Weekend in Quebec City: 3-Day Itinerary & Travel Guide

I cannot believe the stars finally lined up for a weekend in Quebec City getaway. I’ve been to Montreal twice and have always been impressed with its old town. Friends, family and fellow travel bloggers who have been to QC have told me that when it comes to narrow cobblestone streets, you haven’t seen anything until you experience a weekend in Quebec City.

Quebec City is fiercely European with an even fiercer grip on the French-Canadian identity. 

Last Updated: July 25, 2024

Since the St. Lawrence River is still very deep around Quebec City, it can accommodate cruise lines—some from as far away as Europe. Our guide, Elyse, told us that they had seven cruise ships in one day one summer! Nearly 4.4 million tourists visited the Quebec City region in 2016, and 800,000 were outside Canada.

Sure, you can get a taste of the Canadian City in a single day – taste being the operative word as the food scene here is off the charts with a strong focus on local and regional produce. But if you can stay for a weekend, the city’s compact size makes it perfect for walking.

There are some steep hills, specifically between the lower town and the upper town and in the upper town itself, but rest assured, I kept all that in mind when I created this itinerary. 

Any additional calories you burn can be traded in for food at some of the amazing restaurants I’m about to introduce you to!

This article is now available as a mobile app. Go to GPSmyCity to download the app for GPS-assisted travel directions to the attractions featured in this article.

History Of Quebec City: The Soul of The Province

• French explorer Samuel de Champlain founded Québec City in 1608. In the 17th century, the first French explorers, fur trappers, and missionaries established a colony there. Thus, it is considered the cradle of the French Civilization.
• Old Quebec was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985
• Just for the record, French explorer Jacques Cartier arrived in 1535. Champlain founded “New France” and built a fort (called Place Royale today), which we’ll see later.
• Quebec City ranks among the top 20 most romantic destinations. (I’m not the cheesy romantic type, but I can see why it made the list)
• The British wanted to remove the French from North America, and even though the forts that New France built reinforced their position on the top of the cliff, Britain’s navy ultimately led to New France’s demise. General James Wolfe led his army to Québec City in the summer of 1759.

Getting To Quebec City

Plane

Air Canada, which flies from the U.S. via Montréal or Toronto, is the most popular airline. However, WestJet, Alaska, and United are also good options. All flights arrive at Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB), which is only a 20-minute cab ride downtown.

Bus

The bus is the least expensive option and relatively easy to use (as long as you don’t mind making extra stops along the way) – I hate taking buses longer than a couple of hours. From NYC to Quebec City, the Greyhound runs from New York and Boston to Montréal. You can transfer to one of the hourly buses connecting to Québec City via Orléans Express.

Train

If you’re travelling by train from the US, you’ll arrive in Montréal via Amtrak and then transfer to VIA Rail trains heading to Québec City. The Via Rail trains run four times a day from Montréal and take three hours.

Car

You can take two directions when leaving Montréal: Autoroute 20 or the more scenic Autoroute 40. Both routes take approximately three hours to get to Québec City. Driving from New York City takes about eight hours, while Boston is about six. Coming from New York or destinations south of the Big Apple, take Interstate 91 to the Canadian border. From Boston, take Interstate 93 and switch to Interstate 91 in Vermont. After crossing the border, Interstate 91 becomes Québec Autoroute 55, which you take to Sherbrooke. From Sherbrooke take Autoroute 55 to Autoroute 20.

Driving from Toronto to Quebec City takes about eight hours.

Getting Around on Your ​​Quebec City Weekend Getaway

Getting around Quebec City is easy and convenient. Traffic is usually light outside rush hour, making it easier to get around by car. Finally, walking is another great way to get around the city. Most attractions are within walking distance of each other, making it easy for visitors to explore on foot.

The primary mode of transportation in the city is the Quebec City Transit System or RTC. The RTC operates a comprehensive network of buses and shuttles covering most of the city. A few express bus routes also provide faster service between some of the more popular destinations.

