If you’re in town for 5 days and wondering what to see and do during your stay, here’s an itinerary that will give you the full Québec City experience.

Day 1: Discover over 400 Years of History

Morning 
Start exploring with a guided tour. Old Québec is essentially an open‑air museum and touring with a guide brings all that history to life.

Afternoon
Visit the Citadel, the largest British fortress in North America. Built in the shape of a star, it is part of the fortifications that encircle the historic district and is one of the reasons Old Québec is included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Evening
Stroll through the Upper Town and catch some of the lively street performers. Pull up a chair at one of the many restaurants and mozy on through the Old City, which always has a great vibe on summer evenings.

Day 2: Enjoy the Scenery

Morning
Rent a bike and head out to Promenade Samuel-De Champlain, an urban park that runs along the banks of the St. Lawrence River. For lunch, pick up some local fare at Marché du Vieux-Port and have a picnic next door at Bassin Louise.

Afternoon
Rue du Petit‑Champlain is one of the prettiest streets in Canada and a great place to do some shopping. It leads to the legendary Place Royale, where Québec City was founded in 1608. After touring the area, you can head back to the Upper Town on the funiculaire (cable car), which offers a panorama view of the St. Lawrence River and the Lower Town.

Evening
There are shows and events all year in different parts of the city. Check the events calendar to see what’s shaking while you’re in town.

 

Day 3: Discover a Majestic Waterfall and an Island Full of Treasures

Morning
At Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, you can take the 300‑metre double zipline and fly across the falls with a friend. You’ll get an amazing adrenaline rush and an epic view!

Afternoon
Head over to Île d’Orléans and follow Chemin Royal all the way around the biggest historic borough in Québec. The island boasts magnificent rural landscapes, hundred‑year‑old homes, talented artisans and delicious local products.

Evening 
Catch the ferry to Lévis for a spectacular view of Québec City and Château Frontenac. Hungry? Traditional Québec cuisine is hearty, filling, and proudly featured at a number of local restaurants.

 

Day 4: Get on Local Time

Morning and Afternoon
Visit one of Québec City’s major attractions. At Aquarium du Québec, you’ll get to meet over 10,000 marine animals and walk through the Grand Ocean tunnel. At Valcartier Vacation Village you can spend all day on the 35 outdoor waterslides and adventure rivers or visit the new indoor waterpark and enjoy the tropical Polynesian theme. At Wendake, you can discover the ancestral culture of the Huron‑Wendat Nation. See a traditional dance, hear the stories and legends, visit the long house and enjoy some Huron‑Wendat cooking.

Evening 
Get off the beaten tourist path and mingle with locals. You’ll find quirky boutiques and much‑loved restaurants along the main streets of these 4 neighbourhoods: Faubourg Saint-Jean, Saint-Roch, Limoilou, and Saint-Sauveur. Enjoy a fine pint at one of the local microbreweries or stop into a bar chansonnier for the full folk experience.

Day 5: Get into the Art or the Great Oudoors

Morning and Afternoon
If you’re a nature lover, you can hike one of Québec’s most beautiful glacial valleys at Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier. Kayaks and canoes are available there too, so you can paddle down the river. At Vallée Bras-du-Nord, nearly 100 km of trails are just waiting to be explored on a mountain bike.

For art and culture lovers, a trip to Musée national des beaux‑arts du Québec is a must—it houses the biggest art collection in the province of Québec. After that, you’ll find the innovative and interactive exhibitions at Musée de la civilisation are the perfect way to round out your day.

Evening
Revisit the street or neighbourhood that made the biggest impression during your trip and take time to soak it all in. While you’re there, be sure to try a poutine, the craziest meal in Québec. It’s made with fries, gravy, cheese curds, and plenty of wacky toppings.