The Best Quebec City 2-Day Itinerary
Quebec City is one of the most beautiful cities in eastern Canada and should be on every bucket list! Although small compared to Montreal and Toronto, it does not lack beauty, history, and things to do. It has the perfect balance of history and culture!
Although you can spend a week exploring everything the city offers, you can see the must-see attractions in two days in Quebec City. You can spend your days walking along the oldest streets in North America, taking a river cruise, visiting museums, eating delicious food, or zip lining at a nearby waterfall.
No matter what you want to do, Quebec City has something for everyone to enjoy! This guide has everything you need to know about the best Quebec City 2-day itinerary!
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Tips for Spending 2 Days in Quebec City
Take advantage of the bus system. If your 2-day itinerary in Quebec City only has activities in the city, you do not need to rent a car, in my opinion. Everything is within walking distance, or you can use their bus system.
Wear comfortable shoes. If you plan to walk around Quebec City, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. The cobblestone streets are steep and not smooth, so wearing supportive shoes is helpful.
Exchange your money for Canadian Dollars. Although most attractions and restaurants accept credit cards, it is always nice to have some cash on hand for smaller shops or street vendors who may not accept cards.
Pack layers. No matter what season you visit, I recommend packing a rain jacket and some layers in case the weather changes. If you visit in the winter, you should pack warm clothes and jackets because the weather is very cold.
Download a translation app. Although many people in Quebec City also speak English, their primary language is French, and many signs are in French. I recommend downloading an app, like iTranslate, to help you navigate through the city.
How to Get to Quebec City
If you are flying into Quebec City, the closest airport is the Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport. A few major airports offer direct flights to the airport, which is great! Once at the airport, there are buses that run into the city, making it easy if you are not renting a car. If you rent a car, the drive is less than 30 minutes!
When to Spend 2 Days in Quebec City
Spring
Late spring is a beautiful time to visit Quebec City as everything begins to bloom. You can enjoy strolling through the downtown, visiting nearby hiking trails, or attending spring festivals. The snow can sometimes last through much of spring, so if you want to avoid winter conditions, late spring would be the best time to visit.
Summer
Summer is the most popular time to visit Quebec City for good reasons. The weather is warm, and the days are long, allowing you to make the most of your days and enjoy endless activities. Everything in the summer is open, and there is not a shortage of activities. You can also enjoy eating outside on the beautiful city streets at its many restaurants. There is nothing like enjoying delicious food on a cobblestone street in warm weather!
Fall
Fall in Quebec City is beautiful! Not only is the weather great, but the streets are lined with vibrant foliage. You can spend your days exploring the city or traveling a little further out to one of the many parks for hiking and enjoying the fall foliage. The city also has many festivals and events in the fall, so there is something to do for everyone!
Winter
Winter is an underrated time to visit Quebec City. The city is beautiful in the snow but very cold and receives an average of 124 inches each year. If you do not like the cold or the snow, you may want to stick to the warmer seasons. If you do not mind, I highly recommend visiting in the winter. Quebec City has many fun winter activities and festivals, so there is not a shortage of fun things to do! And you can even stay in an ice hotel, which is one of the most unique things to do!
Where to Stay in Quebec City
Quebec City has some beautiful hotels you will quickly fall in love with! If you want to stay close to the attractions, I recommend staying in Old Quebec or Parliament Hill.
Best Hotels in Quebec City:
The Best Quebec City 2-Day Itinerary
There are many fun things to do in and around Quebec City, and this 2-day itinerary has the cannot-miss attractions! You will fall in love with walking along the oldest streets in North America while enjoying the views, architecture, and food!
Day 1 in Quebec City
The first day in this Quebec City 2-day itinerary explores the most iconic places in the city. You will love learning about its history, walking down the cobblestone streets, and eating delicious food.
1. Château Frontenac
Château Frontenac is the most beautiful building in Quebec City, in my opinion, and one of the most photographed hotels in the world! It was built in 1893 and became a National Historic Site in Canada in 1981. The hotel has over 600 rooms for guests, and each room is stunning. If you have it in your budget to stay here, I highly recommend it!
Although it is a hotel, you do not need to stay at the Château Frontenac to enjoy its beauty. One of the best things to do is walk around its grounds and enjoy the stunning architecture and views along the water. You can also go inside the lobby and visit its historical artifacts. If you want to learn more about its history and explore everything the Château Frontenac offers, I recommend taking a guided tour!
2. Dufferin Terrace
Dufferin Terrace offers one of the best views of Château Frontenac and the St Lawrence River. You can stroll along the walkway while enjoying the views or enjoy the many fun activities and festivals set up there. In the winter, you can enjoy a fun (and fast!) toboggan ride, and in the summer, you can listen to the musicians playing along the promenade.
3. Funiculaire
Once you are ready to continue exploring Quebec City, you can either walk down to the lower section near Petit-Champlain or enjoy a fun ride on the Funiculaire. It is a fun and unique way to descend into the lower half of Quebec City by the water while enjoying the views.
4. Petit-Champlain
Petit-Champlain is a beautiful district along the St Lawrence River with shops, museums, and restaurants. Walking along the cobblestone streets is fun in and of itself, but I recommend exploring the little shops in the district as well. Although the area is beautiful year-round, winter is one of the best times to visit because it is decorated for the holidays for the entire season. Walking the snow-covered streets while enjoying delicious food and shopping in cute shops should be on every Quebec City bucket list!
