Quebec City (Ville de Québec) is the capital of the Canadian province of Quebec. It is the largest city in eastern Quebec. Quebec's historic Old Town (Vieux-Québec) is the only North American fortified city north of Mexico whose walls still exist. Quebec City was founded by Samuel de Champlain on 3 July 1608 at the site of a First Nations settlement called Stadacona. Today, the city of Quebec features an Old Town bristling with historic ramparts, churches, narrow lanes and former battlefields, and revitalized districts with enticing museums, cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Things to do in Quebec City
Artillery Park National
This is a Historic Site of Canada and can be found next to Porte Saint-Jean in the very heart of Vieux-Québec. Artillery Park retraces more than 250 years of history covering the French, British and Canadian periods. Tours are offered for the three historic buildings that are unique to Québec City. It is animated by characters wearing period costumes, tour with commentary and CD audio guide TOUR available. You will discover outstanding masonry and engineering works, witness to Québec City's history. Call 800-463-6769 for more information.
2, rue D'Auteuil, Quebec City, QC
Cartier-Brébeuf
This National Historic Site of Canada can be found on the north shore of the Saint-Charles River, in the heart of Québec. The site stands as a reminder of the meeting of two cultures, one European, the other Amerindian. You will find an interesting exhibit on the three voyages of Jacques Cartier, an Amerindian longhouse and a number of monuments. Call 800-463-6769 for more information.
175, rue de l'Espinay, Quebec City, QC
Centre d'interprétation de la vie urbaine de la Ville de Québec
This permanent exhibition, "Québec, A New City" can be found here. It is an enriching experience in the form of a multimedia show projected onto a giant screen and of an interactive audioguide. Visitors will be transported into the heart of the eight boroughs. Available in French, English & Spanish. Open 10am – 5pm daily June 24 - Labor Day; balance of the year open Tuesday – Sunday; admission is charged. Call 418-641-6172 for more information.
43, côte de la Fabrique, Quebec City, QC
Domaine Maizerets
Domaine Maizerets is both a historic site and a vast landscape garden. The site belongs to the City of Québec and offers various activities for family that include cultural and educational exhibitions, concerts at the château Maizerets, visits of the floral gardens and the arboretum, outdoor and nature interpretation activities, pedestrian trails to explore the park and marsh. Winter activities are also offered and include skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sliding and hiking trails are offered with equipment rental and cloakroom. Open daily 9am – 9pm; admission is free Call 418-691-2385 for more information.
2000, boulevard Montmorency, Quebec City, QC
François-Xavier Garneau House
Let the elegance of this Vieux-Québec bourgeois home of yesteryear charm you! Filled with Victorian furnishings, a rare book collection, olden day gramophone music, widow's walk on the rooftop are just a few of the highlights you will find here. Also featured is an exhibition that presents more than 50 objects originating from the famous wrecked steamer, the Empress of Ireland. Call 418-692-2240 for more information.
14, rue Saint-Flavien, Quebec City, QC
Hippodrome de Québec
The raceway is the perfect setting to introduce oneself to the sheer excitement of horseracing. The Hippodrome de Québec features inter-track races starting at 12 noon year round! The facility is air conditioned and Le Paddock and Le Club House restaurants feature inclusive race-and-meal packages and a stunning view of the racetrack and Laurentian Mountains. Horseracing offers an affordable yet unforgettably thrilling form of entertainment. We offer free parking with no entrance fee. Double the excitement in our videopoker salon that features 100 video slot machines, a sure way to keep you entertained. Open daily at 9am; Call 418-524-5283 for more information.
250, boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel, Quebec City, QC
Hôtel du Parlement
The Parliament Building is an imposing structure comprising four wings that form a square of about 100 metres (330’) per side. This is one of the few buildings in North America that features architecture in the Second Empire style. Take a tour of the Parliament Building that will include the National Assembly Chamber with its Renaissance architecture and the Legislative Council Chamber. Guided tours are also offered September - June 23 Monday – Friday 9am – 4:30pm; June 24 - Labour Day Monday - Friday 9am - 4:30pm; Saturday, Sunday & holidays 10am - 4:30pm; reservations required for groups of ten or more. Free admission Call 866-337-8837 for more information.
1045, rue des Parlementaires, Quebec City, QC
IMAX Le Théâtre
Said to be the largest movie screen in Canada. This is a unique " IMAX Le Théâtre " experience that features a wide variety of stunning IMAX 2D and IMAX 3D films; feel like you are right in the heat of the action. Call 800-643-4629 for more information.
5401, boulevard des Galeries, Quebec City, QC
L'Inox - Maîtres-Brasseurs
It has been twelve years since Inox began reviving Québec's brewing tradition; the tradition dates back to the early 17th century. Just select a beer, raise your glass and... savour the product of this traditional labour. Call 418-692-2877 for more information.
37, Quai Saint-André, Quebec City, QC
La Barberie, micro-brewery
La Barberie is a microbrewery that produces high-end beers. Customized beer recipes for each of their client establishments are also featured (bars, restaurants and cafés). You can sample La Barberie wares onsite in the small beer-tasting lounge located next to the brewery. Open daily 12noon – 1am; our terrace is open when the weather permits. Call 418-522-4373 for more information.
