Québec City is known for it’s French-Canadian Culture and Rich Heritage. Although it is a historical gem, it has many new and exciting attractions opening every year.
Voyalific will provide you with a list of Quebec City’s Must-Sees, both Old AND New!
Connect with a Voyalific Local and explore it together
Attractions :
Old:
L’Escalier Casse-Cou (Breakneck Steps)
A great spot in the city for photo-ops, views, window shopping, and some exercise.
La Fresque des Quebecois – Rue Notre Dame
A well known mural which portrays important figures of Quebec’s history, intertwining with the modern. It depicts 4 seasons and provides an information board with keys to the mural.
New:
Observatoire de la Capitale – 1037, rue De La Chevrotiere, 31st floor, Quebec City
A view from above – On the top of this building, they have created an observation deck on all 4 sides, with detailed interactive maps showing what you are seeing. Good spot for selfies and vast views.
Aquarium du Québec – 1675 des Hotels Ave | (Highway 73, exit 132), Quebec City
A place the whole family will love! Be sure to check out the jellyfish tank room as well as the tank with rays. It is a fantastic educational opportunity kids won’t want to miss.
Parks:
Old:
Parc de la Chute-Montmorency – 5300 Boulevard Sainte-Anne, Quebec City
These falls are higher than the well known Niagara falls! On a hot summer day, experience the refreshing mist coming off the base of the falls and look for the rainbow. There is rock climbing and zip lining available, a gondola, and a restaurant at the top.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYOV9qWg_wy/?taken-at=238093277
Jacques-Cartier National Park – 103 chemin du Parc-National, Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury
Within a half hour drive from Quebec City, it’s convenient enough to get to, and if you are a tourist who enjoys national parks, this should be on your list of things to do. There are trails from beginner to advanced and of different distances/times to suit all hikers’ levels and schedules. Adult entrance fee is $8.5CAD and visitors are given a visitor guide which includes a list of trails and times with a general map. Nature at it’s best!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXNwFkKgBP7/?taken-at=1668009680175106
Canyon Sainte-Anne – Rd 138 E | 206, Beaupre, Quebec
Featuring boardwalks, trails and suspension bridges to loop the river, with great views from all sides. It provides a choice of difficulty level to experience and accommodates any person with accessibility limitations.
Plains of Abraham – 835, Wilfrid-Laurier, Quebec City, Quebec G1R 2L3, Canada
New:
La Promenade Samuel-De Champlain – Boulevard Champlain, Quebec City
This is a large park situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. It was a gift from the provincial government to Québec City for its 400th anniversary; and is good to walk around, explore by bicycle or by car to find a beautiful viewpoint from which to admire the shoreline.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYZT0I6Dt9u/?taken-at=251750
Museums:
Old:
Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec (MNBAQ) – 179 Grande Allee Ouest | 1 ave. Wolfe-Montcalm
Founded in 1933, the museum was first known as the “Musée de la province de Québec”, then as the “Musée du Québec” from 1961 before being rechristened its present name in 2002. Notable exhibits include the Inuit art collection and the Canadian Art from various time periods.
Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site – 2 Rue d’Auteuil | Corner St.Jean
Quebec City is a completely fortified city with a huge wall around it for protection. The massive Gates were once points of entry, but are all open today. The top of the walls are very broad, and not only serve as walkways, but also as beautiful vantage points.
Morrin Centre – 44 Chausee des Ecossais | Quebec, Quebec City
The history of this building is almost unbelievable, as it moved from a Jail, to a School and finally to a Library and a Cultural Centre.
Musée de la Place Royale – 27 Rue Notre-Dame, Quebec City
Musée du Fort – 10 rue Sainte Anne, Quebec City
Make this your first stop before visiting other historic sites, as it gives you a very quick and pointed history of the major battles as well as some of the places to then visit.
New:
Le Monastère des Augustines – 77, rue des Remparts, Quebec City, Quebec G1R 0C3, Canada
A preserved large, beautiful religious museum. It features many statues, historic information on the nuns, what they did, what they wore, and amongst other things–historic medical supplies. Rooms available to stay overnight.
