Things to Do and See in Quebec City in Summer – A 2-Day Itinerary

Apr 28, 2018

Last updated on October 30th, 2024 at 06:08 pm

If you are wondering how to experience Europe without leaving North America, then you’ve reached the right place. We usually try to avoid visiting Europe in the summers not only because of the crazy prices but also to avoid flooded tourist scenes.

So last summer, when we were craving a little taste of Europe on a long weekend, we decided to do an impromptu road trip to the Quebec province of Canada. On that note, we also recommend checking out the Winter Carnival in Quebec.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

A scenic view of Old Quebec City at sunset, featuring the iconic Château Frontenac hotel towering over the historic district. The image captures a blend of lush green spaces, charming old buildings, and the St. Lawrence River in the background, with soft pink and orange hues illuminating the clouds.
View of Chateau Frontenac (a hotel) from the end of our wall walk

Getting to Quebec City

DRIVING – We drove from NYC to Quebec City via Montreal since that is, in fact, a much shorter route than directly driving to Quebec City.

  • From NYC to Montreal was about 6 hours drive
  • From Montreal to Quebec City was another 3 hours drive

FLYING – If you are coming from other parts of the US or Canada beside Northeast, then taking a flight to Quebec City should be your best bet. There are limited direct international flights to Quebec from the US so your alternatives would be to have a layover in Toronto or Ottawa or Montreal. Check for cheaper flight options here. 

A map displaying a driving route from New York City to Quebec City, passing through Montreal as a midway point. The route covers multiple states, including New York and Vermont, and crosses into Canada, highlighting major cities like Toronto and Ottawa nearby.
Map of driving from New York City to Montreal to Quebec City

Are 2 Days Enough in Quebec City?

We spent 2 days in Montreal and 2 days in Quebec City. For just the highlights of Quebec, we think 2 days are enough but 3 days would give you a relaxed itinerary. 

When I returned to Quebec the second time, I spent 5 days giving more time to each of these places and doing a bunch more activities. If adventure and activities are on your list for e.g. food tours, history/architecture walking tours, boat ride then spend a few extra days. TIP: Do not just go there on a day trip, spend at the very least one night.

Things to See and Do in Quebec City – Must See Attractions in 2 days

Now that summer is soon approaching we wanted to share some of the fun things that you can do in the summer in Quebec City. This list might rack up those steps on your Fitbit so make sure you wear comfortable shoes 🙂

1. Explore the Old Quebec District

There are lots of fun spots to walk around in the old Quebec City which are pedestrian friendly. Grab a map from the visitor center and explore! Some of our favorite spots are mentioned below. Don’t forget to look out for Quebec City’s festivals & seasonal activities taking place during the time you visit.

A couple poses on a charming cobblestone street in Old Quebec, adorned with suspended lanterns in shades of orange, yellow, and white. Surrounding them are historic brick and stone buildings, housing quaint shops and outdoor cafés with red umbrellas, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Exploring Old Quebec City

Better yet, sign up for a History & Heritage walking tour or a Quebec sightseeing Cruise to know and see the city from a different perspective. 

A street scene in Quebec City features the iconic Château Frontenac in the background, its classic architecture towering over smaller historic buildings below. People stroll along the cobbled street, with one person wearing a Superman T-shirt, adding a touch of modernity to the otherwise vintage atmosphere.
Exploring the old town on foot

2. Walk the Wall of Quebec

Yes, there is a wall! And summer is a perfect time to see the entire perimeter of the city. FUN FACT: Quebec City is the only fortified city north of Mexico. It’s a pretty easy 1 km walk and might take about 2 hours depending on how often you stop. TIP: If you are not interested in walking the entire circuit then just walk parts of the wall to see the citadel and tower tops. 

If not the wall of Quebec, here is a great walking tour of Quebec City you might be interested in. 

Two women walk along the stone pathway of Quebec City's fortified walls, with a green-roofed turret behind them under a cloudy sky. The scene captures the historic charm and medieval architecture of Old Quebec, with other visitors in the background enjoying the scenic view.
Walk the entire wall of old Quebec City is a lot of fun
Two women walk along a grassy path toward a stone tower with a green roof on the historic walls of Quebec City. The scene is surrounded by lush green trees, adding to the peaceful ambiance of this heritage site.
Enjoy a nice hike by taking a walk around old town fortified wall

3. Notre-Dame de Quebec

After seeing the Notre Dame in Ottawa and Montreal, Quebec has hit a hat-trick on the prettiest basilicas in Canada. Definitely, stop by to take look at the architecture inside.

4. The Morrin Center 

While looking for some unique activities to do in old Quebec City, the visitor center recommended us to tour the Morrin Center. Little did we know that our history buff souls were in for a treat. Morrin Center was built as a jail and then converted to the first English college in Quebec.