For visitors who don’t want to ride buses, there are other options for getting around town. Taxis are available for hire throughout the city and offer an economical way to get from one place to another quickly and without any hassles. Additionally, car rentals are available at various locations throughout the city, allowing travellers to explore as they please.

Cycling is another excellent way to explore Quebec City, as it has many trails and bike paths. Several bike rental companies are located throughout the city, where bikes can be rented for short periods at reasonable rates. 

Cycling tours are also available for those who want to explore further afield. They offer guided tours through some of the city’s most scenic routes.

Quebec City 3-Day Itinerary

Spending a weekend in Quebec City is an exciting experience for any traveller. The city offers something for everyone, from its unique and charming Old Town to its historic architecture. The cobbled streets of Old Quebec are filled with beautifully preserved buildings and quaint cafes. 

Quebec City’s nightlife is vibrant and lively, with bars, pubs, and restaurants offering an eclectic mix of dining options. Music lovers can find live entertainment almost every night at one of the many bars in the city. 

After spending a glorious long weekend in the city, I couldn’t help but put it all together for you to use on your next trip. Below is a comprehensive list of the top things to do and places to visit in Quebec City. They’re laid out similarly to how we did them, but you can adjust the itinerary as needed.

Arriving In Quebec City for The Weekend: The Night Before Day 1

Most people planning to spend three days in Quebec City drive a long distance, so try to arrive the evening before you begin your three days. This gives you enough time to check into your hotel, unpack, and slowly introduce yourselves to the city and its sights.

Supper at Chez Rioux & Pettigrew

With the creative cuisine of Chef Dominic Jacques – a winner on the television show “Les chefs” in 2012 –– Chez Rioux & Pettigrew has evolved to a bistro-style restaurant from what was once a Rioux and Pettigrew wholesale grocer.

I started with a local beer called Belle Guelle, which was delicious.

Gordana had the L’Achille (Quebec Exquis) – which is described as a flaxseed-fed duck from Canard du Village in Sainte-Pie, infused sea buckthorn leaf’s jus, tangy berries from La Ferme d’Achille, creamy butternut squash gratin, puree & palet, sea buckthorn mustard.

I had the Réconfort: slow–braised beef shoulder, potato ragout au jus, creamy cabbage, brussels sprouts, carrots, refreshing citrus-flavoured herb coleslaw, charcutière sauce.

Gordana’s dessert was the Ma Foi C’est Exquis—Sea Buckthorn Choc!, Cacao Barry dark chocolate mousse with a siphon, truffle, powder, berries in syrup, and sea buckthorn sorbet from La Ferme d’Achille.

For me, I had L’Erable, a maple—flavoured éclair, light cream, tangy ice crabapple puree, craquelin, and maple-candied walnuts.

Quebec City Getaway: Day 1

On your first day, combine parts of Upper and Lower Town inside Old Quebec City. This is a great way to get a taste of the city at a reasonable pace. Here is the complete day one itinerary for Quebec City, based on our visit:

Things To Do in Lower Old Quebec City

Everything mentioned below is about a 7-minute walk in total, not counting the time you’ll spend at each stop. You can easily fit this bit into a morning walk and then stop for brunch/lunch before continuing.

Quartier Petit-Champlain

Located on the lower part of old Quebec, Quartier Petit-Champlain was once the capital of New France, a small portside village in 1608 comprised of fur trading posts. The narrow, pedestrian-only, cobblestone streets are lined with historic buildings, souvenir shops, aboriginal shops, bistros, artisan boutiques, and Québec-cuisine restaurants.

Rue du Petit-Champlain

The main road running through Quartier Petit-Champlain is Rue du Petit-Champlain, where you’ll find some of the first houses from the former French colony that was built hundreds of years ago. Along this street, you’ll find bistros, art galleries and specialized handicraft boutiques (leather, jewellery, decorative arts, clothing, wood and more)

Breakneck Staircase

I’ll be honest. I wouldn’t say I like steps, and as I soon discovered, there is no shortage of hills and steps here in Old Quebec City – at least these steps are pretty.

This outdoor staircase dates back to 1635, a few years before the death of Samuel de Champlain (the city’s founder), and it is the oldest in Quebec City. In 1895, the old wooden staircase was replaced by a steel one, and the current staircase was built in 1968.

