Planning a trip to Quebec City? Well, you’ve come to the right place.
Quebec City is a charming blend of old-world European vibes and vibrant Canadian culture. And since Bailey’s Canadian and I’ve lived here for many years, we’ve spent a lot of time exploring its cobblestone streets and savoring the local cuisine. So now, we’ve compiled our top 10 list of experiences that you don’t want to miss.
From seeing Montmorency Falls to whale watching and hiking among goats in the Quebec Forest, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to make your trip unforgettable. Let’s dive in!
Don’t miss out!
Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Quebec City was this Old Quebec food tour! We wandered through charming cobblestone streets, sampling fresh pastries, local specialties, and a traditional Québecois dessert—each stop more delicious than the last. Come hungry!
Things to do in Quebec City, Quebec
1. Learn Old Quebec City’s history and ride the funicular
Tour Details
With so much to see in Quebec, where do you start? Well, with this Old City walking tour, that’s where!
Our guide, Lynn, made the entire tour a memorable experience. She was not only incredibly knowledgeable about Quebec’s rich history but also friendly and approachable, so she made the tour lots of fun.
We began in the heart of Old Quebec, meeting at the office on Rue Saint-Paul, where Lynn gave us a brief overview of what we would be seeing. From there, we explored the Lower Town, where we were captivated by the charming cobblestone streets of the Quartier Petit Champlain and its “Umbrella Alley”, and the stunning murals and historic buildings in Place Royale.
For me, the highlight of this section was learning about the city’s fortifications. Did you know that Quebec City is the only North American city still surrounded by them?
After that, we made our way up to Upper Town on the funicular, which was a real treat. The views were just breathtaking! Then, once we reached the top, we marveled at the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Terrasse Dufferin, and the beautiful Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral.
The whole tour lasted around 2 hours, and we’re so impressed with how much we got to see in that short timeframe. It was the perfect introduction to Quebec City. Be sure to book this tour for your first day here!
2. Taste your way around Old Quebec
Tour Details
This food tour of Old Quebec is probably the best thing we’ve ever done here! Quebec is famous for its unique cuisine, and on this tour we got to try so much of it that we didn’t need to eat dinner that night.
The experience began with a delicious three-course tasting menu at a rustic, old-timey restaurant. We got to try Québécois pea soup, pâté chinois, and a sweet maple taffy dessert. This is definitely not the kind of stuff we would usually order, so this tour really encouraged us to step outside of our comfort zones and try something new.
We also loved that every stop brought something unique to the table—literally! We got to try a delicious hearty brisket at an upscale restaurant, duck carpaccio at a local “buvette”, and some creamy poutine at a cool gastropub. After it, it wouldn’t be a Quebec food tour without some poutine!
We also got to enjoy some different drink pairings at a few of the stops, and we finished up with a sweet treat at a local fudge shop. The food was absolutely fantastic, and our guide, Maude, made the experience even better by sharing so many interesting tidbits about Quebec’s culinary traditions. Meanwhile, the walking route we followed really showed us the best of the old city.
We loved this food tour, and with hundreds of glowing reviews, we’re clearly not the only ones! Just don’t wait too long to book, because it’s very popular!
3. Visit Montmorency Falls and Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré on an easy half-day tour
Tour Details
The countryside around Quebec City is undeniably beautiful, but it’s also very vast, so trying to navigate it by yourself can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to fit in all the must-see sights into just a few hours. So that’s where this half-day tour to Montmorency Falls and the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica comes in!
It’s the perfect solution for anyone wanting to explore the stunning landscapes and attractions just outside of Quebec City without the stress of planning every stop or figuring out transportation. We hopped on a comfortable coach in Old Quebec and rode out to the breathtaking Montmorency Falls, which is actually taller than Niagara Falls. How cool is that?
We had plenty of time to take in the views, snap photos, and explore the park. Then, we visited the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, where we learned about its religious significance and the many miracles said to have occurred there. It’s one of the most stunning churches we’ve ever seen, both inside and out!
