If you love history, architecture, and delicious food, Quebec City is a must-visit! It’s the only fortified city north of Mexico, known for its European charm. Immerse yourself in this French haven You don’t have to travel to Europe to experience it all—Quebec City has everything you need. Discover the details about this French-speaking capital!
We flew from Chicago to Quebec City with a 1-hour layover in Toronto and rented a car to make things easy for us. However, You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to your hotel or Airbnb. A bus ticket costs CA$3.40-CA$3.75 ($2.50-$2.79). If you explore beyond the old city walls, you can take 55 bus routes to help you explore. The RTC operates 60 bus routes in the greater area, and you can check their bus guide for tourists to find suitable buses. The Métrobus fares the same as the Lebus.
We picked an Airbnb in the center, which we always preferred, and the neighborhood was quiet. We paid $800 a week and bought groceries to save money since it was our first time traveling internationally.
I was lucky enough to have my wife speak French, and she was my translator, but do not worry, if you do not speak French, you can easily navigate Quebec.
VISIT FAIRMONT LE CHATEAU FRONTENAC
Explore the world’s most photographed hotel in the world– Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Enjoy a stunning view of the St. Lawrence River and the old fortified city, which has UNESCO heritage status. Reach it by taking the Old Quebec Funicular Railway to Terrace Dufferin on Rue du Petit Champlain. Relax on the terrace with live music and consider a self-guided tour of the Fairmont Chateau and discover its history at your own pace. It’s a simple yet memorable way to experience this iconic landmark.
You can also book a tour here if you prefer.
EXPLORE RUE DU PETIT-CHAMPLAIN
This street will make you feel as if you’re in Europe. Rue Du Petit-Champlain has cobblestone streets with cozy shops and colorful buildings, creating an Instagramable worthy photo spot. This street dates back to the 17th century and is arguably the oldest commercial street in North America. We visited Quebec during the spring, and it was mostly raining. Make sure to double-check the time the stores close and the weather. Grab some Quebecois crafts, enjoy local treats in charming cafes, and discover hidden gems around every corner.
TAKE A HORSE CARRIAGE RIDE
Treat yourself like royalty with a $100 horse carriage ride through old Quebec. This was one of those spontaneous things we did in Quebec City! Our guide was well knowledgeable and had been doing this for years. Our route included the Citadelle of Quebec, City Hall of Quebec City, and Plain de Abraham. The tour can be given in French or English.
Pro tip: You can find these carriages across from the Chateau! It’s cash only, so go to the bank or an ATM. You can also choose to book through another company here.
VISIT AQUARIUM DU QUEBEC
We’ve spent 2 hours at Aquarium Du Quebec learning about the animals and touching the sting rays at the Quebec Aquarium. Afterward, we headed over to the little pond and caught a glimpse of the bridge on a moody day. It looks so beautiful.
Note: Parking is free on site and tickets can be purchase online or in person.
RESTAURANTS IN QUEBEC
Among all the restaurants we went to, 2 were our favorites of all time. First, 1604 Bistro with charming city views and delicious dishes like Duck Leg Confit with Pasta and charcutiére pizza. The second one is Cochon Dingue, an upscale Parisian restaurant in the cultural center that impressed us with its inviting interior. Despite the rain, we enjoyed PFC (fried chicken and waffles with fries and maple syrup) and Pot en pot (seafood pot pie).
Give these two a try. We promise you won’t regret it 🙂
AU REVOIR QUEBEC
Get a taste of Europe without flying across the Atlantic. While we didn’t get a chance to explore the outskirts of Quebec, we also suggest you spend a day exploring there. If you enjoy our travel guide, remember to follow and subscribe