The fresco on the side of the building depicts the lives and significant events of the residents of the Cap-Blanc district, one of Quebec City’s 35 districts and one of six located in the borough of La Cité-Limoilou.

Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church

It’s simple but simply beautiful. Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church is one of the oldest churches in North America, built on the ruins of Champlain’s first settlement in 1723. It was rebuilt in 1859 after being heavily bombarded in 1759, and to this day, the tradition of blessings and handing out buns on the feast day of St. Genevieve continues.

Place Royale

Place Royale stands on the site of Québec’s foundation. In 1608, Samuel de Champlain erected a fur trading post and permanent settlement in New France – the cradle of French civilization in North America. Place Royale has the largest group of 17th and 18th-century buildings that reflect North America’s four centuries of history. It was named Place Royale in honour of Louis XIV of France.

Place De Paris | Royal Battery

Place De Paris used to be the former site of the Finlay market. What is interesting is the historical buildings with ladders on the roofs, as ladders were used to sweep chimneys.

The Royal Battery was named in honour of Louis XIV of France, who founded its construction in 1691. It was part of the city’s defences under the French Regime and helped protect the city during the siege of 1759. It sits across the Quai Chouinard, a departure point for cruise ships sailing the St. Lawrence.

Quebec City Mural

I love the frescos on the side of some of these buildings. Here in Parc de la Cetiere, the fresco depicts 400 years of Quebec City history through a series of interpretation panels showing the different buildings erected on this site over the years. 

The mural represents fifteen historical figures, including Felix Leclerc, Jacques Cartier, and Marie Guyart. In addition, shows and concerts are staged here in the summer and during the Christmas holidays.

Café La Maison Smith

La Maison Smith Cafe (The Smith House Cafe) is a cafe chain in Quebec City. It is known for its fine chocolates and specialty coffees. It also serves a variety of delicious pastries, desserts and sandwiches.

The one in Place Royale is the first branch of the chain. Place Royale is the place where French pioneers first established themselves in 1608. French settlers inhabited the cafe where it was housed until 1796, when Mr. Charles Smith bought it. Since then, it has been known as La Maison Smith. In 2013, the cafe took over the building, and La Maison Smith Cafe was born.

Things To Do in Upper Old Quebec City

From here, we can take the funicular up to the upper town of Old Quebec City – the cradle of French Civilization in North America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the only walled city north of Mexico still well-preserved after 400 years.

When I think about a walled city, I think of Europe – Canada wouldn’t even cross my mind. It’s pretty remarkable.

Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral

Notre Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral was built in 1647 under the French Regime. It has been expanded, bombarded, burnt to the ground, rebuilt in 1925, and designated as a national historic site. It is the final resting place of four New France governors and the bishops of the Quebec City diocese.

La Boutique de Noël de Québec

There’s something oddly beautiful about the spirit of Christmas and its effects on my soul.

Even though the weather outside is frightful – a store that sells Christmas stuff all year can brighten up anyone’s day. It has everything: decorations, nativity sets, villages, souvenirs, and other Christmas collectibles.

City Hall of Quebec City

The City Hall of Quebec City is located in the heart of Old Quebec in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Built on a hill, it slopes downward and was once home to the Jesuit College (Jesuit Barracks) from the 1730s to 1878. In 1984, it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada. 

The building is also located within the “Arrondissement Historique du Vieux-Québec” (Historic District of Old Quebec). This district was designated under provincial heritage legislation in 1963 and listed as a World Heritage Site in 1985.

Located on rue des Jardins and designed by architect Georges-Émile Tanguay, it is the second permanent city hall for the old city. From 1842 to 1896, City Hall was the home of British Army Major General William Dunn (British officer), son of former administrator Thomas Dunn (lieutenant-governor) (at rue Saint-Louis and rue Sainte-Ursule). 

The city government sat at various sites before 1842. The formal city council was established in 1833. The building combines classical, Medieval, and Châteauesque elements.

