Quebec City travel guide

Have you ever heard of Quebec City? Maybe, maybe not. When I mention I am from Quebec City, usually people automatically associate it with Montreal. People are not so far off but it is still two different cities. Montreal and Quebec City are part of the Quebec province within Canada, but they are very different and have different vibes as well. Both cities are about a 3-hour drive from each other.

While Montreal is very beautiful, I much prefer Quebec city. Not only it is less stressful, but there is also less traffic, and the Old town looks just like a cute little European city.

So I’ve put together a Quebec City travel guide on the best activities to do while you are visiting either in winter or summer and the best sights to see around town. Make sure to add Quebec City to your bucket list for your next travels to Canada!

Winter activities

Village Vacances Valcartier

This is actually great for winter and summer. In the wintertime, you can slide on tubes and have many hours of fun outdoors. You can also take some time to visit the Quebec Ice hotel which is on the same grounds as the sliding. If you are planning to stay at the hotel there, you can also enjoy a spa. If you don’t like the cold that much, don’t worry, there is something for you. Bora park opened a couple of years ago. They have interior water slides and it is actually kept really warm inside so you feel like you are somewhere tropical!

Quebec Ice Hotel

If you don’t feel like sliding at the Village Vacances Valcartier but you would like to sleep in the Ice Hotel or just visit it, you can actually do so. Make sure to book in advance if you want to sleep there as it gets booked quickly. It’s nice to have a little visit and see all the rooms even though you aren’t staying there overnight.

Snowmobiling

There are many places around the city where you can rent some snowmobiles for the day and enjoy the ride. We have beautiful and well-maintained trails all over the place.

Skiing and snowboarding

If you are adept at skiing or snowboarding, in the Quebec area, you can go to either Mont-Sainte-Anne, Stoneham, or Le Relais. You can also go a little further to Le Massif de la Petite-Rivière-Saint-François. The view is quite breathtaking as you see the St-Lawrence river all the way down.

Fat biking

If you are feeling like doing some fat bike, there are great places to do so in the wintertime. Empire 47, near Stoneham, has nearly 40km of well-maintained trails during winter and you can even rent out some bikes. Mont-Sainte-Anne, Sentiers du Moulin, La Vallée Bras-du-Nord, and Jacques Cartier National Park are also great places to ride.

Sugar shacks

If you are visiting closer to spring, make sure to plan a stop at a sugar shack. Don’t’ eat too much before going there as you will be full in a matter of time! You’ll be able to enjoy traditional maple-soaked meals in a typical rustic log cabin! While you are outside, make sure to try some maple taffy on snow.

Dogsledding

If you are looking for beautiful scenery while enjoying a dogsledding ride, make sure to head to Jacques Cartier National Park.

Summer activities

Village vacances Valcartier

In the summertime, the Village Vacances Valcartier is filled with water slides, wave pools, and plenty of cool play areas for kids and adults alike. You’re sure to find slides for everyone. From the more thrilling ones to some relaxing ones. The hotel is opened year-round and the Bora Park as well.

Mountain biking

Quebec City is great for outdoor activities and is filled with many playgrounds for mountain biking lovers. Going to Stoneham and Mont-Sainte-Anne, you’ll find some great trails. You can also go to Empire 47 located in Lac-Delage, nearby Stoneham for trails for all difficulties. From easy family trail to extreme ones, you’re sure to find one to your liking. In St-Raymond, at La Vallée Bras-du-Nord, they have beautiful trails as well. There again, you’ll find trails for everyone. Some say the trails there even rival the ones in the Canadian Rockies!

Fat biking

As for winter, you can also practice fat biking in the summertime. The same places will offer you great fat-bike experiences.

Water sports

There are so many lakes and rivers around that if you are adept at water sports, you are sure to find a great spot to practice. From fishing to canoeing, to kayaking, paddle boarding and so much more, there are many places you can actually have fun. A lot of places offer rentals for you to enjoy the water.

Treetop adventures

Feeling adventurous and you would like to see the world from way up there? Make sure to try out Arbraska Duchesnay or Sarbaya. Swing from a Tarzan rope, witness the beautiful forest, and finish your thrilling experience by flying on a zipline! From easier courses for the younger kids to extreme courses, you are sure to find something for everyone!

