If you are looking for inspiration for a weekend getaway, the city of Quebec is a perfect choice. Keep reading for a step by step guide on how to spend a weekend in Quebec!
Stay: Hotel du Capitol
The hotel is located within walking distance of a number of attractions in Old Quebec. We even had a lovely view of some of the fortifications from our room.
Day 1: Exploring Old Quebec
The area of Old Quebec is a UNESCO world heritage site, and is divided into Upper and Lower town. As with a lot of older cities, everything is located within walking distance. This makes for a lovely time wandering around and exploring the area.
Fortifications:
Once you are checked in, head next door to the only remaining fortifications in North America. Tours are available for those who are interested. However, we just walked on the old walls, enjoying the views and investigating the various cannons around the area.
Parliament building and Observatory:
Once you are done with the fortifications, wander down to Parliament Hill which is a short walk away. Here, you can take in views of the elegant Parliament building as well as the Tourny fountain. A block away from Parliament is the Observatoire de la Capitale. From the outside, it looks like a boring office building. However, from the 31st floor you can get a 360 degree birds eye view of the city. The displays around the walkway point out the important buildings, along with interesting facts about the city.
Plains of Abraham:
The site of the famous battle of the plains of Abraham in 1759 where the British seized Quebec city and went on to conquer all of eastern Canada. This also marks the first contribution by James Cook, who charted the waters around the area. The park is a great place to have relax, people watch or even have a picnic in nice weather. The site also hosts various festivals and shows throughout the year, so make sure you check out whats on before your visit.
Chateau Frontenac:
This is claimed to be the most photographed hotel in the World, so make sure to get your own! If you don’t want to stay here, but still want to go in and explore, guided tours of the hotel are available.
Once you have marvelled at the beautiful hotel, take the Funicular down to the lower town
Rue de petit Champlain:
Chances are when you hear the word Quebec, this is the image that pops into your head. This area is full of quaint shops and cafes. It really is a very pretty area, so take your time exploring the narrow streets. If you are going in winter, be prepared to feel like you’re in a fairytale.
Rue Saint Jean:
Head back to the hotel along Rue Saint Jean, making a quick stop at the Notre Dame Basilica, the oldest Catholic parish in North America. This lively street has a lot of shops and restaurants, so you will have plenty of options for dinner. There are also many chocolate and pastry shops, so make sure you save room for dessert!
Day 2: Chasing waterfalls
Montmorency falls:
This beautiful waterfall on the Montmorency river is located a mere 15 minutes from the city. Not only are they easy to get to, but you can literally walk over the fall thanks to a suspension bridge that connects the two sides.
Canyon Sainte-Anne:
Head to Canyon Sainte-Anne for some fresh air and breathtaking views of a steep gorge and another waterfall. Even though it was rainy when we went, it is a beautiful place for a short hike or two. However, zip lining across the canyon is also available for anyone feeling adventurous.
Wendake:
Learn about the history of the Huron-Wendat Nation by visiting the reserve just outside Quebec city. I highly recommend the tour of the traditional Huron site to really gain an understanding of their culture. It is also worth having a delicious traditional meal at the restaurant on site.
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