thousand of lights, the pedestrian streets offer a variety of interesting shops and restaurants in a romantic setting every season. There are lots of stores selling souvenirs, specialty items by local artists and craftspeople, jewelry and clothing.

Québec Winter Carnival

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Come experience one of the world’s largest winter carnivals, which take place every year in February. Every year, thousands of visitors flock to the Québec Winter Carnival to enjoy a host of activities for all ages, including snow bath, night parades, snow slides, giant foosball, snow sculptures, shows, sleigh rides, and skating. The Carnival is a unique winter experience you won’t want to miss.

Quebec City Summer Festival

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The Quebec City Summer Festival is an annual 11-days music festival in downtown Quebec City which takes place, every year, in the first half of July. It is Canada’s largest outdoor music event festival and one of the most important music events in North America. The aim of the festival, since it was established, was to exhibit the art, the tourists’ centers and the economic potential of the city and its area. More than 300 musical shows take place indoor and outdoor venues throughout the city. During the festival days, the city turns to an artistic center where all the coffee houses and bars offer shows of jazz music, world music, electronic music, etc..

Just So You Know…

• Quebec City (not Montreal) is the capital of the province of Quebec.
• Take a day trip to Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier, just a short drive north of Quebec City. This park is one of the most magnificent natural wonders in the province.
• On July 3rd, 1608, a French explorer and diplomat Samuel de Champlain arrived. He set up a permanent wooden fort and fur trading post, and founded Quebec City.
• Quebec City’s Haute-Ville (Upper Town) is linked to the Basse-Ville (Lower Town) by your choice of the Escalier (“neck-breaking” steps) or the Old Quebec Funicular, a 64 meter (210 ft) funicular railway that first opened on November 17, 1879.
• Quebec City is the only walled city north of Mexico. It has 4.6 km (2.9 miles) of walls.
• Quebec City is a gay friendly city. Enjoy the best welcoming vibe at one of the Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels in Quebec City.

Get Some Culture:

• Musee de la Civilisation -Magnificent exhibits of international calibre about Québec culture and history.
• Quebec National Museum of Fine Arts – A large collection of nearly 25,000 works essentially produced in Quebec, or by Quebec artists, some of which dating from the 18th century.
• Plains of Abraham Museum – This museum is the gateway to the Plains of Abraham and an invitation to discover the treasures of one of the world’s most prestigious city parks.

Grab A Bite:

• Le Clocher Penché – A farm-to-table bistro cuisine.
• Chez Ashton – A popular fast food restaurant since 1969, famous for its poutine. Visiting Quebec without eating poutine is almost equivalent to visiting Italy and not having pizza.