Québec

Vieux-Québec © OTQ/F.Gamache

Let go of the urban scenes you’re used to and step into a modern city steeped in Old World charm. Québec City, the cradle of French civilization in North America, is a city that will fill you with wonder. Gaze upon a steady stream of cruise ships dotting the horizon of the magnificent St. Lawrence River while people move happily along the ramparts of the fortified city, a festive energy in the air. In winter, let yourself glide across outdoor rinks or take a heart-pounding ride down the famous ice slide. This beloved capital will energize you with its arts and culture, and just 20 minutes from the city is an astounding natural playground. Come be a part of it!

Location and access

Québec, the capital city of the province of the same name, is located some 250 km northeast of Montréal on the north shore of the St. Lawrence. The two cities are linked by highways 20 and 40, in addition to rail and air connections. Québec’s tourist region covers 9,000 km².

Place-Royale © Audet Photo

Canot au parc national de la Jacques-Cartier © Sépaq/J.-P. Huard

Le Vieux-Québec © J. Frenette

Croisière romantique sur le fleuve Saint-Laurent © J. Frenette

L’Hôtel du Parlement et la fontaine de Tourny © J. Frenette

The region’s best
History and culture
Outdoors
Winter

A North American city with European flair, Québec City and area offers you a very special stay. Discover its culture and the legendary hospitality and lilting accent of its residents.

Explore a fortified city that’s centuries old yet wired for the future. With bustling streets, numerous museums and festivals―including the Festival d’été de Québec, celebrating its 50^th anniversary―and eclectic architecture, not to mention nature on its doorstep, Québec City and area is steeped in a rich and varied past that will amaze and offer you a destination unlike any other.

Located just a few minutes from Old Québec, the parc de la Chute-Montmorency is an attraction you will not want to pass up. The waterfall is an awe-inspiring 83 m/272', a full one and a half times higher than Niagara Falls. You can admire stunning views from the cable car, from zipeline or via ferrata, from the many lookout points throughout the site or from the stairs climbing up the side of the promontory.

Official tourist guide

Regional tourism website

Discover a historic capital city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the only fortified city north of Mexico. This is a city you’ll love at first sight, with its mix of First Nations, French and British influences. To appreciate its colourful past, stroll along the cobblestone streets from Petit-Champlain to Place-Royale, or admire the majestic St. Lawrence River from Dufferin Terrace, stretching from the foot of the Citadelle to Château Frontenac. After contemplating the imposing architecture of the Parliament Building, take a well-deserved break on the Plains of Abraham, a green oasis in the heart of the city.

Let yourself be charmed by the beauty of the region and Île d'Orléans. Explore the rich heritage of the villages along the King’s Road (Chemin du Roy) and the New France Rout (Route de la Nouvelle-France). For a real change of scenery, visit Wendake for a taste of Huron culture and its rich legends.

In 2016, the Musée national des beaux arts du Québec (MNBAQ) inaugurated the Pierre Lassonde Pavilion, a world-class building and new gateway to the gallery. The MNBAQ is now an architectural landmark, major art museum and absolute must when visiting Québec City.

Official tourist guide

Regional tourism website

Head for the wide-open spaces. An array of exciting outdoor activities is yours to enjoy, close to Old Québec. Whether on the Plains of Abraham in the heart of the city, or 10 minutes from downtown at Montmorency Falls―where you can marvel at the 83‑m (272‑ft.) high waterfall and fly past it on a zipline―you’ll find the ideal pursuit.

In summer, take a cruise on the St. Lawrence River, go canyoning in Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier, hiking on the via ferrata in Canyon Sainte-Anne, mountain biking on 100 km (60 mi.) of marked trails in Vallée Bras-du-Nord or water sliding at Valcartier Vacation Village. And if you’re lucky enough to be here in the fall, soak up breathtaking views of our forests dressed in glorious reds, yellows and oranges.

Just 30 minutes from Québec City, Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier is home to one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in Québec. The river―calm in some places, turbulent in others―has sliced an 1,800‑foot‑deep channel into the plateau, dominated by a coniferous forest.

Official tourist guide

Regional tourism website

Old Québec is even more romantic covered in a blanket of snow, and once you’re all bundled up, you’ll enjoy the magic of its brilliantly decorated streets. During the holidays, the Christmas markets create the fairy-tale atmosphere of an old-time village. Come ring in the New Year with us on Grande Allée or stay at the Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel) for a really unique experience.

Don’t miss the biggest winter carnival in the world, with skating rinks, sleigh rides, snow sculptures, ice canoe races and colourful night parades. Get your heart pumping and enjoy a one-of-a-kind winter experience, go cross-country or downhill skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling or dogsledding.

Recognized as the largest artistic event in Canada, the Festival d’été de Québec celebrates from July 5 to 15, 2018. International superstars along with top new talents will perform rock, French song, hip-hop, electro, jazz, classical and world music.