Where to eat, drink, see, stay, and things to do in the charming Quebec City.
There’s no other way to put it: Quebec City is a fairytale town. The cobblestoned streets, the European architecture, the views across the Saint Lawrence River – it’s hard not to fall in love! There was even a snow storm during my recent trip, and wandering around the Old Town felt like I was inside a snow globe! While I did enjoy my winter trip getting cozy in pubs and relishing the hearty food, I believe Quebec City would make a great destination for any season. Read on for my top list of things to do, places to eat, and where to stay in this romantic city.
Things to Do
Walk around
The streets of Old Quebec were made for walking! Quebec City is the only walled city north of Mexico, and the narrow, winding streets definitely have stories to tell. You’ll find Petit Champlain District, the oldest commercial street in North America lined with picturesque shops and restaurants. There are several beautiful churches, including the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral and the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church. Head up to the Dufferin Terrace, whether by foot or the Funicular, and enjoy views of the Château Frontenac and Saint Lawrence River. Catch a ride on the toboggan while you’re here – we didn’t have time but it looks like the perfect winter activity!
Strøm Spa Nordique
Yes, I willingly submerged myself in freezing water for the sake of health! Strøm Spa offers a unique and relaxing Nordic spa experience in a beautiful surrounding right on the shores of the Saint Lawrence River. If you have the time, dedicate a whole day here. There are heated pools (including a heated outdoor infinity pool!), wooden saunas, waterfalls, relaxation rooms, and my favorite – the salt flotation pool. I actually fell asleep while floating around and it was total bliss.
Montmorency Falls
About a 30 minute bus ride from town lies this magnificent waterfall, which is actually 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls. In the spring/summer there are tons of hikes to do around the park. Since we came in the winter, the river was frozen and covered in snow so you could actually walk right up to the waterfall itself! We stood so close that we were covered in frozen water droplets. You can also take the cable car up to the bridge and stand right on top of the falls to get a feel for its sheer height and power. It’s a great way to get in a little bit of nature during your trip to Quebec.
Where to Stay
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
It’s easy to see why Château Frontenac is one of the most photographed hotels in the world. The imperial structure stands high above the old city overlooking the Saint Lawrence River, like the cherry on top of the cake that is Quebec City. We stayed in a deluxe city view room, which was spacious with a comfy king-sized bed and a bathroom stocked with Le Labo products! The hotel itself is like a living museum, and we spent some time wandering the halls looking at old photos and artifacts. The hotel played an important role in WWII, has hosted royalty and celebrities, and even appeared in Hollywood films! There is a small gym and a pool, though it was always crowded with kids and families when we were there. The breakfast buffet is also highly recommended 😉 (Disclaimer: This was a sponsored hotel stay).
Auberge Saint-Pierre
While the Château Frontenac was grand and luxurious, we much preferred our stay at Auberge Saint-Pierre because of the boutique hotel feel. The suite we stayed in was so charming and cozy. Every staff member treated us like we were friends and were extremely accommodating. It’s perfectly situated on a quiet but beautiful cobblestoned street, just steps away from the more popular Quartier Petit Champlain. For solo travelers or couples, I’d really recommend staying here! I’ve written a more thorough review of my time at the Auberge Saint-Pierre if you’d like to read more here. (Disclaimer: This was a sponsored hotel stay)
Where to Eat
Le Moine Échanson
This natural wine bar/restaurant was hands down the best meal and dining experience we had in Quebec City! It’s outside of the old city walls but still walking distance and on a street with lots of other bars, restaurants, and shops. It definitely felt more like a local neighborhood, especially since the restaurant was recommended to us by a local barista! For dinner we opted for the 4-course menu, which apparently changes with the season and has everything ranging from homemade foie gras to roasted cod. The server was super chill but also extremely knowledgeable about natural wines and his enthusiasm for it was infectious. It’s in a very cozy and romantic setting, but we also saw a couple of solo diners so definitely don’t rule it out if you’re traveling alone!
Restaurant La Buche
If you want a traditional Québécois cuisine that a French-Canadian grandma might serve in her country house, but with a modern twist, then this place is it. The whole vibe of the restaurant from the decor to the music screams “countryside Quebec”. The menu is carb and meat heavy, and it does the job keeping you warm. The food is heavy and portions are huge, so I’d recommend sharing a main dish and an appetizer. They serve a classic maple pie for dessert, which I sadly never got to try because we were so full! We did try some locally brewed cider which was delicious.
Ciel! Bistro-Bar
For a fun experience with a view, visit Ciel! on the 28th floor of Hotel Le Concorde. It’s a rotating fine dining restaurant with a 360-degree view of Quebec City (old and new) and the St. Lawrence River. The food is a contemporary take on traditional Québécois cuisine using local ingredients. They also have vegetarian and gluten-free options, which is a rarity in this carb and meat loving city! We came here at nighttime, but I think the views would have been amazing for sunset.
Where to Drink
Cantook Micro Torrefaction
Unlike Montreal, Quebec is not known for its third wave coffee scene. Which was why it was such a treat to discover this cafe on a snowy day. Cantook is outside of the old city on the same street as Le Moine Echanson (actually the barista here recommended the restaurant to us) and it was the perfect place to hideaway for a few hours. They roast their own beans in the back, and sell fresh coffee beans by weight up front.
Pub L’Oncle Antoine
Quebec’s oldest pub serves history with a side of whiskey and homemade French onion soup. It’s on the first floor of a 262 year old building, but the low-arched stone ceilings will make it feel like you’ve gone underground (or directly into a whiskey barrel). If whiskey isn’t your calling, they also have local beers on tap and a delicious mulled wine. We arrived on a snowy night and we tucked into some greasy pub grub next to the fireplace.
Le Projet
I had my first amber ale at Le Projet, a gastropub and brasserie serving microbrews and small bites. Hundreds of different beers are written in chalk across the wall, but just ask your server for their recommendation if you’re overwhelmed. I loved the vibe of this place with its high ceilings and big windows, and would definitely hang out here if I was a local! Come here for a late afternoon drink and some pre-dinner bites, and try some Canadian beers that you can’t find anywhere else!
