- Question: What does Quebec City offer to visitors?
- Answer: Quebec City and its fortified colonial Old Town offer history, culture, and entertainment for visitors, as well as easy access to the beautiful surrounding Canadian countryside.
- Question: What activities can be done near Quebec City?
- Answer: From Quebec City, head north along the shores of the Saint Lawrence River aboard a vintage diesel train, visit the many waterfalls at the confluence of the Saint Lawrence and her estuaries, enjoy small villages and national parks, or head to Montreal for a taste of Quebec province’s largest metropolitan area.
Best Time for Day Trips from Quebec City, Canada:
- May to June – Spring brings blooming gardens, mild weather, and beautiful riverfront views in nearby villages.
- July to August – Summer is perfect for waterfalls, historic towns, island escapes, and countryside adventures.
- September to October – Crisp air and brilliant fall colors make for magical drives and scenic hikes.
- November – Quieter season for exploring museums, cozy cafés, and early holiday charm in small towns.
- December to March – Winter offers snow-covered charm, festive markets, and outdoor fun like skating and snowshoeing.
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1. Baie-Saint-Paul
Stroll through local galleries and admire riverside charm on a romantic spring escape.
Baie-Saint-Paul is located on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River at the mouth of the Gouffre River. The seat of the Charlevoix Municipality, the town is known for its artist and artisan community, galleries and shops, placing it among the cultural capitals of Canada. Museums include the Baie-Saint-Paul Contemporary Art Museum, as well as the Economuse de Fromage, or the Economy of Cheese Museum. See milk cartons from the 1950’s, take a tour to learn about regional cheese production, and buy local varieties at the museum shop. The Route de Flueve, a winding, scenic road that parallels the St. Lawrence River is popular with cyclists. Enjoy views of the water at the Boise du Quai, and in town, be sure to visit the Eglise de Baie-Saint-Paul.
Baie-Saint-Paul, Baie-Saint-Paul, Charlevoix
2. Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area
See migrating birds and walk scenic boardwalks on a peaceful fall retreat.
Close to Saint-Joachim in the Quebec province, the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area is important as a habitat for migrating snow geese. It’s forests, plains, and marshlands are located along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River and was recognized in 1981 as a Wetland of International Significance. The wildlife area is also home to the ruins of several 400 year old buildings, evidence of early farming and settlements in the area, placing it among the founding communities of Canada. Visit the interpretation center, enjoy over 13 miles of hiking trails, or partake in guided educational programs.
Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area, 570 chemin du Cap-Tourmente, Saint-Joachim, Québec G0A 3X0, Phone: 418-827-3776
3. Casino de Charlevoix
Play the tables and enjoy river views on a lively weekend trip.
The Casino de Charlevoix is located in La Malbaie on the shore of the St. Lawrence River. Enjoy traditional casino games, from slot machines to black jack. Restaurants include Le Saint Laurent, with panoramic views overlooking the river, the casual La Rotisserie St. Hubert, and Table et Terrior, offering a contemporary local menu with river views. Bar 21 and Bar Le Brise offer nightlife at the casino and both offer liev music and entertainment. The Casino is located next door to the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, which is home to a full service day spa, and indoor and outdoor pool.
Casino de Charlevoix, 183, rue Richelieu, La Malbaie (QC) G5A 1X8, Phone: 418 665-5300
4. Grosse Ile
Discover immigrant history and explore preserved buildings on a meaningful educational visit.
Grosse Ile, an island on the Saint Lawrence River, was once a quarantine station for immigrants arriving to Canada between 1832 and 1937. Now home of the Irish Memorial National Historic Site, the island is the largest burial ground outside of Ireland for Irish immigrants fleeing Ireland’s great famine. Many died of typhus, which was contracted along their journey. The island offers several themed tours in the peak season such as the Irish Heritage Tour, from Beliefs to Science, and the Life in Saint Luc de la Grosse Île tour. Explore the Irish cemetery and memorial, learn about the Celtic cross, and see the disenfection building and historic ambulances.
