Established in 1608, Quebec City has a rich culture, heritage & history for you to delve deep into. For instance, there are century-old buildings, fortifications, & churches wherever you look! Along with this, you will also find attractive & impressive architecture. 

In addition, the city is set in a stunning spot overlooking the St. Lawrence River. 

Well, being proud of its French-Canadian language & identity, Quebec City is the heart & soul of the province of Quebec. Many of its museums & tourist attractions highlight this rich heritage, as does its schedule of cultural events & festivities. 

With so many exciting things to do in Quebec City, you shouldn’t miss the provincial capital of Quebec while visiting Canada. 

Stay with us until the end of the blog, as we will tell you the best things to do in Quebec City. 

Things To Do In Quebec City: Explore The Place! 

There are a lot of things to do in Quebec City. However, here are the top places you can visit to make your trip/ stay in Canada worthwhile! 

  • Quebec National Historic Site 

The only city walls withstanding in North America outside of Mexico are the fortifications of Quebec. These fortifications are presently a part of the National Historic Site. 

Constructed in the seventeenth century, the sturdy ramparts, gates, & towers play an integral role in the defense of the colony, thus withstanding numerous sieges by French & Americans. 

In addition, the place has expanded & improved numerous times over the centuries. But now, the well-restored walls stretch nearly three miles in length & encircle old Quebec. 

So, wander & explore the place’s ramparts & enjoy commanding views of the city & its landmarks. 

  • St. Anne-de-Beaupre Basilica 

Set along the St. Lawrence River is the beautiful & stunning Basilica of St. Anne-de-Beaupre. The place exhibits some incredible architecture! 

Named after the patron saint of the province, the basilica is visited by millions of tourists & pilgrims every year. In addition, many people believe that this place cures the disabled & sick. 

This basilica was completed in 1946 after being the site of a significant shrine for centuries. The splendid Romanesque Revival Building sports two tall towers & a rose window. In addition, the place’s interior engages with the embellishments of stone statues & colorful frescoes. At its entrance, you can witness the canes & crutches left behind by the people who have been cured of their disabilities. 

  • Parliament Building 

Another one of the top things to do in Quebec City is to visit the Parliament Building. 

This amazing place is located atop a hill just outside the city walls. It isn’t far from Citadel & Battlefields Park. 

In addition, the seat of the province’s government lies amidst the beautiful gardens dotted with breathtaking statues of influential figures from the history of the province. 

Interestingly, the Parliament Building was built in 1886 & exhibits some striking Second Empire architecture, with a tall clock tower rising above the fine facade featuring places & provinces from the province’s past. 

If on tour, you can learn all about the history of the place, the province, & its government. You can even attend parliamentary proceedings if you want to! 

  • Morrin Center 

Situated in the heart of Old Quebec, the Morrin Center offers a fascinating insight into the city’s history. Back then, the place was a prison. However, it now hosts an English-language library & learning center. 

Being a stately stone architecture, you can find a marvelous Victorian-era library with rare books lining from shelves to ceiling & ancient tomes. 

Visitors can tour the place & witness elegant halls alongside gloomy jail cells. Moreover, there are also ancient artifacts & antique furnishing from 1712, the time when the building was first constructed. 

  • Old Quebec Funicular 

A ride on the Old Quebec Funicular is an excellent way to get from Lower Town to Upper Town. 

It links both the upper & lower town, and besides helping you prevent the steep Breakneck Stairs, it offers some amazing views of the river as well as the city. 

Founded in 1879, the railway takes tourists both up and down the cliff at a steep 45-degree angle.

While it takes only a few minutes to ascend up to 200 feet to Upper Town, the ride is well-worth for the feel of the place & its historic look! 

  • Place Royale 

While the place might look like just another pretty plaza, Place Royale was the city’s first site, which was settled by Samuel de Champlain in 1608. Being the center of life & commerce in Quebec, the place is worth visiting for its charming ambience, historical significance, & architecture. 

This pretty plaza has small cobbled squares & beautiful old buildings, which are presently boutiques & house cafes. 

In addition, at the birthplace of the French colony, you will also witness the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church that dates back to 1723, thus being one of the oldest churches in North America.    

  • Montmorency Falls Park 

To witness the city’s most astounding & majestic Montmorency Falls, you have to drive for just fifteen minutes to the northeast of the town. Set in the scenic art of Montmorency Falls Park, the waterfall towers to a vast 275 feet, which is taller than the renowned Niagara Falls. 

While the white wall of water definitely lets you have some fabulous images, the park is well worth exploring. Apart from the cable car & suspension bridge which offer commanding views, the place also has some terrific playgrounds, hiking trails, & zip lines for you to enjoy.     

  • Terrasse Dufferin 

Terrasse Dufferin is another popular place to spend time in the city. It offers stunning views over Old Quebec and the St. Lawrence River. Perched atop a cliff, the long boardwalk around Chateau Frontenac dominates the city’s skyline. 

This beautiful place was built in 1879 under the supervision of Lord Dufferin. In addition, the wooden plank walkway is beautified with quint lamp posts, old gazebos, & benches, thus offering an appealing ambience. Along with all this, you will also come across street performers & artists who often line the terrace & creates a mesmerizing & engaging environment for everyone! 

Conclusion 

If ancient architectures, towering fortresses, & lavish castles mesmerize you, then Quebec City is your go-to destination. In this blog, we have mentioned the best things to do in Quebec City. 

However, there are many more things you can do & places you can explore. We have just listed the best ones so that you have a memorable & worthwhile experience in Quebec City. 

Do let us know when you are planning to visit Quebec City & which place you will explore first!