Must-See Attractions: Top 10 Things to Do

Aerial view of Old Québec in winter, with the frozen St. Lawrence River, Château Frontenac and Holy Trinity Church.
Francis Gagnon

Québec City’s history, friendly vibe, and myriad attractions throughout the year make it a stand‑out travel destination. Every season brings its own special activities and stunning sights. This list of top attractions will help you plan your visit and enjoy a trip that hits all the right notes.

Include these essentials in your itinerary, they are not to be missed!

  • 1

    Old Québec

    Stroll North America's oldest streets

    Walk along the fortified walls surrounding this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the view from every angle.  For all its 400 years of incredible history, it’s still very much alive: magical in the winter and popping in the summer. Full of charming little streets and local shops, Old Québec is best visited on foot and we highly recommend a walking tour to learn about its fascinating history.

    Château Frontenac

    Québec City’s most famous landmark is also the most photographed hotel in the world. Whether you’re just stopping by for a tour of the Château or staying for the night, it’s well worth a visit!

    Dufferin Terrace

    Take a stroll along Dufferin Terrace for a magnificent view of the St. Lawrence River and Château Frontenac, as well as live entertainment in the summer and a toboggan run in the winter. Named in honour of Lord Dufferin, a governor general of Canada who loved Québec City, the terrace is so eternally popular that it has been expanded twice since it was first built. While you’re there, hit up another historic site: the remains of the Saint‑Louis Forts and Châteaux, which lie beneath this iconic promenade.

    The Ramparts and Gates

    Did you know that Québec is the only walled city north of Mexico? The walls and four gates that surround the Old City will make you feel like you’ve travelled back in time.

    Petit-Champlain

    With its many local shops and enchanting ambiance, this charming pedestrian street is sure to win you over. Known for its concentration of art galleries and fine bistros, Petit‑Champlain is a bona fide memory maker.

    Place Royale

    Place Royale, this historical gem, is where Québec City was officially founded. The unique period architecture testifies to the combined French and British influences so characteristic of the city’s built environment.

    Plains of Abraham

    On September 13, 1759, the giant urban park known as the Plains of Abraham was the site of the famous Battle of Québec, the confrontation that decided Canada’s fate when the French lost the city to the British.

    Citadelle de Québec

    At the top of the famous Cap Diamant lies the biggest British fortress in North America. Built by the British between 1820 and 1850 to defend the city, the Citadelle is a remarkable military heritage site and home to the Musée Royal 22e Regiment, where you can learn all about the history of the regiment and the fortress. 

    Basilica Cathedral Notre-Dame de Québec

    Located in the heart of Old Québec, this basilica cathedral was home to the first Catholic parish north of the Spanish colonies. It’s also the site of the first and only Holy Door outside Europe, which is currently open on the occasion of the 350th anniversary of the diocese of Québec until December 8, 2024.

    Old Port

    The streets of the Old Port are perfect for strolling through art galleries and antique shops. The picturesque streets are lined with magnificent houses. It is also the starting point for a boat tour.

  • 2

    Montmorency Falls

    See a waterfall that’s 30 metres higher than Niagara Falls

    Whether you’re riding the gondola, climbing the scenic stairway or crossing the suspension bridge, the views of the Montmorency Falls are simply breathtaking. Experience the power of nature, only 15 minutes from downtown. 

    Suspension Bridge

    From Manoir Montmorency, a path runs along the cliff’s edge to the suspension bridge at the very top of the falls. Once on the bridge, you’ll experience the overwhelming power of the falls as it rushes and roars beneath your feet.

    Cable Car

    Take the gondola for more great views of the falls and a superb panorama of Île d’Orléans and Québec City.

    Zipline

     If you’re a thrill-seeker, the double zipline will get you extremely close to the falls. Experience the adrenaline rush on your own or with a friend. You’ll be talking about it for months! 

    The Manoir restaurant and terrace

    The chef of Manoir Montmorency invites you to pull up a chair on the terrace. The natural panoramic scenery is exceptional, the menu features a vast array of delights, and the culinary offerings overflow with colour and flavour.

    Montmorency Falls in Winter

    The Montmorency Falls turn into a playground for ice climbers in the winter. As soon as the cold hits, the mist from the falls freezes into the famous “pain de sucre,” or sugar loaf, an impressive natural ice formation.

    I had no idea there was a stunning waterfall just minutes from Old Québec! I loved ziplining across the waterfalls at Parc de la Chute-Montmorency. It was such an adrenaline rush! It's also the perfect spot for a hike with epic views.

