Quebec City - October 2021

This was my first trip to Quebec City, and I must say, I can't believe I hadn't explored it sooner. It is a very underrated city and an absolute must! You'll feel like you've gone to Europe; with its beautiful architecture, history, fashion, and food. Quebec City is perfect for a weekend getaway. You can combine with a stopover in Montreal and/or some amazing hiking outside of the city.

Go! See this beautiful gem; the vast St. Lawrence, the gorgeous views, eat delicious food, and enjoy the great Canadian outdoors. It'll tick all the boxes. I promise.


When to Go

  • It seems that there is so much to do in any season. Summer is, of course, amazing. If you can make it there on Canada Day, I hear the fireworks are second to none. There is fantastic hiking and parks around for you to explore.
  • Fall is for colours colours and more colours. Quebec City is gorgeous with the fall foliage. Hiking is definitely a must. 
  • Winter has been highly recommended. The city has amazing Christmas decorations, some of the best you'll see. There is also the famous Winter Festival. It just gets cold!  



Where to Stay:

  • I stayed at the Hotel Clarendon. It's is located in a perfect spot. You'll be right in the center of the old part of town.
Other Hotels recommended from my research are listed below. I like to book hotels through booking.com. If renting Airbnb, I recommend staying anywhere that is walking distance to the old part of town:

What to See:

Day 1: Start with the upper part of town

  • Begin with a stroll along Saint-Jean street with its many boutiques, restaurants, churches and historical buildings. This street turns into pedestrian only street at certain times of year
  • Stop at Paillard bakery for breakfast
  • Place D'Youville - historic square with an ice rink in winter
  • Walk towards the parliament building. You can go inside, for free, but the views outside of the building are very nice as well
  • See Plains of Abraham
  • Citadelle - walk the wall, there are some gorgeous views
  • Walk the Terrasse Pierre Dugua De Mons - great views
  • Come further down to Dufferin Terrace. In winter, the slide is open. Walk the terrace, enjoy the views and this will bring you directly to the Chateau
  • Fairmont Chateau Frontenac - go inside, walk around it, take pictures outside. It really is amazing!
After the Chateau it's a good time to start moving towards the lower part of town.
  • Rue du Petit Champlain - have to come a level down from the chateau (by stairs or Funicular)
  • La Fresque is the biggest wall mural in Quebec City. It depicts Quebec's history, and it really is an amazing vision. You feel like you're about to walk into the wall
  • Place Royale - oldest square in Quebec City
  • Notre Dame de Quebec
  • Rue du Cul de Sac is the famous street with hanging umbrellas
Tip: to easily get from lower part of town to the top, you can take the Funicular.
  • Old Port
  • Ferry to Levis - this is a 15 min long  ride. Levis is perfect to watch the sunset over Vieux Quebec and Chateau Frontenac. The ferry comes and goes once an hour and there isn't much to do on the other side, other than to enjoy the view. That's something to keep in mind. We had dinner in Levis while waiting for the ferry.
Tip: close to our hotel there was a street called Rue Du Tresor. This is where artists exhibit their work. If you're passing by, walk along this short alley.





Day 2: Venture outside of Quebec City

Tip: I don't recommend doing all of these in one day. Unfortunately, you may have to choose.



Other Places:

I noted these from research, but didn't get a chance to see.
  • Musee du Fort
  • Cathedrale Holy Trinity
  • Observatoire de la Capitale
  • Morrin Centre - prison turned library

Useful Links:

    Where to Eat:

    The following are the places I personally visited and highly recommend:

    Tip: For dinner, especially, make reservations ahead of time 

    • Paillard - perfect breakfast place
    • Cochon Dingue - great for lunch
    • Champlain Restaurant - for dinner and or brunch - a brunch is a must
    • La Buche - amazing for breakfast. As I was told, it doesn't get more Quebecois than this!
    • Le Corsaire - in Levis if you're waiting for the ferry back
    • Bistro Hortus - really great menu, all natural ingredients some of which are grown on the roof of the Bistro. Ambiance is A+
    • Bistro L'Atelier - slightly out of the city, but worth the 20-minute walk. Great ambiance. They offer dining in a heated dome/bubble outside. 
    • Shaker - a very trendy spot
    These are the places that were highly recommended from my research:
    Bon Voyage (but more like, Bon Appetit)!