Quebec City in 3 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

Quebec is one of Canada's most popular French-speaking destinations and one of its most popular attractions. Discovering everything this destination has to offer in a 3-day tour may sound impossible, but with this itinerary you'll at least be able to discover the main sites.

Some of the best things to do in Quebec in 3 days include discovering the historic city centre, which is famous for its architecture and walled buildings, cruising along the St Lawrence River for a whale watching tour, discovering Montmorency Falls, which is one of the largest waterfalls in Canada, and taking in the panoramic views of the city from the Observatoire de la Capitale.

Quebec is one of the historic cities on Canada's east coast and played a major role in the country's colonial era, so for the first day I suggest you walk the traditional circuit of this destination, which includes everything from the buildings of the Old Town to the most famous attractions in the surrounding area.

Walk around Old Quebec and Place Royale

There's no other way to start in Old Montreal than at Place Royale. This square marks the city's kilometre zero and is the epicentre of the narrow cobblestone streets of this site that will transport you back to the New France era, with its European architecture buildings, quaint shops and cafés that bring to life the lively atmosphere of this historic district.

Place Royale, then, is surrounded by 17th century buildings, such as the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church. Moreover, this square is a meeting point where colonial architecture and vibrant cultural activities converge and often marks the start of the best tours of Quebec. Nearby, during your walk, you can also visit Petit Champlain and the Parliament building.

Also, in the old town you'll find the Quebec Funicular, which will take you to the part of the city where you'll find other popular attractions such as the Château Frontenac, scene of the 1943 Quebec Conference that decided the Normandy Landings, and Terrasse Dufferin, where you can take in the views of the city.

• How to get there: Place Royale can be reached from anywhere in the city by bus on lines 1, 11, 16, 18, 185, L2, L3, 800, 801 and 807.

Visit the Museum of Civilization

After touring Old Quebec I suggest you embark on a cultural journey at the Museum of Civilization, which is a 5-minute walk down the three streets that separate it from Place Royale. Considered one of the best museums in the city, this site offers a unique educational experience exploring the many facets of history and the societies that shaped it.

Its permanent and temporary exhibitions range from ancient civilisations to contemporary cultural expressions, offering a comprehensive and enriching overview. You can also immerse yourself in the daily life of diverse communities and explore the themed galleries filled with historical artefacts, works of art and multimedia presentations.

Along the way, you'll discover the richness of local indigenous history, the influence of European colonies and the cultural evolution of Quebec over time. The diversity of exhibits provides the opportunity to explore different eras and regions, connecting visitors to essential aspects of the human experience in a fascinating journey through many aspects of anthropology.

Tour the Plains of Abraham

One of the most beautiful places in Quebec that is not usually included in the main tours is the Plains of Abraham. In this vast park you can tour a historic landmark of the city that has witnessed pivotal events throughout the ages. These vast plains are known for being the site of the Battle of the Plains of Abraham in 1759, a decisive engagement between British and French forces during the French and Indian War.

Today, the Plains of Abraham has been converted into an urban park that offers visitors a place to relax and rest, as well as a viewing platform to discover the St. Lawrence River skyline. Here you can walk along tree-lined paths and green lawns that contrast with Quebec's historic architecture.

The plains are also home to several museums, including the Musée national des Beaux-Arts du Québec, which displays one of the largest collections of Canadian and international art in the country.

• How to get there: You can reach this site from the Museum of Civilization by bus on lines 1, 3, 11 and 28 or on the city's hop-on-hop-off tour buses.

Discover Montcalm, the arts neighbourhood

Located just across from the Plains of Abraham, Montcalm is Quebec's arts district, where creativity and culture intertwine, and a vibrant neighbourhood where you'll find contemporary art galleries, independent artists' studios and speciality shops that reflect the creative force of this district.

Rue Cartier, one of Montcalm's main thoroughfares, is home to cafés, bookshops and cultural spaces that invite you to explore their unique offerings. Here you can immerse yourself in the artistic atmosphere and discover innovative works at every turn. With an extensive network of bike paths, this neighbourhood is also one of the main venues for Quebec's bike tours.

Montcalm is also home to the Periscope Theatre and the Grand Théâtre du Québec, where you can enjoy high-profile theatrical performances, concerts and cultural events. In addition, during your walk, you can discover the eclectic architecture of historic buildings housing cultural institutions and a wealth of parks and squares.

End the day in Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Quebec's bohemian district

To end the first day of your tour of the city, I suggest you immerse yourself in Quebec's bohemian atmosphere in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste district, a corner full of artistic energy and youthful vitality. This neighbourhood is known for its lively streets, colourful buildings and relaxed, bohemian atmosphere. In the evening, the soft lights of the restaurants create the perfect atmosphere for sampling the local gastronomy.

For a unique dining experience, stroll down Rue Saint-Jean, an avenue lined with restaurants and cafés offering a wide variety of culinary options. Among the iconic spots is Bistro L'Atelier, a restaurant that fuses French and Quebecois cuisine with international alternatives.

