How to Spend One day in Quebec City

Only have time for a short visit and wondering what to see in Quebec City in one day?

There’s so much to do here that narrowing down the top attractions can feel overwhelming. That’s exactly why I put together this Quebec City 1-day itinerary—to help you plan your day without overthinking it.

Quebec City was the second stop on our three-week East Coast Canada road trip. This was my second visit to the city, but the first was also just an overnight stay. The kids and I are hoping to go back this summer for a longer trip because there is still so much we want to see and do. Honestly, a day isn’t nearly enough to do this place justice, but it’s a great start.

Where to Stay in Quebec City

My top five picks for hotels in Quebec City:

Hotel Ambassadeur ($): read my review here
12-minute drive to Old Quebec. A great budget hotel for families. The indoor pool with a splashpad, set in a large atrium, is the highlight.
L’Hôtel Québec ($-$$)
18-minute drive to Old Quebec. A tropical indoor garden, indoor pool with splashpad and hot tub, plus an indoor playground, arcade, and game room.
Hotel Manoir Victoria ($$-$$$)
11-minute walk to the Funicular. Great for couples or adult trips. Two on-site restaurants and a mini thermal spa with a sauna, cold plunge pool, and indoor pool.
Hilton Québec ($$$-$$$$)
20-minute walk to the Funicular. On-site restaurant and coffee shop, plus a year-round rooftop heated pool.
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac ($$$$)
The most iconic place to stay in Quebec City. Located in Old Quebec, right across from the Funicular. Three on-site restaurants, a bar, three shops, a spa, plus an indoor pool with a hot tub, sauna, and steam room.

Quebec City 1-day Itinerary Summary

Here’s a quick look at how to spend one day in Quebec City:

8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Check out a nearby nature attraction: Canyon Sainte-Anne or Montmorency Falls
12:00 PM: Have lunch in Old Quebec
1:00 PM: Explore Lower Town Old Quebec
3:00 PM: Ride the Funicular up to explore Upper Town
5:00 PM: Relax at the Old Port of Quebec
7:00 PM: Go for a dinner cruise or grab dinner in the Old Port area.

How to Spend a Morning in Quebec City: Enjoy the Nature Attractions Nearby

Grandma (my mom) came with us on our road trip, but she sat a few things out. Since she knew our morning was going to be full of walking (and lots of steps), she opted to stay in the hotel room and relax while the kids and I went off on our own.

There are a few great places for a hike near Quebec City, and the morning is the best time to do them. Not only is the weather a bit milder earlier in the day, but you also have a better chance of avoiding the biggest crowds by getting to one of my top two picks right at opening time.

Coffee or Breakfast in Quebec City

We started our day in Quebec City with a quick stop at Starbucks for breakfast to go, so we could save time.

If you’d prefer a more authentic café or breakfast experience to start your day, there are some great spots in the city. I recommend checking out one of these local favorites:

Canyon Sainte-Anne

For this trip, we chose to spend our morning at Canyon Sainte-Anne, about a 35-minute drive from Quebec City.

Canyon Sainte-Anne is a large gorge along the Sainte-Anne-du-Nord River, with 3 km of trails along both sides. Along the trails, you’ll find three suspension bridges, several lookout points, and even a seated zipline to give you different views of the waterfall, gorge, and river. If you have kids, there is a smaller trail called Pétraminis Family Park. It’s designed just for them with colorful statues and a ground-level obstacle course.

We spent about two and a half hours at Canyon Sainte-Anne. I recommend getting there right when it opens at 9:00 AM to avoid the biggest crowds.

Want more details? Check out my full Canyon Sainte-Anne review. Or, if you’re traveling with a child with special needs, you can read my “Is it autism-friendly?” review.

Montmorency Falls

Zen and I went to Montmorency Falls on our first trip to Quebec City. While it’s arguably the prettier of the two nature attractions, if you only have time for one and you’re traveling with younger kids, Canyon Sainte-Anne is the better choice because of the Pétraminis Family Park.

Montmorency Falls is a beautiful 83-metre waterfall. The highlight is the suspension bridge right at the top. You have two ways to get there: buy tickets for the cable car or climb nearly 500 steps along the mountainside. There is also a zipline if your kids are old enough (they must be at least 90 lbs, and kids under 15 must be accompanied by an adult).

