2025 Travel Guide: Quebec City

🏰 Recommended tourist hotspots

1. Old Quebec

  • The only city in North America that retains its intact city walls, it is divided into the Upper Town and the Lower Town .
  • The upper town features the magnificent Château Frontenac , a city landmark.
  • The alleys and cobblestone streets in the lower town are full of European style, especially Rue du Petit-Champlain , which is perfect for taking photos and checking in.

2. Château Frontenac

  • One of the most photographed hotels in the world, even if you don't stay there, it's worth visiting the exterior and lobby.
  • My personal suggestion: come here at dusk to see the view of the St. Lawrence River, it is extremely romantic.

3. Citadelle of Quebec

  • Canada's oldest active military fort, where you can take a guided tour and witness the changing of the guard ceremony.

4. Montmorency Falls

  • 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls!
  • You can take a cable car or walk across the suspension bridge. In summer, the water is majestic, and in winter, it forms a spectacular "Bingtang Waterfall".

5. Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral

  • One of the oldest Catholic churches in North America, its interior is magnificent.

🍴 Must-try delicacies

1. Poutine

  • A classic Quebec snack: French fries smothered in gravy and topped with cheese curds.
  • The editor recommends Chez Ashton , a chain store loved by locals.

2. Tourtière (Quebec meat pie)

  • Traditional French-Canadian cuisine, often made with ground meat and spices, is the most hearty meal in winter.

3. Maple Syrup Desserts

  • Quebec is rich in maple syrup, so don't miss the maple syrup pie and maple taffy .
  • In winter, it’s fun to pour maple syrup on the snow and immediately roll it up to eat.

4. Roasted Pork Knuckle and French Cuisine

  • Influenced by French culture, there are many high-end French restaurants in the city.
  • I personally recommend Restaurant Aux Anciens Canadiens , where you can taste traditional Quebec flavors.

🚎 Transportation

In the city

  • Walking : The old town is the most convenient place for sightseeing as it is concentrated there.
  • Funiculaire : Connects the upper town with the lower town, perfect for travelers who don't want to climb.
  • RTC Bus : The city has a well-developed bus network and buying a one-day ticket is the most cost-effective.

Outside the city

  • Train (VIA Rail) : Direct to Montreal, approximately 3 hours.
  • Long-distance bus (Orléans Express) : connects major cities in Quebec.
  • Self-driving : If you want to visit Montmorency Falls or Sainte-Anne Cathedral, renting a car will give you more freedom.

✨ Editor's Tips

  • Best time to visit : Summer (June–September) offers pleasant weather and outdoor music festivals; winter (January–February) features the world-renowned Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Québec) , with its spectacular snow sculptures and ice hotel.
  • Language : The main language is French, but most people in tourist areas speak English, so there is no need to worry about communication.

🗓️ Three-day Quebec City itinerary

📍 Day 1: Exploring Old Quebec

morning

  • Château Frontenac: Take beautiful photos at this landmark.
  • Dufferin Terrace: Stroll along the wooden viewing platform and enjoy the view of the St. Lawrence River.
  • 【Notre-Dame Cathedral of Quebec】: Feel the solemn historical atmosphere.

noon

  • Try the traditional Quebec meat pie (Tourtière) and maple syrup dessert at Restaurant Aux Anciens Canadiens .

afternoon

  • Rue du Petit-Champlain: Stroll among the colorful houses and cobblestone streets, and browse the souvenir shops.
  • [Cable Car Funiculaire]: Experience the suspended cable car between the upper and lower towns.

night

  • Try classic poutine at Chez Ashton .
  • Take a night tour of the old city and see the night view of the city wall.

📍 Day 2: City Walls, Culture, and Military History

morning

  • [La Citadelle, Quebec City]: Visit Canada's oldest military fortress and watch the changing of the guard ceremony.
  • Plains of Abraham: Take a stroll through the city's largest green space and learn about the historical battles between the French and British armies.

noon

  • Sample local produce and buy maple syrup and cheese at the Central Market (Marché du Vieux-Port).

afternoon

  • Musée de la Civilisation: Interactive exhibitions for a deeper understanding of Quebec culture.
  • Or take the Ferry to Lévis: Take a 10-minute ferry ride to the other side and enjoy a panoramic view of Quebec City.

night

  • Try classic tableside steak or duck breast dishes at French restaurant Le Continental .

📍 Day 3: Nature and surrounding attractions

morning

  • Montmorency Falls (15-minute drive outside the city): Higher than Niagara Falls, it's spectacular to walk on the suspension bridge or take the cable car.

noon

  • Enjoy a picnic near the falls or head back to the city to enjoy a light meal at a local bistro.

afternoon

  • Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré (about a 30-minute drive): One of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in North America.
  • Or choose [Île d'Orléans]: rent a car and travel around the island, tasting strawberries, ice wine and maple syrup products.

night

  • Back in the old town, enjoy your last evening. We recommend going to Pub St-Alexandre to listen to live music and drink a local craft beer.

🌟 Editor's friendly reminder

  • Best photo spots : in front of the Chateau Fontana, on Dufferin Terrace, and looking at the old town from the ferry.
  • Shopping recommendations : Rue Petit Champlain (handicrafts, maple syrup products), Marché du Vieux-Port (local agricultural products).
  • Itinerary : Day 1: Old Town → Day 2: Culture and History → Day 3: Natural Scenery, a good balance of movement and stillness so you won’t be too tired.
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