The Best View of Château Frontenac? Take the Quebec City Ferry Across the St. Lawrence! Is it on the Terrasse Dufferin or in the Quartier Petit-Champlain? Instead of crowding onto the Terrasse Dufferin, hop aboard the Quebec City-Levis ferry for postcard-perfect views of Château Frontenac, Cap Diamant, and the entire historic skyline.
Learn why this local means of transportation is considered a tourist attraction and get some relevant suggestions in this Quebec City-Levis ferry guide I’ve prepared for you!
Things to Know About the Quebec City Ferry
First things first, what exactly is the Quebec City-Levis ferry and why is it so popular? It’s simply a ferry that connects the north and south shores of the Saint-Lawrence river in the Quebec City area.
Since it’s located close to the old city, it offers terrific views and remains a pleasant little cruise at once.
Best times to go: try golden hour (just before sunset) or nighttime for dramatic city views.
Here are the most important things I think you should know about this ferry. Please note that pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles are accepted on board.
Where to Board the Quebec City to Levis Ferry?
One of the great advantages of the Quebec City-Levis ferry is that it brings you from one downtown to another without having to use a car, if you don’t have one, but also saving you time and traffic.
The boarding station on the Quebec City side is located near the Quartier Petit-Champlain at 10, rue des Traversiers. You can find the ferry boarding station at 6001 rue Laurier, on the Levis side.
Schedule and Frequency of Ferries
The Quebec City-Levis ferry operates every day, whatever the weather, usually from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. There’s one boat every hour in the morning and evening, and 2 boats per hour in the afternoon.
Since the ferry schedule can change, I recommend checking the time before your trip and planning accordingly.
Various Rate Options for the Crossing
Whether you are boarding the ferry to Levis or towards Quebec City, the price remains the same; it all depends on your means of transportation.
Indeed, the price for a pedestrian will be lower than for someone boarding with their vehicle. Currently (2025), the price for an adult pedestrian ferry ticket is $4.05 CAD.
Since the fares vary according to your group’s age and transportation, I suggest you check the Société des Traversiers’ official website for the correct information in case it changes before I can update this page.
Round-trip reminder: you’ll need two tickets per person if returning.
Why Consider Boarding the Ferry When Visiting Quebec City?
You’re probably wondering if it’s really worth using the ferry when travelling to Quebec City? Let me give you 3 reasons why you should consider adding this activity to your itinerary.
Enjoy One of the Best Views of Quebec City
The first reason to board the ferry is that it gives you the best view of the old district and the Cap Diamant. From the Château Frontenac to the Quartier Petit-Champlain, you can see everything at once: the perfect postcard picture.
Find A Great Way to Avoid Traffic
In addition, the ferry is a great way to avoid traffic during your stay. Whether you stay in Levis or not (which can be cheaper lodging wise), the ferry to Quebec allows you to get downtown efficiently without driving to the busy city bridge. It’s also a relevant option for pedestrians or people with bicycles.
Spend Some Time Exploring Levis
Do you have some time left during your Quebec trip? Why not visit Levis on top of getting to enjoy the view? Located just the other side of the Saint-Lawrence river, Levis is the most important city in the Chaudière-Appalaches region. Whether you want to drink a beer with the most beautiful view of Quebec City or visit some old fortifications, Levis has many things to offer so I definitely suggest you add it to your itinerary if times permits.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About the Quebec City-Levis Ferry
Are you still unsure about hopping on the ferry? Here are 5 frequently asked questions to ensure you have all the necessary information.
A trip from Quebec City to Levis or Levis to Quebec City lasts approximately 10 to 15 minutes. However, with the departure schedule, a round-trip will last at least 30 minutes.
Yes, you can bring your bicycle or motorcycle with you.
Yes, dogs are accepted on the ferry but must be kept on a leash.
There are plenty of things to do in Levis! To name a few, you can enjoy the Quai Paquet, a public place close to the ferry terminal, where many activities are organized (ice-skating, festivals, water-play park), the Levis Forts National Historic Site, and the Chutes de la Chaudière Park.
How Long Before Departure Should I Arrive?
I suggest you arrive at least 10 minutes before departure to ensure you don’t miss the ferry. Plan more time if you wish to cross the river with your vehicle or if there’s a special event in town, such as the Festival d’été de Quebec.
In conclusion, the Quebec City-Levis ferry is a great way to see the surroundings and a cheaper alternative to other available cruises around the city. It’s also a great and flexible way to cross the Saint-Lawrence river, especially during the tourist season or festivals. Dare to try it during wintertime or nighttime for an incredible, different perspective on the city.
Here is a suggestion: if you are looking for a bike tour, take the ferry to Levis and then return to Quebec City by following the roads close to the river. A great experience!
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.
Are you looking for other tips and suggestions about Quebec City? These articles might interest you:
- 7 Things to Do Outside Quebec City
- Quebec Spring Break 2025: Vacation Ideas
- Historical Self-Guided Walking Tour of Quebec City
Do you want more ideas regarding visiting Quebec? Look at our other pins!
No Comments