Things to do in Québec: local guide

The story

Understanding Québec

ounded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain on a promontory above the St. Lawrence, Québec City is the cradle of French America. The Battle of the Plains of Abraham in 1759 brought New France under the British Crown, yet the city kept its language and character.

Its historic district has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. But Québec City is more than its old town: walk up rue Saint-Jean to the Saint-Jean-Baptiste faubourg, head down to Saint-Roch for its restaurants, and cross the river by ferry at least once for the best view of the city.

Find your bearings

A neighbourhood for every mood

Old Québec (Upper Town)

For a first stay on foot: Château Frontenac, Dufferin Terrace, the ramparts and restaurants. Charming but touristy; accommodation is often old, with stairs.

Petit-Champlain & Old Port

For the Lower Town lanes, Place Royale and the Old Port market. Very quiet at night out of season.

Saint-Jean-Baptiste & Montcalm

To live like a local: cafés, bars, avenue Cartier and the Plains of Abraham nearby. Ten minutes’ walk from the walls.

Saint-Roch

For the food scene and microbreweries below the cliff. Good value, but plan for the climb to the Upper Town (or the Faubourg lift).

Explore the neighbourhood guides

A first visit

Two days to get a feel for the city

A starting point to adapt to the weather, your energy and opening hours.

Day 1 · Upper & Lower Town
Morning on Dufferin Terrace and the Governors’ Promenade, then the ramparts and the Citadel. Walk down the Breakneck Stairs to Petit-Champlain and Place Royale. Late afternoon, take the ferry to Lévis for the view, then dinner in the old town.
Day 2 · Plains & faubourgs
Morning on the Plains of Abraham and at the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec. Lunch on avenue Cartier, then rue Saint-Jean through the faubourg. In the evening, Saint-Roch and its restaurants. Keep Montmorency Falls or Île d’Orléans for another half-day.

Plan my stay with UGO

Conditions vary by street, time and situation. Use these pointers to plan your journeys.

Winter, ice & stairs

From December to March, sidewalks and stairs can be icy. Wear boots with good grip, add ice cleats if needed and dress in layers: the wind off the river makes the cold bite harder.

A quiet city

Québec City is one of Canada’s safest cities. Usual precautions are enough: watch your belongings in festival and Carnival crowds.

Ville de Québec

The river

The St. Lawrence has strong currents and tides: do not venture onto ice or tidal flats. For water activities, choose supervised outings.

Back to Québec

Québec

Understanding Québec

A neighbourhood for every mood

Old Québec (Upper Town)

Petit-Champlain & Old Port

Saint-Jean-Baptiste & Montcalm

Saint-Roch

Two days to get a feel for the city

Day 1 · Upper & Lower Town

Day 2 · Plains & faubourgs

Good to know

Language

Currency & tipping

Taxes

Safety

Winter, ice & stairs

A quiet city

The river

Getting around

Airport

Seasons

Alcohol

Emergencies

Booking