Things to do in Québec City, Canada

The city of Québec is a highlight of any Canada cruise, with intriguing sites and cosmopolitan culture blending together to make it a delight for travellers. As one of the oldest cities in North America, you can guarantee timeless history and the 37 National Historic Sites of Canada surely deliver. What’s more, it’s a hub of arts and culture with a brilliant selection of museums and theatres to enjoy.

If you are visiting on an upcoming trip and want to know how best to spend your time in the city, in this article we will list the best things to do in Québec City, Canada.

Visit the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency

Situated just outside of the city (but well worth the short trip) is the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency. A beautiful natural attraction with plenty of history, the Montmorency Falls tower 83-metres high (that’s 30 metres taller than Niagara Falls!) are a spectacular site.

You can choose to see the falls in a range of ways, from walking the suspended bridge to the cable car which takes you to the top of the cliff and even by the 300-metre high zipline if you want to enjoy a real thrill.

Enjoy the amazing local cuisine

Food is one of the best ways to get under the skin of any new destination, and Canada is no different with a unique foodie scene. Enjoy amazing dishes and everything from great fast food to wonderful luxury dining experiences in the city.

Christopher, a Canada-based travel lover and blogger at Rudderless Travel, told us: “The most obvious thing to visit in Québec City is the old streets on the lower and upper levels starting with Rue du Petit-Champlain. However, a real treat in Québec City is food! Locally sourced, fresh, delicious with beautiful presentation. These are just a few of the great restaurants you must visit: Chez Rioux & Pettigrew, Paillard, Chez Boulay-bistro Boréal and La Buche.”

READ MORE: Must-try Canadian Food and Drink

Relax in the Strøm Nordic Spa

If you are looking to truly unwind and relax whilst in Québec, then there is nowhere better than the Strøm Nordic Spa. Combining Nordic spa brilliance with urbanity, it’s created a bespoke experience that is totally unique. Overlooking the St. Lawrence River, you can enjoy North America’s largest flotation bath, an infinity pool, steam bath, Finnish saunas, waterfalls and more. You’ll leave feeling totally rejuvenated and relaxed, ready to continue your cruise.

As well as the spa facilities, you can enjoy the season-focused Nord Restaurant which has cuisine of the highest level and shop in the boutique, letting you take the Strøm experience home.

Be transported at Petit-Champlain

For one of the most popular shopping areas of the city and one of the most scenic, it’s worth exploring Petit-Champlain. You’ll be transported back in time as the buildings feel like something straight out of a fairy-tale. From historic buildings dating back over 400 years to the city’s inception to wonderful boutique shopping, it’s a great place to spend some time in the city.

Bradley Williams, half of the team behind Dream Big, Travel Far, explained: “Known for its large array of boutique stores, art galleries, and bistros; Petit-Champlain is arguably the cutest and most traditional part of the city. It is this rustic charm and ambience that, for me, helps make it my favourite place to visit when in Quebec City. It almost feels as if you have stepped back in time, with the wonderful, cobbled streets and old buildings. Take time to peruse souvenir stores, pick up some homemade crafts and sit down for a bite to eat. For an after-dinner treat, I recommend sampling one of the locally made fudges.”

Explore the Plains of Abraham

For lovers of historical sites, the most prominent in the city is the Plains of Abraham. Today it might look like a blissful outdoor space with historic features but in 1759 the site of the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, one of the most pivotal battles in the Seven Years’ War.

You can enjoy the museum here which offers a wealth of information to visitors, or just relax in this now popular hang-out spot where the locals enjoy sports and even sometimes outdoor concerts and festivals. It’s also got great views of the city and the St. Lawrence River.

See the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires

One of the most iconic buildings in Old Québec is the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires. An 18th-century Roman Catholic stone church, it’s one of the oldest churches in the whole of North America. As well as being iconic in the area, the church was also a filming location in Catch Me If You Can. For those enjoying the Place-Royale, it’s somewhere to be sure to explore both inside and outside.

Wander down the Terrasse Dufferin

For those who are looking for one of the best strolls in the city, taking to Terrasse Dufferin (the Dufferin Terrace) will get you there. Wrapping around the iconic Château Frontenac and overlooking the St. Lawrence River, the boardwalk lets you take in some of the most iconic city sites, and you can walk it to the Plains of Abraham. You can access the terrace by a set of stairs, or, for a real treat, the funicular which takes people up and down the steep hill.

Educate yourself at the Musée de la Civilisation

Situated in Old Québec is one of the city’s most notable museums – the Musée de la Civilisation. First opened in 1988, the museum focuses on human civilisation, and you can enjoy a range of permanent and temporary exhibitions. Some of the highlights of the museum are the exhibition on the history of the city and one of the First Nations and the indigenous people of Canada.

Things to do in Québec City, Canada:

• Visit the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency

• Enjoy the amazing cuisine

• Relax in the Strom Nordic Spa

• Be transported at Petit-Champlain

• Explore the Plains of Abraham

• See the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires

• Wander down the Terrasse Dufferin

• Educate yourself at the Musée de la Civilisation

Québec City is one of a range of amazing destinations that you can enjoy stopping at on one of our Canada cruise holidays from the UK. So, whether you choose to take in the Montmorency Falls or want to spend the day exploring the exhibits of the Musée de la Civilisation, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable experience.

We pride ourselves on our extensive and exciting range of cruise destinations, so whether you are trying to get a final holiday in this year on one of our 2024 cruises or planning ahead for a 2025 cruise holiday, you can be sure you’ll be visiting some awe-inspiring locations.

Whether you are looking for more destination advice or want tips for your next cruise, make sure to visit our blog.