Montmorency Falls is only 13 minutes from Quebec City, in the same direction as Canyon Sainte-Anne. When Zen and I went, we spent about an hour there. It’s possible to do both in one morning if you move a bit quicker at the Canyon or skip another stop later in this itinerary. If you decide to do both, make sure to wear your most comfortable walking shoes!

Other Quebec City Attractions

If waterfalls and hiking aren’t your thing, here are a few other attractions that fit perfectly into the morning of a 1-day Quebec City itinerary:

The Aquarium : A great choice for families. It has a beautiful outdoor park area and a fun deep-sea pavilion.
Musée de la civilisation: This museum is right in the Old Port. It’s very interactive, which makes it a hit with kids and adults.
Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec: Located on the Plains of Abraham, this is the spot for art lovers. The building itself is a work of art.
Imaginarius Children’s Museum: This is a fantastic indoor play space. It’s perfect if you need to let the kids burn off energy on a rainy morning.
Baie de Beauport Beach: If you visit in the summer, this is a cool spot to relax by the water. You can even try some paddleboarding here.
Strøm Nordic Spa: If you really want to relax, this thermal spa on the banks of the St. Lawrence River is incredible.

Each of these spots is easy to reach from the city center. They’re great if you’re looking for something a little more relaxed or want to stay indoors to start your day.

What to do in Quebec City in the Afternoon: Explore Old Quebec

After our morning of hiking, we went back to the hotel. We found Grandma well-rested and ready to explore with us. But first, we needed lunch.

While there are tons of restaurants to choose from in Quebec, there was a Cora’s right beside our hotel, so we decided to stop there. I know it’s not the most exciting option. But I was craving a good breakfast and knew Cora’s would hit the spot. Sometimes you just want something familiar when you’re traveling.

After lunch, we went to the Old Port of Quebec. However, I recommend saving the Port for after dinner and exploring Old Quebec first. Since I knew the kids and I would be back for another trip in a year or so, I wasn’t worried about cramming everything into one day. If this is a one-time trip for you, though, you’ll want to plan more time in Old Quebec. There is just so much to see and do in those historic streets.

Lunch

There are tons of restaurants in Old Quebec, so finding somewhere to grab lunch—and maybe even dinner if you decide to skip the Port—is easy. Butif you’re visiting in the summer, it will be busy. Expect a wait at almost any popular spot.

While we ended up not dining in Old Quebec, here are some of the best options I found when planning:

Now, let’s get into all the ways you can spend your afternoon exploring Old Quebec.

Take a Guided Tour

Coming up with your own itinerary for Old Quebec is pretty easy. Below, I’ll lay out the top spots in the best order to visit. However, if you want to learn more about the history while you explore, or just prefer a ready-made plan, here are some great guided tour options:

Hop-on Hop-off Double Decker Bus
City Highlights Walking Tour (3 Hours)
Old Quebec Historical Walking Tour (2 hours)
Winter Magic Tour (3 hours)
Old Quebec City Food Tour with 10+ Local Tastings (3 hours)

A guided tour is a great way to make the most of your one day in Quebec City. You see all the highlights without the stress of planning it all out.

Petit Champlain District and Place-Royale

Whether you choose to shop or just wander, this is the perfect place to start. Walking here is like stepping back in time. Between the cobblestone streets and gorgeous old architecture, the European charm is everywhere. You’ll be snapping pictures the whole time. If you visit at Christmas, it’s like stepping right into a Hallmark movie scene.

I recommend starting with a walk down Rue du Petit Champlain to browse the shops. If the kids need a break, there is a cute little parkette along the way. At the end of the street, it turns into Sous-le-Fort, which is another street full of shops and restaurants. Follow it to the end, turn onto Rue Saint-Pierre, and walk one block until you reach Rue de la Place. Turn left, walk up the hill or climb the steps (this is a great photo spot!), and you’ll arrive in Place-Royale.

We spent most of our time in Old Quebec just walking the streets and popping into a few stores. It was much busier this time than when Zen and I visited a couple of years ago. Our Uber driver said a cruise ship was in port that day, which always makes it more crowded. If you see a massive ship at the terminal, just be prepared for a crowd.

Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church

Once you’ve checked out the shops around Place Royale, take a look inside Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church. It’s actually the oldest stone church in North America. If you’re there on a Sunday, they still hold an 11:00 am service that’s open to the public.

It’s pretty small, so it won’t take you very long to see. It’s also free, which makes it well worth going in for a quick look. We probably would have been in and out in five minutes, but Brie decided it was a good spot to take a break and found a pew to sit for a while.

