There are plenty of things to do in Quebec City as it’s known for its European-style architecture, cobblestone streets, and fortified walls making it the only walled city in North America north of Mexico.
This French-speaking city is the closest you’ll get to a European city in North America and a must-see for any Canadian traveler. This fortified historic city is on a high hill with a brick wall around it, sloping down to the ocean. That means there were a ton of steep stairs, narrow streets and passages and too much charm for one place to hold.
It has a rich French heritage and you’ll hear French spoken on the streets, and you’ll find plenty of French restaurants, shops, and cultural events with a French theme. Oui, sil’vous plait!
I stopped by for a few days during my solo road trip through the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Take a Hop on Hop off Bus
One of the best ways to get acclimated in Quebec City is to take a hop-on hop-off bus tour. I do this in many large, busy cities on my first visit. These tours provide context and a sense of direction and give me great ideas for where I want to spend more time exploring. Plus, you don’t have to worry about traffic or parking. In Quebec City parking can be difficult.
These tours offer 15 stops throughout the city, including the Château Frontenac, the Citadelle, the Plains of Abraham, and Old Quebec.
These big red buses with open-top decks are great for solo travelers like me who want a good view and to take pictures. Plus, headphones are included with audio narration in 10 different languages, so you’ll learn about what you’re seeing too.
The bus runs from 9 am to 4 pm and you can get tickets for multiple days and use it for your main transportation if you plan to visit a few sites. I always find and learn things I wouldn’t have otherwise, making the experience of visiting a new place much better.
Sites worth seeing:
Château Frontenac: This iconic hotel looms over the city and is one of the most photographed buildings in Canada.
Plains of Abraham: This historic battlefield is where the British defeated the French in 1759, leading to the British conquest of Canada. It’s a beautiful, natural area filled with flowers and events.
Walk Around and Shop Old City
The city’s old town, Vieux-Québec, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Old Quebec is a charming neighborhood with narrow streets, shops, and restaurants.
Here, you’ll find wood carvers, clothing, jewelry, chocolate, and many other souvenirs. Dozens of small shops line the cobbled streets and pedestrians stroll in and out, frequently stopping for a treat or deal.
- Petit Champlain is a pedestrian-only street with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. It was founded in the 17th century by French settlers and maybe the oldest commercial district in North America. It looks like it!
- Rue du Trésor Street is more known for art galleries and antique shops with paintings, sculptures, and jewelry.
- Place Royale is a historic square with souvenir shops, art galleries, and restaurants. It’s a great place to find a seat at an outdoor cafe and soak up the atmosphere of Old Town.
Go to Isle d’Orleans
Just across the Saint Lawrence River is Isle d’Orleans. You can get there by bridge or ferry and it’s worth visiting. Here, French Canadians can trace ancestry to early residents of the island. However, do not go hoping you’ll find many English speakers or that the many roadside stands take credit cards. They don’t. You’ll need Canadian currency. This place is old school, which is why we love it. It’s known for its rural charm, traditional architecture, rolling farmland and delicious food.
Stop at a roadside farm stand
The island is home to several unique villages circled by The Chemin Royal Road. The French built this historic road in the 17th century and it skirts the island’s edge 21 miles long and just 5 miles wide with a total surface area of 73 square miles. It’s an incredible drive.
Villages to stop in:
- Sainte-Pétronille: This village is known for its vineyards and orchards. You can sample local wines and ciders and pick your own fruits and vegetables. You’ll find Île d’Orléans Cider Mill here. This mill has been producing cider since the 17th century. Chocolaterie de l’Île d’Orléans is a chocolate factory with fresh truffles, pralines, and bars. They also have a cafe with chocolate drinks, ice cream and pastries. I’ve never had more decadent chocolate ice cream in my life.
- Saint-Jean-de-l’Île-d’Orléans: This village is the largest on the island, home to several shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
- Crabtree: This village is known for its cheese factory. You can sample local cheeses and learn about the cheesemaking process.
- L’Épiphanie: This village is known for its maple syrup production. You can visit a sugar shack and learn how maple syrup is made.
If you visit in late July or August, stop by a lavender farm. I visited La Seigneurie de l’Île d’Orléans. This farm has over 75,000 lavender plants and offers various activities, including lavender tours, workshops, and products. I walked in the purple fields and soaked up the fragrant warm air for over an hour. It was my favorite thing to Do in Quebec City.
Visit Montmorency Falls
You can see the stunning Montmorency Falls outside Quebec City—this 272-foot waterfall. The park has picnic areas, hiking trails, and a playground, but plenty of activities around the waterfall, so you could spend an entire day.
Observation decks take you to the bottom, a cable car ride, ziplining across the falls, boat rides and rock climbing. In the winter, the falls freeze, and ice climbers make their way to the top. Several viewing platforms, with hundreds of stairs, offer stunning views of the falls. A suspension bridge also crosses the gorge, providing a unique perspective of the falls.
It costs about $10 to enter the park.
As you’re looking for things to Do in Quebec City, don’t pass up these ideas. They’re worth the time.
Read more stories about Canada here.
