Quebec City in 3 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

Quebec is one of the most popular French-speaking destinations in Canada and one of the most attractive. Discovering everything this destination has to offer in a 3-day tour may sound impossible, but with this itinerary you can at least discover the main sites.

Some of the best things to do in Quebec in 3 days include discovering the historic city center, which is famous for its architecture and walled buildings, cruising the St. Lawrence River for a whale watching tour, discovering Montmorency Falls, which is one of the largest waterfalls in Canada, and taking in the panoramic views of the city from the Observatoire de la Capitale.

Quebec is one of the historic cities on Canada's east coast and played a major role in the country's colonial era, so for the first day I suggest you walk the traditional circuit of this destination, which includes everything from the buildings of the old town to the most famous attractions in the surrounding area.

Walk around Old Quebec and Place Royale

There is no other way to start in Old Montreal than at Place Royale. This square marks the city's kilometer zero and is the epicenter of the narrow cobblestone streets of this site that will transport you back to the New France era, with its European architecture buildings, quaint stores and cafés that enliven the lively atmosphere of this historic district.

Place Royale, then, is surrounded by 17th-century buildings, such as the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church. Moreover, this square is a meeting point where colonial architecture and vibrant cultural activities converge and often marks the beginning of the best tours of Quebec. Nearby, during your walk, you can also visit Petit Champlain and the Parliament building.

Also, in the old town you can find the Quebec Funicular, which will take you to the part of the city where you can find other popular attractions of this destination as the Frontenac Castle, scene of the 1943 Quebec Conference that decided the Normandy Landings, and Terrasse Dufferin, from where you can see the views of the city.

• How to get there: Place Royale can be reached from anywhere in the city by bus lines 1, 11, 16, 18, 185, L2, L3, 800, 801 and 807.

Visit the Museum of Civilization

After touring Old Quebec, I suggest you embark on a cultural journey at the Museum of Civilization, which you can reach on a 5-minute walk along the three streets that separate it from Place Royale. This site, considered one of the best museums in the city, offers a unique educational experience by exploring the many facets of history and the societies that shaped it.

Its permanent and temporary exhibitions range from ancient civilizations to contemporary cultural expressions, offering a complete and enriching vision. In addition, you can immerse yourself in the daily life of diverse communities and explore the thematic galleries filled with historical objects, works of art and multimedia presentations.

During the tour, you will discover the richness of the local indigenous history, the influence of the European colonies and the cultural evolution of Quebec over time. The diversity of the exhibits provides the opportunity to explore different eras and regions, connecting visitors to essential aspects of the human experience in a fascinating journey through many aspects of anthropology.

Tour the Plains of Abraham

One of the most beautiful sites in Quebec that is not usually included in the main tours is the Plains of Abraham. In this extensive park, you will be able to tour an emblematic historical site of the city that has witnessed crucial events throughout time. These vast plains are known for being the site of the 1759 Battle of the Plains of Abraham, a decisive engagement between British and French forces during the French and Indian War.

Today, the Plains of Abraham has become an urban park that offers visitors a place to relax and rest, as well as an observation deck to discover the St. Lawrence River skyline. Here you can walk along wooded trails and green meadows that contrast with Quebec's historic architecture.

Also, these plains are home to several museums, such as the National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec, which exhibits one of the largest collections of Canadian and international art in the country.

• How to get there: You can reach this site from the Museum of Civilization by bus lines 1, 3, 11 and 28 or on the city's hop-on-hop-off tour buses.

Discover Montcalm, the arts district

Located just across from the Plains of Abraham, Montcalm is Quebec's arts district, where creativity and culture intertwine, and a vibrant neighborhood where you can find contemporary art galleries, independent artists' studios and specialty stores that reflect the creative force of this district.

Rue Cartier, one of Montcalm's main thoroughfares, is home to cafés, bookstores and cultural spaces that invite you to explore their unique offerings. There you can immerse yourself in the artistic atmosphere and discover innovative works on every corner. Also, this neighborhood, which has an extensive network of bike paths, is one of the main venues for bike tours in Quebec.

Montcalm is also home to the Periscope Theatre and the Grand Théâtre du Québec, where you can enjoy theatrical performances, concerts and high-level cultural events. In addition, during your walk, you can discover the eclectic architecture of historic buildings housing cultural institutions and a wealth of parks and squares.

End the day in Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Quebec's bohemian district

To close the first day of your tour of the city, I suggest you immerse yourself in the bohemian atmosphere of Quebec in the district of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, a corner full of artistic energy and youthful vitality. This neighborhood is known for its lively streets, its colorful buildings and its relaxed and bohemian atmosphere. In the evening, the soft lights of the restaurants create a perfect atmosphere to taste the local gastronomy.