Mural of Quebecers

From Place Royale, make sure you take a walk down Rue Notre-Dame to check out this large mural on the wall of Maison Soumande.

Completed in 1999 by 12 artists from both France and Quebec, this mural is a massive tribute to the city’s history. It includes famous historical figures like Jacques Cartier and Samuel de Champlain. It’s one of those spots where you have to stand back for a minute to really catch all the details.

Prescott Gate and Montmorency Park National Historic Site

When you’re done shopping, head down Côte de la Montagne and turn left to walk up the hill until you reach Prescott Gate. It’s one of the four remaining gates from the old city walls. Stopping here for a few pictures really gives you a sense of the city’s history.

Take the stairs up to the top of the bridge and cross over into Montmorency Park. Up here, you can check out more of the old city wall and take in some great views of the lower town. You’ll also see the Cartier Statue and the Monument Louis Hébert. The kids will love getting some fun pictures with the cannons. It’s a great spot to take a break if the streets below are getting too crowded.

Funicular

Next, it’s time to head up to the Upper Town. The Funicular is a two-car inclined elevator that connects Haute-Ville (Upper Town) and Basse-Ville (Lower Town), running between Dufferin Terrace and Rue Petit-Champlain. Not only is this an easier way to get up the hill, but you also get some amazing views while you ride.

I’m not a fan of heights, so I didn’t stare out too much. I just recorded the ride to watch later instead. Brie, on the other hand, loved it. She noticed the Funicular as soon as we got to Old Quebec, so she was excited when we told her we could go on it.

If the Funicular isn’t your thing, don’t worry. You can always take the Frontenac Stairs up from the Prescott Gate instead. It’s free, but definitely a bit more of a workout!

Haute-Ville (Upper Town)

When you reach the top of the Funicular or the stairs, you will see Monument Samuel-De Champlain. In the summer, this is one of a few places you can watch street performers putting on a show. This caught Brie’s attention as soon as we got off the Funicular, so we stopped to watch for a while.

If you want to see the Monument de la Foi, head past the main statue, making your way down the hill a bit, to Place d’Armes. This public square is known as the hub of Old Québec, and is the departure spot for many guided tours.

Château Frontenac

Of course, when you reach Upper Town, you’ll also have a great view of the Château Frontenac, the massive castle-like hotel that is the focal point of the Quebec City skyline. This historical hotel opened in 1893 with 170 rooms. Since then, there have been several additions, including a central tower that stands nearly 80 metres high. Today, it has 610 rooms and suites.

While the Château Frontenac is the most ideal hotel for a stay in Quebec City, if it’s not in your budget, you can still go inside and check it out. The first two floors of the hotel are open to the public. You can wander around to check out the lobby, browse the boutiques and shops, grab something to eat at one of the restaurants, or enjoy afternoon tea time (offered Fridays and Saturdays). If you want a more structured tour that teaches you about the history of the hotel, there are guided tours led by costumed characters, with access to exclusive areas.

This was our stop on our latest Quebec City trip. By this point, Grandma and the kids were done with all the walking, so they hung out in the lobby while I took a look around the hotel. After that, we headed outside to catch an Uber back to our hotel.

Dufferin Terrace

If you really want to see just how massive the Château Frontenac is, take a stroll down the Dufferin Terrace and look back at it. Walking along this wide, wooden boardwalk was one of my favorite things to do in the city. It offers some great views of the St. Lawrence River and the Lévis city skyline. It’s also one of the best places to watch the Grands Feux Loto-Québec Fireworks show.

In the summer, you’ll find musicians and street performers along the boardwalk, giving it a more lively atmosphere. In the winter, the highlight is taking a ride down the Au 1884 Toboggan Slide. This wooden slide is open from December to March and reaches speeds of up to 70 km/h. Each wooden sled fits up to four people, with tickets costing $6 per person per ride.

The boardwalk isn’t a long walk. Zen and I went to the end and back in about 15 minutes, even with a few photo stops, on our first trip to Quebec City.

Governors’ Promenade

What I didn’t realize on that first trip was that the stairs at the end of Dufferin Terrace lead to another boardwalk path: the Governor’s Promenade. This path is quite a bit longer and more tiring because there are a lot of stairs to climb. But if you’re heading to the Citadelle, this is a very scenic route that offers some great river views. It takes you right along the outer fortification walls and the cliff edge, ending at the Plains of Abraham.

We plan to check it out on our next trip.

