• Meet Kim
  • Work With My Traveling Roads
  • Privacy Policy/Disclosure
  • Contact Information

My Traveling Roads

Travel, Road Trips, Adventures

  • Home
  • Destinations
    • Alabama
    • Arkansas
    • Colorado
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Kansas
    • Maine
    • Montana
    • New Mexico
    • Oklahoma
    • Tennessee
    • Texas
    • Wisconsin
  • Camping & Hiking
  • Explore Travel
    • Family Travel
    • USA Travel
    • Texas Travel
    • Foodie Travel
    • Multigen Travel
    • Solo Travel
    • Pets (Travel)
    • Road Trips
    • Family Adventures
    • Auto Reviews
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel Tips

Attractions In Quebec City For First-Timers

March 19, 2023 Kim Leave a Comment

Attractions In Quebec City For First-Timers

There are many things to see in Quebec City for first-timers, but these are the best.

If you’re planning a trip to Quebec City, Canada, you’ll want to make the most of your time. Luckily, I went there in late 2022 and went to most attractions in Quebec City that are on top of the list for first-time tourists. There is plenty to do and see in the city that will keep you busy for at least four days and three nights. This list will give you an idea of what activities are available so you can plan your trip before you go.

Quebec City, a city of over 800,000 people, is a popular tourist destination for Canadians and Americans. It is the capital of the province of Quebec and is known for its French heritage and culture. Quebec City also has a great deal of history, with many buildings dating back to the 16th century. The city is described as an old-world charm city full of rich history with many historic buildings. Its narrow cobblestone streets make it a perfect place for walkable tourism. Locals refer to their city as “little Europe” and are proud of that.

Disclosure: I spent four beautiful days in Quebec City, sponsored by the CVB. All opinions are mine.

NEXT READ: Outdoor And Travel Gift Guide

 

Manor Montmorgency Falls

Unique Experiences In Quebec City

There are many things to do in Quebec City when planning a vacation. Here are some of the top attractions for first-timers.

  • Visit the Saint Lawrence River. The river flows through both sides of Quebec City and is perfect for a walk or bike ride along its banks. The views of downtown from across the water are beautiful, especially at night when all its lights reflect off the surface!
  • Take a hike up Montmorency Falls, just outside of town, about a 30-minute drive, but worth visiting if you’ve never been. The waterfall will blow you away!
  • Ride the Funicular to get from upper to lower town – it only takes about five minutes each way and costs $4 each way!

Quebec City is a walkable town, but if you plan to visit Montmorency Falls and a few places I’ve mentioned below, you’ll want to rent a vehicle or find other transportation.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Quebec City is in the summer. The weather is warm and sunny, and there are plenty of festivals and other events throughout the city. If you’re looking for something more picturesque, visit in late September when the leaves begin changing color for autumn. As for the wintertime, it does get cold, but locals tell me they dress in many layers and prefer the summer months.

Tips When Visiting Quebec City For the First Time

  1. Book a hotel with spectacular views.
  2. Hire a tour guide whenever possible. They know the city and can tell you things you’ll never find out on your own unless you know the right questions to ask.
  3. Brush up on your French (not needed, but helpful when driving around the city and reading signs).
  4. Take the Funicular at least once.
  5. You do not need to exchange US currency.
  6. Reservations are required at most fine-dining restaurants.
  7. To be on time when driving to attractions, leave earlier than you think you should. Especially if you don’t know French and can’t read the signs, it’s doable. Just go early in case you get turned around on the highways.
  8. All tourism personnel speaks English, but not all locals speak English. Be sure to talk to someone in the tourism business if you have questions: Hotel personnel, restaurant servers, taxi drivers, valet parkers, etc.

Attractions In Quebec City For First-Timers

Quebec City is unique. Outdoor activities are among the most unbelievable experiences. You’ll want to explore as many outdoor adventures as possible.

What should you do if you are a first-time visitor to Québec City? I recently took a first-time trip to Quebec City and would have been lost if I didn’t have a plan. I had an itinerary to follow, but knowing not everyone will, you at least have to have a plan before you go.

 

• Saint Lawrence River

The Saint Lawrence River is a major waterway that flows through Quebec City, dividing it in half. It’s also one of the longest rivers in North America and extends over 2,300 miles from Lake Ontario to the Atlantic Ocean. The area surrounding this massive body of water has been inhabited for thousands of years; its first inhabitants were Native Americans. Later European settlers arrived around 1608.

• Montmorency Falls

Montmorency Falls is a waterfall on the Montmorency River and is a short drive from the city. The falls are a natural attraction and are one of the major tourist attractions in Quebec City.

The falls are taller than Niagara Falls by 98 feet. The falls are fed by water from Lake Saint-Francis through a canal that runs down its side before emptying into another lake called Lac Beauport just south of where it meets up with St Lawrence river, which eventually flows into the Atlantic Ocean near New York City!

Be sure to ride the cable car up there and back because the other way to get there would entail a long walk up many stairs, but if you’re inclined to do so, do it! It would be a great workout, for sure. Spend time on the suspension bridge above, take photos, and consider doing the zip line if it’s open.

