Visiting Quebec City for the First Time? Here’s What to See and Do

This small shopping neighborhood sits on the banks of the St. Lawrence River in the heart of Old Quebec. Shop for kitschy souvenirs and marvel at the array of gourmet foodstuffs—who knew there were so many kinds of maple syrup? If you're planning a trip to Quebec, you better leave room in your suitcase.

Make sure to stop at one of the many cafes or bars before jumping on the Old Quebec Funicular (more than a century old) that takes you up to Dufferin Terrace and to the majestic Château Frontenac. A fun way to enjoy all this neighborhood has to offer is via a walking tour of the Old Quarter that includes a trip to the city’s fortifications, built during the war between the English and French.

The battle over Quebec between the English and French lasted decades and was a key aspect of the Seven Years’ War and French and Indian War. Even though the British defeated the French and officially took control over the walled city, Quebec still retains much of its French character.

Nowadays, the Plains of Abraham serves as a recreational space for both tourists and locals alike. After enjoying a picnic and the view of the river, head over to the onsite museum to learn more about the battles that took place here and the involvement of First Nations.

In recent years, Quebec City has become a destination for art lovers, thanks to new art galleries and a rising creative, bohemian vibe. Start at the Galerie Art Inuit Brousseau in Old Quebec, where you’ll see magnificent carvings by Indigenous Canadians from the far north of the country. Then, visit Galerie Perreault near the central train station for contemporary paintings. Finally, check out Galerie d'Art Urbania or Galerie 3, both outside the Old City, for exciting cultural and art exhibitions.

Related: How to Spend 3 Days in Quebec City

Besides maple syrup, there’s no culinary staple in Canada as famous as poutine. The beloved mixture of French fries, gravy, and cheese curds is delicious. At Poutineville, you can even build your own version with unusual toppings like gyro meat, goat cheese, and guacamole. Quite frankly, eating poutine is one of the top things to do in Quebec.

Chase poutine with a sip of apple ice wine, available from some vendors at Marché Saint-Sauveur (a Saturday farmer’s market) or in the Old City at various local shops. It’s unlike anything you’ve tasted, made exclusively from apples already frozen on the vine after a first frost. The best way to taste these delights and others is on a food tour of Quebec.

One of the best Quebec travel tips is to leave the city itself. Sound crazy? Hear us out. Located a short drive northeast of Quebec City and accessible via a bridge, Orleans Island is a pastoral paradise filled with farms, excellent cheese, and small wine producers.

The island was also one of the first areas to see French settlement and still maintains its historic Francophone character. Consider doing either a food tour or wine tour on the island to escape the busy city and enjoy the memorable Quebecois countryside.

With more than 62 miles (100 kilometers) of hiking trails, this nature preserve is the perfect place to experience the mountains and woods of Quebec without traveling very far. The entrance to Jacques-Cartier National Park is only 30 minutes from the Old City, though the wilderness stretches on much further.

If the Quebec weather is cooperating, you can hike up drumlins (glacial hills), spot moose, and revel in the peaceful birch forests. Go on your own or hire a local guide who can expertly lead the way on a trail tailored to your activity level.

Only a 20-minute drive from the Old City, Montmorency Falls is a spectacular cascade. If you’re feeling active, consider skipping the drive altogether and joining a bike tour to the falls.

Once there, take the cable car from one end of the gulf to the other while looking at the 276-foot (84-meter) cascade. You can also walk across the suspension bridge.

Is winter one of the best times to visit Quebec? After taking a toboggan ride, you might think so. Beginning in mid-December through mid-March, the local government mounts a long ramp at the doors of the Château Frontenac that anyone brave enough can whizz down.

The toboggan has gorgeous views of the river, though you probably won’t notice them once your wooden sled starts its quick descent to ground level.