If you always dreamed of walking down those adorable cobblestone strips, with a buttery croissant in your hands, drinking in some history—without taking a trip to Europe—then Quebec City is absolutely your place, and it’s a short plane ride away. I visited for a weekend, and trust me, it’s a great combination of French ambiance and North American flair.
Whether you’re a culture junkie, enjoy spending time outside, or simply can’t get enough of good food, Quebec City isn’t disappointing.
Why Quebec City is like Europe but without the jet lag
The moment I stepped off that plane, I literally felt like I was in that quaint little French city. The buildings, language, cuisine—everything was just so European. But here’s the surprise: I hadn’t even set foot outside of North America! Quebec City’s a great hidden gem that provides that quintessential European feel without a super-long flight.
It’s incredibly accessible to people from the States seeking a quick jaunt with some city excitement and a little outdoor adventure.
A European vacation with a North American flair
Walking along those cobblestone streets in Quebec City, I can see why people say it feels like places in Paris. Street signs, narrow roads, stone buildings, they all exude that French flair. But I have to say, what I enjoyed most in Quebec City was that it’s walking-friendly. Everything’s really close, so I soaked up every moment that weekend.
Day 1: An Exploration of Old Quebec
Morning: Walking Down Old Memories
I started my first morning out by strolling around Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec), and it’s literally like walking through a living museum. Everything’s really well-maintained, with all these brightly colored buildings, quaint little stores, and historic sites appearing all over.
I found myself taking a gazillion photos of that famous Château Frontenac, which really dominates the city like a fairytale castle. If you appreciate great architecture, history, or great views, you’ve got to see this section of the city!
And my favorite relaxing area was Terrasse Dufferin, that boardwalk along the cliff beside Château Frontenac. The city views as well as views of the St. Lawrence River are absolutely lovely. It’s a very relaxed place to stop in for a coffee and people-watch.
Lunch at Aux Anciens Canadiens
For lunch, I visited Aux Anciens Canadiens, that quaint little establishment in a 1600s building. If you have a hankering for great Québécois cuisine, go to this place.
Their menu’s filled with all old favorites from around here, from tourtière (which is essentially a very delicious meat pie) to pea soup, to maple syrup desserts. Truly, I felt as if I’d time-traveled enjoying those hearty, comforting flavors of the traditional dishes.
Afternoon: Exploring Petit-Champlain
So, I walked over to Petit-Champlain after lunch, and I have to say, it’s such a great blend of history, art, and charm, all local. It’s actually North America’s oldest commercial street, and it’s filled with these absolutely adorable little boutique stores, art galleries, and cafes. There’s handmade jewelry, local paintings, and even these really nicely knitted scarves that absolutely say “souvenir”.
I was walking around, and I came upon this adorable little store called La Petite Cabane à Sucre, which is a maple syrup store, and I absolutely couldn’t resist buying some maple taffy—hit my sweet tooth perfectly!
Evening meal with a night vista
And that evening, I was really looking forward to a great meal with a great view. I chose Le Cochon Dingue as it’s renowned for its traditional French cuisine and relaxed ambiance. I simply sat at a table outside on the terrace with a glass of wine, basking in the views over the Saint Lawrence River during sunset. The duck confit that I ordered was fantastic—crispy outside, very tender inside. Quebec City certainly knows to pamper your palate!
Day 2: Fun Outdoors in the Countryside
Morning: Montmorency Falls
You absolutely have to visit Montmorency Falls when you’re in Quebec City. It’s only a short 15-minute drive from downtown, and, as an added bonus, it’s even higher than Niagara Falls—well worth a visit! I rode up in a cable car, and the views of the area and falls were spectacular.
If you’re a thrill-seeker, there’s a zipline they offer in which you can hurtle over them. But I chose to keep it mellow and crossed over them in a suspension bridge and hiked up some trails. It’s that type of experience that allows you to truly absorb nature’s beauty in a way that nothing else can.
Lunch at Manoir Montmorency
And at the top of Montmorency Falls, there’s a really great old mansion that’s been converted into a restaurant known as Manoir Montmorency.
There’s great views and some really great, locally-sourced food. I enjoyed an elegant lunch out on the terrace, absolutely relishing a meal with locally-sourced Quebecois ingredients—fresh fish, locally-made cheese, seasonal vegetables.
The combination of food and views was one of my most favorite meals yet.
Afternoon: Jacques-Cartier National Park
I chose to visit Jacques-Cartier National Park in the afternoon, and let’s tell you, it’s absolutely one of Quebec’s hidden gems. The park itself truly is any nature enthusiast’s paradise, with hiking, canoeing, and plenty of opportunity to witness wildlife.
I chose a laid-back hiking trail that snaked along through dense woods and provided great views of the Jacques-Cartier River far, far down below. It was incredibly relaxing, which was just what I needed after a couple of city days.
Evening: Dinner at Le Clan
When I returned to the city, I was really looking forward to some great grub. For dinner, I stopped by Le Clan, which serves up a really cool modern interpretation of Quebec food. The tasting menu was really one of the highlights of my trip.
Everything was really great, with great pairings and some very high-quality locally found ingredients. I was absolutely in love with the venison—it was incredibly tender and perfectly cooked.
It’s certainly a place that highlights what great local cuisine is all about.
6 Tips You Don’t Want To Miss
If you’re considering a weekend getaway to Quebec City, I have some advice to ensure you make the most out of it!
1. Dive into French language
Overall, although many people in Quebec City speak English, French is the predominant language. It’s a good idea to learn some simple phrases, such as the word “Bonjour” (Hello) to say hello to people and “Merci” (Thank you) to thank them. If you make the effort, the locals appreciate it and it enhances your trip.
2. Wear comfortable shoes
Those cobblestone streets in Quebec City are absolutely adorable, but, boy, they can really wreak havoc on your feet, especially if you intend to walk a lot. Be sure to wear comfortable, supportive shoes that can deal with that rough terrain. Your feet will thank you!
3. Book Accommodations Early
Quebec City is busy year-round, but especially crazy in summer and autumn. If you plan to visit then, you’d better reserve your lodging in advance. There are lots of adorable little boutique hotels in Old Quebec, but they fill up quickly.
4. Take Full Advantage of Public Transport
The city itself is super walkable, but if you want to visit places like Montmorency Falls or Jacques-Cartier National Park, it’s a good idea to take a car or ride public transport. The bus network is relatively good and affordable, though, and you can always take a cab or hop in a ride-sharing network if necessary.
5. Pack Layers
Quebec City’s weather can really vary, so it’s a good idea to toss in some layers, especially if you’re visiting in spring or autumn. Even in summer, at night it can get pretty chilly, so a light jacket or sweater can prove to be a good thing to have.
6. Allow time for a Quebecois breakfast
Start your day off with a breakfast Quebecois style. For breakfast, you can indulge in local crepes, delicious baked treats, and that renowned “petit déjeuner” (yes, that big breakfast with eggs, bacon, and potatoes) in many of the city’s cafés. For real, you can’t pass up a warm breakfast in one of those little places in Old Quebec.
Final Thoughts
Quebec City is really cool because it combines that European feel with a relaxed North American attitude. If you like history, enjoy good cuisine, or just want to get outside, there’s most certainly something great for you here. My weekend getaway was filled with memories I’ll never forget, and I’m already planning to return!
If you want a quick escape that perfectly syncs with a trip to Europe, you have to visit Quebec City. You’ll absolutely adore it!