Quebec City in 2 Days: everything you need to know

If you plan to visit Quebec in 2 days, you will be faced with the necessity of choosing among the variety of attractions that this destination has to offer and with the impossibility of discovering it thoroughly in such a short time. However, with the right itinerary and an intense tour, organizing the visits based on the geographical location of each of the sites, you will be able to get to know the main profiles of this city.

Among the best things to do in Quebec in 2 days are touring the traditional side of the city, which includes Old Quebec and the surrounding walled circuit, seeing Montmorency Falls, taking a cruise on the St. Lawrence River and watching the sunset from the Observatoire de la Capitale, one of the tallest buildings in the region.

If you only have 2 days in Quebec, for the first day I suggest a tour of the main circuit of the city, covering Old Quebec and nearby buildings, which will give you a sense of the colonial era of this French-speaking destination and allow you to discover the local architecture.

Start your day touring Old Quebec

Start your day exploring the historic charm of Old Quebec, an enclave that will transport you back in time as you stroll through its cobblestone streets. A good alternative is to start your walk in the imposing Place Royale, which is surrounded by buildings dating from the seventeenth century and where you will feel the essence of New France. Also, nearby you can visit the Terrasse Dufferin, a wide pedestrian promenade that offers panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River and the Château Frontenac.

In the narrow streets of Petit Champlain you will find one of the most picturesque shopping areas of the city. There you will also discover restaurants, cafes and art galleries that will allow you to discover the bohemian atmosphere of this place. During the tour you will not miss the Place d'Armes, a historic square where the statue of Louis XIV rises and is often surrounded by street artists.

Also, during this morning tour you can also visit the Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame, an architectural masterpiece of the seventeenth century that houses artistic treasures inside. Nearby you can conclude your walk at the Parliament of Quebec, a neo-Gothic structure that preserves the political history of the region and that will allow you to soak in its rich cultural heritage.

• How to get there: You can tour Old Quebec on your own or on some of the city's best tours. In addition, you can reach the Place Royale from anywhere in the city by bus lines 1, 11, 16, 18, 185, L2, L3, 800, 801 and 807.

Discover the upper part of the city on the Quebec City Funicular

After getting to know Old Quebec, you can walk the three streets that separate Place Royale from the funicular railway to discover the upper part of this destination. From the cable car, which was inaugurated in 1879 and was one of the first in Canada, you can discover the summit of Cap Diamant.

As you climb aboard, you will witness the panoramic views offered by the Quebec Funicular. As you ascend the hillside, you will be able to contemplate the St. Lawrence River and the city's iconic architecture. The height at which you will arrive will give you a unique perspective of the rooftops, towers and ramparts that characterize the Upper Town, highlighting the presence of the Château Frontenac.

From this site you will be able to contemplate a complete perspective of the city, both towards the river and towards the inner districts of the city. In addition, if you plan to visit Quebec at Christmas, you will be able to glimpse from there the seasonal decorations and the snow that usually bathes the streets of the city, since the festive eve coincides with the Canadian winter.

Tour the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac Hotel

One of the best attractions you can visit in the Upper Town is the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac hotel, an architectural jewel that crowns Quebec City. Built in 1893, this iconic chateau-hotel has witnessed the evolution of the city over the years and has become an inseparable emblem of its urban landscape. Its design, which evokes French medieval aesthetics, is the work of architect Bruce Price and has been the setting for numerous series and films.

As you tour the luxurious facilities of the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, you will be immersed in the elegance and luxury that characterize this world-renowned hotel. The rooms, decorated halls and architectural details will transport you back to the Middle Ages. The hotel has also been witness to historic moments, such as the 1943 Quebec Conference during World War II, where the Normandy Landings began to take shape.

In addition to its presence on the Cap Diamant hill, the hotel is home to world-class restaurants, spa and exclusive stores. This site, located at the foot of the funicular station in the Upper Town, can be toured on your own or on a guided tour.

Visit the Museum of Civilization

During the afternoon of the first day and after lunch you can embark on a journey through history and cultural diversity. At the Museum of Civilization, which is considered one of the best museums in Quebec, you will discover the different human cultures throughout time. With permanent and temporary exhibits, it offers an educational experience for visitors of all ages.

At the museum, you can explore exhibits ranging from ancient civilizations to contemporary cultures, giving you a comprehensive view of human development. The thematic galleries will allow you to discover the daily life of diverse communities, presenting objects, works of art and multimedia material. You will also learn about indigenous history, the influence of European colonies and the cultural evolution of Quebec during colonization.

• How to get there: From the Château Frontenac, you can reach the Museum of Civilization by a 15-minute walk along the Coté de la Montagne or a 10-minute ride on line 1 buses.

Walk through the Citadel of Quebec

At the Quebec Citadel, a fortification perched on Cap Diamant hill, you will discover a 17th-century military structure that provides tangible testimony to the city's strategic importance in the defense of the French and later British empires. Its architectural design reflects the evolution of warfare tactics over the years, providing a fine insight into the military engineering of the time.