5. Place Royale
Place Royale is also in Petit-Champlain and is one of the most picturesque squares in Quebec City. This historic square was the first permanent French settlement in North America, and now it is home to some of the most beautiful cobblestone streets. If you are a photographer, you will love this area. You can enjoy a coffee or pastry from Café La Maison Smith Notre-Dame, explore the cute shops, or walk around the oldest stone church in North America, Notre-Dame-Des-Victoires Church.
6. Ferry Ride on St Lawrence River
One of the best things to do in your two days in Quebec City is riding the ferry across the St Lawrence River. Even if you do not plan to explore Quai Paquet when you arrive, you can enjoy the best views of the Quebec City skyline. And the best part about the ferry is you can enjoy the ride almost any time of the day. You can watch the sunrise or sunset over the city or ride it at night to enjoy the city lights over the river.
If you want to explore Quai Paquet when you arrive by ferry, there are many things to enjoy! In the winter, you can ice skate on an ice skating path or slide down a snow slide. In the summer, you can cool off in the water jets, enjoy street performers, or ride on the Ferris Wheel. If you have time in your Quebec City 2-day itinerary, I highly recommend spending some time in Quai Paquet before heading back to the city.
7. Best Food in Petit-Champlain
One of the best things to do on your first day in Quebec City is to enjoy the delicious food! And the Petit-Champlain district has many cafes and restaurants with delicious food and drinks, so you will not be disappointed!
Restaurant Tanière - fine dining in a beautiful vaulted cellar
Le Lapin Sauté - cozy restaurant with delicious brunch
Queues de Castor Vieux Québec - fun snacks
Q-DE-SAC RESTO PUB - delicious pizza with cute outdoor seating
Café La Maison Smith Notre-Dame - cute coffee shop
Mary's Popcorn Shop - best popcorn shop
Day 2 in Quebec City
The second and final day of this Quebec City 2-day itinerary explores historical sites, waterfalls, and one of the most beautiful areas in the city by the St Lawrence River. Get ready for beautiful scenery and delicious food!
1. Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
I highly recommend starting your day with a visit to the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency since it is only a 15-minute drive from Quebec City. If you did not rent a car, do not fret! The bus system travels to Montmorency Park.
The best attraction is the 272-foot Montmorency Falls which will take your breath away. And the best part? There are multiple ways to enjoy the falls. You can walk along the promenade below the waterfall or up the cliffside boardwalk to the suspension for beautiful views of the waterfall and the surrounding area. If you want to take a scenic ride near the falls, a cable car brings you up to the top of the cliff providing beautiful views of Montmorency Falls.
If you want an exhilarating adventure, you can either take the via ferrata circuit or zipline past the falls. Both are fun if you are up for an adventure! No matter how you decide to experience Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, you will not be disappointed!
2. Citadelle de Québec
One of the best things to do in Quebec City is tour the Citadelle of Quebec, one of the top historic sites in the city. The Citadelle de Quebec was built in the early 1800s and offered a way to secure the city from a potential attack in the colonial period. Now it is known as the largest fortress still used by troops in North America!
You can enjoy a guided tour around the grounds with breathtaking city views or explore the museums and exhibitions. Even if you are not a huge museum person, the views from the Citadelle de Québec alone make the visit worth it. It has some of the best views of Quebec City and Château Frontenac, so you will not be disappointed!
3. Basilica Cathedral Notre-Dame de Québec
If you love architecture and historical churches, the Basilica Cathedral Notre-Dame de Québec is the best place to visit. The church was built in 1647, making it the oldest church in Canada! The Basilica Cathedral Notre-Dame de Québec has stunning architecture, but the real beauty is in its interior.
The church has stained glass windows, breathtaking golden sculptures on the ceiling, and Casavant organs. The golden sculptures are the most beautiful pieces of art in the building, in my opinion, and will take your breath away from their beauty. Whether you enjoy the architecture from the outside or enjoy a peaceful stroll through its interior, you will love the Basilica Cathedral Notre-Dame de Québec!
4. Old Port
The last portion of this itinerary explores the beautiful area of Old Port. Old Port runs along the St Lawrence River and has breathtaking city views, fun boat cruises, and delicious food. You can enjoy walking through the picturesque streets or eating your way through the area. You can also explore beautiful historic buildings, including the Gare du Palais, or picnic in the Place des Canotiers.
If you want to enjoy the city by boat, I highly recommend a boat tour! The Excursions Maritimes Quebec offers fun guided cruises, bringing you along the coastline and providing beautiful views of the city, Montmorency Falls, and surrounding areas. They have a variety of boat tours, so you can find the perfect one for what you want to see!
You will quickly fall in love with Old Port no matter how you decide to explore it, and it will become one of your favorite places you visit during your two days in Quebec City.
5. Best Food in Old Port
Old Port has some of the best food in Quebec City, so you will not be disappointed! It is the perfect place to enjoy a pastry, outdoor lunch, or dinner.
Bistro St-Malo - delicious french cuisine
Le Cafe du Monde - one of the best restaurants in Quebec City
Don Vegan - best vegan restaurant
Chez Rioux & Pettigrew - cute restaurant with great dishes and drinks
Le Packwood café et boutique - small cafe with great pastries and drinks
If you have extra time during your two days in Quebec City
Below are a few places to add to your itinerary if you have additional time!
Hôtel de Glace - ice hotel in the winter
Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier - stunning national park
Plains of Abraham - beautiful park and historic area
If you want to visit Quebec City for two days, this guide is the perfect place to start planning your trip! It has everything you need to know about the best Quebec City 2-day itinerary.
Hey, I’m Nichole!
I am the creator behind Nichole the Nomad, the home of my explorations around the world, mountain hikes, and beautiful pictures taken along the way. I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences.
I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore what’s in your backyard, I hope this blog inspires you to get outside and find your adventure!
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