6 Things to do in Quebec
By Delaney Rombough
Posted on August 3, 2021
Quebec is Canada’s second largest province by area. Quebec’s official language is French, but English speakers can easily navigate the city. There’s lots to see and do in Quebec from old cities to the natural beauty of national parks.
Old Montréal
There’s lots to do in Montréal’s oldest historic neighbourhood, Old Montréal. It’s an area known for its culture and history. You can go for a walk down the cobblestone streets, take pictures of the beautiful architecture, visit Place d’Armes, and stop by the Notre Dame Basilica. The area is filled with numerous restaurants of different cuisines and lots of shopping options. You can also visit the Old Port of Montreal, which stretches over two kilometres along the Saint Lawrence River and was historically a trading post. Now, it’s a great place to go for riverside walks and bike rides, as well as visit the Montréal Science Centre located in the heart of Old Port.
Parc Mont-Royal
Parc Mont-Royal or Mount Royal is a small mountain just west of downtown Montréal. Some people say that the name of the city of Montréal was taken from Mount Royal. It’s a great place for some light hiking trails with picturesque views of the city. In the park, there is also a small artificial lake called Beaver Lake, public art sculptures, and a lookout point over the city. In the winter, there’s a snow tube and toboggan slope, and cross-country ski trails. In the summer, you can find Tam-Tams, where Montréalers and visitors play drums on the east side of the mountain on Sunday afternoons.
Old Quebec (Quebec City)
Old Quebec is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site and is considered the birthplace of French North America. In Old Quebec, you can get a feel for European culture without actually going to Europe. This area is best explored by foot, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. Here you can see the Quebec Parliament Hill and the Plains of Abraham, go inside the walls of Quebec City, shop on the pedestrian street Petit-Champlain, and visit antique stores and art galleries in the Old Port of Quebec City. Old Quebec is charming, romantic, and perfect for photos.
Jacques-Cartier National Park
Jacques-Cartier National Park or Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier is in a beautiful glacial valley just 30 minutes outside of Quebec City. There are many natural sites to be explored in the park. You can canoe, kayak, or paddleboard on the calm waters of the Jacques-Cartier River, go on a mini rapid rafting adventure, or explore over 100 kilometres of hiking trails. If you visit in the winter, you can also go snowshoeing, tobogganing, or skating.
Mont Tremblant
Mont Tremblant is a holiday destination and ski resort in the Laurentian Mountains. Here, you can experience the beauty of nature in all four seasons. In the winter, Mont Tremblant is a prime destination for skiing and snowboarding. There are 102 trails in total with varying levels of difficulty from beginner to advanced. If you’ve never skied or snowboarded before, you can take lessons. There’s also a pedestrian village with lodging and amenities, restaurants, and boutiques. In the summer, Mont Tremblant is a great place for hiking, biking, and enjoying the beach on Lac Tremblant.
Montmorency Falls
Just 15 minutes from Old Quebec City, Montmorency Falls is a natural historic site. An 83-metre waterfall dominates the landscape. If you like a bit of an adventure, you can explore the falls on a zipline or cliffside climbing circuit. You can also walk the panoramic circuit and stop at various lookout points along the way to observe the falls and learn more about the history and geology of the region. You can also have a meal at the Manoir Restaurant.