Pub St-Patrick

Québec City’s only truly authentic Irish pub, where you’ll find a friendly atmosphere, plenty of beer, and Irish music and traditions, all in a historic building in Old Québec across the city hall. This is the perfect time to stop for a more filling lunch and meet a few locals.

Le Monastère des Augustines

On August 1, 1639, three sisters from the Augustinian Order came to Quebec to establish North America’s first hospital north of Mexico.

The Augustinian Sisters devoted themselves to caring for the body and soul for about four centuries. They founded 12 hospitals, becoming the foundation for Quebec’s public healthcare system. 

Today, the Monastery continues the passion and compassion that inspired and motivated the sisters by functioning as a place of welcome, hospitality, memory, rest, and renewal.

Paillard – St-Jean

Paillard is bread, first and foremost. But it’s also croissants, biscuits, eclairs, sandwiches, soups, salads, gelato, cakes, chocolates … In short, it was a whole world of homemade delicacies that made the reputation of the Paillard coffee-come-bakery. 

I can’t even begin to describe how delicious their smoked meat sandwich was…It actually brought a tear to my eye. We ended up eating here twice!

Rue Saint-Jean & Porte Saint-Jean

One of the main and popular streets is Rue Saint-Jean, with its trendy cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops. During the summer evenings and weekends, cars are not allowed inside the fortifications, making it pedestrian-friendly

At the top of Rue Saint-Jean is Saint-Jean Gate, one of Quebec City’s most recognizable landmarks. Porte Saint-Louis was built in 1693. It was replaced by another, further west, in 1745 but was then demolished and rebuilt in 1878 – which is the current one here today.

Épicerie J.A. Moisan

JA Moisan Epicerie is the oldest grocery store in North America. Yes, you heard me correctly. It was established in 1871. The interior takes you back in time and could easily pass as a museum, except it’s still in use.

It has everything you need, things you didn’t know you needed, and everything in between – like 50 varieties of mustard!

Chez Boulay-Bistro Boréal

Chefs Jean Luc Boulay and Arnaud Marchand opened Chez Boulay—Bistro Boreal to highlight Quebec’s unique regional and seasonal products from the boreal region: elk, trout, elderberry flower (I love elderberry juice, by the way) and Labrador tea. 

Cranberry seed oil, hemp oil, and apple cider vinegar can all be found in the Nordic-inspired blend of Quebec culinary traditions and international influences.

I went for the braised beef cheek with Labrador tea, potato purée with brown butter, roasted cabbage, oyster mushrooms, and fresh herbs. Gordana opted for the seared Atlantic cod, creamy spaghetti squash with confit garlic, smoked coldwater shrimp, egg yolk, and kale with sumac. 

Together (well, mostly me), we shared the frozen caramel parfait with apple center, buckwheat cookie, roasted apples, and candied sunflower seeds.

Quebec City Weekend Itinerary: Day 2 | Things to Do in Old Quebec City

This day has a bit more history and culture packed into it. Starting more centrally in Old Quebec City and moving into the downtown neighbourhood of Saint-Jean-Baptiste and further into the city’s suburbs.

Morrin Centre

The Morrin Centre was constructed as a military barracks more than 300 ago. Then, it was used as a prison with balconies from which prisoners were hung. It was repurposed again into Quebec’s first English-language college with one of the world’s most beautiful libraries.

Today, the Morrin Cultural Centre explores the history of English-speaking culture in the area.

St. Andrew Church

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, named after the apostle, was dedicated on November 30, 1810, on St. Andrew’s Day. The building remains unchanged except for the addition of the Vestry in 1900. 

The Kirk Hall, first erected in 1829, and the Manse, erected in 1837, are on the same triangular site as the church.

Chez Ashton

Besides Canadian back bacon and maple syrup, poutine seems to be the highlight of Canadian cuisine. Of course, there’s much debate over the best poutine in Quebec. Ashton’s has a great dish and is the Mcdonalds’ of poutine.

Want somewhere more off the beaten path? Try La Fabrique Montcalm in the trendy arts district of Montcalm. Here, poutine gets fancy with braised beef, pulled pork, or confit duck.

