The Top 14 Things to Do in Quebec City

With its winding cobblestone streets and old European charm, it’s often said that Canada’s oldest city feels like an escape from North America, and once you visit, it’s certainly easy to convince yourself that you’ve left the continent. After all, French is the city’s official language: over 80 percent of the population speak it as a native tongue, and English is far less prominent than in Montreal. Take a stroll around the city and you’ll find croissants on every menu and statues of French military heroes lining the city squares. Yet despite the city’s French allure, Quebec City has a distinct style and rich history that’s all its own.

Founded by French explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1608—who named it “Kebec,” after an Algonquian word meaning “the river narrows here”—the city’s location above the Saint-Lawrence river made it a profitable fur trading settlement for Europe. Today, the city is considered one of the most important cultural destinations in Canada, and with its heralded food scene, stately architecture, and unique accommodations (ice hotel, anyone?) it offers something for every type of traveler. Here are the essential things to do on your next visit.
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Stroll Through Quebec's Old City
Petit Champlain District of Old Quebec City
Steven_Kriemadis / Getty Images

Think of Quebec City and the first image that might come to mind are the streets of the Old City: a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spending time strolling along North America’s oldest streets is an essential part of any trip to the province. Surrounded by fortified walls, this section of the city is comprised of Upper and Lower towns, and there’s plenty to see. Grab coffee and a pastry and stroll down Saint-Paul Street, as well as Place d’Armes, the city’s historic public square, for classic architecture (Canadian superstar Celine Dion famously had her wedding here). You’re bound to feel like you’re in a fairytale.
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Visit the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac
Cityscape or skyline of Chateau Frontenac, park and old town streets during sunset
krblokhin / Getty Images
Address
1 Rue des Carrières, Québec, QC G1R 4P5, Canada
Phone +1 418-692-3861
Web Visit website

Designed by American architect Bruce Price, the Chateau Frontenac is Quebec City’s most famous landmark and one of the most photographed hotels in North America. This chateau style hotel was built in 1893 as part of a development project by the Canadian Pacific Railway company, with the goal of promoting luxury tourism in the city. Today, the hotel is recognized as a National Historic Site; a commemorative stamp with the hotel’s image was issued by the Canadian Post in 1993. To make your Quebec City trip even more special, book a room: a standard one night stay will run you $200. Guests can request to visit the hotel’s cheese room, which features over 100 different cheeses from across the province. 
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Admire the St. Lawrence River from the Dufferin Terrace
Dufferin Terrace, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Mint Images / Getty Images
Address
Rue des Carrières, Québec, QC G1R 5J5, Canada
Web Visit website

Located right outside the Chateau Frontenac, the Dufferin Terrace is Quebec City’s most picturesque promenade and an iconic viewpoint from which to take in the city’s beauty. Expanded twice since it was first built, this popular hang out setting attracts visitors all year long, featuring live music throughout the summer and a toboggan run every winter. Grab a snack from one of the boardwalk’s many street vendors and enjoy an afternoon stroll.
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See the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Quebec's Citadel
Wall from la Citadelle de Quebec, Fortifications, Canada
jnnault / Getty Images
Address
1 Côte de la Citadelle, Québec, QC G1R 3R2, Canada
Phone +1 418-694-2815
Web Visit website

Built in the mid-1800s with the purpose of defending the city, Quebec City’s Citadel is a National Historic Site and the largest British fortress in North America. If you’re visiting the city in the summer, be sure to wake up early to catch the traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony take place every morning at 10 a.m. Animal lovers will be pleased to learn that a goat dressed in full uniform—the mascot of the regiment—is part of the proceedings.
Continue to 5 of 14 below.
05 of 14
Go Shopping in the Petit-Champlain District
Winter view of Petit Champlain at dusk



Patrick Donovan / Getty Images
Address
61 Rue du Petit Champlain, Québec, QC G1K 4H5, Canada
Phone +1 418-692-2613
Web Visit website

If you’re looking to shop during your visit, the Petit-Champlain district is the place to do it. Boasting narrow cobblestone streets lined with small boutiques, bistros and shops, this neighborhood is also one of the city’s most beautiful—keep your eyes peeled for some of the oldest architecture remaining from the era when the city was still a small French colony. Climb up the 59 steps of the city’s oldest stairway, the nearby Breakneck Stairs, for the best views of the district below.