As you explore the Citadel, you can stroll along its ramparts and discover the defensive system that protected Quebec from invasion. In addition, the panoramic views from the Citadel offer a unique perspective of the city, the St. Lawrence River and the picturesque surrounding landscape. During a walking tour, you can immerse yourself in the history of this site, learning about the key events that marked its past, from the Seven Years' War to the Canadian Confederation.

Inside the Citadel, you will also find the headquarters of the Royal 22e Régiment, the only French-speaking infantry regiment in the Canadian Armed Forces. There you can explore the military quarters, learn about the daily life of the soldiers and admire the collection of objects and uniforms that tell the story of Canada's military history.

• How to get there: From the Museum of Civilization you can reach the Citadel of Quebec by bus lines 1 and 11 for a 15-minute ride or by hop-on-hop-off city tour buses.

Attend a show at the Grand Théâtre de Québec

To close the first day, I suggest you dive into the city's cultural offerings, which are concentrated around the Grand Théâtre du Québec, an artistic icon that has been the stage for countless high-profile productions over the years. This theater, located on Place d'Youville, is renowned for its architecture and its versatility in hosting a variety of events, ranging from opera and ballet to concerts and theatrical productions.

The Grand Théâtre du Québec presents a diverse program that appeals to lovers of classical performing arts as well as those seeking more contemporary offerings. You can delight in renowned opera performances, enjoy classical ballet or attend the staging of a theatrical production, which will be ideal if you plan to visit this destination with children.

Also, if you plan to visit Quebec during the Christmas season, you will find typical seasonal shows at this site.

• How to get there: From the Citadel you can get to the Grand Théâtre in about 20 minutes on bus lines 11, 25, 800 and 801.

For the second day and after having known the cultural and historical profile of Quebec during the first day, I propose a detailed tour of the best views of the city, including an itinerary through the popular Montmorency Falls and also a boat ride on the St. Lawrence River and a visit to the Observatoire de la Capitale to watch the sunset from one of the highest points of this destination.

Tour the Montmorency waterfalls

If you want to visit one of the most famous natural sites around Quebec, you can't miss the Montmorency Falls. Located about 15 kilometers from the city and approximately 83 meters high, they are even bigger than the famous Niagara Falls and you can visit them on your own or on some of the best tours from Quebec.

During the tour you will be able to see the surrounding park, enjoy the scenic trails and observation platforms and you can take the funicular, a ride that will lift you above the landscape, offering sweeping views of the entire environment. The funicular will also take you to the top of the mountain, where you will find the Montmorency Mountain Park, a natural area offering outdoor activities.

If you opt for the organized tours, which last approximately 6 hours and start early in the morning, you can also visit the Basilica of Saint Anne de Beaupré, a pilgrimage site that houses a collection of sacred art. The basilica is known for its neo-gothic architecture and spiritual atmosphere.

• How to get there: From downtown Quebec City , you can reach Montmorency Falls by car on Highway 440 or by bus (lines 11, 59, 136, 254 and 800) in about 1 hour.

Take a cruise excursion to discover the St. Lawrence River

If you tour Montmorency Falls in the morning, in the afternoon you can embark on a cruise excursion to discover the St. Lawrence River, which is one of the most important river arteries in North America. From the deck of your ship, you can explore a rich variety of landscapes and admire the natural beauty of the Canadian horizon.

During these excursions, which are often included among the best boat tours in Quebec, you'll discover a mix of history, culture and wildlife, as you'll see everything from quaint villages located around the river to the diversity of local wildlife, including seabirds, seals and, if you're lucky, even whales that breach the Atlantic waters.

The cruise experience will also give you the opportunity to admire the architecture of the bridges that cross the river, connecting the banks and offering a unique perspective from the water. During the itinerary you will pass through Orleans Island and the Mingan Archipelago and will usually be assisted by an expert local guide.

• How to get there: From Montmorency Falls you can reach the port of Quebec by car on highway 440 or by bus on lines 1 and 800 in about 1 hour.

Watch the sunset over the city from the Observatoire de la Capitale.

If you want to discover Quebec in all its splendor, one of the best ways to do it is from the Observatoire de la Capitale, an experience that will allow you to glimpse the sunset if you attend in the afternoon. Located in the heart of the city, this panoramic observatory offers a unique perspective of Quebec' s historic and modern architecture.

At a height of 221 meters, the Observatoire de la Capitale stands as the highest observation deck in the city and provides a full view of the rooftops, cobblestone streets and monuments that characterize this destination. From the observation deck, you can enjoy a 360° panorama that stretches from the Citadel to the distant Appalachian Mountains.

In addition, the St. Lawrence River, meandering through the landscape, will show you the sunset and in the rooms surrounding the observatory you will find interactive exhibits that will immerse you in the history, culture and urban evolution of Quebec.

• How to get there: You can reach this site from the port by bus lines 1, 3, 11, 18, 28, 800, 801 and 807.