You’ll never forget the first time that you visit Quebec City. As you stroll the cobblestone streets, admire the medieval style cottages, and stare up at the infamous Chateau Frontenac, you’ll be left wondering, what took me so long to get here!? The word ‘idyllic’ gets overused in travel writing, but in the case of Quebec City, it’s the perfect word. Whether you’re heading there in the reprieve of summer or the throes of winter, I and a few other travel bloggers are happy to share our favorite things to do!
Musee National des Beaux Arts Du Quebec.
Contributor: Camille, Everything Yoga Retreat
Climb the Old Ramparts.
Contributor: Stephanie, Wandering Why Traveler
The city has an ample amount of military history, and an easy and free way to get somewhat of a sense for that is to climb around the ramparts (or city wall). Various parts of the wall were built between the 16th and 18th centuries. It’s pretty cool to imagine who might have walked or touched the same spot that you’re on. Or maybe just I think that because I’m a history nerd!
Needless to say, the ramparts provide amazing views and photo ops. This is especially true if you go in the summer during a lively evening and if you explore right before sunset.
Montmerency Falls.
Contributor: Sophie, Solo Sophie
Parc de la Chute-Montmorency is not a Québec national park and so entrance rates apply to almost all visitors. However, the price of entry is well worth the chance to enjoy the stunning vistas that the park offers. Included in the price of your ticket, you’ll receive a park map and be able to enjoy the Panoramic Circuit which offers various views of the falls and their surroundings.
For an extra fee, and for those looking for a more adventurous activity while visiting the Quebec City area, it’s possible to opt to go on the via ferrata routes or the zipline. In order to at least scratch the surface of what the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency offers, visitors will want to set aside around half a day.
Collect Unique Quebec City Souvenirs.
Contributor: Stephanie, Wandering Why Traveler
One thing that I’m obsessed with doing on trips is collecting unique souvenirs. It can be really disappointing to go looking for the perfect artisanal trinket made by a local and to only come across junkie key chains and mugs probably not even made in the country.
In Quebec City, I was really happy to see locally sourced ciders (in a decorative bottle — mom loved that one!) As well as maple syrup “lollipopified” with ice and these adorable Canadian dolls!
Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City.
Contributor: Kenny, Knycx Journeying
Quebec City is a magical and historic city in Canada and a first trip there won’t be complete without a visit to Old Town. Château Frontenac is a historic hotel in Old Quebec and the centerpiece of the promontory of Quebec City – it is also the most photographed landmark.
Château Frontenac is a giant structure located within the district’s Upper Town. It can be seen from various spots around the city. One of the best ways to see it is on a scenic cruise in the Saint Lawrence River. The hotel was designed by American architect Bruce Price in Châteauesque style and is owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway company.
The hotel was opened in 1893, and it was assigned as a National Historic Site in 1981. It has 18 floors and 600 suites. For over a hundred years, it has welcomed numerous celebrity guests including Princess Grace of Monaco, Prince Andrew, Sir Paul McCartney, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Angelina Jolie. Even if you are not a hotel guest, you are welcome to enter the building. You can admire the beautiful lobby with valuable artifacts dating back 400 years. Join a guided tour to learn more about the history and fun facts of this castle.
One of the things to do in quebec city in winter is to drop by the Quebec Winter Carnival which takes place right across Chateau Frontenac, with food stalls and all sorts of winter activities. Another beautiful hotel in Quebec that we visited is Hotel du vuex and i documented my experience here.
Dufferin Terrace.
Contributor: Stephanie, Wandering Why Traveler
Coming off the heels of the infamous chateau, you might be wondering, well, what if I can’t afford a stay at the hotel? Not to worry, you can still get incredible views of both the mega-hotel and the St. Lawrence River when you walk the Dufferin Terrace. In the summer there’s live music and in the winter, you can go tobogganing! (Would you expect anything different in Quebec?!)
Notre Dame des Victoires & Place Royale.
Contributor: Stephanie, Wandering Why Traveler
The Place Royale is where Samuel de Champlain founded the city of Quebec. You’re basically bound to run into it as you walk around the city. Place Royale’s history of cutesy, colorful cottages stretches all the way back to the 1600s.
The original wooden structures have burned down and been replaced twice since then. Each new structure in this area has been re-created with historical accuracy. Meaning, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a time machine and were launched to Medieval France (or really, Canada, but the architecture is the same). For those who couldn’t care less about history, a comparison I would make is to the town from Beauty and the Beast.
Pop into the oldest stone church in North America and marvel at the fact that people have been walking in, marveling, and praying since 1688. The architecture really is breathtaking. I didn’t want to leave! Afterwards, watch artificial snow float around the infamous bust of Louis XIV which sits inside of a plastic igloo.
He was the reigning monarch when Quebec City was founded, so he lives in infamy forever, evidently. Last, you should absolutely grab a bite at La Maison Smith. Enjoy delicious food and take a minute to soak up all the feelings of traveling back in time.
Museum of Civilization in Quebec City.
Contributor: Emma, Emma’s Roadmap
I would love to visit these places! The dolls are cute! xoxo Lovely www.mynameislovely.com
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