Old Quebec City in the Summer: 3 Day Travel Itinerary
- Laura
- 1 day ago
- 8 min read
This post may contain affiliate links. To learn more about our affiliate links and cookies policy, see our Terms & Conditions page. Thank you.
The neighborhood of Old Quebec in Quebec City, Canada is bursting with history and romance. Built around a castle (Hotel Frontenac), the district's winding cobblestone streets exude a charming French flair. The historic district is protected by ancient stone ramparts and a the star-shaped Citadelle. Our Old Quebec City itinerary - 3 days focuses on things to do in Quebec City in the summer.
OLD QUEBEC CITY TOURS
WHERE IS OLD QUEBEC CITY
Old Quebec is a walled district in the City of Quebec, in the northeastern province of Quebec, Canada. The historic neighborhood is situated on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River.
The district of Old Quebec City is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It consists of two parts; Upper Town (Haute Ville), and Lower Town (Basse Ville). Despite being over 400 years old, the “towns” have a youthful, festive feel. The area hosts many music and art events, and has great year-round shopping, food, and hotel options.
HOW TO GET AROUND OLD QUEBEC CITY
Old Quebec is a destination Randy and I return to every few years. The best way to see the district is on foot.
We love that once we park the car, we are able to easily walk everywhere. Each trip there is something new to explore. We re-visit our favorite places, and enjoy the artists and street performers that entertain in the area.
TRUSTED TRAVEL RESOURCES
OLD QUEBEC CITY HOTELS
To immerse in all the historic district has to offer, we suggest you book lodgings inside of the Old City’s walls. It is more expensive, but also more fun and relaxing! Try one of these Old Quebec City hotels:
La Germain Hotel Quebec: Located in the heart of historic Old Port
Hotel du Vieux-Quebec: Independent hotel in the heart of Old Quebec. Rooftop garden.
Fairmont La Chateau Frontenac: Historic castle hotel. Expensive (but we love it!).
THINGS TO DO IN OLD QUEBEC CITY
Our 3 day Old Quebec City itinerary is designed to include all of the neighborhood's must-see sites. Follow it to get a good overview of all the area has to offer. Here we have listed all of the things to do in Old Quebec City that are included in the 3 day itinerary:
The Citadelle Fort, Battlefield Park, and City Ramparts
Basilique Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Quebec
Hotel Frontenac & Ursuline Monastery
Dufferin Terrace & Governor's Promenade
Breakneck Stairs, Lower Town, & Place Royale
OLD QUEBEC CITY TOURS
Historic Old Quebec makes a great base for day trips to other destinations in and around Quebec City. Here we have highlighted tours to some of our favorite destinations in the Quebec City and Beaupre areas:
OLD QUEBEC CITY PACKING TIPS
Watch the weather forecast closely. Old Quebec is beautiful in any weather, but the climate is fickle. Even on warm days, there can be a stiff breeze. When the sun goes down, the air cools quickly. Storms blow in and out with little warning. When packing for a summer visit, it is best to layer clothing and have rain gear handy. Also, don’t be afraid to dress with a little verve. The Quebecoise like to have fun with their fashion.
OLD QUEBEC CITY ITINERARY - 3 DAYS
Day 1: Citadelle and Ramparts
Begin your Old Quebec City itinerary with an Upper Town walking tour. Make your way to the Citadelle of Quebec. The fort sits at the city’s highest point with spectacular views of Quebec City, Battlefield Park, and the St. Lawrence River.
The star-shaped Citadelle has safeguarded the city’s port since 1693. The National Historic Site consists of a military base and thick stone ramparts that encircle the Old City. Through the years, the base has changed hands from French to British control. There is a museum onsite, and the base offers daily tours, a noonday gun, and a colorful 10 am changing of the guard from June to September.
When you are finished at the Citadelle, locate the fortification wall that runs downhill toward the Porte Sainte-Louis Gate. Then, take a walk along the Ramparts of Old Quebec. As you stroll the 4.6km route, look for the fortifications’ original structures including cutouts where you can view the streets below, cast-iron fences, and cannons lining the route.
The trek will take you to the lovely Porte Saint-Louis Gate, the Porte Kent Guardhouse and Tower, and the Porte St. Jean Gate. Exploring the gates’ 17th century stairways, stone turrets, and tunnels in the middle of a modern city is remarkable and fun. On top of the ramparts, you are removed from the bustle of the city, but still a part of it.
At Porte St Jean Gate, gaze over to Place D’Youville, a public square that separates Quebec’s Parliament Hill with the Old City. Descend the rampart’s stairway and take a stroll down Rue St. Jean, one of the city’s oldest streets. In the summer, Rue St. Jean becomes a pedestrian way lined with boutiques and cafes with outdoor dining.
