10 Ways to Explore Off the Beaten Path

You've probably walked past the Parliament building, the Château Frontenac, the fortifications, or magnificent churches many times, but have you gone in? There's no time like the present to satisfy your curiosity.

Or maybe you're drawn to the hidden side of history. Explore the city's neighbourhoods from a different historical perspective with a theme tour, or take a look at the Old City by lantern-light and hear about its murders and mysteries.

Feel the pulse of the city away from the usual tourist districts as you stroll through lively neighbourhoods, rub shoulders with the locals, and enjoy friendly encounters. Get into the swing of things in Limoilou, a good-natured Bohemian part of town where twisty stairs extend from second-story walk-ups to the ground. Check out the hip restaurants in Saint-Sauveur, some of which have garnered major awards. Over in Montcalm you can feast your eyes on stately homes and linger at one of the charming cafés on Avenue Cartier. Then comb through the treasures in the many one-of-a-kind shops of Saint-Roch.

Check out Québec City Area’s many museums, where learning and fun go hand in hand. You’ll be delighted by their diversity and the great things they have on display.

And don’t miss the local economuseums where you can see artisans at work, learn about traditional crafts, and maybe pick up some great gifts too.

Often, people are content to stroll through Old Québec and admire the European-style architecture, but have you visited the various historical sites of this UNESCO World Heritage treasure?

The Plains of Abraham offer much more than a vast green space. Here, you can engage in several educational activities, such as the exhibition "Battles: 1759-1760," which immerses us in the heart of the siege of Québec through its immersive projection.

A visit to the Citadelle, the most important British fortress in North America, unveils over 300 years of military history and offers some of the most stunning views of Old Québec and the Saint Lawrence River.

At the Musée du Pôle culturel du Monastère des Ursulines, you can experience the touching activity "Echoes of the Heart," an immersive visit to the chapel accompanied by the words, songs, and silences of the nuns from the community.

The Monastère des Augustines is a place rich in history, housing approximately 40,000 artifacts from the 12 Augustinian monastery-hospitals, displayed in a permanent exhibition.

To do things differently, why not theme your walk? You could set goals like touring the staircases, murals, monuments, or artworks. These features are part of the city's unique charm, perfect for discovering or rediscovering! While we've seen countless photos of Old Québec and never get tired of them, there are still lesser-known spots that offer great viewpoints for capturing unique photos.

Take in the St. Lawrence River in all its majesty on Promenade Samuel-De Champlain, the shoreline park that runs along Boulevard Champlain from the Pierre Laporte Bridge to Côte de Sillery. It’s a great place for biking, roller blading, walking, and more.

There’s a linear park along the Saint Charles River as well where you can hike the 32‑kilometre walking path and enjoy all the natural beauty. You’ll see a variety of birds and plants on your way through various natural habitats and historic sites. An oasis!

Did you know you can swim in the St. Lawrence River in Québec City? Baie de Beauport’s fabulous fine-sand beach is a magnet for swimmers and beach-goers. Conditions are great for all kinds of water and beach sports including kayaking, paddleboarding, kitesurfing, and beach volleyball. 

The Station de la Plage is a new beach located on the Promenade Samuel-De Champlain. This magnificent site has everything you need to enjoy beautiful summer days: a sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas, an infinity swimming basin that gives the impression of bathing in the river, a reflecting pool with water fountains, outdoor showers, terraces, and food service.

The St. Lawrence River is omnipresent in Québec City, offering multiple options for boat excursions.

Embark on a guided cruise with Croisières AML to enjoy stunning views of the city, the river, and its shores. Whether it's for lunch or an evening outing, you can indulge in a unique experience with meals made from local products. Did you know you can reach the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine and Canyon Ste-Anne from Old Québec without driving? Croisières AML offers river shuttles for one-way or round-trip journeys.

For those seeking a more intimate connection with the river, a guided tour aboard a zodiac with Excursions Maritimes is recommended.

From Île d’Orléans, you can enjoy a unique sea kayaking experience during the day or at sunset, or explore its coves, currents, and maritime history aboard a rubber boat with Croisières Orléans.

Turn your accommodation into an experience by choosing a fun, unique place to stay. There’s no better way to wrap up a day spent outdoors than by cozying up to a fire in a yurt at Village Yourtes Valcartier or Vallée Bras-du-Nord or in one of the floating houses at Bora-Boréal. Add it to your bucket list!

Québec City is surrounded by lovely countryside packed with things to see and do.

The fabulous natural attractions of the Portneuf area are a secret closely guarded by outdoor enthusiasts. And then there’s Île d’Orléans, dotted with roadside fruit and vegetable stands where visitors sample authentic products of the island’s historic farm culture. Take a trip down the Côte-de-Beaupré shore and fall under the spell of the historic homes along the New France Route. Or set course for adventure amid the tumultuous rivers and mountain peaks of the Jacques Cartier area.