They say that Quebec is a piece of Europe in Canada. And in a way, walking through its streets reminds you of French towns. It is undoubtedly the most romantic city on the east coast of Canada. You will not run out of things to do in Quebec and of the cities I have visited in Canada, this is the city to which I have dedicated the most days. Together with Montreal, which I will talk about in the next post.
The cobbled streets of the historic quarter, the famous Château Frontenac and surroundings with first-class natural jewels make Quebec a very interesting and beautiful city.
You won't be short of things to do and corners to explore in Quebec. In this article I tell you what to see and do in Quebec, I add some accommodation tips and advice so you can prepare your trip.
20 ESSENTIAL THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN QUEBEC, CANADA
1. Chateau Frontenac
It is a beautiful building and is at the top of my list. The most characteristic building in Quebec is a hotel. It is inspired by the architecture of French castles. It began operating in 1893, after the Canadian Pacific Railway commissioned it to promote luxury tourism on its trains.
Currently it is still a luxury hotel managed by the Fairmont chain (the same chain as the Empress Hotel in Victoria). It was our choice of accommodation and a total success. You can take a guided tour of the Château Frontenac Castle.
You can also stay at the 5-star Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. It has a price from 300 euros/night room. double.
2. Notre Dame du Quebec
This small basilica is located in the heart of Quebec. It is not a large building, but its golden altar is beautiful and well worth a visit. This church is the oldest in Canada and the United States. Originally built in 1647, it has been destroyed twice: during the Siege of Quebec in 1759 and an unfortunate fire in 1992.
3. Morrin Center
This cultural center has a thousand history on its walls. It is a 200-year-old building that was previously used as a prison. There is now a Victorian-era library with some 25,000 books. In addition, you will be able to see what a chemistry laboratory was like at that time and get an idea of what life was like in that prison.
4. Vieux-Québec, the historic center of the city
Walking through the old town is an essential thing to do in Quebec. It is the entire area that was inside the walls. It is the only fortified city in the United States and Canada. And it is divided into two parts, the upper and lower city.
Most of the buildings of interest in the city are concentrated there, as well as having a special charm thanks to its cobbled streets and stone buildings. Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5. Citadelle du Quebec
The Quebec Citadel is the oldest military construction in Canada. There is the residence of the governor of the country, in addition to continuing to serve as a military installation, just as in its origins. Its construction began in 1673 with the aim of protecting the city.
In addition to strolling through this historic site, you'll be able to see various exhibits dedicated to Canada's military history.
6. Parliament of Quebec
It is one of the most majestic buildings to see in Quebec. There the National Assembly of Quebec meets and for this reason the construction winks at some of the most important people for the development of the province.
From the outside it is a very beautiful building, but it is worth going inside to discover the beauty of the place and learn more about the political history of the region. You can visit its interior with free guided tours of about 45 minutes.
7. La Porte St. Louis
One of the main entrance gates to the fortified part of the city is the Porte St. Louis. It is a place where you will surely pass on your visit to Quebec. It is perfectly preserved and it is striking how going from one place to another it can seem that you are in different cities. Do not miss it at night, it is beautiful illuminated.
8. Le Petit Champlain, the most beautiful neighborhood in Quebec
In the lower city are the most charming streets of Quebec. Rue Cul-de-Sac is a must stop in Quebec. It is a beautiful street with stone houses on both sides, but the best thing is that the Chateau Frontenac can be seen in the background. You can also shop in the small souvenir shops or admire the historic Maison Chevalier.
9. The Place Royale
The heart of Quebec was, in its origins, the beautiful Place Royale. There Samuel de Champlain founded the city in 1608 after setting up a small trading post right on this little square. To one side is Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, the oldest stone church in North America. To the other are traditional French houses: made of stone, with big chimneys and colored roofs.
10. The Museum of Civilization
This museum is ideal for learning about Quebec's past, the origin of the first nations and the different civilizations. The museum of civilization has super modern exhibits, with interactive screens.
11. La Fresque des Quebecois
One of the most original places in Quebec is this huge mural. It is painted on a windowless façade of the old town and shows various scenes and historical figures from the city.
Although it was just painted in 1999, it has had several restorations and updates in recent years.
12. Go to Lévis to have the best views of the city
Boats depart from the old port to Lévis, the neighboring city. From the other side of the river there are beautiful views of Quebec. The journey is very short, it lasts just 5 minutes. Once in Lévis you have to go up a few ramps and stairs to get to La Terrasse de Lévis. From there you will have the best views of the silhouette of Château Frontenac and the entire city.
13. Old Port of Quebec
What began as a simple commercial port where European supply ships docked is one of the most charming parts of the city. You will have nice views of the river, the old town and the mountains that surround the city.
14. Quebec Aquarium
More than 300 species of fish, aquatic mammals, reptiles and invertebrates live in this aquarium. It has a tunnel surrounded by a large aquarium so you feel almost like you are in the middle of the ocean. Although it is a tiny aquarium, it is a good option whether or not you go with children.
15. Musée national des beaux-arts du Quebec
In this museum you can find more than 25,000 works created mainly by Quebec artists. The museum occupies what was an old jail that was used in the 19th century.
16. Sanctuary of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
This basilica is on the outskirts of Quebec, but it is always very crowded. It is said that many people have been miraculously cured of diseases after visiting it. It is dedicated to Saint Anne, the patron saint of Quebec.
17. Montmorency Falls
Visiting these waterfalls is one of the most impressive things to do in Quebec. The best thing about the visit is that you can see the fall from above thanks to a high bridge.
Do not go comparing them with Niagara Falls, because they do not look like, nor are they as impressive, nevertheless they are beautiful and it is an excellent option to spend the morning.
18. Parc des Champs de Bataille
A historic stop to make in Quebec is this park, also known as Abraham Plains. There the Battle of Quebec took place, which resulted in the French being forced to cede Canada to the British.
19. Jacques-Cartier National Park
One of the most common activities to do in Quebec in the summer months is to discover this wonderful national park. This park is ideal for walking trails, having picnics by the lakes and camping for the most adventurous and nature lovers.
20. The Wendake Indian Reservation
Wendake is an Indian reservation with just over 2,000 people who belong to the Huron-Wendat Nation. You will be able to learn about their way of life through guided tours and an exhibition with cultural objects inside a traditional house. It is a very interesting place.
POSTS FROM QUEBEC THAT MAY INTEREST YOU
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Canada a lot and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!