Via Ferrata and ziplining

Feeling like a bigger rush of adrenaline? You can do so at Montmorency Falls Park, Canyon Sainte-Anne, and Vallée bras-du-Nord. At Montmorency Falls, you’ll actually be close to a fall that is higher than Niagara Falls! Depending on which route you take, one will lead you close enough to the falls that you’ll feel the water spraying on you! They also have a zipline that also passes near the falls. At Canyon Sainte-Anne, when the temperature freezes, you can do the via Ferrata as it is covered in ice!

Best sights in Quebec City

Old Quebec

Take a walk along the fortified walls, part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Witness the beautiful Château Frontenac standing tall on top of the mountain, one of Quebec’s most famous landmarks. If you are visiting during wintertime, make sure to take a toboggan ride on Terrace Dufferin! Quartier le Petit Champlain in the winter is quite magical. With the snow on the ground, all the Christmas decorations, and a European feel to it, it is beautiful! There are plenty of little shops to stop by. Even on a bad day, it is very picturesque.

Jacques Cartier National Park

This National park has so much to offer year-round! From hiking trails to great campgrounds, to water sports to snowshoeing, fat biking to dogsledding, you’re sure to find something to your liking and enjoy outdoor activities in the beautiful scenery!

Île d’Orléans

You’ll find many local artisans and farm stands all around the island. Make sure to drive around the island and stop at the different vineyards, cider producers, chocolate shops, vinegar makers, and cheesemakers. There is even a lavender field where you can buy some great lavender products!

Quebec’s Aquarium

The aquarium offers nearly 10 000 specimens and 3 000 species! The Aquarium is located in a great spot overlooking the St-Lawrence river. The Aquarium has a beautiful underwater Ocean discovery tunnel as well. Every winter, the aquarium offers the Festilumières. As night starts, the gardens light up with projections and illuminated animal sculptures. You’ll feel like in an enchanted forest while being so close to the city!

Best things to do around Quebec City

Sledding at Le Massif

Looking for something thrilling to do? Head out to Le Massif de Charlevoix to sled down the mountain with an epic view! It’s a 7,5km sled run that winds down the mountain with some tight turns and a spectacular view while you are descending. There are four different ways to enjoy the experience. You can either go sledding, snowshoes/sledding, go nocturnal sledding, or snowshoe/sledding at night. It’s a two-hour activity. Make sure to book your tickets in advance as it is a very popular one!

Stay at Dômes Charlevoix

Looking for a unique sleeping experience? This is one place to go! You will be staying in a dome with a beautiful view of the mountains. The domes are equipped with a full kitchen and washroom. From your bed, you can enjoy the view from inside as it is all windows. On your terrace, there is even a hot tub to enjoy the outdoors while being warm. I haven’t been yet! We are booked for June of 2021!

Stay at Repère Boréal

Another unique place to stay, Repère Boréal are tiny houses with amazing views as well. The houses are equipped with a small kitchenette and a bed with a huge panoramic window. You’ll have access to a spa and sauna on the grounds of Repère Boréal. The bathrooms are located in the main building.

Treat yourself to a Spa

It’s always nice to treat yourself. I just love to book a massage once in a while and enjoy the baths and saunas afterward. There are so many great ones in Quebec that you are sure to find one you’ll like! Lately, we’ve been to the Strom Spa in Old Quebec City. It was great and the view of the St-Lawrence river is beautiful! We were not able to enjoy the baths after our massage as it is closed right now because of our government restrictions. I am planning to go back when we can experience them!

Enjoy the outdoors while camping

I love the outdoors and Quebec is a great place to enjoy it while camping all over the place. There are many great campgrounds! From basic ones to fully equipped lots, with everything in between, you can find a great place to stay outside. Want to rent an RV and tour around the province? There are plenty of rental companies you can deal with to get a great RV for what you need.

While there is still so much more you can do around Quebec City, these are great ideas to start with! There is so much that could be added to this Quebec City travel guide! Quebec has so much to see and do! Quebec City is definitely someplace you have to add to your bucket list if you are planning to go to Montreal or even just Canada and you’re on the east coast. Any questions about Quebec City, leave me a comment and I will get back to you!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. I would never recommend anything I don’t personally love and use!

Are you planning a trip to Canada? Make sure to read these to not only get you to visit Quebec but also many other great places around this beautiful country!

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