Grosse Ile , Quebec
5. Ile d’Orleans
Bike on rural roads and sample fresh produce during a quiet countryside getaway.
Ile d’Orleans is an island in the Saint Lawrence River, directly across from Old Quebec City. The island is accessible by bridge. After a 15 minute drive visitors find themselves in a rural, agricultural paradise just outside the downtown area. At the tip of the island in Saint Petronille tour a local vineyard. In Saint-Laurent, learn about the island’s maritime history at Parc Maritime. Saint-Jean is known for its preserved houses dating back to the mid 1800’s. Climb to the top of the observation tower in Saint-Francois for views of the entire archipelago. The 17th century Maison Druoin is in Sainte-Famille, the island’s oldest parish. While Saint-Pierre is home to the island’s visitor center and tourist shops.
Ile d’Orleans, Quebec
6. Le Chateau Frontenac
Tour elegant halls and admire panoramic views on a luxurious couples retreat.
The historic 1893 Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is more than a hotel, and open for tours to allow the public to see the newly renovated hotel lobby and historic artifacts, some of which date back over 400 years. The Chateau is located on the site of the Saint-Louis Forts and Chateau, which was the official residence of the British and French governors for over 200 years. Famous past guests of the hotel include Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Grace of Monaco, and Charlie Chaplin. It was also the filming location for Hitcock’s 1953 film, I Confess. Guided tours are available through Cicerone Tours.
Le Chateau Frontenac, 1 Rue des Carrières, Québec, QC G1R 4P5, Phone: 418-692-3861
7. Le Train de Charlevoix
Ride coastal rails and see charming villages on a scenic summer journey.
From Quebec City’s Gare du Palais, a shuttle bus takes visitors to the start of Le Train de Charlevoix. The train travels alongside Canada’s scenic Saint Lawrence River, past seven cliffside towns, and through the mountains to La Malbaie. Several packages are available allowing guests to make stops for whale watching, the Observatoire de Charlevoix, or the Massif gondola. Gourmet meals on board include breakfast buffets, tasting menus, wine and champagne. Hop off at any stop, including the artist’s community Baie-Saint-Paul, at the Casino de Charlevoix, or for a tour of maritime heritage at Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive. Bring binoculars to enjoy views of the wildlife and migrating waterfowl.
Le Train de Charlevoix, 50 Rue de la Ferme, Baie-Saint-Paul, QC G3Z 2J8, Phone: 418-240-4124
8. Levis
Explore historic forts and walk along the riverfront during a quick afternoon stop.
Quebec’s Levis Forts National Historic Site preserves three detached British forts built to protect Quebec City from American invasion between 1865 and 1872. Fort Number 1 can be toured by the public, who stroll through vaulted underground tunnels, view underground firing ranges, casemates and a powder magazine. Built while Canada was still a British colony, the first were built with over 500 British soldiers working for 7 years. They are demonstrative of the latest technology at the time. Inside walls were built with Gauvreau, a black cement native to Quebec. Ironically, construction was never kept secret and swarms of American tourists visited the site from its inception. Outside of the winter months, guided tours operate daily.
Levis, 41 Chemin du Gouvernement, Lévis, QC G6V 7B1, Phone: 418-835-5182
9. Montmorency Falls
Admire rushing waterfalls and cross the suspension bridge on a dramatic nature outing.
Quebec’s Montmorency Falls are located with the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency. Located just 15 minutes from Old Quebec City, the 272-foot tall majestic falls are a historic site. The falls are located at the junction of where the Montmorency River drops into the Saint Lawrence River. A full 100 feet taller than Niagara Falls, they are a spectacular force of nature, protected by the surrounding Montmorency Falls Park, or Parc de la Chute-Montmorency. View the falls by hiking down a long staircase to a viewing platform, via the suspension bridge which traverses the river above the falls, or from the gondola which takes visitors from the base of the falls to the top.
5300 Boulevard Sainte-Anne, Québec, QC G1C 1S1, Phone: 844-522-4883
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