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Québec City’s French roots, castle-like architecture, and historical buildings make you feel like you’re in Europe instead of Canada. I recommend spending as much time in this city as possible, but if you only have a long weekend, here’s how to plan the perfect 3-day trip to Québec City.
The Ultimate Canada Travel Guide
Fun Fact: Québec City is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s the only walled city north of Mexico.
Here’s how to plan the ultimate 3-day trip to Quebec City!
When To Go
December – February is the best time to visit Québec City because the city looks like it belongs in a snow globe! The entire city will be decorated for the holidays. The city will be covered in snow, in December, there’s a Christmas market, and you can celebrate Carnival in January and February. It will be cold (you’ll be lucky if the temperature reaches 20°F), and this is a popular travel season, so book your accommodation and tours in advance to save money and ensure availability.
Spring is one of the off-seasons. March – May are the rainiest months of the year, and temperatures will only get into the 60s by May. The main reasons to come during these months are: scoring some great accommodation deals and maple harvesting. Many many cabanes à sucre (maple sugar shacks) will let you watch or participate in making maple syrup.
Summer is Québec City’s peak travel season when the temperatures and prices will be at their highest. From June to August, you’ll have sunny days with highs in the 70s (perfect for al fresco dining). These months are packed with festivals, holidays, and tourists, so book tours and accommodation at least a few months in advance.
September – November is the other shoulder season. Crowds and prices will be at their lowest all year, and the weather will still be relatively pleasant, with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s. The fall foliage is beautiful during these months, so spend as much time outside as possible.
What To Do
Winter Activities: ride the Québec City toboggan slide, go dog sledding, visit the Hôtel de Glace, go snow tubing at Village Vacances Valcartier, visit the Christmas market, go snowmobiling, and celebrate Carnival.
Year-Round Activities: guided walking tour of Old Québec, food and cocktail tour, ride the ferry across the St. Lawrence River, ride the Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec, shop at the Quartier Petit Champlain, walk along the Terrasse Dufferin, and tour the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.
Where To Stay
Québec City has some incredible hotels for every budget and preference. My favorite is the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac! So from chateaus to boutique hotels to ski resorts, I’ve rounded up the best hotels in the city. Québec City also has some incredible Airbnbs.
If you want an adventurous accommodation, you could stay at Hôtel de Glace. The hotel will provide you with specialized clothing and equipment. A stay at this ice hotel comes with a non-ice hotel room at Village Vacances Valcartier to store your belongings, and in case you can’t make it through the night because of how cold it can get.
Where To Eat
My Favorites: Chez Rioux & Pettigrew (French, Canadian, $$-$$$), Restaurant Taniere (International, Canadian, $$$$), Corsaire Pub (American, Bar, $$-$$$).
French: 1640 Bistro ($$-$$$), La Planque ($$$$), Bistro La Cohue ($$-$$$).
Brunch: Place Dufferin ($$$$), La Buche ($$-$$$), Chez Muffy ($$$-$$$$).
Fine Dining: Le Champlain Restaurant – Fairmont Chateau Frontenac (Contemporary, Fusion, $$$$), 1608 – Wine & Cheese Bar (Wine Bar, $$$$), Arvi (Canadian, $$$$).
Cheap Eats: Cafe La Maison Smith Place-Royale (Cafe, $), La Pizzaio (Pizza, $$), Paillard (Bakery, $).
Restaurants With A View: Ciel Bistro-Bar (French, European, $$-$$$), Bistro Le Sam (Bar, French, $$$$), Le Cafe du Monde (French, European, $$-$$$).
Best Day Trips
Village Vacances Valcartier. If you’re in Québec City during Winter, the Valcartier resort is the best day trip to take. This property is home to the Hôtel de Glace (ice hotel), which you can stay in for a night if you’re feeling adventurous. This complex also has an ice skating path, an indoor water park, and an outdoor snow tubing park.
Jacques-Cartier National Park. This national park is just a 45-minute drive from downtown Québec City. You can hike on beautiful trails to stunning viewpoints in the spring, summer, and fall. In the winter, you can explore the park by going snowshoeing, dog sledding, or snowmobiling.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive as early as possible and check into your hotel. Do a guided walking tour of Old Québec in the afternoon or early evening. Then ride the Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec, shop at the Quartier Petit Champlain, and if it’s winter, ride the Québec City toboggan slide.
Day 2: Take a day trip. If it’s winter, go snow tubing, ice skating, and visit the Hôtel de Glace (ice hotel) at the Village Vacances Valcartier. If it’s spring, summer, or fall, go hiking in Jacques-Cartier National Park.