310, rue Saint-Roch, Quebec City, QC
Les Dames de Soie - Économusée de la poupée
Collectible dolls can be found here that are original creations and limited editions. Artisans work is done onsite; featuring guided tours of the workshops (reservations required). A gift shop, special orders and shipping are available. Open Monday – Saturday 11am – 5pm; Sunday noon – 4pm; closed January 1 – 12. Call 877-692-1516 for more information.
2, rue D'Auteuil, Quebec City, QC
Les Glissades de la Terrasse
Located on the Dufferin Terrace behind Château Frontenac, the Glissades de la Terrasse is the only attraction of its kind in the province of Québec. Zoom down a slide standing 82 m / 270 feet high in a specially built toboggan. You will reach speeds of up to 90 km/h / 60 mph before coming to a stop at the bottom, 152 m / 500 feet away. You will also find an onsite skating rink with skate rentals and a miniature outdoor sugar shack. Open 11am – 11pm; admission is charged. Call 418-692-2955 for more information.
52, rue Saint-Louis, Quebec City, QC
MégaParc des Galeries de la Capitale
his large recreation park will delight both young and old with a selection of 17 rides (Ferris wheel, roller coaster, small train, bumper cars and merry-go-rounds, etc.). The rides have been integrated into the shopping mall as well as other attractions such as a skating rink, a mini-golf course, boutiques and restaurants found on site. Recreation park open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Sunday 12noon – 5pm; Thursday & Friday 12noon – 9pm; Saturday 9am – 5pm. Call 418-627-5800 for more information.
5401, boulevard des Galeries, Quebec City, QC
Musée Bon-Pasteur
This modern museum reveals the plight of outcast women in the mid-nineteenth century and introduces three Québec City figures who defended them: Marie Josephte Fitzbach, George Manly Muir and Marie Métivier. You will find period furniture and paintings on site plus videos on The Bon Pasteur Community of Québec City & an Adoption in 1949. Personalized tours in both French and English are given. Call 418-694-0243 for more information.
14, rue Couillard, Quebec City, QC
Musée d'art INUIT Brousseau
This new museum features two exhibitions dedicated to Canadian Inuit art: one temporary and a permanent one. Call 418-694-1828 for more information.
39, rue Saint-Louis, Quebec City, QC
Musée de cire de Québec
Located in one of the oldest houses in Quebec (17th century), this is the only wax museum in the province of Québec. You are invited to discover life-size wax figures featuring Québec history on the first floor, while contemporary celebrities are represented on the second floor. Open daily May – October 9am – 10pm; other months 9am – 5pm. Call 418-692-2289 for more information.
22, rue Sainte-Anne, Quebec City, QC
Musée de l'Amérique française
This history museum gives testimony to the establishment, the rooting and the dynamism of the French culture in North America. Call 418-692-2843 for more information.
2, côte de la Fabrique, Quebec City, QC
Musée de la civilisation
This popular thematic museum focuses on participation and interaction; it is a place of amazement and reflection! Call 866-710-8031 for more information.
85, rue Dalhousie, Quebec City, QC
Musée de la moto Harley-Davidson mania
The Musée brings the Harley-Davidson back to life. You will rediscover models dating back to the 1920s, '30s, and '40s and much more. See the different characteristics of these machines plus several collection pieces on display. The four "Softail Springers" pay tribute to the internationally renowned Rolling Stones. Open year round Monday - Wednesday 9am – 5:30pm; Thursday & Friday 9am – 9pm; Saturday (December - May) 9am – 1pm; closed Sunday. Call 418-683-1340 for more information.
2495, boulevard Hamel Ouest, Quebec City, QC
Musée des Augustines de l'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec
You will find History, Art, and Ethnology at this museum. Featured are French furniture, paintings, embroideries, silver and pewter items. A special exhibition on the evolution of medical instruments from the 17th century to the present day can also be found here. Call 418-692-2492 for more information.
32, rue Charlevoix, Quebec City, QC
Musée des Ursulines de Québec
Facing the Ursulines' chapel, the museum occupies a building erected in 1836, which is superimposed over the little house built in 1644 by Madame de la Peltrie, the Ursulines' benefactress. A permanent exhibition entitled ''Les Ursulines en Nouvelle-France: Mission et passion'' highlights one of the richest ethnographic and artistic collections passed down from the French Regime, is presented in the warm setting of this house converted into a museum. You will find paintings, sculptures, embroideries, engravings, archive documents, furniture, decorative art objects, and Amerindian handcrafts that offer an authentic and refined illustration of the life and educational work of the Ursulines in the seventeenth century, and consequently of the religious and social history of Québec. Open May – September Tuesday – Saturday 10am - noon / 1 – 5pm; Sunday 1 – 5pm; October – April 1 - 4:30pm; closed Monday. Call 418-694-0694 for more information.
12, rue Donnacona, Quebec City, QC
Musée du Fort
Come and relive the six sieges of Québec, including the famous battle of the Plains of Abraham. This exciting period is brought to life with a scale model of the events leading to the end of French Regime. Call 418-692-2175 for more information.