After dinner, explore the cobbled streets of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, where you'll find shops, art galleries and patisseries. Rue Saint-Jean then becomes a bustling nightlife hotspot, with street performers and musicians adding their talents to the lively scene.

• How to get there: From Montcalm you can get here on bus lines 25, 800, 801 and 807.

For the second day of the tour I suggest you get away from the main circuit to participate in a marine whale watching adventure around the St. Lawrence River. This unique experience will take you to explore the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, considered one of the best places in the world to see whales, beluga whales and seals all year round.

The region's climate and thriving ecosystem create an ideal habitat for these marine creatures, making this activity an unforgettable natural spectacle and one of the top offerings of the best boat tours in Quebec.

These tours generally allow you to cruise the waters of the St. Lawrence River in search of the various species of whales that frequent the waters. Among the most common are humpback, minke and blue whales, as well as beluga whales and seals that populate the cold waters of the Atlantic. Expert guides on board will share with you their knowledge of marine life and provide detailed information about these species.

Note that regardless of when you visit, the region around the St. Lawrence River offers year-round whale watching opportunities, thanks to the abundant food supply and nutrient-rich currents that attract these giants of the ocean.

• How to get there: To get started on this excursion you can arrive at the port of Quebec on the 1, 11, 18 and 800 bus lines.

For the third and final day in Quebec I suggest you return to the city for some of the best views of the city, involving Montmorency Falls and the city skyline from the Observatoire de la Capitales. You can also say goodbye to the site in Saint-Roch, the trendy local neighbourhood.

View of the Montmorency Falls

Montmorency Falls, located approximately 15 kilometres from the city centre, is one of the most popular natural wonders in the region and at 83 metres high is even bigger than Niagara Falls. You can visit the site on your own or as part of some of the best excursions from Quebec.

In addition to the falls, you can also discover the panoramic views from the funicular railway that takes you to the top of the mountain. This cable car has been in operation for almost 100 years and offers not only a convenient means of transport to the highest point of the surrounding hills but also a scenic experience that allows you to appreciate the beauty of the surroundings in all its breadth.

From the top, you can enjoy sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River, the Ile d'Orleans Bridge and Quebec City in the distance. Nearby, you can also tour the picturesque Basilica of Saint Anne de Beaupré, a chapel of neo-gothic architecture that also houses a collection of sacred art.

• How to get there: From downtown Quebec City , you can reach Montmorency Falls by car on Highway 440 or by bus (lines 11, 59, 136, 254 and 800) in about 1 hour.

Discover the view of the city from the Observatoire de la Capitale

After visiting Montmorency Falls on your own or on a half-day tour, you can take in another of Quebec's famous panoramic views from the Observatoire de la Capitale observation deck. Located in the Marie-Guyart building, this observatory offers an experience from a height of 221 metres, providing a fascinating perspective of the urban and natural surroundings of the region.

From this platform you can look out over the St. Lawrence River, the old city, the skyline and the hills that embrace the region. The view from this vantage point is also a must-see at sunset, when the warm colours of the sky blend with the twinkling lights of the city to create a magical atmosphere. And if you plan to visit Quebec at Christmas time, you'll be able to catch a glimpse of the city's decorations from here.

The Marie-Guyart Building, which houses the Observatoire de la Capitale, is an architectural masterpiece that also houses the National Assembly. Its sleek, modern design contrasts with the historic architecture of Old Quebec, creating a link between the past and the present.

• How to get there: From Montmorency Falls you can reach the lookout point on bus lines 59, 136, 800 and 801 for a journey of approximately 1 hour.

Say goodbye to the city with dinner in Quebec's trendy neighbourhood

To say goodbye to the city, I suggest you discover the gastronomic experiences offered by Saint-Roch, Quebec's trendy neighbourhood. This lively district, located north of Old Quebec, has established itself as an epicentre of the city's cultural and culinary scene, offering a variety of dining options ranging from bistros and cafés to fine dining restaurants.

As you wander the streets of Saint-Roch you'll find options for all tastes and budgets. Rue Saint-Joseph is known for its many trendy restaurants and cafés, where you can sample local and international dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and culinary creativity. You can opt for dinner at places like Le Cendrillon or take part in some of the city's best gastronomic tours.

After enjoying a delicious dinner, and if you still want to discover Quebec's nightlife, you can explore the lively local life and artistic corners of Saint-Roch. Place D'youville, with its bohemian atmosphere and historic buildings, is a great place for an after-dinner stroll. The neighbourhood is also home to cultural venues such as Le Cercle, a multi-faceted space that combines live music and art exhibitions.

• How to get there: From the Observatoire de la Capitale you can reach Saint-Roch by bus on lines 3, 28, 800 and 801 or by a 20-minute walk along Rue du Parvis.