Looking for things to do in quebec city? Start with pretty streets, Château Frontenac views and a crêpe worth sitting down for.
These pictures bring together city stops and nearby outdoor adventures, with a few winter-only ideas to save for a snowy trip.
You can keep your plans simple or add something a little more adventurous. Pick the stops that suit your season, then leave some room for wandering.
Check current opening dates and activity requirements before heading out.
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Quebec City Ideas to Save for Your Trip
find a château view
We’re starting off strong with this gorgeous view of Château Frontenac. I love the colorful buildings tucked below its towers, with all that greenery in front.
Leave a little room in your walk for a wider view like this. The château looks lovely up close, but seeing it above the rooftops is worth a stop too.
see the château after dark
How pretty is this at night? The golden lighting and green-lit roof give Château Frontenac a completely different look.
If you’ve already seen it during the day, consider passing by again after dinner. I’d keep this as a separate little evening walk rather than rushing through both visits.
walk a suspension bridge
If you want to add a little adventure to your sightseeing, a suspension bridge walk is one idea to consider. This one stretches between green trees, with tall cables framing the whole path.
Choose a nearby park with an open pedestrian bridge and check its trail information first. The picture alone doesn’t establish which bridge this is.
browse a holiday market
I love these little market stalls with their greenery and red lights. The colorful display at the front gives you plenty of reasons to slow down and look.
For a holiday-season trip, check the Québec City Christmas market dates. Leave some time to browse rather than treating it as a quick photo stop.
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try the waterfall zipline
Would you try this? The zipline at Montmorency Falls takes the waterfall view in a much more adventurous direction.
You can see a rider suspended in front of the rushing water, with the bridge above.
If this belongs on your list, check the operating season and participation requirements before booking.
slow down on Dufferin Terrace
Don’t want every stop to be a big activity? No problem! Take a stroll along Dufferin Terrace and pause on a bench.
I love the green railings and globe-topped lamps here. With Château Frontenac right beside the boardwalk, there’s plenty to admire without packing another attraction into your day.
visit an ice bar
This ice bar may just be one of the most eye-catching stops here. The carved counter, blue lighting and tall arched ceiling are so pretty together.
For a winter outing near Québec City, look into the Hôtel de Glace. Check the current visit options rather than assuming the bar or its design will look exactly like this.
look for winter slides
How fun is this ice tower? There are two slide lanes coming through the arched openings, with people waiting behind them.
If you’re planning a Winter Carnival visit, check that year’s activities for slides and ice installations. Save the idea, but don’t count on this exact structure being there.
pause on a restaurant-lined street
The blue shutters and striped awnings are so cute on this street. I especially love the hanging flowers beside the glowing windows.
Make room for a meal while you explore Old Québec. Choose somewhere after checking the menu, then give yourself a proper break from walking.
stop at the Fresque des Québécois
Look closely at this mural! The painted windows, stairways and archway turn a flat wall into what looks like another little piece of the city.
Stop at the Fresque des Québécois and take in the smaller figures as well as the whole scene. This is one photo stop where stepping back first makes sense.
head out for countryside views
If you’re looking for a change from busy streets, this countryside view is for you. Open fields, scattered farm buildings and yellow and red trees make such a pretty combination.
Consider a side trip to Île d’Orléans for a rural outing near the city. Choose public stops and viewpoints rather than entering farm property for a photo.
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make time for a park walk
I love this wide green view with the château rising behind the trees. The curving paths and open lawns are a lovely change from the narrow streets.
Set aside some time for the Plains of Abraham if you want a longer park walk. Late-day light, like the golden glow in this picture, is a good reason not to squeeze it into a rushed gap.
try maple taffy on snow
Got room for something sweet? This scene shows amber syrup being poured in strips over snow, with a decorated shop window behind the stand.
Look for a maple taffy stand during your winter visit. Watching it being prepared can be part of the stop too.
walk through Porte Saint-Louis
This is another pretty stop to work into your Old Québec walk. Porte Saint-Louis has a broad stone arch, a green-roofed tower and walls stretching out beside it.
Follow the sidewalk through the gate to see it from both sides. I’d keep the tower in the frame if you’re taking a picture.
look up from the Lower Town
The château above this narrow street is such a lovely sight. There are flower boxes along the buildings and the steep funicular tracks off to the right.
For a different way to connect the Lower and Upper Town, consider the funicular. Check its current service information before making it part of your route.
sit down for a sweet crêpe
How good does this look? The folded crêpe has a scoop of ice cream, scattered crumbs and a generous drizzle of sauce.
Save a café break for something like this rather than eating every snack on the go. Ask about the toppings when you order, since the photo doesn’t tell us the exact flavors.
go tobogganing by the terrace
If you’re visiting in winter, save this one. The long toboggan with its red seat is being pulled along a snowy path beside the railings.
Look into the seasonal slide at Dufferin Terrace for your own outing. Check conditions and operating information before you head over.
admire the basilica interior
The gold-colored canopy above this altar is absolutely gorgeous. I love the curved details, with stained-glass windows and painted decoration surrounding it.
Consider visiting Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral to admire its interior. Follow visitor guidance and keep sightseeing respectful when worship is taking place.
wander Rue du Petit-Champlain
I am obsessed with these strings of lights above the street. The flower-filled shopfronts and little hanging signs give you so much to look at.
Take your time along Rue du Petit-Champlain. Browse a few shops or simply enjoy the walk without giving yourself a strict list of stops.
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explore a rocky gorge
Last but definitely not least, we have this striking gorge view. The narrow waterway runs between tall rock faces, with greenery spilling over the edges and a bridge in the distance.
If you want a nature outing near the city, consider Canyon Sainte-Anne as an option and check its current trails and access. This image doesn’t confirm the exact location, so use it as inspiration rather than a guaranteed viewpoint.