Quebec City’s unique mix of European elegance and Canadian flair is perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, beautiful architecture enthusiasts, and spa-seeking women who also crave a vibrant, modern social scene with great cocktail bars, trendy wineries, and locally owned boutiques that offer something for everyone, no matter your style.
So… basically, it’s the perfect city for a girls’ getaway.
But for real, why should YOU visit? Let’s dig into the best things to do in Quebec City.
Delicious Dining
Quebec City’s culinary scene is a foodie’s paradise, and I promise it has more than just French food to offer.
You’ll find dishes from all over Europe in Quebec City, especially if it was once a French territory like Corsica. Of course, French cuisines and local specialties like poutine and maple-infused dishes are easy to come by, but don’t skip out on the international flavors you have at your fingertips.
Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely brunch at a charming cafe or treating yourselves to a gourmet dinner at a top-rated restaurant, you and your friends’ taste buds are in for something really special.
Cheers to Great Cocktails
Love a chic cocktail bar? How about a dive spot that fits your vibe or even a chill, quiet, travel-lovers theme? No matter your mood, you can enjoy expertly crafted drinks surrounded by lush decor, outdoor gardens, and even rustic interiors.
All you have to do is pick your poison- personally, I’ll always lean towards a local gin, something Quebec City and the province of Quebec are not lacking.
Day Trip to Quaint Wineries
It’s easy to take a quick trip to the nearby wineries to sample some of the region’s best wines, especially on Île d’Orléans, one of the islands just outside of the city.
If you don’t want to drive, you’ll find plenty of wine bars and tasting rooms in town, as well as loads of taxis, rideshares, and even tour companies (like this one) that can help you wine hop your way across the region.
Shop ‘Til You Drop
Spend your days exploring the charming, locally-owned shops scattered throughout Old Quebec (Petit-Champlain and Place-Royale) and the artsy neighborhoods of Vieux Québec (Upper Town), Vieux-Port, St-Roch, St-Jean-Baptiste, and Montcalm.
While there are the usual chain shops across the city, I love to shop in spots that carry Quebec-made goods, feature Quebec and Canadian designers, and support the local artists in the area.
Here are just a few of our favorites– FLM Concept Store Et Cafe, Ibiza, Zazou, Boutique des métiers d’art, Artisans Canada,Ivy Boutique, Boutique Roseville, and Couer de Loup.
And for those who love thrift shops and consignment stores, you will be in second-hand heaven on Rue St. Joseph.
Museums for Days
If culture, art, and history are your jam, you will find no shortage of places to learn more about Quebec, local artists, its First Nation tribes, and military history.
- Musée de la civilisation: This museum has interactive exhibits that explore human history and culture, with a special focus on Quebec’s heritage.
- Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec: This museum houses an extensive collection of Quebecois art, ranging from historical pieces to contemporary works.
- Monastère des Augustines: Located in an old monastery, this museum offers a unique look into the history of the Augustinian Sisters and their impact on healthcare in Quebec.
- Royal 22e Régiment Museum at the Citadelle of Québec: This museum showcases the military history of Canada’s Royal 22e Régiment with artifacts, uniforms, and exhibits in the historic Citadelle.
- Plains of Abraham Museum: This museum is dedicated to the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, featuring exhibits and educational programs about the 1759 British-French battle and Quebec’s military history.
- Huron-Wendat Museum: This museum celebrates the Huron-Wendat Nation’s culture and heritage with traditional artifacts, contemporary art, and immersive experiences. It’s about 30 minutes from downtown Quebec City.
Pampering and Spa Days
Naturally if you are on a girls’ getaway, you and your friends deserve to treat yourselves to a mani/pedi at the local nail salon, or for a real treat, book appointments at the Strøm Spa Nordique.
Known for its thermotherapy (alternating between hot and cold baths), the Strøm offers a gorgeous setting with views of the St. Lawrence River that can be enjoyed throughout the year, regardless of weather or temperature.
The on-site restaurants make it easy to spend the whole day at the spa without even getting out of your robe.
A Summer Music Festival that Rivals Coachella
Festival d’été de Québec (lovingly known as FEQ) is the music festival of the summer in Quebec City. Multiple venues host big-name acts like Post Malone and The Jonas Brothers and smaller, local bands.
DJs spin House and Techno in the after-party (FEQ Extras) areas at the Voltigeursde Québec Armoury.
If you don’t have a pass you can still see and hear some of the music if you sit around the fountain near the Parliament Building.
FEQ offers more than 150 shows of all music styles, with family-friendly weekend.
Walk Through History
Here’s a quick history of Quebec City in case you aren’t familiar:
Founded in 1608 by French explorer Samuel de Champlain, Quebec City is one of the oldest European settlements in North America. It served as the capital of New France until it was ceded to the British in 1763 after the Battle of the Plains of Abraham.
The city’s strategic location along the St. Lawrence River made it a key military and trading post. In 1985, its historic district, Old Quebec, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Given all of this history, it is worth taking a guided walking tour (like this one), visiting the historic sites of the old city around Rue des Jardins, and touring the Citadelle of Québec.
An easy way to see a lot while you are in Quebec is to grab a hop-on, hop-off bus tour ticket. You will learn about the city and be able to get off the bus to explore the highlights around Quebec City without worrying about a car.
Outdoor Activities for Every Fitness Level
When the sun comes out, so do the residents of Quebec City. You’ll find them taking a short walk around Dufferin Terrace near the Fairmont and swimming in the river at L’Oasis du Port de Québec, a public swimming area with lanes for the serious swimmer and a larger area surrounded by a floating dock for those who want to enjoy a leisurely swim or tread water for a bit.
You will also find locals biking down the Corridor du Littoral to the Piscine de la promenade Samuel de Champlain, a man-made beach complex with wading pools, a splash pad, sandy areas to relax, and food for sale.
You can drive to the Piscine, but parking is limited and hard to come by especially on a hot summer day.
Natural Wonders
There’s no shortage of exciting activities in Quebec City. Explore the historic district and riverfront with Cyclo Services, visit the stunning Montmorency Falls, or take a leisurely cruise along the St. Lawrence River.
For some winter adventure, try out seasonal sports like ice skating or snowshoeing in nearby parks.
Luxurious Accommodations
Stay in style at the iconic Château Frontenac or choose from a number of boutique hotels that offer cozy and luxurious accommodations. Many hotels feature spas and are within walking distance of most of the city’s main attractions.
Check out a few of our favorites:
- Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac: Iconic, family-friendly historic hotel with a pool and full-service spa
- Hilton Quebec: Central Québec City hotel connected to the convention center with a beautiful lobby bar, executive club lounge, and is within walking distance to FEQ events
- Hôtel Le Germain Québec: Family-friendly riverfront hotel with a bar and 24-hour fitness center
- Auberge Saint-Antoine: Riverfront hotel Old Quebec with two restaurants and a spa
- Hotel L’Oie des neiges: A Levis hotel across the bridge in Desjardins with a full-service spa
- Hôtel Manoir Vieux Québec: Beaux Arts hotel with rooftop views of Château Frontenac
- Hotel Port Royal: Upscale, pet-friendly boutique hotel
- Le Manoir d’Auteuil: Cozy Art Deco hotel, a quick walk to Château Frontenac