    - Sarah MacLean, Wellness Travelled, Toronto

  • 3

    Jacques-Cartier National Park

    Explore one of Québec’s most dazzling glacial valleys

    Jacques‑Cartier National Park, a vast and mountainous plateau crisscrossed by deep valleys and rivers, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. There are a multitude of ways to experience the park and its lush surroundings. Hiking along the many trails, you may encounter beavers, deer, and even moose in their natural habitats.

    Hiking Trails

    Jacques‑Cartier National Park boasts over 100 km of hiking trails. With its abundant greenery and breathtaking views, it’s a great place to discover the beauty of the region. In the fall, the hillsides covered in blazing fall foliage make for a memorable experience.

    Camping Sites

    If you like camping, you’ll be happy to know that there are a number of cozy campsites where you can pitch a tent for the night. You can also stay in a permanent tent, yurt, or small wood cabin

    Kayaking & Canoeing

    Explore the river valley aboard a canoe or kayak, just like the First Peoples who have navigated its waters for centuries. Floating on a river that’s quiet and roaring by turns, you’ll be blown away by the sheer size of the valley walls and the forest with its endless shades of green.

    Jacques‑Cartier National Park in Winter

     When the park is covered in snow, it’s time to pull out the snowshoes, enjoy the great outdoors, and do some backcountry skiing.

  • 4

    Île d'Orléans

    Connect with local artisans on a day trip full of history and flavours

    Stop in at the many artisan outlets and farm stands around the island for a delicious sampling of local products and the tastiest shopping you’ve done in years! Driving around Île d'Orléans is like a trip back in time to 18th century rural Québec, complete with centuries-old villages, farms, churches, and heritage homes. As the birthplace of French North America, it’s ground zero for many of our ancestors—families that arrived from France and went on to make their homes throughout the continent. The island is also home to 5 of Québec’s prettiest villages.

    Local Artisans and Products

     You’ll find plenty of gourmet stops on the island. Visit the vineyards, cider producers, chocolate shops, vinegar makers, and cheesemakers and enjoy a picnic in one of the picturesque villages looking out over the St. Lawrence River. The island is so authentic and the people so welcoming, you’re bound to have a memorable day.

    Enchanting Heritage Sites

     Île d’Orléans has over 600 historic buildings that have been lovingly restored and preserved, including magnificent stone houses that date back to the French colonial era and the oldest rural church in New France. 

  • 5

    Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec

    Appreciate fine art at the world’s largest collection of Québec art

    Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ) houses a reference collection of more than 40,000 works—a comprehensive overview of Québec art from the 17th century to the present day. Visit the museum’s pavilions nestled in the vast expanse of the Plains of Abraham and take the full measure of the talented artists from here and elsewhere whose works are on display. 

    Exhibitions

     In the museum’s permanent collections you’ll find works by Québec’s greatest painters as well as an impressive collection of Inuit art. 
    *You can access all the exhibitions and activities in the Pierre Lassonde Pavilion, but the other pavilions are closed for construction.

    A Stunning Pavilion

    A favourite with Instagrammers, the Lassonde Pavilion is a stunning piece of architecture. The walkways and staircases bathed in the light streaming in from the tall glass windows are sure to win you over. 

    Family Fun

     With workshops for kids and guided tours, MNBAQ is fun for the whole family!

  • 6

    Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine

    Spend a quiet moment at the oldest pilgrimage site north of Mexico

    Follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims who have been coming to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine, one of 5 national shrines in Québec, for over 350 years to pay homage to Saint Anne. Step inside and admire the glorious stained glass, paintings, mosaics, and stone and wooden sculptures that adorn the basilica. Attributed with miraculous healing powers, Saint Anne is a popular saint among people who are sick and handicapped. You’ll see many objects hung from the sanctuary columns in gratitude for Saint Anne’s favours. In summer, it's possible to take a low-cost river shuttle to get to the sanctuary from the Old Port.

    The Vault

    Decorated in mosaics that tell the life of Saint Anne, the vault is a favourite with visitors.

    The Way of the Cross

    Outside, below the escarpment, you can make a modern‑day pilgrimage along the path that takes you past 14 stations illustrating moments in the Passion of Christ. Built gradually between 1913 to 1945, each station features 5 bronze statues.