Today it boasts a classic Victorian library that any book lover will die to access. Only other place we saw such a cozy library was at one of the best B&B’s we stayed in West Virginia. You can find more about the tours of the Morrin Center on their official website.

A woman dressed in period clothing stands inside a dimly lit stone-walled room, possibly from a historical building, with a rustic wooden table set with metal cups and plates. Light streams in through a small window, casting a soft glow on the scene, evoking an atmosphere of historical reenactment.
Our Morrin Center tour guide was dressed her part for the history tour
A statue of James Wolfe stands on a decorative base, posed in an 18th-century military uniform with a hat and boots, as he gestures forward. The statue is situated in a room filled with tall bookshelves lined with variously colored books, adding a scholarly and historical ambiance to the setting.
Victorian Library at Morrin Center

5. Funicular Ride

If this is your first time in Quebec you will be as perplexed when trying to get to Rue du Petit Champlain. On the tourist map, it seemed right behind Chateau Frontenac but we didn’t actually see the street behind the historic hotel.

The old Quebec City is hilly so many streets (called Rue) are, in fact, right below the Chateau. TIP: There are multiple ways to get down there, you can either take the stairs or hop on a ride in the funicular. I’m a total stairs girl but Funicular is a fun ride one way. You’ll find stairs to get down at multiple spots and no it’s not as steep as the funicular.

A funicular railway with two glass-enclosed cars moves along steep tracks surrounded by lush greenery, providing an efficient way to traverse the hillside. The structure has a modern design that contrasts with the dense foliage, creating a scenic yet practical feature in this hilly area.
Funicular that brings to down to Petit Champlain

6. Quartier Petit Champlain

This is one of my favorite parts of the old Quebec city, a fun little street takes you back to a small European town. As we said above, in order to get here you will have to come a level down from the chateau either by stairs or the Funicular. Petit Champlain proudly hosts all the local vendors so do take a peek at these shops. TIP: The hot chocolate in one of these shops was to kill for and the popcorn was pretty amazing too.

A bustling, narrow street lined with stone and brightly colored buildings, adorned with hanging signs for local boutiques, including "Louis Jolliet Souvenirs." The street is filled with people strolling and shopping, creating a lively atmosphere under strings of overhead lights and red umbrellas in the foreground, showcasing a charming old-world ambiance.
A walk through Europe on Petit Champlain district
A woman in a turquoise dress poses against a charming stone wall featuring bright yellow shutters and doors. The historic building has flower boxes with vibrant red flowers and a hanging sign, giving it a quaint, inviting appearance, typical of Old Quebec.
Quaint walls of Petit Champlain make for a great photo op!

7. Place Royale and La Fresque

It is said to be the oldest square in Quebec city, located below the hill where the citadel is located. FUN FACT: It was in this square the merchants would hang out, drink & be merry while the royals basked in the glory of the citadel up above. Also, it is just around the corner from Petit Champlain. 

TIP: Don’t miss La Fresque here or the biggest wall mural in Quebec city. This mural portrays the history of Quebec city. The cobbled streets with round colorful lights hanging on top, see our last photo, is also at Place Royale. The lights are up only in the summer though.

A picturesque view of Place Royale in Quebec City, with historic stone buildings adorned with flowers, leading to the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church. A vibrant mural on a building facade adds colorful, whimsical depictions of Quebec architecture, blending seamlessly with the surrounding scene as tourists explore the cobbled square.
Place Royale takes you back in time of early French settlements
A lively evening scene at Place Royale in Quebec City, where visitors wander over cobblestone paths surrounded by charming stone buildings with flower boxes on the windows. A small statue in the center adds to the historic ambiance, and the soft light filtering from windows creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
A large, colorful mural called "La Fresque des Québécois" in Quebec City, depicting the city’s history through detailed scenes of people, architecture, and landscapes that blend seamlessly with the building’s façade. The mural includes characters from various eras, creating a lively street scene that draws visitors who observe the artwork closely.
Fresque des Québécois mural

8. Montmorency Falls 

On your second day, take a little field trip for half of the day. Quebec has tons of other things to explore beyond the old city. Take the cable car to get up close to Montmorency Falls, one of the rare waterfalls that has a walkway right on top of the actual waterfall. I have walked behind waterfalls in Iceland but never on top of them. So cool right?! 

And if that wasn’t enough you can even zip line across the waterfall now. 

A wide view of Montmorency Falls near Quebec City, cascading dramatically over a cliff surrounded by lush greenery under a clear blue sky. A bridge spans above the waterfall, and a few visitors can be seen near the base, providing scale to the impressive height of the falls.
Montmorency Falls as seen from the visitor center

It’s a short 15-minute drive from old town Quebec. Plenty of parking available at the falls visitor center where you will buy cable car tickets to go on top. If aren’t renting a car consider taking a half-day Montmorency falls & Ile d’Orleans tour from Quebec City.

