Why go to Québec? The 10 good reasons to go Québec
A magical island
Only a few kilometres from Quebec City, the beautiful Île d'Orléans is a must see.
The biggest winter carnival
For ten days in February, the capital celebrates the joys of winter in style.
Historic places galore
There is no shortage of attractions and historical relics in Quebec City, especially within the city limits.
Gastronomic tables galore
Many great restaurants in Quebec City, held by renowned chefs.
Tunes from the Old Continent
With its small streets and pedestrian squares, its stone houses and its famous castle.
The cradle of French America
It was here that a man named Champlain established the first French city in the Americas.
A World Heritage Site
Surrounded by fortifications, Old Québec City is a real gem in historical terms.
A summer festival not to be missed
To see the great music stars, but also the up-and-coming stars from Quebec and elsewhere.
Great spaces nearby
To stretch your legs in the forest or in the mountains, a stone's throw from the capital.
A fairy tale setting in winter
Old Québec City, under the snow, offers one of the most beautiful winter landscapes in the province.
What to visit Québec?
Interview: My Quebec City
By Valérie Fortier, author of the guide
A native Montrealer and still a resident of the metropolis, Valérie is passionate about her beautiful province and just as much about her capital, the charming city of Quebec. If it used to go there to celebrate the national holiday on the plains until the early hours of the morning, it now criss-crosses the city and its region from top to bottom to find its best addresses. Make good use of it!
See the video of the interviewGood to know to visit Québec
Timetable
In urban centres, such as Quebec City, points of interest are generally open year-round, with a restricted schedule outside the summer season (e.g., closed on Mondays). In the regions, however, they are often seasonal, with an opening period that runs from May to October. If they are open every day in the summer, the schedule is often reduced from Patriots' Day (Monday preceding May 25) to June 24 and from Labour Day (1st Monday in September) to Thanksgiving (2nd Monday in October).
To be booked
Reservations are rarely necessary, except for guided tours, workshops, special activities and immersive shows. However, following the pandemic, many attractions recommend, or even require, advance reservations. Also, if the point of interest requires transportation, such as a ferry or shuttle bus service, it is best to reserve your seat on board. Note that some points of interest also offer on-site accommodation, often experiential. In this case, it is strongly recommended to reserve your package in advance.
Budget & Tips
The adult rate is usually between $10 and $25 CAN for an adult admission. Discounts are almost always offered to children, students and seniors, and even free of charge. For example, access to national parks and national historic sites is still free for those under 18 years of age. Several points of interest are also entirely free of charge, some of which require a voluntary contribution.
Main events
Numerous festivals take place each year in the Quebec City area, with themes as varied as New France, beer, music, folklore, humour or snow sports. Among the main and most famous is the Quebec Winter Carnival, which is one of the largest winter carnivals, while in summer, the Quebec City Summer Festival attracts the world's greatest singers and musicians. Also not to be missed are the Quebec National Holiday in the capital and the traditional celebrations of the Huron-Wendat nation during its Pow Wow, both in early summer.
Guided tours
All kinds of guided tours are offered in Quebec City, ranging from traditional city tours by bus to overflying the region in a hot air balloon. Themes for all tastes are also on offer: tours of craft breweries, gourmet stops in an emerging district, "haunted" lantern-lit walks, historical tours with characters in period costumes, etc. You can also set sail on the St. Lawrence River or take a gourmet trip to Île d'Orléans. The choice is yours!
Smokers
Smoking is not permitted during a guided tour or in a museum. Outdoor points of interest, such as interpretive sites and national parks, often have smoking areas.
Tourist traps
If you are taking a guided tour in Quebec City, make sure your guide is accredited and has a city permit (which must be visible at all times during the tour). The guides have followed a mandatory training program recognized by the Ministère du Tourisme and the Ministère de l'Éducation du Québec, which ensures the quality and veracity of the information given during the tours.
