Quebec City Fun: Exploring History, Food, and Adventure

Explore the charm of Quebec City with your family, where history meets adventure in Canada's heartland.

19 July 2023

Explore the charming and historic Quebec City for a family-friendly trip filled with culture, adventure, and fun. Wander through the picturesque Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and fortified city walls, while discovering its fascinating history and stunning architecture. Engage in exciting outdoor activities like dog sledding, ice skating, or snow tubing during winter months, or enjoy exploring vibrant parks, museums, and the Aquarium du Québec for an unforgettable family experience.

Day trip plan

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Day

Exploring the Historic Heart of Quebec City

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe-Boulangerie Paillard, a charming bakery filled with the aroma of freshly baked croissants and pastries.
  • Embark on a leisurely stroll along the beautiful cobblestone streets of Old Quebec, marveling at its centuries-old architecture and feeling like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale.
  • Immerse yourself in history with a visit to the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, a grand castle-like hotel that offers stunning views of the city and the St. Lawrence River.
  • Take a guided tour of the fascinating Ursulines Monastery, where you can learn about the life of the nuns and explore the impressive museum showcasing their artifacts.
  • Indulge in a scrumptious lunch at Chez Boulay, a charming bistro that specializes in gourmet Nordic cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients to create unique and flavorful dishes.
  • Spend the afternoon wandering through the enchanting Quartier Petit Champlain, the oldest commercial district in North America, known for its quaint boutiques, art galleries, and picturesque streets.
  • Wrap up your day with a visit to La Citadelle de Québec, a mighty fortress steeped in history, and catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a mesmerizing spectacle rooted in tradition.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Quebec City by plane is to fly into Jean Lesage International Airport, which is located approximately 20 minutes from the heart of the city. Major airlines such as Air Canada and WestJet operate direct flights from various cities in Canada and the United States.

Car

Travellers can drive to Quebec City by taking the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 20) or the scenic Chemin du Roy (Highway 138) from Montreal, which takes approximately 2.5-3 hours depending on traffic. There are also car rental services available at Jean Lesage International Airport and in the downtown area.

Train

There are no direct train services to Quebec City, but travellers can take the VIA Rail train to Montreal and transfer to a bus from there. The train will depart from Montreal Central Station and arrive at Gare du Palais in Quebec City approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes later.

Boat

While there are no direct boat services to Quebec City, travellers can take a cruise ship to the Port of Quebec, which is located approximately 30 minutes from the downtown area. Major cruise lines such as Holland America and Norwegian Cruise Line offer packages that include stops at Quebec City as part of their itineraries.

Bus

The best way to get to Quebec City by bus is to take a service from major companies such as Greyhound, Orleans Express, and Megabus. These companies offer direct trips to Quebec City from various cities in Canada and the United States, and their buses make stops at the Gare du Palais, which is located in the heart of the city.

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