Battlefields Park and the Plains of Abraham

The Plains of Abraham was the site of many famous battles, but today, it is a massive, beautiful urban park. If you’re interested in history, there are monuments everywhere and the Plains of Abraham Museum is the perfect place to start your visit. If you prefer to explore nature, check out the Joan of Arc Garden, the Nature Trail or the Plains of Abraham Trail.

The Citadelle of Québec

The Citadelle is an impressive 1800s fort that is still an active military base. Because of that, you can only explore the grounds on a 60-minute guided tour. These run every 30 minutes, every day of the week. Tickets are currently $22 for adults and $8 for children aged 11-17. Kids 10 and under are free. Your ticket also includes access to the Royal 22e Régiment Museum, which you can look through on your own. If you get there before 10:00 am during the summer, you can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

We didn’t make it this far on either of our Quebec City trips. Zen really wants to see it, but we ran out of time on our first visit. During our last trip, we planned to see the Halifax Citadel instead, so we didn’t make this a priority. It’s definitely on our bucket list for our next trip, though!

More of Old Quebec

If you’d prefer to continue exploring the city instead of heading down to the Old Port, here are a few other great spots to visit:

The Parliament Buildings: Take a guided tour to see the gorgeous Second Empire architecture.
Observatoire de la Capitale: Head up here for a 360-degree view of the entire city.
Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral: This is the oldest church in Canada. We checked it out on our first Quebec City trip and it is absolutely stunning inside.
Hotel de Ville(City Hall): It is a beautiful building right in the heart of the historic district. On our first trip we cooled off in the splash fountain right outside.
Fortifications de Québec National Historic Site: You can walk the walls to get a feel for how the city was protected.

If you have time to visit these, you will get a much deeper sense of the city’s history. It’s perfect if you prefer to skip the water views and stick to the historic architecture!

How to end a day in Quebec City: The Port of Quebec

In my opinion, exploring the Old Port is the best way to end your day in Quebec City. If you have the energy, you could even add an evening sightseeing cruise to your plans.

On our first trip, Zen and I focused entirely on Old Quebec. That is why we started at the Port on our last trip instead of ending there. I wasn’t sure how much there would be to do or how long we would need. However, it took us under two hours to explore the entire Port area. Now I know it’s better left for the end of the day when you want a slower pace.

Port of Quebec Marina

The Marina, located in the Bassin Louise, isn’t the most exciting area to walk around unless you really love boats. We didn’t quite know where we were going when we got to the port. We started by walking to the end of Rue Dalhousie, then walked beside the marina and took a path that circled around to Vieux-Port. Honestly, there really wasn’t much worth seeing there. I recommend just starting at Vieux-Port, where you can still see the boats docked at the marina.

I had hoped we could get a better look at the cruise ship docked nearby. However, it was behind the terminal building, so we couldn’t see much of it. We weren’t too disappointed, though. I knew we’d have another chance to see cruise ships when we explored Halifax.

Vieux-Port (Old Port)

We could tell we had reached the actual Old Port area because the pathway changed to a nice wood boardwalk. It makes it pretty obvious this is the touristy area. It’s a nice, flat walk that’s easy for strollers.

On the left was the marina, and to the right was a large open grass area. As soon as Brie saw a playground, we headed there to give her a much-needed play break. It’s a great spot to let the kids burn off energy while you enjoy the view.

If you want to do some shopping, head towards the city and check out the shops surrounding theport. Start at Rue Saint-Paul and turn onto Rue Sault-au-Matelot when you reach it. These streets are lined with antique shops and art galleries that are fun to browse even if you aren’t buying anything.

Port of Québec Oasis

We continued to follow the boardwalk along the Bassin Louise until the L’Oasis caught our attention. At first, we only noticed the restaurant and terrace. As we continued walking, we realized what made this place so unique. Past the restaurant, there is a swimming area in the Bassin Louise marked off with a boardwalk. There’s even a second section with four Olympic-sized swimming lanes. The dock has plenty of chairs and large bean bags to relax in.

I later found out that this lifeguarded swimming area is a free attraction. It’s actually the first harbour bath in North America, opening in 2022. During the summer, it’s open daily (as long as the weather is decent) from 10:00 am on weekends (or 11:00 am on weekdays) until 7:00 pm.