A close-up view of Montmorency Falls with a suspension bridge above, filled with people observing the waterfall. The powerful cascade flows over the cliff edge, with greenery framing the scene under a bright, clear sky, showcasing the falls' impressive scale and natural beauty.
The bridge which allows you to walk right on top of Montmorency Falls
A view of Montmorency Falls showing a steep staircase built into the rocky cliff, allowing visitors to descend alongside the waterfall. Mist from the powerful water flow rises at the base, with lush green foliage at the top contrasting against the rugged, exposed rock face.
See the stairs on the hill infront? Use that to get down to have a little fun or else just take the cable car back to the ground.

9. Ile D’ Orleans

Across the bridge from Montmorency fall and across the river from Quebec city lies this little piece of heaven – Ile D’Orleans. On our first trip, we drove around the island after Montmorency falls to taste some local wine. 

FUN FACT: This island, the first French settlement in North America, is bigger in area than Manhattan. It has only 7000 permanent residents while Manhattan boasts 1.6 million. 

A woman in a green dress and straw hat walks between rows of lush grapevines at a vineyard, surrounded by verdant fields under a partly cloudy sky. In the distance, a scenic view of mountains and a river enhances the peaceful rural landscape.
Vineyards in Ile D’ Orleans

Known for its fresh produce and vineyards, definitely, stop by to taste some of the local wine, maple syrup, apple cider, and cassis. We took the Ile d’Orleans taste trail & wine tour on our second visit to Quebec City and would definitely recommend this tour to everyone.

A map showing the route from Old Quebec to Île d'Orléans, traveling northeast along the St. Lawrence River. Key landmarks and nearby towns like Beauport and Château-Richer are visible, with highways and routes marked for easy navigation through the scenic area.
Ile d’Orleans is so similar yet so different from Manhattan
Two women in vibrant dresses—one in green with a straw hat, the other in coral lace—smile and raise glasses of wine in a cozy, rustic setting with wood-paneled walls. A sign above them reads, "Wine is not a beverage... it's a Lifestyle!"
Try some of the local wines produced n the agriculture centric Ile D’ Orleans

10. EAT & DRINK LOCAL Food

You have to check out some of the cute little cafes and restaurants in Quebec. Try the local food, wine, and beer or go on a food tour in the old town. We do hope to go on a food tour on our next visit. Tip: Do not return from Quebec without eating Poutine! Poutine is the Canadian version of French fries. They like to serve it with curdled Cheese “Curds” and sauce “Gravy” .. you don’t want to offend a Canadian (nor your stomach) by mixing up the ingredients, No! 😉 

A skillet of poutine sits on a wooden table, featuring crispy potato wedges topped with cheese curds, rich brown gravy, and a garnish of microgreens. A glass and fork lie nearby, set against a lace paper doily that adds a touch of rustic charm to the presentation.
Must eat Poutine while you are in Quebec!
A server pours red wine into tasting glasses at a wooden counter, with the vineyard’s logo visible on the glassware. Tasting menus and pamphlets are spread out, while two staff members discuss nearby. The setting is cozy and rustic, with natural wood walls and warm lighting.
Enjoy local food and drinks in Quebec City

To sum it up Quebec City is the perfect blend of history, architecture, culture, food and even an amazing party scene. The things we listed above should keep you entertained for 2 or 3 days in Quebec City. If this city is not on your bucket list of places to go, you need to add it now.

A charming street scene in Old Quebec features a horse-drawn carriage with a driver and passenger moving along cobblestone streets. Above, vibrant orange, red, and white lanterns are strung between brick buildings adorned with balconies. Pedestrians enjoy the lively ambiance in this historic district.
Fun things to do on a weekend in Quebec City Canada

Where to Stay in Quebec City

The best thing would be to stay within walking distance of Old Quebec City. Unless you have a car then you can afford to stay in other parts of Quebec City as the old town has several parking garages to park your car for the day. We also encourage you to compare accommodation prices on Booking.com, Airbnb, and TripAdvisor for budget options.

Some of our recommendations:

  1. Hilton Quebec
  2. Marriott Quebec City Downtown
  3. Auberge du Trésor – this hotel has some good reviews and much-recommended option to stay in Quebec City.

For more on booking hotels visit our Travel Resources.

Read Next: Winter Carnival in Quebec – Here’s why you must go!

More on Travel in Canada

Hope you all get to discover a flavor of Europe in your backyard. If you liked this post then share it with friends and family or pin it for later 🙂

How to Spend 2 Fun Days in Quebec City, Canada
Must-See Attractions in Quebec City, Canada

Happy Traveling!