For a unique dining experience you can walk down Rue Saint-Jean, an avenue lined with restaurants and cafes offering a wide variety of culinary options. Among the emblematic places is the Bistro L'Atelier, a restaurant that fuses French and Quebec cuisine with international alternatives.

After dinner, you can explore the cobblestone streets of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, where you'll find stores, art galleries and pastry shops. Rue Saint-Jean then becomes a bustling nightlife hotspot, with street performers and musicians adding their talents to the lively scene.

• How to get there: From Montcalm you can reach this place by bus lines 25, 800, 801 and 807.

For the second day of the tour, I propose to take you away from the main circuit to participate in a marine whale watching adventure around the St. Lawrence River. This unique experience will take you to explore the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, considered one of the best places in the world to see whales, beluga whales and seals all year round.

The region's climate and thriving ecosystem create an ideal habitat for these marine creatures, making this activity an unforgettable natural spectacle and one of the top offerings of the best boat tours in Quebec.

These excursions generally allow you to navigate the waters of the St. Lawrence River in search of the different species of whales that frequent the waters. Among the most common are humpback, minke and blue whales, as well as beluga whales and seals that populate the cold waters of the Atlantic. Expert guides on board will share with you knowledge about marine life and provide detailed information about these species.

Please note that regardless of the date of your visit, the region around the St. Lawrence River offers the opportunity for year-round whale watching, thanks to its abundant food supply and nutrient-rich currents that attract these ocean giants.

• How to get there: To get started on this excursion, you can arrive at the port of Quebec on bus lines 1, 11, 18 and 800.

For the third and final day in Quebec I suggest you return to the city to enjoy some of the best views of this destination, involving the Montmorency Falls and the city skyline that you will be able to contemplate from the Observatoire de la Capitales. You can also say goodbye to this site in Saint-Roch, the famous local trendy neighborhood.

View of the Montmorency falls

Montmorency Falls, located approximately 15 kilometers from the city center, is one of the most popular natural wonders of the region and, at 83 meters high, is even bigger than Niagara Falls. During your tour, you can visit this site on your own or as part of some of the best excursions from Quebec.

In addition to the falls, you can also discover the panoramic views from the funicular that will take you to the top of the mountain. This cable car has been in operation for almost 100 years and offers not only a comfortable means of transportation to the highest point of the surrounding hills but also a scenic experience that will allow you to appreciate the beauty of the environment in its full breadth.

From the top, you can enjoy sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River, the Orleans Island Bridge and Quebec City in the distance. Nearby, you can also tour the picturesque Basilica of Saint Anne de Beaupré, a chapel of neo-Gothic architecture that also houses a collection of sacred art.

• 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.

Discover the views of the city from the Observatoire de la Capitale

After visiting Montmorency Falls on your own or on a half-day tour, you can take in another of Quebec's famous panoramic views from the Observatoire de la Capitale observation deck. Located in the Marie-Guyart building, this observatory offers an experience from a height of 221 meters, providing a fascinating perspective of the urban and natural corners that surround the region.

From this platform you can contemplate the St. Lawrence River, the old city, the skyline and the hills that embrace the region. Also, the panoramic view from this site becomes unmissable at sunset, when the warm colors of the sky blend with the twinkling lights of the city creating a magical atmosphere. Also, if you plan to visit Quebec at Christmas time, you will be able to catch a glimpse of the city's decorations from here.

On the other hand, the Marie-Guyart building, which houses the Observatoire de la Capitale, is an architectural masterpiece that also houses the National Assembly. Its modern and elegant design contrasts with the historic architecture of Old Quebec, creating a link between the past and the present.

• How to get there: From Montmorency Falls, you can reach the lookout point on bus lines 59, 136, 800 and 801 for a trip of approximately 1 hour.

Say goodbye to the city with dinner in Quebec's trendy district

To say goodbye to the city, I suggest you discover the gastronomic experiences offered by Saint-Roch, Quebec's trendy district. This lively district, located north of Old Quebec, has established itself as an epicenter of the city's cultural and culinary scene, offering a variety of dining options ranging from bistros and cafés to fine dining restaurants.

As you wander the streets of Saint-Roch you will find options for all tastes and budgets. Rue Saint-Joseph is known for its many trendy restaurants and cafés, where you can sample local and international dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and culinary creativity. You can opt for dinner at places like Le Cendrillon or take part in some of the city's best gastronomic tours.

After enjoying a delicious dinner, and if you still want to discover Quebec's nightlife, you can explore the lively local life and artistic corners of Saint-Roch. Place D'youville, with its bohemian atmosphere and historic buildings, is a perfect place for an after-dinner stroll. In addition, the neighborhood is home to cultural venues such as Le Cercle, a multi-faceted space that combines live music and art exhibitions.

• How to get there: From the Observatoire de la Capitale you can reach Saint-Roch by bus lines 3, 28, 800 and 801 or by a 20-minute walk along Rue du Parvis.