A woman with long dark hair, wearing glasses, a denim jacket, black top, black pants, and white sneakers stands casually on a wooden boardwalk in Old Québec City. Behind her is a busy square with people walking and sitting on benches. A large stone monument with statues and a domed clock tower building are visible in the background, along with flags and a clear blue sky.

How to Plan a Trip to Old Québec City: A First-Timer’s Guide

Wondering how to plan a trip to old Québec City to get the most out of your time there? You’ve come to the right post!

Here are the basics: Fly into YQB, stay in Old Québec for walkability, eat all the poutine and French-Canadian dishes, walk around the historic city and fall in love the the Château Frontenac, and if possible, sneak in a quick day trip to Montmorency Falls!

Sound good? Let’s get into the full details so you can feel more confident and excited as you prep for your trip!

I’ve been lucky to visit Old Québec City in different seasons for a handful of times, whether i’ve flown in and stayed for a few days to explore, or taken the bus or driven there for a quick day trip from Montréal.

In this post, I will share with you exactly what I think is worth your time to explore based on my experience, as well as my best tips for planning a trip to this UNESCO recognized city in North America.

I know how overwhelming it can be to plan that first trip somewhere new, which is why this guide will help bring some clarity to your travel planning process. If you have any questions at the end, please share them in the comments and I’ll answer you directly!

Let’s jump in!

Plan Your Trip With My Favorite Resources

– Best accommodation site: Booking.com
– Book day tours here: Viator.com
– Purchase your travel eSIM: MayaMobile.com
– Browse my recommended travel essentials here: Travel Essentials For Your Next Trip!

When is the best time to plan a trip to Old Québec City?

A scenic view of a narrow cobblestone street in Old Québec City, lined with historic stone buildings and vibrant signage. Red patio umbrellas and outdoor diners are visible at the bottom of the slope, including signs for restaurants like "Le Repaire" and "L’ESCAPADE." The street is bustling with pedestrians, while flower boxes and classic street lamps add charm to the scene. The overcast sky and layered rooftops create a cozy, European village feel.
Views of Lower Town and Petit-Champlain Street

Though Old Québec City has tons to offer throughout the year, from festivals to fun outdoor activities, here’s a break down of what to expect during the different seasons year round!

☀️ Summer: Summer in Québec City is lovely! The city is alive with street performers, open-air concerts, and sunset strolls along the Dufferin Terrace, people having a picnic on the Plains of Abraham, busy terraces/patios at the restaurants, and people just being out and about.

It’s a great time to visit, but be aware that it’s definitely more crowded, as is the case at many destinations anywhere.

It’s a good idea to plan as much in advance as you can to ensure reasonable prices for lodging, etc.

🍁 Fall: This season has to be one of the best times to visit and enjoy the crisp air, bright foliage in the Québec region, and a less busy travel season, which can result in fewer crowds and slightly cheaper accommodations and prices overall.

❄️ Winter: Don’t turn away visiting Québec City in the winter! This season turns the city into a real-life Hallmark movie, with twinkling lights in the historic center, cozy coffee shops, boutique shopping, a cheery spirit in the air, Christmas activities, and beautiful Old Québec covered in snow.

🌷Spring: This season is another wonderful time to visit, as it’s still a shoulder season, so it’s quiet, budget-friendly, and great to explore. Spring is perfect if you don’t mind layering up, as it’s still a bit chilly and rainy on some days.

💡 Pro Tip: I’ve been to Québec City in the Spring and Summer, and can personally confirm both are great times to visit! Spring was probably my favorite, as it was less crowded and the temperature was much milder than in summer. Summers are hot in Québec City!

Month-by-Month Snapshot

January-February: Winter carnivals, snow-covered European-style architecture, and holiday cheer. Don’t forget to bundle up!

March-April: Quiet shoulder season, may be a good idea to bring layers. Still lots to do without tons of crowds. It’s personally one of my favorite seasons to visit!