Along the way, we made a few extra stops, including a quick visit to the Chocolaterie de l’Île d’Orléans, where we picked up some sweet treats, and the Albert Gilles Copper Art & Museum, where we got a taste of Quebec’s rich craftsmanship.
This tour is a must for anyone who’s short on time in Quebec City but still wants to get out and explore the surrounding region! After all, it would be such a shame to miss these breathtaking sights while you’re here.
4. Go whale watching
Tour Details
Quebec’s maritime regions are home to some of the best whale watching spots in the world, so you can’t pass up the chance to enjoy this whale watching tour while you’re here! You can’t do much whale watching in Quebec itself, but this full-day cruise whisked us out to Baie-Sainte-Catherine for an epic whale watching cruise.
We had the choice between a smaller Zodiac cruise and a three-deck big boat cruise. We went for the Zodiac option because it was smaller, faster, and allowed us to get much closer to the whales!
As we zipped through the water, we were lucky enough to see minke, humpback, and beluga whales, as well as some dolphins and a handful of playful seals.
Being so close to all of that marine life was just amazing. We even saw a minke whale leaping right out of the water, just meters away from our boat!
Our naturalist guide was exceptional and shared so many interesting facts and stories about the marine life we saw. Meanwhile, the views of the Saguenay River and the surrounding landscapes were breathtaking!
If you’re looking for a day of wildlife, beautiful scenery, and a little thrill on the water, this whale-watching tour is an absolute must! We can’t wait to do it again.
5. Ride an e-bike around Montmorency Falls
Tour Details
For lovers of the great outdoors, this Montmorency Falls e-bike tour is the BEST way to explore the Quebec countryside. We loved every moment of this tour, and I must say, the use of an e-bike definitely made the 16-mile (25-kilometer) ride a lot easier.
The tour began in Old Quebec’s Lower Town, where we met our guide and group at a local bike shop. After getting fitted with e-bikes, we were off on a relaxed and mostly flat ride, so there’s really no need to have a lot of cycling experience!
The route took us through the Saint-Charles River, where we enjoyed beautiful views before stopping at Domaine de Maizerets, a historic park with gardens and walking trails.
Next, we biked along the Saint Lawrence River and saw windsurfers and bird-watchers in action at Beauport Bay. When we arrived at Montmorency Falls, we parked our bikes and took the cable car up to the top for an incredible view. I loved taking in the sights on the way up, and they were even better when we got to the top!
Next, we walked on the boardwalk and across the suspended bridge for even more stunning perspectives. Then, we finished the tour with a peaceful ride back to Old Quebec. It was such a fun and wholesome way to explore—no wonder it has hundreds of rave reviews.
6. Explore the Island of Orleans on a food tour
Tour Details
Exploring the Island of Orleans is a must while you’re in Quebec, and what better way to get to know this beautiful and historic area than through its food? We had no idea where to start, so we booked this food tour and it turned out to be a fantastic experience!
We were picked up from a central location in Quebec City and made our way to the island, which took about 35 minutes. The Island of Orleans was one of the first places where French immigrants settled in Quebec, and it’s still a real microcosm of Quebec’s rich cultural heritage.
Our first stop was a gorgeous vineyard where we tasted some of the island’s finest, which was a treat in itself, but the stunning views of the Beaupré coast made the experience even more special. Next, we headed to an apple farm to try the Île d’Orleans’ famous ice cider! It’s super sweet and refreshing.
From there, we visited a chocolaterie where we indulged in rich, handmade chocolates while enjoying an incredible view of Quebec City from the terrace. It was heaven for someone with a sweet tooth like me! We also visited a nougat shop to sample nougat, caramel, and lots of other tasty treats.
Between the flavorful stops and the stunning scenery, it’s no wonder this tour always sells out! We loved everything about it, so don’t hesitate to book.
