Discover Québec City through a travel advisor’s firsthand visit. From historic streets and French-inspired cafés to river cruises and scenic day trips. Explore what makes Old Québec so memorable, where to wander, what to eat, and how a travel advisor can help you plan a personalized getaway
I just returned from Québec City, and I am still thinking about it! If you’re not familiar with this beautiful destination, it is a little piece of France right here in North America. With cafés and shops lining its cobblestone streets, this place is such a treat. It is one of the oldest cities in North America, founded in 1608, and it wears its history beautifully. Here is what stood out to me, and why I would send my clients here without hesitation.
Getting to Québec City is easier than you might expect, with convenient flight connections from many U.S. cities. And if you live in the Northeastern states, you’re within driving distance. We had the pleasure of meeting some folks who make this their long weekend getaway.
Don’t forget your passport! Because the distance is so short, it’s easy to forget that you are actually leaving the country. I must tell you this funny story: my husband and I were headed to San Antonio for a conference and then on to Québec City from there, and I completely forgot to pack our passports! Luckily, we had family back home who FedExed them to us. Lesson learned, and it’s exactly the kind of thing I remind my clients about, so this will not happen to you!
Bonjour, Québec!
The first thing you will notice is that everyone is speaking French. The extent of my French is “bonjour” and “merci,” while my husband was busy recalling all the French he learned back in the day. Don’t worry if you don’t speak French. Everyone switched over to English very quickly once they realized we weren’t locals. I’ve been to France a few times and love it, but the warmth and friendliness we experienced in Québec really stood out.
Old Québec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is the only city north of Mexico that still has its fortified walls. You actually pass through old stone gates to get in, which feels a bit like walking onto a movie set, except people live and work here. There are shops and restaurants on the ground level with homes upstairs, just as you see in France and much of Europe.
Inside the walls, we kept stopping every few steps to take it all in and, of course, take PHOTOS! Picture this: steep copper roofs gone green with age, narrow lanes that bend out of sight, and café tables spilling onto the sidewalk. It is very hard to walk past them without sitting down for a coffee or a glass of wine. And the smell of the bakeries just draws you in.
Above it all sits the Fairmont Château Frontenac, with its turrets and towers. It is often called the most photographed hotel in the world, and after a day here you understand why. It finds its way into the background of almost every picture you take.
A short walk from the Château is the Citadelle, a star-shaped fortress on the highest point of the city. The British built it in the 1800s, and it is still an active military base today. We took a guided tour to fully understand the history. I recommend booking your guided tour in advance, since group sizes are limited. The views of the St. Lawrence from up there are some of the best in Québec City. It was very impressive!
My favorite part was down the hill. Petit-Champlain is a tiny quarter of boutiques and bistros strung with lights and flower boxes, and next to it is Place Royale, the little square where the city began in 1608. A stone church from the 1600s still stands on one side. We sat there for a while just watching people go by, and it could easily have been a village square in France. Just around the corner is Rue du Cul-de-Sac, better known as umbrella alley, where you walk beneath a canopy of colorful umbrellas hanging overhead. It was so beautiful!
On the St. Lawrence River, with a cruise port at its doorstep
Québec City rises from a cliff above the St. Lawrence River, and the water is part of nearly every view. A stroll along the Dufferin Terrace boardwalk beside the Château gives you the river, the ferries and the hills beyond in one sweep.
The river also makes the city a cruise destination. Ships dock at the Port of Québec, right at the foot of the old town, so passengers can step off and be among the cobblestones in minutes.
It is a highlight of Canada and New England itineraries, especially in fall when the foliage is at its best. If you love to cruise, this is a port worth choosing a sailing around. While we were there, ships from MSC Cruises, Explora Journeys and Azamara were all in port.
Interested in experiencing Québec City on a Canada and New England cruise? I can help you explore cruise itineraries and find the sailing that best fits your travel style and interests. | Let’s explore your cruise options
A city made for walking
You won’t need a car to explore Old Québec. The old town is compact, and almost everything you will want to see, eat or photograph is a short walk from the next thing.
The city is split into an Upper Town and a Lower Town, joined by staircases and a funicular that saves your legs on the way back up. There is no dress code, so packing was a breeze. The most important thing to bring is your most comfortable shoes for the hills and cobblestones. You’ll be getting well over your 10,000 steps per day. (We walked a lot and then rewarded ourselves with a nice sweet treat.) Then simply wander. Getting a little lost is half the fun.
What to Eat in Québec City
Food is one of my great passions, and Québec City delivers. The cooking is French at heart, built on local ingredients: maple, artisan cheeses, duck, fresh seafood and produce from the farms just outside the city. But along with the French fare, there are some delicious Italian restaurants as well as British-style pubs! We enjoyed it all.
Mornings start with a proper croissant and café au lait. Evenings can be a cozy bistro or a tasting menu with wine pairings. In between, try the local classics: poutine, tourtière (a savory meat pie) and anything finished with maple. Make sure you take time for an aperitif. Sit and enjoy a beverage, people watch and, most importantly, rest your feet!
Day Trips from Québec City
We decided to rent a car and explore the areas around Québec City. If you plan on exploring outside the walls, make sure to reserve a car early. Driving in Québec is much like driving in the U.S. Just remember that the road signs are in French and the speed limits are in kilometers per hour.
We planned our trip for the fall because we wanted to see the leaves change color, and that was definitely a highlight for me.
Montmorency Falls, minutes away
About a 15-minute drive from the old town, Montmorency Falls drops 83 meters (272 feet), which makes it taller than Niagara Falls. This is a must-do if you have time. Tours are offered from the city if you prefer not to drive.
You can ride the cable car to the top, cross the suspension bridge directly over the falls, or climb the staircase alongside for a closer look. There is also a zipline for the adventurous. It is an easy half-day outing and well worth it.
Île d’Orléans
Just past the falls, a bridge leads to Île d’Orléans, an island in the middle of the St. Lawrence that locals call the garden of Québec. I understood why once we were there.
It is all farmland, small villages and centuries-old stone houses. One road circles the island, and along it you can stop at vineyards, cideries, a chocolate shop, farm stands and maple producers.
For anyone who loves food and wine, it pairs perfectly with Montmorency Falls for a relaxed day outside the city.
Ready to go?
Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic long weekend, a fall getaway, or a Canada and New England cruise, I’d love to help you experience Québec City for yourself. From choosing the right accommodations to recommending memorable experiences, I’ll help you plan a trip that’s just right for you.
I will be going back for sure. Maybe on a cruise next time?