At a glance
- Best for
- History, romance, French culture, food and winter festivals
- Airport
- Québec City Jean Lesage (YQB), about twenty to thirty minutes from the old town
- Time needed
- Two to three days
- Best season
- June to October, and late January to mid February for Winter Carnival
- Getting around
- On foot in Old Quebec, plus the funicular and city buses
- Good base for
- Montmorency Falls, Île d'Orléans and Charlevoix
Why go
Quebec City feels like a European town placed on a cliff above a great river. You can wander for hours through stone streets, stop for crêpes and café au lait, and watch the ferries cross the St. Lawrence. It is smaller and calmer than Montreal, and many visitors say it is their favourite stop in Canada.
Old Quebec
**Old Quebec** (Vieux-Québec) is split into the Upper Town, on top of the cliff, and the Lower Town, by the river. The **Château Frontenac**, a grand hotel with copper roofs, is the city's landmark, and the **Dufferin Terrace** boardwalk in front of it has wide river views. Walk the **ramparts** that circle the Upper Town, and visit the star-shaped **Citadelle**, still an active military base, where the changing of the guard takes place in summer.
Take the **funicular** or the steep **Breakneck Stairs** down to the Lower Town. Here, **Petit-Champlain** is one of the oldest shopping streets in North America, lined with boutiques and cafés, and **Place Royale** marks the spot where the city was founded. The **Museum of Civilization** is nearby.
Beyond the walls
The **Plains of Abraham**, a huge park on the clifftop, was the site of the 1759 battle that changed the course of the continent. **Grande Allée** is the lively strip of terraces and bars just outside the walls. The **Saint-Roch** and **Saint-Jean-Baptiste** neighbourhoods are where locals eat and drink.
Day trips
**Montmorency Falls**, about fifteen minutes away, is taller than Niagara Falls, with a cable car, a suspension bridge and stairs along the cliff. **Île d'Orléans**, across a bridge, is a rural island of farms, cider makers, strawberry fields and chocolate shops, ideal by bike or car. Further east, **Charlevoix** has rolling hills, food producers and whale watching at Tadoussac.
Food
Try **tourtière** (meat pie), **pea soup**, **poutine**, **maple taffy** rolled on snow, **sugar pie** and local cheeses and ciders. Old Quebec has many classic French restaurants, while Saint-Roch is better for modern and good value dining.
Winter Carnival
The **Quebec Winter Carnival**, held over about two to three weeks between late January and mid February, is one of the largest winter festivals in the world, with ice sculptures, night parades, snow baths and the snowman mascot Bonhomme. Around the same time, the **Hôtel de Glace** ice hotel opens nearby. Dress for serious cold.
Where to stay
Stay **inside the walls** for atmosphere, or in **Saint-Roch** or along **Grande Allée** for more choice. Book far ahead for summer, autumn foliage season and Winter Carnival.
Getting around
Old Quebec is best on foot, though it is hilly. VIA Rail trains arrive at the Gare du Palais station at the edge of the Lower Town. City buses and taxis cover the rest.
Getting there
Quebec City is about three and a half hours from Montreal by VIA Rail, and buses run often between the two. The airport is small but has flights to Toronto, Montreal and some international routes. The city is compact, so you will not need much transport once you arrive.
Pair Quebec City with Montreal using the free trip planner.
Questions about Quebec City
Is Quebec City worth visiting if I have seen Montreal?
Yes. Quebec City is older, smaller and more historic, with its walls and clifftop setting. The two feel very different and are easy to combine.
How many days do I need in Quebec City?
Two days covers Old Quebec and the Plains of Abraham. A third day lets you visit Montmorency Falls and Île d'Orléans.
Do people speak English in Quebec City?
Most people in tourism and in the old town speak English, but French is far more dominant than in Montreal. A few French phrases help a lot.
When is the Quebec Winter Carnival?
It usually runs from late January to mid February. Check the official carnival site for exact dates each year.
Facts checked . Fees, schedules and entry rules change, so always confirm the latest with the official source.