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35 comments on “Things to Do and See in Quebec City in Summer – A 2-Day Itinerary”

  2. We do not use ‘curdled’ cheese in poutine! eww lol, no. Poutine is a majestic food. We use ‘cheese curds’ (100% different) and GRAVY! not just sauce.

    Reply

    • haha.. thanks for pointing that out! 😀 I’m pretty sure we had cheese curds not curdled cheese as well .. so yes makes sense to change the wording.. lol.. You might wanna revisit the edited section in jest.

      Reply

  3. Hi Richa and Gaurav – I’m probably the newest member to this community and your insights and experience was very helpful to plan our 4 day trip to Montreal and Quebec this past weekend.

    We absolutely enjoyed our visit and will definitely look forward to visit again.

    Thank you for taking time to write all your experiences and inspiring many. I’ll definitely look forward to use your website as a resource for planning my next vacations.

    Keep inspiring.

    Cheers,
    Praveen.

    Reply

    • It is wonderful to hear from you Praveen and we are so glad we could help you out. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter where we share our latest blog posts to give you some wanderlust 🙂

      Reply

    • In Quebec’s old city everything is within walking distance or at the most a short Uber ride. The first time took a rental car and stopped at Montmorency Falls and a couple of vineyards in Ile d’Orleans. The second time we took a food & wine tour in Ile d’Orleans which was a great experience in my opinion.

      Reply

  5. Love the photos. We are planning a trip to Montreal then Quebec from VA! We’ll be driving to NYC then spending the night there and taking the kids around then the next day we will continue to Montreal. And after seeing those amazing pictures I would love to visit Quebec. Did you end up taking a plane from NYC to Montreal or QC?

    Reply

    • Absolutely no need for a plane ride from NYC in my opinion! You will be in Montreal in about 6 hours from NYC. We did a similar road trip. We drove from DC to NYC stayed the night there. Started at 6 am or so from NYC and reached in time for lunch in Montreal 🙂 Spent 2 days there and then headed to Quebec City which is about 2.5 hours from Montreal. On the return journey, you still have to cross Montreal but you can drive straight down to VA from there skipping NYC. Hope this helps and you have a great trip!

      Reply

  6. Wow! The architecture in Quebec City is simply astonishing. It definitely has the European charm which is truly unique. Are two days enough to see all of the highlights Quebec City has to offer?

    Reply

    • Two days is just about enough to explore the city but if you want to do some adventures like go on a food tour or take a boat ride then you might want to add extra days.

      Reply

  7. Quebec City certainly looks like a little slice of France! I love the look of it and can’t wait to visit when I head to Canada over summer! I’ve noted your things to do as they all sounds amazing 🙂

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  8. What an awesome post! I’m actually planning to visit Montréal this summer! Your pictures are wonderful!

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  9. wow loved reading it and all the pictures too. Quebec looks like an interesting place with so many attractions, like you said would have definitely mistaken it for a ancient European town.

    Reply

    • Right!? What’s even funny is that most uber rivers didn’t talk in English very well.. so it definitely felt like we landed in Europe rather than Canada… lol

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  10. This is such a great post. I will have to put this on my must see list. The funicular looks so fun and I love the European charm of the Petit Champlain district.

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  11. I never been to Canada but it is on top of my list. Quebec sounds and looks like a lovely city. I would love to explore the Old Quebec City, walk the Wall of Quebec and see this waterfalls. Thanks for sharing this great post!

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  12. Oh Quebec! Such a wonderful territory. I don’t think I’ll only be staying there for 2 days but hey, you’ve pretty much covered a lot of things, yeah? Hoping I could go and finally see it with my own eyes soon!

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    • Yeah you bet! I went back for the second time and stayed for 5 days this time around.. haha 😀 The first time we saw all these highlights in 2 days. And the second time around I actually spent more time at each of these places. And I still have so much more to see… lol

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    • FRANCE! Every single drop of it bleeds French.. even though Quebec has also been an English colony they love their French roots way too much 🙂

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  15. Such a beautiful post! I visited old Montreal on a flight layover.
    I can’t wait to go back. I lived in Toronto for 2 years but never visited Montreal when it was so close *life*

    Reply

    • Haha Right! Tell me about it.. we often ignore the best of our own backyard sometimes 😉 Hope you get to go back to Montreal and Quebec both!

      Reply

  16. I’m not THAT far from Quebec (I’m in Virginia) but I’ve never been! Niagara is the only part of Canada I’ve been to. Quebec looks so lovely and interesting though! I need to get up there soon haha. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

    • Maggie, we are not too far from Virginia being in DMV area! We drove to NYC first and then drove up to Montreal. Although took a flight on our second trip.. so much faster 😀

      Reply

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