The Fort Museum

Through a 30-minute sound and light show, you can travel back to the foundation of Quebec and revisit the six military sieges that helped shape its history!

Chic Shack

Lucy and Evan Price, who also own Auberge Saint-Antoine, opened Chic Shack in 2012. They serve delicious burgers, poutines, salads, milkshakes, and house sodas made with local ingredients.

Every city should have at least one great burger joint. Right?

Place d’Armes

This area was once called the Grande Place during the French Regime. With a gothic-style fountain in the center, it was the most popular meeting place for military parades and public speaking events.

Monument Samuel-De Champlain

This monument to Samuel-De Champlain was created in Honour of the founder of Quebec City. It was a work by Paul Chèvre and inaugurated in 1898.

Dufferin Terrace

Named after Lord Dufferin, The Dufferin Terrace is located on the site of Fort Saint-Louis, built by Samuel de Champlain in 1620 – and where he died in 1635.

From here, you’ll view the river, Lower Town and Place-Royale.

The Fairmont Château Frontenac

The Frontenac was constructed for the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1894 and is one of the city’s most prominent landmarks. It stands tall in front of Dufferin Terrace and can be seen from most parts of the city and miles away.

This elevated vantage point was the original site of Fort St. Louis, the governor’s residence in colonial times. Today, tourists can see the ruins underneath the promenade.

One of the six notable moments in Château Frontenac’s 125-year history is during World War II when it hosted two important conferences on military strategy. In August 1943, the leaders of the Allied powers, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and U.K. Prime Minister Winston Churchill—hosted by Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King—met to plan the invasion of Normandy.

Aux Anciens Canadiens

The historic Maison Jacquet (Jacquet House), built in 1675-76, is the oldest in Quebec. The thick walls and wainscoting are characteristic of houses constructed during this period.  Philippe-Aubert de Gaspé,  author of the book Les Anciens Canadiens, once lived in this house. Les Anciens Canadiens, the restaurant’s name, currently occupies the house. 

La Citadelle de Québec & Musee Royal 22e Regiment (Museum)

Sitting on top of Cap Diamant at a height of 100 meters is Québec’s star-shaped Citadel. It was built in 1832, and not only is the fortress protected by thick walls, ramparts, and ditches, but it is still an active military post. It’s used by generals, officers, service members, and the summer residence of the Governor-General of Canada.

The tour guide had a real hatred for Toronto and had no problem expressing his feelings. As upsetting as that was, surprisingly, as a Torontonian, I’m used to it. It’s just jealousy. The Musee Royal 22e Regiment Museum has one of the largest military collections in Canada.

Plains of Abraham

Outside the city walls, to the west of the Citadel, is the Plains of Abraham (Champs de Bataille). This is where the British, led by General Wolfe, fought the French-led Montcalm and won back in 1759. Throughout the park are archaeological artifacts, multi-media exhibits, and displays showing the Québec siege.

Parliament Building

Southwest of the old Upper Town is the seat of Québec’s provincial government. The Parliament, completed in 1877, holds the Salle de l’Assemblée Nationale (National Assembly) and Salle du Conseil Législatif (Legislative Council), which are open to the public.

Observatoire de la Capitale

At the top of the Marie-Guyart Building is a 360-degree observatory on the 31st floor that provides a bird’s-eye view of Quebec City. The observatory also has some cool interactive exhibits showing how Québec City developed and grew over the years.

La Buche

La Buche is a pretty cool place. The manager, Vicky, told me it was inspired by a sugar shack. The inside makes you feel like you’re in a log cabin deep in the Quebecois wilderness. The brick, wood, and stone walls are adorned with various animal pelts and items that locals would use in the woods for animal trapping. Even their menu is fun!

Francis Bècotte Marchand and Luc Ste-Croix deliver everything from deconstructed shepherd’s pie and tourtière poutine with a daily topping—all in traditional Quebecois style. As a person who loves anything made with, covered in, or injected with maple syrup, I would eat a brick if it was smothered in it.