Musée de la Civilisation – 85, Dalhousie street, Quebec City, Quebec G1K 8R2, Canada
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYHiovnhxN_/?taken-at=48657
Churches:
All Old.
Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré – 10018 Royale Ave, Sainte Anne de Beaupre, Quebec
The architecture, detail, art work and sheer enormity of this place is overwhelming. You can find 7 chapels within these walls, and the ceiling is more than impressive.
Basilique Cathedrale Notre-Dame-de-Quebec – 16 rue Buade, Quebec City, Quebec G1R 4A1, Canada
This church, first built in 1647 and ravaged by fire twice, nevertheless endures. It has a long history and, even if you’re not Catholic, you can’t help but admire its architectural elements. It was classified as a national monument and historic site in 1966. The people of this city are proud of this church and it shows.
Église Notre-Dame-des-Victoires – Place Royale 32, Rue Sous-Le-Fort, Quebec City
Districts:
All Old.
Old Quebec – Rue de Tresor, Quebec City
Charming buildings, narrow streets, cobblestones, and a buskers paradise. Once inside the walls, it is as beautiful and interesting as ever. The charm of old France, and the best, very best, of French food!
Rue du Petit-Champlain – 61 rue du Petit-Champlain, Quebec City
It’s a cobblestone pedestrian street, very quaint, and cozy. Take a walk, find places to eat, have beer or coffee, and enjoy the shopping.
Place Royale – 27 rue Notre-Dame, Quebec City, Quebec G1K 4E9, Canada
Saint – Roch District – rue Saint-Joseph, Quebec City, Quebec
It is about a 15 – 20 minute walk from the old city of upper Quebec. The Saint-Roch neighborhood is on the lower land portion of the city, accessed from the Gate at St. Jean Street. Enjoy visiting chic furniture stores and choose from a number of restaurants.
Restaurants:
Old:
Le Lapin Sauté – 52 Du Petit-Champlain St, Quebec City, Quebec G1K 4H4, Canada
This spot has an amazing patio, and is in a great location on a pedestrian street. The food is extremely fresh and absolutely delicious. There may be a bit of a wait, but many guests say it is definitely worth it. We recommend making a reservation if you would like to try this spot out.
Bistro Sous le Fort – 48 Sous-le-Fort, Quebec City, Quebec G1K 4G8, Canada
The patio provides a beautiful view of lower town, allowing one to really soak in the “Lower Town” atmosphere. The food is good and the service is fast. Guests recommend the quiche, and elk burger.
Restaurant 1640 – 16 Rue Sainte-Anne, Quebec City, Quebec G1R 3X2, Canada
Can’t beat the location of this spot. It allows you to sit outside to overlook the Chateau Frontenac and have a wonderful meal. Be sure to make a reservation for during busy season.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYSJggPBu5s/?taken-at=234419635
New:
Café du Monde – 84 rue Dalhousie | Suite 140, Quebec City, Quebec G1K 8M5, Canada
Restaurant Légende – 255, Rue Saint-Paul, Quebec City
A dream for foodies! Food is beautifully presented and the ingredients are local and tasty. The chef is extremely talented and has a good control over mixing flavour profiles. If you have one night in Quebec City, many say this is the place to spend it.
Chez Boulay-bistro Boréal – 1110 Rue Saint-Jean, Quebec City
Owned by the chef who owns the highly regarded St Amour, this place has the same great food with out all of the details of presentation. An upscale restaurant that comes highly recommended by locals.
Crêperie-Bistro Le Billig – 481 Rue, Saint-Jean, Quebec City, Quebec G1R 1P5, Canada
This place is versatile enough to feed your sweet tooth for dessert, satisfy your brunch cravings, and provide you with a hardy lunch.
Nektar Caféologue Limoilou – 1001 3e Avenue, Quebec City, Quebec G1L 2X3, Canada
So there you have it, Québec City.
Whether you’re there to see a church, a waterfall, or enjoy a beavertail, this city has got something for you.
It preserves the history of French Canada, while also stays current…
Québec City may be known for ‘Old Quebec’… but ‘New Quebec’ sure has a lot to offer too.
We hope you get to explore it soon!
Written by: Nicole Roach
Featured photo by: @loukahanaa