Things to see in Quebec City this summer 2015
Experiencing 48 hours in a new city is a difficult task, there are so many things to see and visit. But where to begin? How to plan out those precious hours? Here is a guide of the best local and widely known attractions, places to eat at, and sights to see. (Disclaimer: Day 1 requires a vehicle for certain activities).
Saturday, Day 1: Click here for the map
8:00 a.m. Breakfast
Go for breakfast at Le Casse-Crêpe Breton. This cozy place has huge windows and a beautiful terrace. Of course try one of their many crêpes (like the strawberry chocolate or the bacon, asparagus and mozzarella)! The food is delicious and reasonably priced. They even prepare and make the crêpes right in front of you!
(Picture Credit: Yelp.ca)
9:00 a.m. Visiting Attractions
Go visit the Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral: This cathedral is a national historical sight that is primary to Quebec architecture, and closely associated to the history of New France. It is a beautiful cathedral, and this year marks its 350th anniversary. This means that until December 28th, 2014 various activities will be organized in order to celebrate its anniversary.
(Picture Credit: Viator.com)
9:45 a.m.
Go visit the fountain in front the Parliament building. The parliament building in Quebec is an impressive building to see. It is 171 ft (52 meters) high, and has the architectural design of the Second Empire, reminiscent of France. The fountain presents a romanticized facade, and makes for a scenic picture.
(Picture Credit: Creative Commons by 3.0)
10:30 a.m. On our way to Île d’Orléans
Take the bridge to cross over towards Île d’Orléans. You will get to see a picturesque portrait of Quebec City and the island. (This is about a fifteen minute drive).
(Picture Credit: Wikipedia Commons)
12:00 p.m. Lunch time
Have lunch at Cassis Monna & Filles and taste their delicious wine. Cassis is a family-owned vineyard that offers specialty wines from black currents: a purplish berry. They have a rustic, delicious restaurant and a spectacular scenic view of the mountains.
(Picture Credit: quebecregion.com)
2:00 p.m. Dessert!
Go to La Chocolaterie de l’Île d’Orléans for dessert. This chocolate factory has been handcrafting chocolates since 1988, using only Belgium chocolate. They even offer ice cream that is dipped in genuine chocolate (a real treat in the summertime).
3:30 p.m. Visiting the country-side
Visit a local farm and pick your own fruits and vegetables like at La Ferme Liz Ouellet, Ferme M. Giguère and Ferme Laval Gagnon. Fresh air and fresh local produce- what a great way to spend time outdoors.
(Picture Credit: dashofeast.com)
5:00 p.m. Heading back to town
Take the bridge back to the city.
6:30 p.m. Dinner is served
Go wine and dine in Les Chutes Montmorency’s restaurant Le Manoir Montmorency. This restaurant faces the 272 feet high Montmorency Falls that illuminate at night, which makes for a spectacular dining experience.
(Picture Credit: flickr.com)
9:00 p.m. Ending the night with a bang
Finish your day by seeing the Loto-Quebec fireworks in front of the St. Lawrence River. (From August 2nd – August 20th every Wednesday and Saturdays).
(Picture Credit: tourisme-montreal.org)
Sunday, Day 2: Click here for the map
10:00 a.m. Brunch
Have brunch in the St. Roch district at Le Cercle restaurant. Le Cercle is a trendy restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and even hosts various concerts and events. It serves superb food, and has a super friendly staff. On Saturdays children eat brunch for free! (Fun Fact: Le Cercle is the 3rd stop of our St-Roch Food Tour!)
(Picture Credit: tonresto.ca)
11:00 a.m. Visiting the famous Toy Store
Do a bit of shopping in St. Roch, but make sure to go to the famous toy store Benjo. Benjo is 25,000 square feet of stuffed animals, clothes, candy, books, a jewelry workstation and so much more.
(Picture Credit: laprese.ca)
12:30 p.m. Refueling
fuel up with coffee and a snack at Brûlerie St-Roch. This cafe bistro has quality coffee and a really laid back atmosphere.
(Picture Credit: fr.chatelaine.com)
2:00 p.m. More shopping!
Visit the little shops on St. Jean and St. Louis streets. Old Quebec is not only a beautiful place to stroll (due to its European feel) but is also filled with many little shops and quaint local boutiques.
(Picture Credit: quebecregion.com)
3:30 p.m. Visiting historical sites
Go explore Artillery Park. This historical national site is a cultural treasure. It has amazing architectural work and in 1959 was recognized by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada as having significant military installations, which were part of the city’s defense system.
4:30 p.m.
Go visit Le Château Frontenac. This grand hotel is recognized as a national historic site. Once occupied by the governors of lower Canada and Quebec, it is one of the most photographed and identifiable hotels. A definite must-see attraction.
(Picture Credit: iask.ca)
7:00 p.m. Dinner time
Go dine at Le Quai 19 restaurant. La Quai 19 is a lively and modern restaurant, thats food is as excellent as its service!
(Picture Credit: restoquebec.ca)
10:00 p.m. Ending the weekend with a nice cold beer
Grab a beer at the St. Alexandre Pub, and listen to some live music. If you are looking for a good time, this bar is undoubtedly the perfect place, and by the end of the night you’ll be surging with Quebec pride.
