3 Days in Fall Itinerary
Québec City in fall is vibrant and mesmerizing. Hues of ruby red, golden yellow, and sunset orange adorn the city. The days are warm and the nights are breezy, making it a perfect time to explore Old Québec, savour the local terroir, relax at a spa, and connect with nature. Here is a suggested itinerary that will help you make the most of your stay and capture the essence of Québec City in fall.
Trip Itinerary
Highlights
- A journey through history to discover a UNESCO heritage treasure
- Discoveries of the region's rich terroir
- The best places to see fall colours, in the city and the surrounding area
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Gem
Day 1 Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Gem
- Pamela MacNaughtan
- @dominicpoirot
- André-Olivier Lyra
1Stroll Through Old Québec
1.28 kmWe start the day by admiring a landscape that seems straight out of a postcard. We head towards the Pierre-Dugua-De Mons terrace, accessible from the Dufferin Terrace. From this vantage point, it's hard not to be captivated by the autumnal beauty of the Château Frontenac and the St. Lawrence River
Afterwards, take the time to admire the architectural beauty of the historic district by visiting its most stunning sites while enjoying the autumn landscapes. For a quicker and less strenuous visit, you also have the option of boarding the Red Bus, which allows you to hop on and off at various stops. The first boarding point is located in front of the Infotourist Centre, near the Château Frontenac.
- Observatoire de la Capitale
2Observatoire de la Capitale
0.84 kmTo get well-oriented and enjoy spectacular views, we recommend visiting the Observatoire de la Capitale, the highest viewpoint in the city. From there, you can admire the view of the river, Île d'Orléans and the Plains of Abraham. The star-shaped Citadelle and the fortifications surrounding the city provide a truly impressive panorama!
- Plaines d'Abraham, Francis Fontaine
- Emmanuel Coveney
3Plains of Abraham
2.07 kmThis 240-acre park is one of the best places in Québec City for fall foliage. Walk along the pathways and visit Jardin Jeanne-d'Arc. The museum is great to learn about the famous battles of the Plains of Abraham as well.
- Francis Fontaine
- @annerichardphotographe
- Francis Fontaine
4Petit-Champlain and Place Royale
Walk along Rue du Petit-Champlain, one of the most beautiful streets in Canada, to do some shopping and discover the talent of our artisans. If you find the area busy during the day, come back in the evening to enjoy its charm in tranquility!
In the same area, the legendary setting of Place Royale, where the city was founded in 1608, will captivate you. To capture your visit to this area, head to Place des Canotiers, a beautiful public square where you can take in a sweeping view of the Château Frontenac, Petit-Champlain, and the Old Port.
Feeling hungry? No worries—enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants inside the fortifications or in Petit-Champlain.
- Natural Wonder and Exploration of Local Terroir
Day 2 Natural Wonder and Exploration of Local Terroir
- @jayroyusa
- @ellieandmommy_
5Montmorency Waterfalls Park
17.85 kmStanding at 83 metres-high, Montmorency Falls is taller than Niagara Falls. Watch the fall from the pathway above the falls, then take the stairs to the base. In fall, the waterfalls are stunning, and we recommend enjoying them from every angle. You can also ride the cable car and try the zipline.
- @bubblyjohannie
- Todd Fraser 2022
- Virginie Gosselin
6Île d’Orléans
38.96 kmTouring Île d'Orléans is a must-do activity in the fall. You can spend hours discovering local artisans and tasting their products. Confiturerie Tigidou has the best homemade jams and a chocolate-dipped cone at Chocolaterie de l'Île d'Orléans is a must.
A gourmet lunch at Cassis Monna et filles is always a good idea, but several other restaurants also offer gourmet meals with stunning views. Several wineries are also open to the public for tastings. The drive on Route du Mitan and the visit of Île d’Orléans are highly recommended as the fall colours are gorgeous here.
- Onhwa' Lumina - Moment Factory
7Discovery of the Huron-Wendat Nation
Are you still up for more? In Wendake, not far from Québec City, this is one of our favourite evening activities. Onhwa' Lumina is an interactive 1.2 km trail highlighting the history and culture of the Huron-Wendat Nation. It's a rhythmic vibrant journey with video and light installations.
- Hiking and Relaxation
Day 3 Hiking and Relaxation
- Steve_Deschenes, parc national de la Jacques-Cartier, Sépaq
- @loredana_botar
8Jacques-Cartier National Park
39.06 kmSome of the best fall foliage is at Jacques-Cartier National Park. Go on a hiking tour through the park with Quatre Natures, watch wildlife or go canoeing. This is also a perfect place for snapping autumn photos that are sure to make your friends and family envious!
- Strøm spa nordique
- Cassandra Bastien-Rivest
9Relax at a Nordic Spa
Québec's climate makes it an ideal place for an authentic Nordic spa experience. After hiking at the park, go to Nordique or Sibéria spa for an afternoon of pampering. Both offer charming settings, surrounded by trees and snuggled beside rivers. The plunge pools, saunas, and hammocks are ready and waiting! In Old Québec, along the St. Lawrence River, Strøm Spa is another wonderful option.
Tonight, try one of the best fine dining restaurants of Old Québec for an evening to remember.