I started dinner with a maple beer brewed by McAuslan called St. Ambroise Maple Beer.

It was one of the best beers I have ever drank. 

Gordana had the Two-Salmon Tartar, Ice Cider mayo, Maple Vinegar, Apples, Dill, and Hazelnuts, Served with Fries and Salad. I had the First Nation Bison Skirt Steak, Mushrooms, Smoked Bacon, and Cariboo Sauce, Served with Vegetables and Mashed Potatoes. For dessert, we split a pure Maple Fudge.

Rue Saint-Louis & Porte Saint-Louis

Porte Saint-Louis was built in 1693. It was replaced by another, further west, in 1745 but was then demolished and rebuilt in 1878—the current one that stands here today.

Weekend Trip to Quebec City: Day 3

For day three, we were accompanied by Elyse Busque, a tour guide with the Quebec City Tourism Board, and probably one of the best times I ever had with a tour guide. Elyse is an absolute delight with an incredible, witty sense of humour. Plus

Plus, she was so knowledgeable about the history, the city, the region, and the province. Did you know that Quebec “means where the river is narrowest?” This is just one of the many things Elyse taught me.

Head to Cote-de-Beaupre

Elyse started us off along Route de la Nouvelle-France, which was like a journey through the first agricultural settlement of New France. The most popular destination is the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre Basilica, a famous pilgrimage destination.

The landscape of Cote-de-Beaupre is surrounded by the St. Lawrence River, the Laurentian Mountains, waterfalls, and canyons. Many outdoor recreational activities can be experienced on or near Mount Sainte Anne. 

See Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

Sainte Anne is the patron saint of Québec, dating back to 1926, but the first chapel was built in this location in the 17th century. It is known for its miracles of healing the sick and disabled, and as a result, it receives half a million pilgrims each year. 

In fact, near the entrance, there are two pillars filled with racks of crutches, canes, braces, etc., left behind by pilgrims who reported being healed. Else told me that the brass doors at the entrance are made of copper and are the handmade work of Albert Gilles (a local Côte-de-Beaupre resident), which depicts biblical scenes.

I usually say museums are great but not great for short trips as they take up a lot of time, but because this Quebec City weekend was a long one, we had an extra day. The illusions collection was an absolute blast!

End Off at Old Port (Vieux Port)

The 19th-century Old Port (Vieux Port) used to be bustling with commercial activity centred on Bassin Louise. It has a rich maritime and shipping history and is located on the confluence of the Saint-Charles and St. Lawrence Rivers.

Also on the waterfront is the Marché du Vieux-Port – yes, I’m working on my French — a public market where local artisans and farmers come to sell their wares or fresh produce.

Best Places To Stay In Quebec City

Accommodations Map

Hotel Le Germain Quebec

During my weekend in Quebec City, I was invited to stay at the Hotel Le Germain Quebec, located in the neighbourhood that saw the birth of Quebec—Quebec City’s historic Old Port district.

The hotel was inaugurated in 1997 in what was once the office building of Dominion Fish & Fruit Limited, which was erected in 1912; if you’ve ever stayed in a Le Germain Hotel, then you know how meticulous they are in their attention to detail.

Elegance, comfort, refinement, and I’ve got to say they have an outstanding breakfast that will forever challenge your notion of what a continental breakfast should be. 

I spoke with Claudine Deblois  (Delegate, Business Development at Hôtel Le Germain Québec and Hôtel Le Germain Charlevoix).

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Search CozyCozy Instead

If you’re not particular about your type of accommodations, you can head over to CozyCozy and search for the best Quebec City hotels. In addition to hotels, you’ll find an incredible selection of Airbnb, apartments, villas, youth hostels, bed and breakfasts, home exchanges, and more, all in one place. This can save you time and money!

Traditional Quebec Foods to Try During Your Weekend Away

Poutine

Aside from Canadian back bacon, Beaver Tails, and that delicious golden elixir that is Maple Syrup – it and all its forms, in my opinion, should be Canada’s national dish. You have Poutine, Canada’s official national dish. While the competition for the best Poutine is pretty fierce all around Quebec – my solution is to simply try them all.

