Top 10 Quebec City attractions you need to visit this year

Discover the beauty, history and culture Quebec City has to offer. Here are 10 of the top places to visit and activities to do!

Picture Credit: Martin New

10. Go visit La Citadelle: the star-shaped fortress

This national historic site represents over 300 years of Quebec’s history. You can visit the fortress, its museum, and even take a night tour!

9. Take part in Quebec City’s Carnaval de Quebec

From January 30th to February 15th take part in one of the largest winter festivals in the world: Quebec City’s winter carnival. There are parades, ice sculptures, public parties, shows, amusement parks, sleigh races and much, much more!

Picture Credit: http://montrealtips.com/

8. Go on a food tour of the trendy St. Roch neighborhood

Are you a self-confessed food junky? If yes- make sure you discover some of the finest, local foods, dishes, and beverages that Quebec city has to offer. The Quebec City Food Tour takes place in the St. Roch district only a few minutes from the downtown area. Tours are offered Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 12:00 and 1:00 pm.

7. Ride the Quebec Funicular!

The Quebec funicular is a 130 year old tradition, linking the Upper town to the Lower town. Previously used as a water ballast system of propulsion, it is now a fun cable car ride for those who are not up for the steep stairway.

Picture Credit: http://www.tripomatic.com/

6. Cross country ski at the Plains of Abraham

The Plains of Abraham offers a scenic view of the St. Lawrence river and provides a 12.6km beginner trail for cross country skiing, a 3.8-km trail for snowshoeing, and 5.6 km of walking trails for free in the winter time. Make sure to warm up at the heated rest areas along the way!

Picture Credit: http://www.bonjourquebec.com

5. Visit Place Royale

Take a step back in time and visit where Samuel de Champlain first founded his “habitation” in 1608. You’ll feel like you are walking around in old Europe. Make sure to visit the Place-Royale museum and the oldest church in North America: Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church.

Picture Credit: http://www.kamariage.com

4. Go to the Quebec City World Press Photo exhibit

The Quebec City World Press Photo exhibit takes place from July 31st to August 24th! This photo exhibit features a series of the best photos from 45 different countries taken by different journalist-photographers. These are the pictures that were not necessarily published in newspapers or seen in any other media outlets. Make sure to check out these fine works.

Picture Credit: http://www.worldpressphoto.org

3.Visit the impressive Musée de la civilisation de quebec

This museum has plenty of wonderful exhibits and permanent collections. Currently there is a mythological showcase of a Greco-Roman collection of Berlin called “Masters of Olympus” until March 2015. The museum also offers guided tours, hands-on activities and group packages!

Picture Credit: Le Musées de la civilisation de Québec

2. Visit the most photographed sight in Quebec City: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

This castle-like building was built in 1893 as a hotel for the Canadian Pacific Railway and today remains one of the most luxurious hotels across Canada. A must-see while visiting!

Picture Credit: Martin New

1. Take a ferry and mini-cruise across the St. Lawrence River to Levis and back

This is hands down the best way to see Quebec City’s beauty and architecture. Once you have crossed over you can either stay on the ferry or get off and walk around the town to visit its little shops or relax at a cafe.

Picture Credit: http://www.larouteaccessible.com