The 20 Best Things to Do in Quebec City: A Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors

Quebec City feels like a slice of Europe tucked into North America. With its cobblestone streets, fortified old town, rich Indigenous heritage, and fun winter traditions, it’s no wonder travelers fall hard for this destination. If you’re planning a visit and wondering about the best things to do in Quebec City, this guide covers the must-see attractions, unforgettable experiences, and a few magical surprises along the way.

Whether you’re visiting in summer sunshine or during the city’s snowy fairy tale season, these activities showcase the very best of Quebec City.

The Best Things to Do in Quebec City:

1. Stay at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

No list of the best things to do in Quebec City starts anywhere else. Towering over Old Quebec, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is the most photographed hotel in the world—and for good reason. Even if you don’t stay overnight, stepping inside this historic landmark or admiring it from Dufferin Terrace is a must.

Staying at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. We had a three day weekend in January, so we brought Andrew for his birthday. It really lived up to the hype and added to the whole experience.

Not only does it have the most prime location in the city, it is steeped with history. We had a very comfortable suite for our family of five. There are several restaurants to choose from and even a Starbucks in the basement. My kids loved the indoor pool and hot tub as well as completing the hotel scavenger hunt with fun prizes at the end.

Pro tip: Book a river-view room or stop in for afternoon tea for a budget-friendly taste of luxury.

2. Ride the Historic Toboggan Slide (Since 1884!)

Right beside the Château Frontenac, the Dufferin Terrace Toboggan Slide has been thrilling visitors since 1884. This classic winter activity sends you flying down an icy track with views of the St. Lawrence River—pure Quebec nostalgia and adrenaline rolled into one.

3. Take a Walking Tour with HQ Services Touristiques

One of the best things to do in Quebec City to truly understand its history is a guided walking tour. HQ Services Touristiques offers engaging tours led by passionate local guides who bring the city’s French, British, and Indigenous past to life.

You’ll explore Old Quebec, learn hidden stories, and discover details you’d otherwise walk right past. Our guide Louis was so wonderful with our kids. He was so engaging and patient with them. He even recommended a place for us to eat lunch and called to make us a reservation.

I would recommend doing this activity first. The walking tour really helped us appreciate the area much ore than if we were just wandering around by ourselves.

4. Stroll the Charming Streets of Petit-Champlain

Petit-Champlain is one of the oldest shopping streets in North America—and easily one of the most charming. Colorful buildings, local artisians, cozy cafés, and street musicians make this area feel straight out of a storybook.

It’s fun to take the funiculaire, a steep cable car that directly connects Dufferin Terrace with Quartier Petit-Champlain. The other option is to walk down the aptly named “Breakneck Staircase.” The funiculaire costs $6 per person and credit cards are accepted.

Don’t miss Place Royale, which is where Catch Me If You Can filmed its pivotal final arrest scene with Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio. It was filmed in this historic square because it looks so much like France.

Petit-Champlain was my favorite area of the city, it just drew me back time and time again. It is especially dreamy in the winter with snowflakes fluttering down.

5. Try Taffy on Ice at La Petite Cabane à Sucre de Québec

Tasting maple taffy poured onto fresh snow is one of the most iconic Canadian experiences. At La Petite Cabane à Sucre de Québec, you can enjoy this sweet tradition. Located at the end of Petit-Champlain, it’s an easy location to visit.

6. Montmorency Park National Historic Site

This quiet green space offers some of the most beautiful vantage points of the Château Frontenac and the St. Lawrence River below. From here, you can admire the iconic hotel’s dramatic architecture without the crowds, making it a perfect spot for photos, a peaceful stroll, or a moment to take in Old Quebec’s timeless atmosphere.

7. Visit the Musée de la civilisation

For culture lovers, the Musée de la civilisation is a standout. Interactive exhibits explore Quebec’s history, global cultures, and modern social issues in creative ways. It’s perfect for travelers who want context beyond sightseeing.

When we were visiting, there was an exibit called Titanic. The Human Story, which I would highly recommend. Even my kids were fascinated with the artifacts from the ship and the stories told through the audio guide that brought the story of the Titanic to life.

While this wouldn’t normally stand out as one of the best things to do in Quebec, it was actually a really impressive museum.

8. The Glass Hotel & Village Vacances Valcartier

Winter visitors shouldn’t miss the Hôtel de Glace (The Glass Hotel), a fully sculpted hotel made of ice and snow, rebuilt every year with a new theme. Located within the Village Vacances Valcartier, this area also offers snow slides, a winter playground, and family-friendly fun.

Village Vacances Valcartier is about a half hour drive north of the city. We bought day passes to visit the Glass Hotel and spent about 2 hours there wandering through the suites, drinking out of glass cups and admiring the slow sculptures. It really is impressive!

We also visited the little sugar shack at the entrance to enjoy more taffy on ice.