Day 3: Start your day by touring the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac and riding the ferry across the St. Lawrence River. In the afternoon and evening, do a food and cocktail tour. Then walk along the Terrasse Dufferin at night.
Day 4: Check out of your hotel and head home or to your next destination.
Know Before You Go
French is the official language in Québec City. Most hotel and restaurant employees will speak English, and there will be English menus at restaurants. But the TV will be in French, and when you book a guided tour, make sure it’s in English.
Haggling is not an accepted practice in Canada.
In winter, when someone is about to enter the building you’re exiting, let them in first because they’re colder than you are.
Canadians are big on pleases and thank-yous. Bumping into someone without apologizing or not thanking someone for holding the door would be very insulting.
Commenting that Canadians and Americans aren’t much different is considered highly offensive.
Electrical outlets in Canada are Types A and B, the same as in the U.S. So British, European, and other travelers will need an adaptor.
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Recommended Tours in Québec City
What would you add to this 3-day trip to Quebec City? Share with us in the comments!
Plan The Rest Of Your Trip
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3-Day Trip To Québec City
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I spend 3 days in Quebec City?
The Best Things To Do in Québec City:
Winter Activities: ride the Québec City toboggan slide, go dog sledding, visit the Hôtel de Glace, go snow tubing at Village Vacances Valcartier, visit the Christmas market, go snowmobiling, celebrate Carnival.
Year-Round Activities: guided walking tour of Old Québec, food and cocktail tour, ride the ferry across the St. Lawrence River, ride the Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec, shop at the Quartier Petit Champlain, walk along the Terrasse Dufferin, tour the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.
How many days do you need for Quebec City?
In the spring, summer, and fall, I’d spend three to four days in Québec City. In the winter, I’d spend 5-6 days because of all the snow activities you can do.
Suggested Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive as early as possible and check into your hotel. Do a guided walking tour of Old Québec in the afternoon or early evening. Then ride the Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec, shop at the Quartier Petit Champlain, and if it’s winter, ride the Québec City toboggan slide.
Day 2: Take a day trip. If it’s winter, go snow tubing, ice skating, and visit the Hôtel de Glace (ice hotel) at the Village Vacances Valcartier. If it’s spring, summer, or fall, go hiking in Jacques-Cartier National Park.
Day 3: Start your day by touring the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac and riding the ferry across the St. Lawrence River. In the afternoon and evening, do a food and cocktail tour. Then walk along the Terrasse Dufferin at night.
Day 4: Check out of your hotel and head home or to your next destination.
Is Quebec City Expensive?
Québec City is a relatively expensive destination to visit, but you can save some money by visiting in the shoulder seasons and on weekdays, preparing your own meals, and doing free activities.
Is Quebec City worth visiting?
Yes, this is one of the best places to visit in Canada! Québec City’s French roots, castle-like architecture, and historical buildings make you feel like you’re in Europe instead of Canada.
Fun Fact: Québec City is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s the only walled city north of Mexico.
How many days do you need in Montreal and Quebec City?
I recommend spending at least three to four days in each city.
What is the best time to go to Québec City?
December – February is the best time to visit Québec City because the picture-perfect Old Québec looks like it belongs in a snow globe! The entire city will be decorated for the holidays. In December, there’s a Christmas market, you can celebrate Carnival in January and February, and the city will be covered in snow. It will be cold (you’ll be lucky if the temperature reaches 20°F), and this is a popular travel season, so book your accommodation and tours in advance to save some money and ensure availability.
Spring is one of the off-seasons. March – May are the rainiest months of the year, and temperatures will only get into the 60s by May. The main reasons to come during these months are scoring some great accommodation deals and maple harvesting. Many many cabanes à sucre (maple sugar shacks) will let you watch or participate in making maple syrup.
Summer is Québec City’s peak travel season when the temperatures and prices will be at their highest. From June to August, you’ll have sunny days with highs in the 70s (perfect for al fresco dining). These months are packed with festivals, holidays, and tourists, so book tours and accommodation at least a few months in advance.
September – November is the other shoulder season. Crowds and prices will be at their lowest all year, and the weather will still be relatively pleasant, with highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s. The fall foliage is beautiful during these months, so spend as much time outside as possible.
Is it better to stay in Montreal or Quebec City?
Montreal and Québec City are both incredible destinations, and they will each give you very different experiences. So I highly recommend visiting both of these cities!
Is Quebec City friendly?
Everyone I met and interacted with in Québec City was very friendly and hospitable. I recommend making an effort to use French greetings – this goes a long way with locals.
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This 3-day trip to Québec City itinerary is not a sponsored post, and the thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Some of the links in this 3-day trip to Québec City itinerary are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission from this 3-day trip to Québec City itinerary.
