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Visit Beautiful Quebec in Canada

Possibly each time you saw a photo of Quebec, it was either the streets of Quartier du Petit Champlain or the very impressive Chateau Frontenac that has caught your eye.  Well, it sure did mine.

Quebec chateau de frontenac

The “old town” of Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage site:  That alone already tells you that it is definitely worth a visit, but I can really recommend the charm of this special ‘French destination’ in Canada.  Let me tell you more about the stops we would recommend:

First of all, the streets surrounding the impressive and towering Fairmont Le Château Frontenac 5 Star Hotel are filled with souvenir shops and little restaurants.  It is a huge tourist attraction.

You can make your hotel booking at Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac via the booking.com link, here.

quebec Frontenac Hotel

Between the Château Frontenac and the Quartier du Petit Champlain..

(the two places you simply must see) You will find the Saint Louis Forts and Chateaux, a National Historic Site, and the Dufferin Terrace with beautiful river views.  (Instagram photo hotspot.) 

You can also visit Montmorency Park which is another National Historic Site with beautiful gardens.

quebec street

In our opinion, the 3 most important streets to see and experience are:

  • Cartier Avenue
  • Petit Champlain Street
  • St-Jean Street
Things to do in Quebec Canada

Quartier du Petit Champlain – A must see

It is located in Vieux-Québec–Cap-Blanc–colline Parlementaire in the borough of La Cité-Limoilou. 

But if, that means nothing to you as you don’t know the city that well, here is an interactive map for easy reference as to where everything is.

This small commercial part of town with its narrow cobblestone streets is a fantastic place to explore when visiting Quebec.  Even if you don’t shop, just looking at the buildings and shop windows is awesome.

Travel Tip:  Stop at Q-de-Sac for a drink – in the street (Rue du Cul de Sac / Also called the Umbrella Alley) with its colorful umbrellas hanging from the air.  Everyone stops here to take photos and it is a popular Instagram photo spot.

Parc Félix-Leclerc is a beautiful oasis and the perfect place to stop for lunch or a light snack.

Just a block away you will find the Royal Battery with cannons overlooking the river and beautiful views.

Exploring the City

quebec Samuel de Champlain

Apparently, the city is named after Samuel de Champlain, who founded Quebec City in 1608.  You can visit his statue which is on your way to the Funiculaire du Vieux Quebec (cableway).

Quebec Samuel de Champlain info

Quebec City is located on the beautiful Saint Lawrence River in the Province of Quebec. 

Mostly, French-speaking and the city definitely have that “French flair”.  It is a very old city in some places but beautiful.  Doing an open-bus city tour is actually the best way to explore the city as you get loads of information.  Although you might not (like me) understand more than 5 words in French, you don’t have to worry as the tours are in both French and English.  (I just loved to listen to the French part, although I did not understand it – it just sounded so fantastic.  LOL)  Going on a pre-arranged tour allows you to see places that you might otherwise have missed or not even thought of visiting.

Alternatively, if you are looking for a relaxing afternoon activity you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride down the city streets.

Trips and Tours to Quebec Canada

Another beautiful place to visit in Canada is Lake Louise.  You can read more…

Holiday in Quebec

More THINGS TO DO at your favorite destination

  • For those looking to party at night, Grande Allée Street is the place to go with restaurants and nightclubs.  This is the heart of Québec City’s nightlife.
  • Not far from there you’ll find the Musee Des Plaines d’Abraham (Plains of Abraham Museum) and gardens/park area.
  • The Citadel / Citadelle of Quebec – a British Fortress

Old Quebec’s tree

The old fortified city with its impressive thick stone walls is also home to a peculiar tree.  The old elm tree on Rue Saint Louis at the corner of Rue du Corps de Garde has a cannonball stuck in the foot of the tree.

  • Rue Saint-Jean is a popular shopping street and you will often find street musicians playing here.
  • Cartier Avenue is famous for amongst other the giant lampshade street lights.
street lamp

Christmas in Quebec is magical

Photo Credits:  City of Quebec

During December you will find Santa in beautifully decorated town squares, pedestrian streets filled with Christmas trees everywhere, tons of fairy lights, and snow:  A magical Christmas scene.  Literally, almost every shop has a Christmas tree outside their front door.  The German mixed with local tradition Christmas market is a must-stop if you’re a Christmas fan.

Most magical Christmas destinations Quebec Canada

If you’re looking for the best Christmas street markets you can literally just follow the Christmas lights and kiosks all the way around town.  Following the sound of Christmas carols, you can visit the following spots:

  • Place de l’Hotel-de-Ville;
  • The gardens of the Hôtel-de-Ville;
  • Ste-Anne Street
  • Place d’Armes

Auberge Aux Deux Lions is a nice place to stay which is also near to the Christmas markets and offers really lovely accommodation.

Book your accommodation

quebec winter

Easily book fabulous tours in Quebec City

Have you ever heard of Sainte-Catherine?

Sainte-Catherine is located in the province of Quebec, Canada. It is close to the Écomusée du fier monde in Montreal, a fascinating museum showcasing the history and culture of Montreal’s working class. Sainte-Catherine is located on the shores of the Saint Lawrence River.  It is only 34 min (39,0 km) via Rte de Fossambault/QC-367 S and Autoroute 40 E, by car.  Find things to do and see in Sainte Catherine…