Ashton’s and Chic Shack, both mentioned in this post, have great poutine, but if you’d like to head off the beaten path, try La Fabrique Montcalm in the trendy arts district of Montcalm. The poutine in these parts gets fancy with braised beef, pulled pork, or confit duck.

Pâté chinois

Pâté chinois is the Quebecois version of a shepherd’s pie. Quebec City is arguably the closest you will get to the French language outside of France and just as the French are well known for and quite particular when it comes to food- from ingredients to preparation to presentation. 

Like many dishes, Pâté chinois can be a source of contention when the order of its layers is not respected.

The typical pâté chinois starts with a bottom layer of beef (sometimes with onions), then corn, mashed potatoes, and sometimes paprika sprinkled on top. Oh, and since this dish reminds most Quebecers of their childhoods, squirting ketchup on their slice is acceptable.  

In all honesty, the best pâté chinois is made in most Quebecois homes, but two restaurants, La Binerie Mont-Royal and Restaurant Mâche, create a great dish.

When it comes to Quebec and its food, the list is neverending. The provinces infamous smoked meat, bûche de noël, oreilles de crisse, cretons & baked beans, cabane à sucre menu, pets de soeur, ice cider, sucre à la crème and more.

Do not leave this province without Maple fudge or Maple Syrup.

Bonus: Carnaval de Québec, A Must-Do in Quebec City in Winter

If you’re planning a weekend in Quebec City during the colder winter months, you don’t want to miss this!

Québec’s two-week winter celebration, Carnaval de Québec, was first held in 1894, and since 1955, it has been an annual tradition headed up by a giant snowman named Bonhomme Carnaval. Bonhomme’s home is a massive castle made of ice, covered in daily, original artwork by Québec’s top graffiti artists. 

Two snow sculpting competitions, the Canadian National and International Snow Sculpting Contest and the Snow Swimming Competition, are held at the Plains of Abraham. Other traditional events include dogsled races, parades, dancing, sledding, skating, and snow swimming. 

Only in Canada would there be such a thing as snow swimming. Snow swimming brings together the city’s braver residents, who only wear bathing suits while playing on a snow hill. Jeez…
Most activities are free and open to the public, while others require a pass. Official site: https://carnaval.qc.ca/

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The Perfect Weekend Getaways in Quebec

That’s a wrap – I put together the biggest, action-packed list of top things to do in Quebec City, and now it’s your turn. It’s time to start planning your big weekend getaway. Are you feeling inspired?

I’ve visited Europe many times and can’t believe this little piece of Europe exists in my backyard.  

Gordana and I had an amazing Quebec City weekend, and I think I’m in love. I’m already looking forward to my next weekend in Quebec City, and my mouth is already watering for that smoked meat sandwich and anything covered in maple syrup. 

FAQs

Do they speak English in Quebec City?

Yes! While Quebec City is primarily French-speaking, most tourist destinations, stores, restaurants, and other places where customer service is essential accommodate English speakers. Those working in the tourism industry are used to many English-speaking tourists visiting the area.

What is the Best Month to Visit Quebec City?

When deciding whether to visit Quebec City in summer or winter, you will need to determine what activities you want to enjoy. Each season offers its own activities, attractions, and events.

During the warmer summer months, the city is very walkable. This is a great time to explore the little shops, murals, parks, and other outdoor attractions. However, it’s also the busiest time of year for tourists in the area.  

If you visit Quebec City in winter, be prepared with warm clothing for any outdoor excursions. This time of year is truly magical. In addition to all the indoor activities, you can go snowshoeing, visit the Christmas Markets, and even stay at the Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel).

What Are the Most Popular Road Trips from Quebec City?

If you want to take a longer vacation than just the weekend, exploring more of this beautiful province, you’re in luck. Nearby cities worth exploring include Trois-Rivieres, Laval, Mont Tremblant/the Laurentides, and (of course) Montreal.

While I don’t have a complete Montreal and Quebec City itinerary to share, this is a popular pairing for Quebec getaways. You can combine the recommendations in this article with my guide to Montreal.