1) Explore the Old Town - Quebec City's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the only fortified city in the Americas north of Mexico dating back to the 16th century. It has two levels with Le Chateau Frontenac on the upper part and Quartier Petit Champlain on the lower part near the river.

 

The two levels are connected by a short funicular that costs CAD $6 per person each way (cash only) as of October 2025 or stairs.  It's roughly a 5-10 min walk with stairs from the lower level to the upper. Both sections are relatively small, but filled with shops, restaurants & some museums to explore. Quartier Petit Champlain is particularly pretty at night with twinkle lights overhead.

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There is a 2-hour free walking tour of Quebec City led by a professional tour guide available (gratuity encouraged) that provides an overview of the history and main sites of Quebec City, including some secret spots as a great way to start the trip. There is also a 1-hour round-trip double-decker bus tour that departs from outside Chateau Frontenac available as another means to see the main sites upon arrival. 

 

The lower area also provides access to the ferry boat that can be taken across the St. Lawrence River for CAD $4 per person each way as of October 2025 to Levis on the other side. The ferry boat operates every 30 minutes each way until 6pm and then every hour after that and takes 12 minutes to cross. There's not much on the other side nearby, other than a microbrewery and a walking path along the river, but provided a pretty view of Quebec City on a nice day. 

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2) Tour Le Chateau Frontenac - The crown jewel of Quebec City is the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac. Built in 1893 by the Canadian Pacific Railway company as a destination for the railway customers, Le Chateau Frontenac feels like stepping back in time with modern updates. Thanks to its grand size, design, history& focal point of Quebec City, it is widely considered to be the most photographed hotel in the World. One hour small group tours of the chateau are available led by a guide dressed in a historic outfit who provides history of & a look inside the chateau that can be booked through Viator here. 

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3) Visit Montmorency Falls - Montmorency Falls is a large waterfall over 80 m (270 ft) tall (taller than Niagara Falls) about a 15 minute drive north of Quebec City. It has a suspension bridge that visitors can cross over the waterfall, a cable car to take to the top of the waterfall, and a zipline across the waterfall in the Summer.

 

There is a bus (#800) that goes from the historic center to the falls and is accessible by Uber. From the falls, a visit over the river east to Ile d'Orleans is a short ~10 minute drive to visit some local wineries like Cassis Monna & Filles for their black current Cassis liquor & wine, Vignoble Isle de Bacchus, and a cidery & apple orchard like Domaine Orléans. There is also a half-day group tour option that includes transportation & admission to the falls and nearby sights. Along with a seasonal 90 minute sightseeing boat tour from Quebec City to the falls & back available to book through Viator here. ​​

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4) Relax at a Thermal Spa - Relax at a thermal spa overlooking the St. Lawrence River at Strom Nodric Spa. The spa features outdoor hot tubs, warm & cold baths with waterfalls, saunas, steam baths, the largest floatation area in North America, restaurant, and terraces with fireplaces to relax after. Massages & other spa treatments are also available to book. Access to the spa includes a towel, bathrobe & bathing facilities. Guests are required to bring or purchase a bathing suit & sandals to wear while there. More information on the spa with the ability to book access to the spa or a treatment is available on their website here. ​​​​​​