Old Quebec City is an area with a rich history and vibrant streets at just about any hour during the day or night. It’s home to some of Canada’s best restaurants, most interesting historical buildings, and, overall, is a veritable postcard town. Between the sweeping views of the Saint-Lawrence river, the delectable food and buzzing cobblestone streets, visiting Old Town Quebec City should be up there on anyone’s bucket list.

Magnificent Museums, Action-Packed Attractions and Tours & Summer Events! Whether you’re here to delve into the tales, locations, and individuals that have shaped the charming city you see today, to explore the premier destinations that define Quebec City, or to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle, you’ll find no shortage of options for an exciting adventure!

1. Old Quebec City Food Tour


Discover Old Quebec like you never have before–through its food! Learn about Old Quebec’s history with your knowledgeable guide and taste the town’s culinary heritage. Walk through the cobblestone streets and learn about the old buildings that still stand today. Savour the delicious food from some of Quebec City’s best eateries: from a rustic sugar shack to a hip snack bar. Between the food and drinks, the price of the ticket includes 12 yummy tastings in total! Instead of choosing just one restaurant in Quebec City, the Old Quebec City Food Tour invites you to sample many different places while learning about the area and meeting new people.

2.Château Frontenac + Terrasse Dufferin


When you visit Quebec City, the head-honcho of attractions is the Château Frontenac and the Terrasse Dufferin. Built for the Canadian Pacific Railway company during the late 19th century, the hotel was intended to appeal to wealthy travellers and encourage luxury tourism. Today, the Château still towers over Old Town Quebec City and draws patrons from around the world. You can step inside and marvel at the glorious and grandiose lobby with gold doors and arches and detailed work in the wood-panelled walls. Just outside the hotel is the Terrasse Dufferin, a large boardwalk where you’ll see an array of buskers, great views of the lower town and the Saint-Lawrence River.

3. Petit-Champlain + Funiculaire


The funicular is a cable car that ascends and descends the steep hill that separates the upper and lower town of Old Quebec. The short ride, for a small price, saves you the trouble of heading up the Breakneck Stairs. Enjoy a magnificent view of Old Quebec and the ships on the Saint-Lawrence river as you go up or down! But don’t stop there… The lower town of Old Quebec, otherwise known as le Petit Champlain, is one of the most picturesque areas of the city. Filled with shops, restaurants and cobblestone streets it’s the place to feel like you’re in Europe!

4.The Citadelle


The Citadelle is the oldest military building in Canada and is still active today. Take a tour inside the walls where you can see the changing of the guard ceremony at a specific time in the morning. Learn about Quebec City’s military history and how this military installation still functions today!

5. Enjoy one of the many events taking place throughout Summer!


Le Parcours des Terrasses Gourmandes – Purchase their gastronomic package and come & feast in many different restaurants during the biggest opening of terraces in Quebec City. – June 14
TD New France Festival – A historic festival that reconstructs the New France era from the 17th and 18th century, and is filled with cultural activities, entertainment, parades and performances. – August 1-4
See also An Into-depth Look At The New St-Roch Food Tour

6. Morrin Centre

Old quebec city attractions morrin center

The Morrin Centre offers visitors a myriad a reasons to visit. Firstly, this National Historic Site explores the contributions and culture of English speakers in the Quebec area. It boasts an impressive and extremely beautiful Victorian-style private library of English books. The centre was also a prison for captured British soldiers: walk through the jail cells and discover the hidden parts of Quebec’s history.

7. The Fort Museum

old quebec city museum du fort

This little museum offers visitors a 30 minute multimedia exhibition that chronicles the history of Quebec City battles and attacks on the city. Through the use of visual demonstrations, sound and light, dive into the famous battle on the Plains of Abraham and Benedict Arnold’s march to Québec City. The show is thoughtfully curated making it easy to grasp all the while being entertaining for families.

8. Musée de la Civilisation


Learn about Quebec’s History through a series of original interactive exhibitions. The museum explores the history of Quebec’s settlers and Aboriginal people, and continuously introduces new exhibitions to the museum. It’s a great excursion for adults and children alike and is both educational and fun!

9. Notre-Dame des Victoires Church

Dating back from 1688 it is the oldest stone church in North America and is a National Historic Site. Did you know that near Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church an outline on the ground marks the spot of the second habitation of Samuel de Champlain?

10. Maison de la Littérature


La Maison de la Littérature, open from Tuesday to Sunday, offers a vibrant space for self-expression, creation, and the promotion of liberal arts. Housed within the historic Wesley Temple in Quebec City, it features a public library, writing rooms, a comic book workshop, a writer’s residence, and a literary stage.