• Photograph Château Frontenac

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is a Europe-style resort with spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River in Quebec City and is the most photographed hotel in the world. It’s located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River and is the second most visited tourist attraction in the province of Quebec (after Montmorency Falls). Suppose you want to get some pictures of this beautiful building and its surrounding landscape. In that case, we recommend going during sunset or sunrise to capture its beauty and colorful skies – it will look even more spectacular!

Also, take a photo of the Parliament Building. I believe they offer tours. I didn’t get to do this, but my tour guide told me all about it.

• Stroll Old Quebec / Funicular

With its cobblestone streets and boutiques and restaurants one after another, a stroll is one of the best things you can do, and that doesn’t cost a dime – unless you find souvenirs and other things you want – I did! Be sure to ride the Funicular to the lower town and either ride it back or walk back to the upper town. But for the experience, you should ride it at least one way.

If you want to know about the history of the city, then I suggest hiring a local tour guide. They know it all – at least mine did. I found out things that I’m sure I learned in high school but have forgotten. Walking tours are the best here because everything is so close to one another.

While in Québec City, one must experience the Old Quebec Funicular!

 

• Old Quebec City Food Tour

The Old Quebec City Food Tour is a great way to explore the city. The tour is a guided walking tour, and you can choose from various packages that range in price and length. Tours are offered in French and English.

The food tour allows visitors to enjoy their favorite local dishes while learning about the history of Quebec City’s gastronomy. You’ll taste samples of poutine, maple syrup taffy on snow, smoked meat sandwiches, ice cream or cheese fondue–and more!

For a Quebec City experience, make reservations for a four or 6-course experience.

• Strom Spa

A visit to Strom Spa is a must for those looking for relaxation, luxury, and pampering. Located in the heart of Old Quebec, this spa offers various services, most being outdoors. The spa is open year-round and offers massages, facials, and body treatments. The best part – the Saint Lawerence River is the view!

• Visit île d’Orléans

The île d’Orléans is a popular day trip from Quebec City. The island is about an hour away and has plenty of things to do and see. You can visit the Maison Saint-Louis, built-in 1688 as a Catholic mission. Or you can take your time wandering around the charming village of Saint-Pierre-de-l’Ile d’Orleans, which has restaurants and shops that will help you get lost in history for hours!

Attractions In Quebec City For First-Timers
Jacques Cartier National Park

• Tour Jacques Cartier National Park

Jacques Cartier National Park is a Canadian National Park located on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence River in Quebec. The park was named after Jacques Cartier, a French explorer who explored the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and River and claimed Canada for France. The park contains various landscapes and ecosystems, including boreal forests and peatlands. There are also many waterways within its boundaries, such as lakes and rivers which are home to many species of fish and wildlife.

Jacques-Cartier National Park is located about 62 miles southwest of Quebec City. The park is open year-round and is an outdoor adventure I’ll never forget. This area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about some of our favorite attractions in Quebec City. If you are planning a trip to this beautiful city, we hope these ideas will help make your vacation even more memorable!

You May Also Like

Solo Travel, Travel & Adventures Canada

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

A New Adventure Delivered Monthly - Get Started At TheNomadik.com

About Kim

Travel writer and road trip enthusiast of My Traveling Roads, Kim Croisant, is a proud native Texan passionate about seeing the world by car, plane, train, RV -- any way she can. Her travels include many road trips in Texas and beyond. Kim is raising her grandson and takes him and her Yorkie/Shih Tzu mix doggies on as many trips as possible. When she's feeling the love, she lets her darling 83-year-old mother come along as well. But her favorite way to travel is solo. When Kim's not writing, she is hiking through nature and camping in the woods in a cabin full of amenities.

What's on your mind today? Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Hello! I am Kim from Texas. Traveling is my passion. I love adventures and a good road trip! You’ll find many traveling adventures I’ve taken all over the US. Get out in nature when you can! Travel safe! More about My Traveling Roads

Subscribe to My Traveling Roads

Top Attractions In Quebec City, Canada

A Website All About Texas Travel!

Keep Nature Wild

10 Most Popular Posts On This Site

  • Bob Ross Free Activity Printables
    Bob Ross Free Activity Printables
  • DIY Pipe Cleaner Popsicle Stick BUNNY
    DIY Pipe Cleaner Popsicle Stick BUNNY
  • Tips for Pet Owners Who Travel for Work  
    Tips for Pet Owners Who Travel for Work  
  • Things To Do At Grandscape Texas
    Things To Do At Grandscape Texas
  • Margaritaville Resort Lake Conroe Texas
    Margaritaville Resort Lake Conroe Texas
  • Restaurants In Historic Downtown Temple
    Restaurants In Historic Downtown Temple
  • 2015 Chevrolet Silverado High Country 4WD
    2015 Chevrolet Silverado High Country 4WD
  • Outdoor And Travel Gift Guide
    Outdoor And Travel Gift Guide
  • A Weekend In Frisco TX With My Bestie
    A Weekend In Frisco TX With My Bestie
  • Day At The Fort Worth Stockyards
    Day At The Fort Worth Stockyards

Expert Contributor

· © Copyright 2019-Current My Traveling Roads · All Rights Reserved · My Privacy Policy ·