7 Unique Things to Do in Québec City

If you live in North America and are dying to go to Europe but the budget just isn’t budgeting, I’ve put together this list of 7 unique things to do in Québec City. From the architecture, the immersion into the French-Canadian culture, the food and vibes, you would honestly think you were wandering through a European city. 

My mom and I took a whirlwind Canadian tour, and this was the third province in our mother-daughter road trip. We decided to take a break from the billowing, red-sand beaches of Prince Edward Island and the lush forests and colorful towns in Nova Scotia, to head for the city.

We spent three full days in Québec City, checking out all of the shops, galleries, and boulangeries, and simply walking until our feet were sore. If you’re looking for some unique activities to experience in Québec City, here are a few of our favorites.

What Languages are Spoken in Canada?

There are over 200 languages spoken across Canada, but officially, it’s a bilingual country. Both English and French are the country’s declared languages. Depending on the province or towns within, you’ll often find one more dominant than the other.

Practically as soon as you cross the border into Québec, French is what you see and hear. Across Canada, I’ve found it fascinating to see the immersion of many cultures and other languages, for example, Gaelic, throughout so many provinces.

Do I need to speak French to visit Québec City?

As someone who studied French in college, I was curious to test how far my college French studies would get me. However, you don’t need to speak the language to get by in this beautiful European-style area.

Though it is helpful (and good tourist manners) to learn a few key words and phrases.

Since Québec City is a tourist destination, you’ll find some English available. That being said, if you were to travel farther out, you’d likely need to either brush up on your French or start prepping your hand gestures and facial expressions.

1. Explore Old Québec

If you’re only visiting for a few days, this is the tourist crown jewel. Pack good walking shoes for the many hills and cobblestone streets, and explore to your heart’s content.

If you’re looking for a picturesque cobblestone street lined with shops, explore Rue du Petit Champlain. This area also offers great views of the notable Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.

You can even take the Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec for a fun cable car ride from the hotel, down to the Quartier Petit Champlain and back, if the Escalier Casse-Cou (aka “Breakneck Steps”) isn’t your thing.

2. Acquire New Antiques

I appreciate the heck out of a good antique shop, and Québec City does not disappoint. These are also proper antique shops – not the antique/thrift shops that sell both authentic goods as well as a cup from Anthropologie. 

My favorite shops were at the start of Rue Saint-Paul, between Rue Rioux and Rue du Sault-au-Matelot. I’ve been wanting to piece together a colorful tea set, and I acquired a few new pretty finds here!

3. Bring Out Your Inner Art Critic

You can’t keep me out of four types of shops: antiques, art, books, and bakeries. Lucky for us, Québec City is filled with so many to peruse.

Walk up the skinny cobblestoned street of Rue de Trésor for some local art. It feels more like an alley with how many artists’ booths are packed in along both sides.

For more gallery vibes, shop along Rue Saint-Pierre and Rue du Sault-au-Matelot for your paintings and abstract works. I loved so many pieces in the Galerie Le Chien d’Or, which features family-created art. The owner’s niece, Joanie Thomassin, was even in the middle of painting when we walked in!

I was torn between a few pieces, but hilariously walked away with a metallic chicken painting.

4. People Watch with a Coffee, a Baguette, or Both!

I love a good sit and stare, don’t you? Politely, of course, but just watching people with a good beverage or a yummy baked good is one of my favorite hobbies.

One day, my mom and I split a baguette sandwich and popped a squat in the Place d’Armes, near the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. There is a lot of hubbub nearby and the very pretty Fountain Monument of Faith.

My favorite spot for a sit was the Place Royale. It’s a little smaller, but it gave me throwback vibes of eating gelato in Nice. It has that quintessential European square vibe, complete with outdoor dining options and an old gent playing the piano.

5. Grab a Bench at the Montmorency Park National Historic Site

When you’re done touring the Quartier Petit Champlain, head toward the Côte de la Montagne and walk up to Montmorency Park National Historic Site. On the way, you’ll capture unique views of the Fairmont and cool, less-frequented, side streets.

The park itself is small, but it offers a pretty perspective over parts of the city, looking out towards the St. Lawrence River. From there, you can take the Frontenac Stairs back to the upper level of the city, or walk back down to continue your gallery and antique hunt.

6. Taste the Best of French Pastries

This might have been what I was looking forward to most ahead of visiting Québec City. My favorite bakery – which we went back to multiple times – was Boulangerie Louis Marchand et Compagnie.

You’ll find a variety of fresh bread alongside sweets like cinnamon rolls, scones, and croissants. Plus, savory items such as pizza and sandwiches. The staff is also incredibly friendly, likely another potential perk of being a little outside of the more tourist-heavy Old Town.

7. Day Trip to Île d’Orléans 

These are the inside scoops you get when you meet people as you travel! This island is just a 20-minute drive outside of Québec City.

We headed here for an easy half-day on our way out of town. With views of the city from the shoreline, you feel like you’re way more than just a few miles out from the hustle and bustle.

Grab some chocolate at Chocolaterie de l’Île d’Orléans, follow along the road around the island, and keep an eye out for various shops and bakeries (like La Midinette) along the way.

Things to do in Québec City FAQs