Quebec City
Cobblestone romance meets riverside nature in Old Quebec
Highlights
Wander hand-in-hand through UNESCO-listed streets, squares, and fortifications in Old Quebec.
Soak up sweeping river vistas from Dufferin Terrace and along the waterfront promenade.
Balance city time with lush, wild-feeling trails and waterfalls at Montmorency Falls and the Plains of Abraham.
Enjoy Middle Eastern and Mediterranean spots offering clearly halal meat and vegetarian options.
Share romantic moments as Château Frontenac and Old Quebec light up after dark.
Where to Stay
2 picks
Hotel Manoir Victoria
A comfortable, mid-range hotel inside the Old City walls with a cozy indoor pool and easy access to rue Saint-Jean’s cafés and shops.
Hotel du Vieux-Québec
Charming boutique hotel on a quiet Old Town street with warm decor, exposed stone, and an eco-conscious approach; some rooms overlook leafy courtyards or rooftops.
Where to Eat
8 picks
Restaurant La Galette Libanaise
Casual Lebanese spot with wraps and manakish-style flatbreads; for halal, stick to falafel wraps, vegetarian zaatar/cheese flatbreads, hummus plates, and fresh salads, and confirm which items use halal chicken if available.
Cafe La Maison Smith (Place Royale)
Cozy café on a historic square; order vegetarian quiches, salads, and pastries, and pair with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate—avoid meat dishes to keep it halal, as their vegetarian items are safe choices.
Restaurant Cuisine Halal
Simple Middle Eastern restaurant clearly advertising halal meat; choose grilled chicken or beef platters, shawarma, and mixed grills, and enjoy with rice, salads, and hummus—confirm halal certification on arrival.
Les Brulerie Saint-Roch
Local café in a greener, more modern neighborhood; opt for vegetarian breakfast sandwiches, yogurt, pastries, and specialty coffee or tea while avoiding meat items to stay within halal requirements.
Al Baik Restaurant
Middle Eastern eatery with halal meats (verify on arrival); go for chicken or beef shawarma plates, kebabs, and falafel with rice, fresh herbs, and salad.
Shahi Tandoori (Old Quebec Location)
Indian-Pakistani restaurant with halal meat options—confirm on arrival and choose chicken tikka, butter chicken (if confirmed halal), kebabs, or vegetarian curries like chana masala with naan and rice.
Boulangerie Paillard
Popular bakery-café on rue Saint-Jean; stick to vegetarian pastries (croissants, chocolatines, fruit tarts), breads, and coffee/tea, avoiding meat items to stay comfortably within halal guidelines.
Restaurant Le Cèdre
Lebanese restaurant on the way back from Montmorency; choose halal-friendly items such as falafel, hummus, moutabbal, tabbouleh, fattoush, and any clearly labeled halal grilled meats, confirming halal status with staff.
What to Do
11 picks
Old Quebec Upper Town Walk (Château Frontenac & Dufferin Terrace)
After breakfast, walk through Porte Saint-Jean into the walled city, wander past Parliament, then head to Fairmont Le Château Frontenac and stroll the tree-lined Dufferin Terrace with sweeping river views.
Funicular Ride & Quartier Petit Champlain
Take the funicular down from Dufferin Terrace to the riverside and stroll through Petit Champlain’s narrow lanes, stone houses, ivy-covered corners, and small artisan shops.
St. Lawrence Waterfront Promenade (Quartier Petit Champlain to Old Port)
From Place Royale, wander along the riverfront path lined with trees, public art, and benches, watching ferries cross to Lévis and ships cruise by.
Evening Old Town & City Walls Stroll
After dinner, re-enter the Old City through Porte Saint-Jean and walk part of the fortifications path, then meander back toward Château Frontenac as the buildings and trees light up.
Plains of Abraham & Battlefields Park
From Saint-Roch, head uphill (or take a short taxi/bus) to this expansive park with lawns, trees, river overlooks, and walking paths; wander, find a quiet bench, or follow the wooded trails.
Museum of Civilization (Musée de la civilisation)
After lunch, take a bus or walk back downhill to this engaging museum that combines history, Indigenous culture, and thoughtful modern exhibits, with some greenery and river views nearby.
Old Port Free-Explore Time
Use this flexible block to revisit favorite streets, browse small galleries, or simply sit by the river and watch the sunset—no fixed plan needed.
Quebec City Evening Cruise with Live DJ
From the Old Port, board an evening St. Lawrence River cruise to see Château Frontenac and the city skyline illuminated; enjoy music on deck and the open-air terraces.
Montmorency Falls Park
Take a short bus or taxi from Old Quebec to Montmorency Falls to walk forested paths, cross the suspension bridge above the roaring waterfall, and explore the trails and viewpoints.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Neighborhood Free Explore
After lunch and returning toward town, wander this slightly bohemian neighborhood’s streets (like rue Saint-Jean uphill), with independent shops, leafy side streets, and views toward the Old City.
Final Sunset at Dufferin Terrace
Return to Dufferin Terrace for a last look at the river and Château Frontenac at sunset, finding a quiet corner along the railings or nearby park benches.
Good to Know
5 picks
Getting Around Easily
Base yourself in or right next to Old Quebec so most sights are 10–20 minutes on foot; use local buses or short taxi/Uber rides only for Montmorency Falls and when you’re tired.
Halal Food Strategy
Quebec City has limited fully halal restaurants, so plan main meat-based meals at clearly halal Middle Eastern or South Asian spots and rely on vegetarian/seafood dishes at cafés and bakeries elsewhere, always confirming ingredients when unsure.
Weather-Ready Packing
Even in summer, evenings by the river can be cool; pack layers, a light rain jacket, and comfortable walking shoes to stay warm and dry during long walks and cruises.
Language & Etiquette
Greet with a simple “Bonjour” before switching to English if needed, and be patient with service pace in cafés and restaurants, which can be more relaxed than in some big cities.
Booking Key Activities
Pre-book the evening river cruise and any guided tours you’re sure you want, but keep the rest of the schedule open so you can adjust based on weather and energy.
Map
Best For
Start planning your trip with this itinerary in Takeoff.
Don't have the app? Download it free on the App Store.