  • 7

    Village Vacances Valcartier / Ice Hotel

    Have fun at Eastern Canada’s largest theme park

    Village Vacances Valcartier is a gigantic complex that boasts a huge outdoor waterpark and an indoor waterpark open year-round! In the winter, you can go nuts in the biggest winter playground in the Americas and visit North America’s only ice hotel.

    An Outdoor Waterpark

    In the summer the 35 waterslides, 2 adventure rivers, and huge wavepool make for an unforgettable day full of thrilling fun! 

    Bora Park, the Indoor Waterpark

    Open 365 days a year, this indoor waterpark has 14 slides, including 2 extreme slides, a family pool with water toys, a surfing wave, and an adventure river. 

    The Ice Hotel

    From January to March, you can visit North America’s only ice hotel and even spend the night. This temporary work of art is built entirely out of ice and snow and features rooms, a chapel, and an ice bar.

    A Winter Playground

    Everyone will have a blast playing in the snow in this giant winter playground, with tubing runs as far as the eye can see! Thrill seekers can go barrelling down the hill in a snow raft or spinning at high speed in the Tornade. And to get you back to the top in record time, the hill is equipped with tow ropes.

  • 8

    Wendake

    Explore Huron-Wendat ancestral traditions

    Experience Huron‑Wendat culture in Wendake, the beating heart of the Huron‑Wendat Nation. Share in their long history, culture, and traditional knowledge as you take in dancing, hear stories and legends, and visit the Huron‑Wendat Museum and the authentic craft stores in the village, located a few minutes from downtown Québec City. Round out the immersive indigenous experience by tasting the finest Northern terroir cuisine, with subtle and succulent dishes featuring game meat and corn.

    The Huron-Wendat Culture

    The Huron Onhoüa Chetek8e Traditional Site is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the history, culture, and way of life of the Huron‑Wendat people, yesterday and today. After that, stop by the Huron‑Wendat Museum for a craft workshop or to hear myths and legends by the fire in the longhouse.

    The Night-Illuminated Pathway

    Dont' miss Onhwa’ Lumina, a new  enchanted multimedia night walk into the heart of Wendat Culture. It is the only immersive multimedia experience of its kind to be open summer and winter in Québec.

    First Nations Cuisine

    Corn, game meat, and fish take centre stage in Wendake’s restaurants. Get a taste of Indigenous culinary culture at La Traite, located within the Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations, a boutique hotel and museum complex.

  • 9

    Musée de la civilisation

    Learn something new at one of Québec’s most popular interactive museums

    Join in hands-on workshops for the whole family on a wide range of current, historical, and sometimes unusual subjects. Musée de la civilisation sheds new light on diverse societies and moments in history through a mix of permanent and temporary exhibits with an international or Québec focus. 

    Permanent Exhibitions

    Explore Québec culture with original exhibits at Musée de la civilisation. The latest exhibition, In Other Words, Québec, showcases historical events that have shaped the evolution of Québec society.This Is Our Story was created in partnership with 11 Indigenous nations as a way of presenting their contemporary cultures and sharing how they see the world.

    The Youth Zones

    Musée de la civilisation is Québec City’s premier family museum, with family‑friendly programming and  interactive exhibitions. It’s an educational outing your kids will love! 

  • 10

    Aquarium du Québec

    Enter the fascinating world of nearly 10,000 specimens from 300 species!

    Aquarium du Québec is spectacularly located overlooking the St. Lawrence River. Visit the Awesome Ocean Discovery tunnel to check out the creatures that inhabit the depths of the Pacific, and find out about Québec’s rivers and streams too. Make acquaintances with marine species like polar bears, seahorses, and several species of seals. On the aquarium grounds you’ll find everything you need to spend an unforgettable day as a family: splash pads, picnic spots with a view of the St. Lawrence River, and a ropes course for the kids. 

    The Awesome Ocean Discovery Tunnel

     See an underwater world from below as you walk through an enormous aquarium in the Awesome Ocean Discovery Tunnel. 

    Fascinating Jellyfish and Seahorses

    Meet the marine animals that live in our oceans in the Deep Sea Pavilion. You’ll see hundreds of jellyfish, seahorses, seadragons, and an interactive pool for petting rays.


Équipe édito
Editorial Team

As proud residents of our beloved city, we’re delighted to be sharing our tips about the things and places we love most in the Québec City area. Always on the lookout for what's new, we have decades of experience for Québec City's official tourist guide. What a joy for us to help you discover everything this vibrant and welcoming city has to offer!

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