On the terrace, there are lots of places to sit and relax too. You’ll find an outdoor area as you enter, then a tented indoor area that leads to another outdoor area with views of the marina. The on-site restaurant, La Folle Tablée, serves ice cream, lunch, and drinks. The terrace also hosts a variety of events, like comedy shows and DJ nights. It’s the perfect spot to take a break with some ice cream or a cocktail after a day of exploring.

Naval Museum of Quebec

If you continue along the boardwalk, you’ll find the Naval Museum. Keep in mind that the hours here are very limited. They’re only open Wednesdays and Sundays during the summer from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. They do take reservations for groups of at least five people between Monday and Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission to the museum is free. That includes the 60-minute guided tour, the 45-minute outdoor walking tour, and the 30-minute guided tour of the Centennial Mural.

We weren’t interested in checking out the museum, so we continued along the boardwalk. Just past the museum, the boardwalk turns, heading away from the basin and along the St. Lawrence River.

Place des Canotiers

Just past the cruise terminal, along the waterfront, is a small urban park with a splash fountain. Grandma didn’t hesitate at all to run through the water to cool off. Brie joined her, though she didn’t get quite as wet as Grandma did. There are also benches on both sides of the fountain, so it’s a great place to take a break or even have a picnic lunch.

Quai Chouinard (Chouinard Wharf)

The last spot along the boardwalk is Quai Chouinard. This is where the Quebec City sightseeing river cruises depart. For about $65 per person (depending on the date), you can take an hour-and-a-half guided cruise on the AML Louis-Jolliet. It’s a large, comfortable ship that has a bar and bistro on board. On select days, they also offer a 3 or 5-Course Dinner Cruise with DJ & Dancing or Evening Cruise with Live DJ.

We didn’t have time for a cruise on our last trip, but I think it would be the perfect way to end a day in Quebec City. The sunset views from the water must be incredible. I’m hoping to book the dinner cruise on our next trip to see the city lights from the river.

Dinner

We ended up heading back to our hotel before dinner. The kids and Grandma were too tired from all the walking. Plus, Brie had gotten a bit overstimulated from the crowds, so we decided to just grab Subway and eat in our room. Sometimes, a quiet meal in the room is exactly what you need after a long day of exploring.

If you decide not to do a dinner cruise but still want to grab a bite while you’re exploring the Old Port area, here are some great choices:

FAQ

What should you not miss in Quebec City?

Walking the streets of Old Quebec is the absolute must-do activity. If you only have a few hours, start with a stroll through the Petit Champlain district, head to the Place Royale area, take the funicular up to see the Château Frontenac, and end with a walk along Dufferin Terrace.

What is the prettiest street in Quebec City?

Rue du Cul-de-Sac (also known as Umbrella Alley) is the most photogenic street in Old Quebec. In the summer, they hang decorative umbrellas above the entire street.

Is it better to stay in Old Quebec or Quebec City?

Old Quebec is very walkable, so staying anywhere in that area is ideal. If you can afford it, the Château Frontenac is the top choice. If that’s out of your budget, there are many great, more affordable hotels just outside the heart of the historic district.

What food is Quebec City famous for?

Beyond the obvious choices like poutine and crepes, you have to try cretons, maple taffy, pea soup, tourtière pie, pouding chômeur, fèves au lard, and pâté chinois.

Can you just walk into Château Frontenac?

Yes, you are free to walk in and check out the lobby and other public areas. If you want to learn more about the history of the hotel, they also offer guided tours.

What is the best time of year to go to Québec City?

Summer months are best for warmer weather, but they are also the busiest. Winter is beautiful—especially with the snow and the historic Au 1884 Toboggan Slide—but it can get crowded. If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, the best time to go is September through October.

What is the most famous thing in Québec City?

While the city is full of historical sites and amazing attractions, the Château Frontenac—frequently called the most photographed hotel in the world—is usually the first thing that comes to mind for most people.

Final Thoughts on Exploring Quebec City

One day isn’t enough time to truly enjoy everything Quebec City has to offer. But I was really happy with how much we managed to see on our last two trips. Montmorency Falls and the Canyon Sainte-Anne were incredible. Plus, the streets in the lower old town are just beautiful to wander through.

So far, we’ve only visited in the summer. I am really hoping to plan a winter trip soon. I can’t wait to fly down that historic Au 1884 Toboggan Slide while the city is covered in snow.

Will you be trying this one-day Quebec City itinerary?

I’d love to hear about it! Share how your trip goes on my Facebook post. Make sure to follow me to see the rest of my itineraries from our East Coast Canada road trip and other destinations we explore next.