Listed by Unesco as a World Heritage site, Quebec City has been showcasing a fusion of cultures since the 17th century when the French laid roots in this corner of Canada.
But, you may be wondering is Quebec City worth visiting?
The oldest French-speaking community in Northern America, Quebec City is home to countless fascinating architectural sites, friendly locals, and a melting pot of delicious cuisines.
There are over 400 years of fascinating history to be found along its cobbled city streets, from chateaus to its renowned citadel.
But, you may be looking for insider tips on the best (and worst things) about Québec City before embarking on your adventure.
Here are some of the top reasons why Quebec City should (or shouldn’t) make it onto your Canadian bucket list, starting with the pros.
Reasons To Visit Quebec City: The Pros
If you’re weighing up Canadian destinations and are considering if Quebec City is worth visiting, check out these great reasons to check it out.
History
Old Quebec is a World Heritage site that perfectly encapsulates over 400 years of French-American history.
The streets are lined with striking buildings that look like they were hand-selected out of a French fairytale and the boutique shopping here is sublime.
One of the most celebrated historical highlights of the city is its fortification, which spans the entire city and makes Quebec the only walled city north of Mexico on the American continent.
These walls stretch for over 4.5 kilometers and were built to protect the city from several sieges by both American and British troops.
Just a stone’s throw from the bustling streets is Quebec’s citadel, where you can learn more about this military history and gain panoramic views across the lofty spires and towers of the city, and out to the Atlantic Ocean beyond.
Alternatively, peep into the opulent Château Frontenac hotel or pop next door to discover the archaeological ruins of the Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site.
Food
Quebec City is home to an amalgamation of American, Canadian, and French flavors, which combine to form a unique cuisine only found in the French corner of Canada.
One of the city’s most famous dishes is poutine, which is created using French fries, gravy, and cheese curds, and has become known as the national dish of Canada.
Cruising through Quebec, you can also find tourtières — a type of meat and potato pie — as well as pea soup and fèves au lard, which is a combination of baked beans, slow-cooked with bacon, and maple syrup.
Sweet lovers can try St. Catherine’s taffy or purchase a bottle of the pure Canadian maple syrup found in shops across town.
Learn more about the best dishes in Quebec.
The Ice Hotel
If you’re seeking novelty, look no further than Quebec City’s own ice hotel — Hôtel de Glace. This chilly attraction has been open since 2001 and is formed of 44 rooms, which guests can choose to stay in overnight.
The hotel used 300,000 tons of snow and 500 tons of ice in its construction, and temperatures inside range from 3 to -5 degrees Celsius.
Alongside staying overnight, tourists can simply go and visit this ice sculpture or even get married in its own ice chapel.
Nature
Within close proximity of the city, you have access to a diverse natural world, full of towering mountains, glistening lakes, dense forests, and endless seas.
This provides the perfect balance for people who enjoy city life and the peace of nature equally, as well as those who just need an escape from the beeping horns and buzzing chatter of central Quebec.
One of the most exciting of these sites is Omega Park, where visitors can discover over 40 types of native wildlife in their natural habitat, including caribou, Arctic wolves, and beavers.
You can also find plenty of open green spaces within the city itself, including the Plains of Abraham and Chauveau Park.
Weather
The weather in Quebec City is either a pro or con, depending on which type of traveler you are.
However, there’s no denying that the city looks enchanting covered in a thick blanket of snow during the winter months.
Quebec receives over 3 meters of snow annually and winter temperatures average between -3 and -15 degrees.
However, sunseekers don’t need to despair as the city experiences warm summers with long, sunny days that reach up to 25 degrees Celsius during July and August.
Events
There is always something happening in Quebec City, from festivals and concerts to sports events.
Quebec City Carnival has been part of the city’s culture since 1894 and visitors can participate in, and watch, a range of activities, such as ice skating, nighttime parades, and ice canoe races.
If you prefer watching live music, you might wonder…is Quebec City worth visiting? And the answer is yes!
The Festival d’été de Quebec happens every July and showcases over 1,000 artists, including international superstars, such as the Foo Fighters and Green Day.
Reasons To Visit Quebec City: The Cons
Although there are plenty of pros to visiting Quebec City, there are also a couple of things to mention that you may view as cons.
However, these can be easily worked around to make sure you enjoy your Canadian vacation.
Accessibility
Quebec City is fairly easy to get around, whether that’s by making use of its train, bus, or tourist shuttle services.
If you prefer to get some fresh air, you can access the majority of the city on foot or via bicycle in just a few days.
However, if you wish to travel further afield to the surrounding natural landmarks in order to hike, ski, or simply explore, you may struggle if you don’t have access to a car.
There are plenty of taxis that you can hail down, however, the cost of these adds up fast, especially if you plan to book a driver for a full day.
The best thing to do in this instance is to rent a car for a few of the days of your trip once you’ve explored the inner city.
Then, you can access the best of both worlds without paying for a car rental for your entire vacation.
Safety
Quebec City is actually a very safe place to visit, regardless of whether you’re part of a group or a solo traveler.
You can feel at ease walking around the streets even in the dead of night without worrying that you’re going to be hassled.
However, as it is a major city, there are issues with pickpocketing and petty crimes.
If you come from a small town or usually travel to more nature-based destinations, you may not be used to paying particular attention to your personal belongings.
But, it’s worth ensuring that your bag is closed and where you can see it at all times, and that your most expensive belongings are securely stored, rather than in a pocket.
The Final Verdict: Is Quebec City Worth Visiting?
So, is Quebec City worth visiting? It’s a resounding yes.
The city is perfect for all types of travelers. Whether you’re a nature lover or a history enthusiast, you’ll find plenty of activities and attractions to keep you occupied.
Likewise, those who enjoy exploring a destination through their taste buds will have no cause for complaint, and culture seekers will be fascinated by this “Little Europe” in the heart of North America.
If you haven’t made it as far as Europe yet, this is the closest you’ll get to French culture without…you know…being in France.
You’ll also be able to connect with the locals, who are extremely hospitable and friendly.
And, another bonus is that you don’t even need to speak French! While French is one of the main languages spoken in the city, most residents are bilingual and speak fluent English.
However, those without a car should plan their transportation in advance to ensure they have the best experience in Quebec City and those who are used to small-town vibes may need a day or two to adapt to the unspoken safety rules of a big city.
Most visitors like to spend 2 to 4 days in the city, before moving on to other Canadian destinations, such as Montreal.
