Looking for the best things to do in Quebec City? Quebec City is the only walled city north of Mexico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with French charm, the Château Frontenac and a famous winter carnival. This list mixes famous landmarks with local favourites and easy day trips, with practical tips on timing, tickets and costs for Canadian travellers.
Best things to do in Quebec City
1. Old Quebec
UNESCO-listed Upper and Lower Town. Allow at least an hour to enjoy it properly.
2. Château Frontenac
Iconic hotel. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends.
3. Petit-Champlain
Charming shops. Wear comfortable shoes; you will walk more than you expect.
4. Montmorency Falls
Higher than Niagara. It is great value for families.
5. Plains of Abraham
Historic park. Bring a refillable water bottle.
6. Quebec Winter Carnival
February festival. Allow at least an hour to enjoy it properly.
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7. Île d’Orléans
Farms and cider. It is great value for families.
8. Citadelle
Star-shaped fort. It is great value for families.
9. Historic walks
One of the most popular ways to experience Quebec City; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Check opening hours before you go, as they change seasonally.
10. Winter carnival
One of the most popular ways to experience Quebec City; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Sunset is a particularly good time.
11. Food tours
One of the most popular ways to experience Quebec City; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
12. Cycling
One of the most popular ways to experience Quebec City; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. It is great value for families.
13. Take a day trip to Montreal
Montreal is a French-speaking city with European flair, cobblestone Old Montreal, festivals and a legendary food scene. Read our Montreal travel guide. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
14. Take a day trip to Charlevoix
Charlevoix is a UNESCO biosphere region of rolling hills along the St. Read our Charlevoix travel guide. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
15. Take a day trip to Tadoussac
Tadoussac sits where the Saguenay Fjord meets the St. Read our Tadoussac travel guide. It is great value for families.
16. Eat your way through the local food scene
Try tourtière, poutine, maple taffy and crêpes. Food tours are a fun way to sample several places in one afternoon. Sunset is a particularly good time.
When to go
The best time to visit is June to October; February for Carnival; December for Christmas.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | April–May | Cool to mild; maple season in March–April. |
| Summer | June–August | Warm to hot, 25–30°C, festival season. |
| Fall | September–October | Brilliant fall colours from late September. |
| Winter | December–March | Cold and snowy, -10°C or lower; winter carnivals. |
Where to stay
- Old Quebec: Walk everywhere.
- Saint-Roch: Trendy.
- Montcalm: Quiet.
| Style | Typical price per night | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$130–210 | Motels, hostels, simple inns and campground cabins |
| Mid-range | C$220–380 | Comfortable hotels and B&Bs, often with breakfast |
| Luxury | C$450–900 | Resorts, historic hotels and boutique properties |
For more detail, read our Quebec City travel guide.
Tips for visitors
- Wear good shoes; streets are steep.
- Book Carnival dates early.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Trying to cover every neighbourhood in a day: cluster sights by area instead.
- Renting a car you will barely use and paying high overnight parking fees.
- Eating only in the main tourist zone, where prices are higher and quality lower.
- Skipping reservations for popular restaurants, tours and observation decks on weekends.
- Underestimating walking distances: bring comfortable shoes.
Sample 3-day budget for two
| Item | Mid-range estimate |
|---|---|
| Hotel (3 nights) | C$660–C$1,140 |
| Food and drink | C$660–C$1,056 |
| Activities and entry fees | C$160–C$320 |
| Local transport or car | C$210–C$315 |
| Total | C$1,690–C$2,831 |
Estimates exclude flights and assume a mid-range hotel; travelling in shoulder season can cut accommodation costs by a third or more.
What to pack for Quebec City
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A light layer for air-conditioned interiors
- A compact umbrella
- A crossbody bag or small backpack
- A portable charger
- A smart outfit for nicer restaurants
For seasonal advice, see our guide to the best time to visit Canada.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require government-issued photo ID; carry a passport if you might cross into the US.
- Money: GST or HST is added to most prices at the till, so budget 5–15% more than the shelf price; tipping 15–20% at restaurants is standard.
- Insurance: Provincial health plans may not pay the full cost of care in another province, and ambulance and air-ambulance costs can be high, so check whether an out-of-province travel insurance policy makes sense for you. Read our guide to out-of-province travel insurance.
- Driving: Most Canadians road-trip in their own car; rentals are widely available, and winter tyres are required on many BC highways and in Quebec in winter. Fuel is usually cheapest in Alberta and most expensive in BC and the North.
- Saving money: see our Canada budget travel and cheapest places to travel in Canada guides.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$150–C$220 | motel, hostel or campsite, casual meals, self-drive |
| Mid-range | C$300–C$480 | good hotel, restaurant meals, some tours |
| Luxury | C$700–C$1,400 | resort or historic hotel, fine dining, guided experiences |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Travelling responsibly
Follow Leave No Trace principles: stay on marked trails, pack out everything you bring in, and never feed wildlife. Support locally owned restaurants, guides and shops, and visit popular places early or late to spread out the crowds. In busy parks, use shuttles where they exist to cut traffic and parking pressure.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in Quebec City?
For most first-time visitors it is Old Quebec: UNESCO-listed Upper and Lower Town.
How many days do you need in Quebec City?
Plan 2–3 days to cover the highlights at a relaxed pace.
What is the best time to visit Quebec City?
June to October; February for Carnival; December for Christmas.
Is Quebec City good for families?
Yes. Many of the top attractions suit children, and Quebec City is popular with couples, families and history lovers.
What should I eat in Quebec City?
Try tourtière, poutine, maple taffy and crêpes.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Quebec City Travel Guide: Old Quebec, Winter Carnival and Tips
- Montreal Travel Guide: Old Montreal, Food and Festivals
- Charlevoix Travel Guide: Food, Art and Fjord Views
- Tadoussac Travel Guide: Whale Watching and the Saguenay Fjord