833 succursale Haute-Ville, Quebec City, QC
Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec
(Musée du Québec) Come visit the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec. This national art museum stands in the middle of a historic park and features the work of Québec artists, past and present, and impressive exhibitions of international art. Located at the Parc des Champs-de-Bataille. Call 866-220-2150 for more information.
Musée naval de Québec
This museum can be found at the top of the wharf. At the Naval Museum of Québec you can navigate through the history of this city and its river or dive into the secrets of enemy's submarines, sound the fears and dreads of the sailors, and moor yourself to the old stories of our daring veterans. The Museum is open daily in summer 10am - 5:30pm; during low season Tuesday – Friday 1 – 4pm; reservations for groups are required. Admission is free; Call 418-694-5387 for more information.
170, rue Dalhousie, Quebec City, QC
Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral
The parish of Notre-Dame is the oldest in North America. It was built on this site in 1647; the Cathedral was destroyed two times by fire throughout the centuries. The actual Cathedral is richly decorated with impressive works of art: baldaquin, canopy, episcopal throne dais, stained-glass windows, paintings and a chancel lamp (gift from Louis XIV). You will find the burial sites of four governors of New France and the bishops of Québec in the crypt. François de Laval, Québec's first bishop is buried in the Cathedral. Guided tours are given from May – October; reservations are needed the rest of the year. Call 418-694-0665 for more information.
20, rue De Buade, Quebec City, QC
Observatoire de la Capitale
This is one of the first things you must see when visiting Québec City. Located 221 m (750 feet) above sea level, the observatory gives you a bird’s eye view of the city and surrounding area. Admire the frozen St. Lawrence River in the winter or the mountains draped in red in the fall and the many parks and festivals featured in summer. Discover 400 years of Québec City’s history, as well as learn how it became the provincial capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Call 888-497-4322 for more information.
1037, de la Chevrotière, Quebec City, QC
Parc Aquarium du Québec
The new Parc Aquarium du Québec will take you on an expedition from the boreal zone to the Arctic. You can discover more than 3,500 specimens representing 300 species: mammals, fish, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles. The outdoor park features our marine mammals including white polar bears and several seal species. The Parc Aquarium offers a unique experience with a large artificial ocean filled with 350,000 liters of water, dive into the Pacific and observe more than 650 specimens. Discover the little-known world of scientific research. Handle marine invertebrates such as starfish or sea urchins. The new Parc Aquarium du Québec offers a memorable experience all year long! Open every day at 10am Call 418-659-5264 for more information.
1675, avenue des Hôtels, Quebec City, QC
Pont de Québec
This Québec cantilever bridge was proclaimed a National Historic Site by the minister for Canadian Heritage. Also listed as an international historic monument to civil engineering science by both the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering and the American Society of Civil Engineers. The central suspended span of the bridge is 549 metres in length between the two main pillars. It is considered to be the longest cantilever bridge in the world. During construction, this span collapsed twice but the bridge was finally opened to railway traffic in 1917. It was not until 1929 that motorists began using it. Since October 2001, special effects lighting has been added. Call 418-641-6411 for more information.
Québec Expérience / Multi-Média
A magical 3D multimedia show that takes you on a journey through the great moments marking the history of the provincial capital, from the early explorers to modern times. Sound effects, 3D images, water screen, virtual historic figures, animated sets, special effects, 24 video projectors, 34 slide projectors, 50 000 watts of lighting, 19 speakers and animatronics are all featured. Call 418-694-4000 for more information.
8, rue du Trésor, Quebec City, QC
Richard Robitaille Fourrures
In Serge Richard's sewing and repair workshop, you will discover that fur holds a place of honour. You can observe the main steps in the processing of fur, from skins to coats or discover the secrets about animal species and hunting methods, the Canadian fur industry, the use of fur over the ages and many other things about this cozy material. At the boutique you will admire original creations and appreciate the warmth and comfort of this material! Call 418-692-9699 for more information.
329, rue Saint-Pau, Quebec City, QC
The Citadelle/Royal 22e Régiment Museum
The Citadelle, also known as the Gibraltar of America, is a unique site. Here you are able to acquaint oneself with Québec's Military history. Call 418-694-2815 for more information.
Côte de la Citadelle, Quebec City, QC
Une capitale sur la colline
An illustrated exhibit featuring the history and architecture of Parliament Hill. You will find this interesting exhibit in the tunnel linking Place Québec and the Marie-Guyart Building. Fifteen images with detailed descriptions can be viewed; open 6an - midnight. Call 800-442-0773 for more information.
525, boulevard René-Lévesque Est, Quebec City, QC
Verrerie La Mailloche
Glassblowing at its finest! Amid the torrid heat coming from the ovens, take part in the magic of blown glass. Craftsmen at the Verrerie la Mailloche will create extraordinary pieces of work right before your eyes. The shop is filled with items manufactured on the premises. An interpretation centre on traditional and contemporary glass completes a tour of the glass economuseum Call 866-694-0445 for more information.
58, rue Sous-le-Fort, Quebec City, QC