If you want to visit the tubing hills, that is an additional cost. Whether you visit the ice hotel or spend the day on the slopes, this should be at the top of anyone list of things to do in Quebec.

9. Experience Immersion Québec

Immersion Québec is a multimedia attraction that surrounds you with sound, visuals, and storytelling. It’s a unique way to understand the city’s evolution through time.

My kids loved putting on a virtual reality headset to step into this immersive world. Rich 3D visuals and layered sound effects transport you back in time, inviting you to wander the streets and buildings of Old Québec, encounter historical figures, and experience daily life as it once was.

After the 30 minute film we had fun playing the games and competing against each other in trivia.

10. Discover Indigenous Culture at the Huron-Wendat Museum

Located in Wendake (about 30 minutes north), the Huron-Wendat Museum offers meaningful insight into the history, traditions, and living culture of the Huron-Wendat Nation.

Pair your visit with Onhwa’ Lumina, a nighttime forest walk featuring lights, storytelling, and Indigenous legends. I have to say this was my favorite things we did in Quebec. It was just a magical experience and felt so special.

This is one of the most enriching experiences near Quebec City and definitely worth a visit.

11. Relax at Strøm Spa Nordique

After days of walking Old Quebec, Strøm Spa Nordique is pure bliss. Located along the St. Lawrence River, this Nordic spa offers hot and cold pools, saunas, and relaxation areas with incredible views.

Note that there is an age minimum of 16 years old, although they are adding special events that include children 12 years and up at some locations.

A visit to a nordic spa is easily one of the most relaxing things to do in Quebec City, especially in colder months.

12. Spot the Miniature Sculptures

These small, whimsical figures are scattered throughout the city’s downtown, serving as fun and interactive elements for visitors and locals alike. My kids set about fining each one of them as a scavenger-hunt-style activity.

The figures are primarily perched on ledges in the Petit Champlain area and the Lower Town (Basse-Ville).

13. Basilica-Cathedral Notre-Dame de Québec & the Holy Door

The Basilica-Cathedral Notre-Dame de Québec is a masterpiece of religious architecture and history. It’s also home to the Holy Door—the only one outside Europe. Step inside to admire the ornate interior and learn about its spiritual significance.

14. Marvel at Montmorency Falls

At 30 meters taller than Niagara Falls, Montmorency Falls is an absolute showstopper. Walk across the suspension bridge, ride the cable car, or hike the surrounding trails for jaw-dropping views.

Only a 15 minute drive up the river, Montmorency Falls is one of the most impressive natural attractions and a top contender among the best things to do in Quebec.

15. The Quebec Winter Carnival

The Quebec Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Québec) is one of the city’s most iconic winter experiences and a must-do if you’re visiting in early February.

This world-famous festival celebrates all things winter with snowy parades, ice sculptures, outdoor concerts, and family-friendly activities throughout Old Quebec.

Kids will love meeting Bonhomme, the carnival’s cheerful snowman mascot, while adults can warm up with local treats like maple taffy on snow or a sip of caribou, the festival’s traditional hot drink.

16. Visit Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine & The Immersive Echo Experience

A major pilgrimage site, the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine is stunning both inside and out. Don’t miss The Immersive Echo Experience, which uses light and sound to tell powerful stories within the basilica walls.

Note: this is about a half hour drive up the river.

17. Walk Through History on the Plains of Abraham

On September 13, 1759, the British army defeated French forces in a pivotal 20-minute battle on the Plains of Abraham, securing British dominance in North America. This pivotal battles shaped Canadian history.

Today, it’s a vast urban park perfect for walking or picnicking- history and nature rolled into one beautiful space. We stopped by just to take in it’s historical significance.

18. Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ)

Located on the Plains of Abraham, the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec is one of the city’s top cultural attractions, showcasing Quebec art from the 17th century to today. The museum’s bright, modern galleries are easy to explore, and its mix of classic and contemporary works makes it approachable even for visitors who don’t usually seek out art museums.

19. Aquarium du Québec

The Aquarium du Québec is a family favorite, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Home to more than 10,000 marine animals—including seals, walruses, polar bears, and jellyfish—the aquarium features indoor exhibits and spacious outdoor paths that are easy to navigate year-round.

20. Jacques-Cartier National Park

Jacques-Cartier National Park sits just 30 minutes north of Quebec City and is known for its striking glacial valley, which plunges more than 1800 feet to the winding Jacques-Cartier River below. The park is a year-round playground, offering hiking trails, along with opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife spotting amid dense coniferous forests.

Final Thoughts: Why Quebec City Belongs on Your Bucket List

From historic landmarks and cultural experiences to spa days and icy adventures, the best things to do in Quebec City offer something for every type of traveler. It’s romantic, walkable, deeply historic, and endlessly charming—no flights to Europe required.

We had such a fun time on a family trip to Quebec City but I can’t wait to return with friends. I think it would make the perfect place for a Girl’s weekend away.

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