Stay on Rue St. Jean until it turns into Cote de la Fabrique. A short time later, you will come to the Basilique Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Quebec. If the doors are open, stop in. The cathedral is graced with an intricately painted ceiling, lovely stained glass, and many crypts.
Next, walk by the castle-like Hotel Frontenac before coming to the Ursuline Monastery. The nuns of Ursuline have worked out of this convent since the 1600s. Over the years there have been orphanages and schools onsite. View the chapel, small museum, and adjoining cemetery with the graves of soldiers from the colonial era.
After a rest, have dinner in an Upper Town restaurant. After dinner, take a walk to the Dufferin Terrace. The 420-meter boardwalk runs behind the Hotel Frontenac. In the summer it is a gathering place for people to assemble to see the sun set, the lights of lower town, and the street performers who entertain the crowds.
After a rest, have dinner in an Upper Town restaurant. After dinner, take a walk to the Dufferin Terrace. The 420-meter boardwalk runs behind the Hotel Frontenac. In the summer it is a gathering place for people to assemble to see the sun set, the lights of lower town, and the street performers who entertain the crowds.
QUEBEC CITY DAY TRIPS
Day 2: Governor’s Walk, Lower Town, and Old Port
This morning, jump back into your walking shoes and make your way to the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac (Hotel Frontenac). The brick and copper castle, with its towers and turrets, has been accommodating travelers since colonial times. Enjoy breakfast at its restaurant, Place Dufferin. The restaurant’s windows face directly onto the Dufferin Terrace and St. Laurence River (make reservations for a window seat).
The views continue as you make your way up the Governor’s Promenade. The walkway connects the Dufferin Terrace to the Plains of Abraham by some 310 steps that are broken up by landings. From these platforms there are spectacular views of the river, and the cliffs that separate Upper Town from Lower.
At the top of the Promenade, the Citadelle will be behind you and the Plains of Abraham in front of you. The Plains are part of Battlefield Park; the site of many historic battles and happenings over the years. Enjoy the beautiful green space and its landscaped paths that you will likely be sharing with many joggers, families with strollers, and horse drawn carriages.
Explore a bit, and then exit the park onto Rue St. Louis. Follow the avenue down under the Porte Saint-Louis Gate. Browse the shops and restaurant menus as you make your way back to your hotel. With photos and browsing, plan for a 1.5-hour walk.
TRAVEL TIP: Note that the loop can be done in either direction. As written, you will be walking up the 310 stairs of the Governor’s Promenade. But at the walk’s conclusion, the shops on Rue St. Louis will be open for browsing. If you reverse the route, you will be walking down the 310 stairs.
Later in the day, head to Lower Town and Old Port for a healthy dose of cobblestones, narrow lanes, and romance. The area is full of French inspired architecture, high quality boutiques, and lots of benches that encourage visitors to linger.
From Upper Town, take Breakneck Stairs to reach Lower Town. Then, follow the shop-lined road down to Rue de Petit Champagne. This narrow pedestrian lane is one of the oldest streets in the city. Once home to wealthy traders and merchants, it is now lined with shops full of paintings, textiles, Inuit carvings, and clothing.
TIP: If you cannot navigate the Breakneck Stairs, ride the Old Quebec Funicular up (and down) the cliffs.
At the end of the lane, make a “U” turn onto Boulevard Champlain. Window-shop along the street. At the end, let yourself wander. You will find historic houses, little galleries, museums and churches. Eventually, you will likely wind up in the “heart” of Old Quebec, Place Royale.
Place Royale’s cobblestone square is the site of the city’s original settlement and market. A monument of King Louis XIV, the Museum of Place Royale, cafes and shops line the square. There is also the Notre-Dome Des Victories Church. This beautiful stone church is one of the oldest in North America.
From Place Royale, walk on until you find the antiques district. Spend some time walking along rues St. Pierre and St. Paul. The area is full of restored warehouses and buildings that are now devoted to antiques, art galleries and unique retail finds.
Have dinner in nearby Old Port. This section of town has been a working port for over 400 years. Find a restaurant or pub and enjoy drinks and dinner by the water. Afterward, stroll the boardwalk. On a summer evening, it should be easy to find live music to enjoy.
Day 3: Biking along the St. Laurence, a Ferry Ride, and Artist’s Ally
Begin the day in Old Port where several businesses offer bike rentals. Cycle along wharfs and waterfront on marked bike trails. Next, take a Ferry Ride across the St. Laurence River to Levi. It is a short ride from Place Chaplain across the river (approximately 15 minutes), and then the ride back. There are stunning views of the city and it’s fun to get out on the water.
Later in the day, shop for souvenirs.
Au revoir for now! Laura and Randy
For more information on traveling to Canada read our posts on:
