Quebec City is one of the most loved cities by tourists in North America. Whether it is its European influence, accessibility, or gourmet restaurants, thousands come to spend a few days in the old capital or a long weekend. Are you planning to visit the area for less than a week? Discover our 5 days in Quebec City itinerary to experience everything this place offers best!
Day One: Old Quebec City Upper Town
Let us start our journey with the heart of Quebec City: the upper town historic district. It’s the best way to begin your 5 days in Quebec City since it allows you to learn more about the town’s history.
Start your day by visiting the Plains of Abraham, an important national park in Quebec City. There, you can learn about the battles and see the Plains of Abraham Museum and the Musée des Beaux-Arts du Québec.
Walk to Grande Allée Street from there to access the walled city and the old cobblestone streets. Along the way, you can stop and have lunch in one of this area’s great restaurants. Next, wander in the old Quebec City upper town.
Discover its small shops and historic buildings, such as the Parliament, the Morrin Centre, the Citadelle, and the Chateau Frontenac. Take a moment to enjoy the view from the Terrasse Dufferin and walking around the Place d’Youville.
Little tip: It could be a good idea to book a free walking tour to uncover Quebec City with an experienced guide. You can also follow our 3 self-guided walking tours of Quebec City:
- Photography Lover’s Self-Guided Walking Tour of Quebec City
- Historical Self-Guided Walking Tour of Quebec City
- Self-guided Walking Tour of Quebec City: Iconic Fountain, Fortifications and Library
Day 2: Old Quebec City Lower Town
For the second day of our Quebec City 5-day itinerary, I recommend spending some time in the lower part of the historic district, in the Petit-Champlain neighbourhood. It’s one of the oldest and most beautiful parts of the town.
During the daytime, visit Place Royal and wander the various streets. There are plenty of small boutiques, restaurants, and beautiful landscapes. Events and festivals are often held in this part of town, so take the time to learn more about them.
In Quebec City’s lower town, you can visit the Musée de la civilisation, which always has interesting exhibitions. You could also book a ghost tour to discover the old city’s dark past.
Little tip: do you want to take great photos of the Chateau Frontenac? Take the Quebec-Lévis ferry or book a cruise on the Louis-Joliet to get the best views of the city.
Day 3: Île d’Orléans and Chutes Montmorency
From the Terrasse Dufferin, you might have seen an island in the Saint-Lawrence River. For your third day, I recommend leaving the old city district to venture east to Île d’Orléans and Montmorency Falls.
First stop: the Parc de la Chute Montmorency. This place is much more than a simple waterfall. Besides its many trails, you can discover this waterfall from another angle, with a zipline or a Via Ferrata circuit. Fun fact: Montmorency Falls are higher than Niagara Falls.
Then, move to the Île d’Orléans. It’s a small bucolic island located close to Quebec City known for its farmer’s markets and handmade products. Do not hesitate to stop by every boutique and producer to taste local goods: wine, chocolate, beer, ciders, cheeses, fruits, and more.
Little tip: if you still have time during your 5 days in Quebec City, it could be interesting to travel to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré to see its cathedral.
Day 4: Valcartier and Wendake
After exploring old Quebec City and the Île d’Orléans, I suggest going north. Per your interests, I have two suggestions for your fourth day: Valcartier and Wendake.
Located less than 20 minutes from Quebec City, the Village Vacances Valcartier is one of the biggest recreational centres in Canada. They have outdoor and indoor facilities to ensure you have a great time. In the summertime, you can access dozens of water slides; in winter, you can enjoy tube slides. It’s a place to consider visiting with your friends and family and make sure to see the ice hotel too!
If you are not interested in sliding, I recommend seeing Wendake, an urban community of the Huron-Wendat nation. This place has various activities to help you learn more about the First Nations. For example, you can visit a longhouse or a traditional Huron site and eat traditional-inspired food in one of their gourmet restaurants.
Little tip: if this is your first time in Canada and you want to have an authentic experience, consider booking a night at the Hôtel-Musée des Premières Nations in Wendake.
Day 5: a View on the Saint-Lawrence River
For the final day of our Quebec City 5-day itinerary, let us focus on the Saint-Lawrence River and have a great time. There are plenty of things to do; here are a few ideas.
My first suggestion for this fifth day is to head to the Aquarium du Quebec in Sainte-Foy. It has more than 300 species, from polar bears to seals and exotic fish, as well as many exhibitions about marine life. It’s something to consider if you are looking for an activity with your kids.
If the weather is too lovely to stay inside or you want the perfect place to take a walk, look at the Promenade de Champlain. It’s a boardwalk that follows the Saint-Lawrence River for many kilometres/miles. You can walk, roller skate, or ride your bicycle throughout Quebec City. It’s one of the locals’ favourite places. There’s even a beach!
Finally, if you are tired from your journey in Quebec City, why not relax in one of the town’s Nordic spas? The Strom Spa Nordique has a beautiful and calming view of the river.
In conclusion, whether you are looking for museums or outdoor activities, our 5 days in Quebec City itinerary can help you find ideas for your journey. Start by visiting the old city, and then dare to explore the surroundings. From the Chateau Frontenac to the longhouse in Wendake, the old capital remains a popular destination year after year!
Are you in town for just a few days and need suggestions? If so, discover our tips for an unforgettable weekend in Quebec City.
Are you looking for other things to do when travelling here? These articles might interest you:
- 5 Best Day Trips From Quebec City
- Where to Eat the Best Poutine in Quebec City
- Quebec City 3-Day Itinerary for Summer
What to Do in Quebec City region and How to Organize Your Trip
Curious about how to spend your day in the Quebec City region? Here’s a list of the top activities to consider adding to your plans:
- Admire Quebec City’s largest waterfall and take a cable car to the top of the Montmorency Falls.
- Experience a unique walking adventure in the heart of Old Quebec and learn about its history.
- Discover the food, beverages, and vineyards of Île d’Orléans.
- Explore the wilderness near Quebec City with a hike in the Jacques-Cartier National Park.
- Introduce yourself to speed skating in Quebec City with top athletes on an inside ice ring.
- Ziplining above the Sainte-Anne canyon near Quebec City.
- Sleep comfortably at the Fairmont Château Frontenac and enjoy an incredible view of the St. Lawrence River.
- Enjoy a peaceful room at the Hilton Quebec and take a dip in the only year-round heated outdoor pool in Quebec City.
Preparing For Your Trip
When I look for things to do in my destination, I always have a look at Viator, GetYourGuide, Manawa, Civitatis and sometimes even Expedia.
It’s first off a great way to find out what there is to do, but always a quick and easy method to book cheaply and efficiently with these renowned platforms.
Need a place to sleep? I find most of my accommodations on Booking.com but I also use Hotels.com for their rewards program (11th free night) as well as Expedia. When booking smaller places in Quebec, you might not find them here and need to contact them directly.
Looking for a cheap flight to the Outaouais through Montreal? Have a look on Cheapoair or Skyscanner I use regularly.
Once you’re there, rent a car to roam free with DiscoverCars, AutoEurope or RentalCars or hop on a bus around Gatineau, Montreal, Quebec, and surrounding cities with Busbud.
Do you want to learn more about visiting Quebec and its main attractions? Take a look at our other pins!
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