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7. Take a private walking tour in Quebec City
Tour Details
If you want to really get to know Quebec, then this private walking tour is the way to go! It has a stellar reputation, so we were really excited for it, and it certainly lived up to the hype.
Our guide, Anne, was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about Quebec City’s history. She made the tour both super educational and entertaining from the moment it kicked off in the Upper Town.
Anne gave us fascinating insights into the Fortifications of Quebec, explaining how the city’s historic walls defended it for centuries. We also stopped by the Citadelle, which was so interesting to see in person, as it’s still an active military base!
Another memorable stop was the majestic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Anne shared stories about the iconic hotel and its place in the city’s history, including tales of its two resident ghosts!
We also visited Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church, one of the oldest stone churches in Canada, and the Place Royale, where Quebec City’s roots began. For me, a highlight was walking along the Quartier Petit Champlain, which is said to be one of the most beautiful streets in North America. Trust me, when you visit, you’ll totally see why!
Exploring Quebec City with a private guide was such a special experience. No wonder it has hundreds of incredible reviews! Plus, it’s priced per tour, not per person, making it a budget-friendly choice for groups. But for that reason, it usually sells out, so be sure to book in advance!
Related Read: To make sure you have the best time in Quebec City, follow our epic 3-day guide here!
8. Go hiking in the Quebec Forest with goats
Tour Details
This hiking with goats adventure in the Quebec forest might just be the most unexpectedly delightful thing we’ve ever done! We had so much fun hiking alongside our guide, François, who’s an absolute gem of a human with a clear love for nature.
We mainly booked this tour because we wanted to go hiking in the Quebec forest, and we worried about getting lost. But what we got was so much more than just a guided hike. Our four-legged companions completely stole the show!
Yes, we’re talking about goats. Our hiking companions, Theo, Monsieur, and Sven, were sweet and hilarious. They trotted along beside us and delighted us with their curious and cuddly personalities.
Meanwhile, Luna, the shepherd dog, bounded around us with her endless energy but always kept an eye on her herd—aka, us! As the trail led us deep into the gorgeous and peaceful Quebec forest, we marveled at a massive beaver dam and learned how to recognize different animal tracks and spot signs of wildlife.
We wrapped up the tour with an awesome picnic lunch in the woods—think cured meats, local cheeses, crusty baguettes, and super fresh fruits and veggies. It felt rustic and gourmet at once, and we washed it all down with a cold drink. Perfection!
This tour was such a heartwarming experience. We can’t say enough good things about it, so if you’re looking for a unique adventure in Quebec, be sure to book this fantastic guided hike with goats!
9. Explore Quebec City on an e-bike
Tour Details
This e-bike tour is a fun, active, and downright cool way to explore Québec City! We weren’t sure what to expect, but it turned out to be one of our favorite experiences of our trip.
We met our small group and guide near the St. Lawrence River, and after a quick safety briefing, we hopped on our electric bikes, which were super smooth and easy to use. They definitely made pedaling up to the Plains of Abraham Park a lot easier! The views of the city and the Saint Lawrence River from here were just amazing.
I also loved riding along the Promenade Samuel de Champlain and seeing the famous Château Frontenac hotel. Our guide, Danielle, taught us so much about Quebec’s rich history, from historic battles to quirky cultural tales.
Best of all, the tour never felt rushed. We stopped for photos often, had lots of time to chat with our guide, and took a break at an observation tower to enjoy the view of the Laurentians in the distance.
It was such a fun way to sightsee—without breaking a sweat! Thanks to the e-bikes, we covered a lot of ground in just three hours, making this tour a great option if you’re short on time, too.
10. Go hiking in Jacques-Cartier National Park with a guide
Tour Details
The last time we visited Quebec, we really wanted to go hiking in Jacques-Cartier National Park, but we didn’t have a ton of time to do loads of research or figure out the logistics. So, we booked this guided hiking tour and ended up having a fantastic time exploring the park’s most beautiful trails.
