A Long Weekend in Quebec City

Take a stroll through Old Québec’s charming cobblestone streets and soak in the city’s incredible history and European vibes!

Start in Place Royale, where you can visit the oldest stone church in North America and explore the very site where Quebec was founded. Relax and enjoy a cafe au lait and a croissant at Café La Maison Smith Notre-Dame.

Next, take a leisurely stroll down Rue du Petit Champlain to explore the unique boutiques and art galleries. You’ll feel like you’re walking in a postcard! Stop along the way for lunch or dinner in one of the many restaurants along the way. Le Lapin Sauté is a local favorite. Try their famous cassoulets or the rabbit poutine (this was the best poutine I had in Quebec!)

Explore more of Quebec’s unique history! Make your way up the (steep!) Escalier Casse-Cou. This is a staircase dating back to the 1600s and a great spot for photos. You’ll be rewarded for your climb with an amazing view of the famous Chateau Frontenac. The historic hotel is open to the public and is worth exploring! You can get there either by foot, or ride the funicular! Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, have lunch at Bistro Le Sam inside the Chateau Frontenac.

End your day with a stroll along the Dufferin Terrace. This is an amazing spot to watch the sunset!

Head a little bit out of the city to Parc de la Chute-Montmorency. This massive waterfall is even taller than Niagara Falls! You can walk or take the cable car to the top. I recommend hitching a ride up and then walking back down.

Next, head across the bridge to the Île d'Orléans for some wine tasting! Vignoble Isle de Bacchus and Vignoble Ste-Pétronille are two great spots to sip wine and soak in the beautiful views.

Before you leave, you’ll need to stop for road-side poutine at Chez Mag, a no-frills roadside spot with first-class food!

Day trip to Baie-Saint-Paul

If you have the extra time, take the hour drive (or train ride) through beautiful mountains to the tiny artisan town of Baie-Saint-Paul. The little village is located in a valley right along the St. Lawrence river. Take some time to visit the many galleries, art shops and boutiques. The contemporary art museum is also worth a visit!

If you’re looking to get more off the beaten path, take a side trip to Pont Couvert de Saint Placide on your way! It’s a gorgeous covered bridge about five miles off the main road. This hidden gem is well worth the detour, especially in the fall.