7 Days in Québec City: Explore the Essentials and Local Secrets

Walking tours unlock Old Québec’s history, taking in must-see sites, and the occasional hidden gem. All while walking among 18^th and 19^th century architecture with intriguing architectural flourishes. 

Québec City is the only remaining fortified city north of Mexico. Taking a guided tour of the Fortifications of Québec reveals the history of the city, from the stone walls lined with canons to the artillery and other military buildings.  

On a clear day, we love going to Observatoire de la Capitale for a postcard-perfect panoramic view of the city, 221 metres up! It’s located at Édifice Marie-Guyart, a short walk from the Plains of Abraham Museum. 

Outside the walls, the Plains of Abraham Museum is the best place to learn about the famous battle of 1759 between the French and the British.

Its fascinating new exhibit on the American invasion, Québec 1775: Blizzards and Battle, is also worth visiting.  

Stop for happy hour and enjoy an aperitif on one of the city’s many restaurant patios. Try traditional Québec fare at one of the city’s great restaurants.

The Citadelle is the largest British fortress in North America. It is an integral part of the Québec fortifications.

In the summer, the Royal 22^nd Regiment band performs there almost every morning, providing an excellent way to start the day.

Taking a guided tour of Château Frontenac reveals many of its historical secrets and famous guests. Outside, Dufferin Terrace stretches across Cap Diamant, offering pretty views, and underneath is one of Québec City’s best hidden gems, Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site.  

Holy Trinity is the first Anglican church built outside of Britain, home to several artefacts and beautiful stained-glass windows.

Dating back to 1647, Notre-Dame de Québec has been rebuilt several times over the years.

It’s the home to the only Holy Door outside of Europe, which is opened until 8 December 2024 in celebration of the 350^th anniversary of the Québec diocese. 

Established in the 17th-century, Monastère des Augustines is a wellness retreat in the heart of Old Québec. There is a fascinating museum, wellness classes, and a health-forward restaurant.  

For lunch or dinner, try out one of these fun restaurants in Old Québec.

Start the day with a walk through the cobblestone streets of Petit-Champlain, shopping for unique souvenirs in artisan boutiques and admiring the 18^th century architecture. Some of Québec’s best artisans can be found here. 

Immersion Québec uses virtual reality to bring the city’s important historical events to life. A VR headset is all it takes to travel through time on this 40-minute immersive journey.

Musée de la civilisation has interactive exhibits that are fun for all ages. Its permanent exhibition dedicated to the history of the province, In Other Words, Québec, is a must-visit to discover the significant events that have shaped the province.

The Old Port neighbourhood is full of antique shops and art galleries. On a warm day, drinking a cocktail or beer while soaking your feet in a wading pool at La Cale is the best way to relax. 

In the evening, Québec City sparkles and an evening cruise on the St. Lawrence River or a ride on the Québec-Lévis ferry has its own kind of magic. It’s a popular activity for a romantic evening under the stars. 

15 minutes from Old Québec is Montmorency Falls Park, home to a thundering 83-metre-high waterfall. Hike along the trails and zipline across the falls, if you dare. There also is a cable car and fun tours with costumed guides. The view from the bottom of the falls is spectacular. 

Île d’Orléans, the Garden of Québec City, is home to wineries and the best strawberries in the country. There are lavender fields, wine tours, and several gourmet food experiences. It’s also a beautiful place to sea kayak. 

At the end of the day, seek out a microbrewery and try the poutine, a Québec staple. Later, mingle with the locals at one of the can’t-miss events of the summer.

Drive along one of the oldest roads in Québec, Route de la Nouvelle-France. The road winds through quaint villages with ancestral homes and a few farms. Along the way, we love to stop at Chez Marie bakery for their homemade bread, which is still made in their outdoor oven – a scrumptious hidden gem. 

Travelling without a car? Take the river shuttle from the Port of Québec to get directly to the Shrine. 

A guided tour is the best way to experience the beauty and intrigues of the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré shrine. The pilgrimage destination is truly stunning. 

Canyon Sainte-Anne is a great spot for hiking and enjoying nature. This site is accessible for people with limited mobility and children of all ages, making it ideal for a family outing. It’s also home to the AirCanyon, which sails 90 metres (295 feet) in the air across waterfalls and the canyon floor. 

We suggest renting an e-bike in Old Port and riding to the nearby neighbourhoods. Each neighbourhood has its own unique character, allowing visitors to select which one to explore based on their interests. The first suggested stop is Cartier Avenue in Montcalm, where you can also appreciate local and international art at the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec.

In Saint-Jean-Baptiste, we find some of the city’s best bars, great local boutiques as well as the oldest running grocery store in Canada, J.A. Moisan.

The riverside boardwalk, Promenade Samuel-De Champlain, is filled with art and relaxing green spaces. It’s also Québec City’s newest swimming hotspot, Station de la plage. The site is accessible via a bike path from the Old Port.

A Nordic spa experience awaits at Strøm Spa, which is tucked beside the St. Lawrence River. After a few thermal cycles, we suggest a healthy dinner in the restaurant onsite or a relaxing massage. 

Whale watching with Croisières AML is the perfect way to cap off a trip to Québec City. Be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and a camera. 

To finish off a beautiful week, have a meal at one of the city’s best fine dining restaurants.