Quebec City is a place that is best explored on foot. When you are searching for amazing Quebec City attractions, a good chunk is located in the tightly concentrated area of Old Quebec City.
But, there are a few things to do in Quebec City that require access to either transit or a car. We usually visit on a road trip to Quebec City, so it’s rare that we don’t have our car with us. But, luckily Quebec also has a decent transit system to help you out if you need it. Here are some of our top places to see in Quebec City for the whole family.
1. Wander Through History Inside The Walls Of Old Quebec
Old Quebec is one of the coolest places to visit in all of Canada. There is simply no other place where the rich history of the country is on such a dramatic display. During the summer, the streets of old Quebec are lined with horse-drawn carriages, taking families and couples along the cobblestone streets of Canada’s oldest city. The streets are filled with cafes, art displays, and many hidden sculptures that tell the story of Quebec’s diverse history.
Take a stroll to Parc Montmorency between Cote de la Montagne and Rue Port-Dauphin (not to be confused with Parc de la Chute Montmorency), where the Parliament of Lower Canada and Quebec was situated from 1791 till 1883. You can also find the oldest house in Canada.
Built-in 1675, this beautiful red-roofed building on rue Saint-Louis has been transformed into a restaurant called Aux Ancien Canadien. However, if you truly want to step back in time, we recommend you dine in lower Quebec. You can read about that a little further down.
2. Take In The Most Photographed Hotel In The World – Chateau Frontenac
Another must is a walk along the walls of Chateau Frontenac, the most photographed hotel in the world. This castle-themed hotel is gorgeous from every angle. But we love exploring along the boardwalk lining the St. Lawrence River.
Here, you can find the fascinating, underground Lieu Historique national des Forts-et-Châteaux-Saint-Louis. This was the official residence of the French Governor of New France (as Quebec was once called). It is one of Canada’s newest National Historic Sites, having just been registered in 2002.
For a closer look, you can walk within the arched parkway of the Chateau Frontenac. It’s accessed off of Rue Saint-Louis. This is the main entrance for those who are staying at Chateau Frontenac, and it is one of the most dramatic hotel entrances around.
3. Listen To The Chorus In The Basilica Of Notre Dame
Catholicism has played a huge role in the history of Quebec, and there is no better place to explore a bit of that history than at the Basilica of Notre Dame in Quebec City. Notre Dame Basilica has been standing since 1647 and has witnessed nearly the entire history of modern Canada.
It has been gutted by fire a few times in its history. This includes once in 1922 when Canada’s Ku Klux Klan attacked the church.
In 2014, to celebrate Notre Dame’s 350th birthday, it was given a holy door. This holy door is only the 8th of its kind worldwide. The door is currently sealed by mortar and cement and is scheduled to be unveiled again in 2025.
4. Visit Musée de la Civilisation (The Museum of Civilization)
The Musee de la Civilization is one of the most popular museums in Quebec City. This highly engaging and interactive museum focuses mainly on Canadian First Nations history but also touches on Canadian and popular culture.
The Musee de la Civilisation is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Adult rates are between $17-$22, depending on the current exhibits. There are reduced rates for children 18 and under, and children under 11 are free.
5. Take A Ride On The Funicular To Lower Quebec City
There are a few ways to get from upper Quebec City to Lower Quebec City. You can either take the stairs or you can opt for the scenic route on the Old Quebec Funicular (Funiculaire du Vieux Quebec).
The Quebec City funicular takes visitors between Dufferin Terrace near Chateau Frontenac and Quartier Petit-Champlain in lower Quebec City.
The Quebec City funicular runs from 7:30 am to 10:30 pm most weekends and from 7:30 am to 9:30 pm during the week. It costs $3.50 per person each way.
