The Top 10 Things To Do And See In Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City has a unique mixture of urban and rural landscapes. A city rich with history and culture, Quebec City maintains its European roots with a predominantly French-speaking society. No matter what season, Quebec City’s activities and opportunities are infinite.
Île d’Orléans
Visiting Île d’Orléans is probably one of the better ways to experience the rural charm of Quebec City. Located about fifteen minutes away, Île d’Orléans is an island that contains six mini provinces that all have historic significance. The island contains thousands of gardens, including one designated solely to lavender. Numerous activities are available in this petite region and most depend on season. Open year round is the famous Cassis Monna & Filles, a wine tasting and food haunt that encapsulates a little bit of the island’s magic.
Poutine
Restaurant
Fries, gravy, and cheese curds. One of the dishes that make up the ‘national palate’ of Canada, poutine is a bit of a staple and crux. Quebec City isn’t exempt from this, and they have some of the best places in the entire country to try poutine. Locals say you should head to the Chic Shack, which is located in the bustle of the city. Poutine | © Matt Saunders/Flickr
Musee de la Civilisation
Museum
The Musee de la Civilisation is an interactive and multi-faceted museum that incorporates the audience with the artwork. Being one of Quebec City’s oldest and most popular museums, the exhibitions fluctuate year-round, but the museum curators focus on Quebec’s history and the modern world. This museum is highly interactive, entertaining, and beautiful.
Place Royale
Place Royale is the exact location where the city was established in the early seventeenth century. Today, Place Royale is a city square where some of the oldest history in Canada and North America is preserved. The square contains multiple ancient churches and modern boutiques and shops. Place Royale | © Chun Yip So/Flickr
La Korrigane
Building
As much as history has shaped the culture of Quebec City, drinking has been much a part of this relationship. Beer and breweries in Quebec City are held to a high standard, and La Korrigane is one of the best. Brewing their own beer and serving it strictly within their building, La Korrigane creates exceptional brews while serving it in their authentic and quaint storefront.
Saint-Roch
Away from the bustle (tourism) of the Old Quebec City, Saint-Roch, one of the best streets in the region, offers Quebec authenticity. There are numerous shops, restaurants and art galleries lining the streets of Saint-Roch. One of the best night-time activities in the area is eating and attending a show at Le Cercle. Saint-Roch, Quebec City | © Jérémi Roy/Flickr
Plains of Abraham
Park
The Plains of Abraham is one of several historical parks in the city. However, Plains of Abraham is significant as the site of the irrevocable battle between the French and the British in the mid eighteenth century. Depending on weather, the park is ideal for a scenic walk, lounge or picnic. Plains of Abraham, Joan of Arc Garden | © diane cordell/Flickr
Morrin Centre
The Morrin Centre is a unique blend of museum, library and culture center that is dedicated to the English language. Tailored to both Francophone and Anglophone peoples, the Morrin Centre is a fabulous edifice in combining both Quebec and Canada’s history to the larger world. Unique as this center is to a predominantly French-speaking city, the Morrin Centre possesses a great amount of local history as it occupies a former prison. Quebec City architecture | © Steve Leclerc/Flickr
Marche du Vieux-Port
Market
Marche du Vieux-Port is Quebec City’s largest and most dedicated farmers market. There’s a surplus of local produce, wine, cheese, bread, pastries etc; Marche du Vieux-Port is not only ideal for grocery shopping and tasting, but it’s a foodies haven with hot lunches. Moreover, one could piece together a meal very easily with the quality goods of the market. Marché du Vieux Port | © John Karwoski/Flickr
Le Clocher Penché
Bistro
Located in the cool and popular Saint-Roch district, Le Clocher Penché is a farm-to-table café bistro. The menu changes based on locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, but the menu is usually in the form of bistro cuisine. Le Clocher Penché has gained recent popularity as the Saint-Roch district has gained attention; however, the fare itself is reason enough for reputation.