The national park is less than an hour’s drive from the city, but once we arrived, we felt as though we had entered another world entirely. Everywhere we looked, there were towering trees, rushing rivers, and those iconic Laurentian mountains towering over us.
One of the biggest perks of this tour was that we didn’t have to spend hours deciding which trails were worth it or worrying about getting lost. Our friendly guide, Lauren, knew the area inside and out and made sure we got to hit the most scenic spots, with plenty of time for photos and rest breaks along the way.
The hike itself was accessible and great for all levels, so this tour is perfect if you’re not looking for a super strenuous day but still want those postcard-worthy views. Plus, the pace was super relaxed, with plenty of time to soak in the scenery and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
If you want a stress-free nature escape while in Quebec, this is it. It was wholesome, beautifully organized, and the reset that we didn’t even know we needed. Don’t miss it!
Where to Stay in Quebec City
Québec City is full of charming neighborhoods, but if you want to be in the heart of it all, Old Quebec is hands-down the best place to stay. This historic district puts you within walking distance of top sights, cozy cafés, and stunning architecture. Plus, it’s where many of the city’s best tours conveniently begin and end! Staying here means less time commuting and more time enjoying your trip.
There are lots of great hotels in Old Quebec. So to make things easier for you, I’ve rounded up some great accommodation options below so you can wake up right where the magic happens!
Luxury – $$$
Auberge Saint-Antoine is hands down one of the most charming and luxurious hotels in Québec City! With its goose down duvets and heated bathroom floors, you’ll always wake up feeling cozy and well-rested here. There’s a luxury fitness center and spa on site, but if you can drag yourself away from those facilities, then you’re just steps from the boutiques of Petit Champlain and the Old Port waterfront. Plus, many top tours depart right nearby, making it the perfect base for exploring the city.
Rooms at Auberge Saint-Antoine cost between $350 and $1,200 CAD per night. Check prices and availability over at Booking.com!
Mid-range – $$
Auberge Saint-Pierre is a cozy, boutique hotel tucked into a beautifully restored 19th-century building in Québec City’s historic Old Port. You might expect that a property like this would break the bank, but in fact, it offers a lot of bang for your buck. The rooms are warm and inviting, and the waterfront is right on your doorstep
Depending on the season, rooms start from just $250 CAD per night. Check availability and book your stay here!
Budget – $
If you want to stay in the heart of Quebec’s Old City but don’t want to splurge on a hotel, then Auberge Internationale de Quebec is the answer to your prayers! With both private rooms and dorms, it’s a great option for solo travelers, couples, or groups looking to explore the city without breaking the bank. You’ll be within walking distance of iconic spots like the Citadelle and Battlefields Park, and you can meet fellow travelers in the cozy common areas or at the on-site café bistro.
Dorm beds at Auberge Internationale de Quebec start at around $100 CAD per night. Discover all prices and availability at Booking.com!
Looking for more choices? Check out the full list of hotels in Quebec City here!
Related Read: For a full breakdown of the best areas and hotels in Quebec City, have a look at our detailed Where to Stay guide!
Renting a Car or Camper in Canada
One of the best ways to experience Canada is by hitting the road. Some of the best things to do and attractions are located in remote areas between destinations. For that reason, we highly recommend getting your own wheels!
- Rent a car – To simply rent a vehicle, search on Discover Cars where they compare tons of different rental companies near you. This way you can easily compare prices, features, policies, and more!
- Rent a campervan or motorhome – Motorhome Republic is great for finding a motorhome or campervan to rent in Canada. With your own home on wheels, you can camp in beautiful places and save money on accommodation!
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Thanks for reading!
We hope this list gave you tons of ideas for your trip to Quebec City! These were some of our favorite ways to dive into local history, explore the great outdoors, and eat our way around town. Whether you’re here for a weekend or longer, adding even a few of these activities will make your visit extra special.
Planning more Canadian adventures? Check out all our Canada blogs here. Or, scroll down for a few handpicked experiences nearby that are perfect to pair with your time in Quebec City!
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