what to do in quebec city

There is something so magical about Québec City. The rich history of our country along with the European flair makes this city a popular destination for tourists around the globe. What to do in Québec City?

Dating to 1608, Québec City retains its fortified colonial core, Vieux-Québec and Place Royale, with narrow streets, stone buildings and a European feel. This area is the site of the famous Château Frontenac Hotel and Citadelle of Québec. The Petit Champlain district’s cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques, bistros and cafés.

Expedia.ca helped me choose the perfect family-friendly hotel, right in the heart of the old town, and within walking distance to all the attractions and sites.

Here are the Best 11 Things to Do in Quebec City.

Best 11 Things to Do in Quebec City

Plains of Abraham

The Battle of the Plains of Abraham was a pivotal battle in the Seven Years’ War, was fought by the British Army and Navy against the French Army on a plateau just outside the walls of Quebec City. The battle, which began on September 13, 1759, involved fewer than 10,000 troops between both sides but proved to be a deciding moment in the conflict between France and Britain over the fate of New France, influencing the later creation of Canada.

Joan of Arc Garden

Located in the Plains of Abraham, this statue of the French martyr is a tribute to the soldiers who died in the historic battle between the French and British that occurred here in 1759.

La Citadelle de Quebec

The Citadelle, National Historic Site, encloses 300 years of military history in Quebec City spanning the French, British and Canadian periods. The Citadelle is an active military garrison.

Terrasse Dufferin

This elevated area offers panoramic views of Old Quebec and the St. Lawrence River. It’s a great spot for viewing the waterfront and city and taking photos along the La Promenade des Gouverneurs.

The iconic, castle-like Fairmont Le Château overlooks the St. Lawrence River, this grand, castlelike hotel is a 3-minute walk from Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec and 8 minutes’ walk from boutiques in Quartier Petit Champlain.

Also, you’ll be greeted by the Samuel de Champlain Monument, in honour of the founder of Quebec. The statue sits on the Dufferin Terrace, near the Château Frontenac, in the district of Old Quebec.

Lower Town (Basse-Ville)

The location of the city’s original settlement, historic Lower Town is situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence. You will be enchanted by the quaint European village feel of the lower town, and the shops and restaurants, as well as the view of the Chateau Frontenac.

Step back in time at Place-Royale, a famous cobblestone town square bordered by 17th- and 18th-century buildings. This is where French America was born, as the first French settlement was started here in 1608.

The Quartier Petit Champlain is known as one of the most beautiful sites of Old Quebec. Dating back to the 17th century, the Petit Champlain street is the oldest commercial artery in North America. Today, you can walk the pedestrian streets and browse the boutiques and bistros.

The Church Notre-Dame-des-Victoires (Our Lady of Victories) is one of the oldest stone churches in Canada, and sits on the spot where Québec was first settled in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, the founder of Québec.

Battlefields Park

This spacious urban park was once the site of fierce clashes between the British and French empires.

Created more than a hundred years ago, Battlefields Park is one of Canada’s natural historic parks. These days, both locals and visitors come here to enjoy outdoor activities year-round. Within the park’s 255 acres (103 hectares), you’ll find landscaped gardens, an arboretum, monuments, fountains, skiing trails and riverfront views.

Musee de la Civilisation

This museum is characterized by its innovative and daring outlook. It defines itself as a seat of knowledge and ideas, a museum endowed with valuable collections, an education centre and a living memory. It is located in the region’s capital, Quebec City, in the heart of a historic district and close to Place Royale.

Basilique Cathedrale – Notre-Dame-de-Quebec

The Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec (“Our Lady of Quebec City”) was erected in 1647 and was called Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix. In 1664, it became the first parish church in North America. In 1674, the church took the title of cathedral.

Domaine de Maizerets

Located on a popular bike path, this pretty park contains gardens, an arboretum and other historic buildings, such as the Château Ango des Maizerets, a 16th-century mansion built by the French. The park offers 11 kilometres of beautiful walking trails. There is a butterfly house, operated only in the summer. In winter, the park is accessible for skiers and offers ice skating and trails for snowshoeing.

Montmorency Falls Park

These 275-foot falls on the Montmorency River tower higher than even the legendary Niagara Falls. Parc de la Chute-Montmorency – Montmorency Falls is the second most visited site of the provincial capital after Old Quebec.

Morrin Centre

Built over 200 years ago as the city’s first prison, the Morrin Centre now houses one of the world’s most beautiful libraries. You can walk through jail cells, and browse the books in the charming Victorian library. There are also concerts, readings and lectures offered.