May-June: Summer activities, buzzing restaurant patios, more tourists.

September-October: Fall foliage at it’s best, lighter crowds, and comfortable temps.

November-December: Early winter markets, cute twinkly lights everywhere, and festive moods everywhere.

Choose where to stay in Old Québec City

A historic stone building in Old Québec City with red trim and a slanted roof, housing the French restaurant “L’Entrecôte Saint-Jean.” The charming facade includes hanging plants, vintage-style signage, and multiple windows. People stroll by on the sidewalk, and a few orange traffic cones line the edge of the street. A mix of old and modern buildings is visible in the background under a blue sky.
Staying in Old Québec means great walkability to the historic city’s must-see places, plus it is full of beautiful streets and stunning European-style architecture

Old Québec City is where all the action (and charm) really is, and if it’s your first time visiting, this is where you’ll want to mainly be! Staying here would be ideal, in one of the many charming accommodations in Old Québec City.

If you’re curious to experience a different vibe while staying nearby, look into Montclam or Saint-Roch as they’re both quieter and more local, but still super close.

Feeling like you can’t decided exactly where to stay? Check out my guide to the best areas to stay in Québec City!

A Few Travel Essentials I Personally Recommend for Your Québec City Trip:

  • On Cloud sneakers – Comfy and stylish, these were perfect for those days when you’re out all day walking everywhere!
  • Béis Expandable Backpack – So functional and spacious—it fits under airplane seats!
  • MayaMobile eSIM – Super easy way to stay connected in Canada (if you’re not from North America)

Plan your must-do activities in Old Québec City

Split image: On the left, a funicular railway car ascends a steep track through dense green trees in Old Québec City, with part of a gray building wall visible to the right. On the right, a grand two-level library with dark wooden floors, shelves filled with books, a red patterned rug, vintage furniture, and a model ship hanging from the ceiling. A life-sized statue of a soldier stands on the upper balcony under warm chandelier lighting.
Left: the funicular from Upper to Lower Town in Old Québec City – Right: inside the historic Morrin Centre

Not sure where to start? Consider booking a walking tour in Old Québec City or food tour on your first visit! It’s personally one of my favorite ways to get acquainted with a new city, learn local culture, and pick up some local insight.

Here are some unmissable things to do in Old Québec City for first timers:

  • Stroll through Old Québec and take in the views of the St. Lawrence River
  • Ride the funiculaire or take the stairs down to Lower Town, onto Rue du Petit Champlain
  • Visit the Château Frontenac – the most photographed hotel in the world!
  • Explore the Plains of Abraham, whether you walk around them, or plan for a picnic with epic views of the Château Frontenac and St. Lawrence River
  • Explore local culture and history at the museums, like the Morrin Centre or the Museum of Civilization

Want even more ideas? Check out my list of the best things to do in Old Québec City, or for a more structured plan, check out my full 3-day Old Québec City itinerary for more ideas!

What to eat in Old Québec City

Close-up of a bowl of classic poutine, a Canadian dish made with French fries topped with cheese curds and hot brown gravy. The bowl is placed on a wooden table, with two glasses of water in the background.
Poutine for lunch

The best way I can describe Québec City’s food scene would be a mix of hearty, French-inspired comfort foods with a Québecois twist.

One thing is for sure, it is seriously underrated, and should definitely hold a place for it in your plans when exploring old Québec City! If you’re not sure where to start, here’s are a few traditional dishes to try!

  • Poutine – The ultimate popular dish you have to try at least once (or a few times)! Fries, gravy, cheese curds – it’s popular for a reason.
  • Maple Taffy (Tire d’érable) – A candy made with local maple. I love maple, so this was really good as a little post-lunch or dinner treat.
  • Local Cheeses – Québec produces amazing artisanal cheeses, so if you’re down with that, it’s a must-try!
  • Tourtière – A savory meat pie that’s warm, flaky, and super comforting.

This is just the beginning. Want the full list of Québécois dishes you have to try on your trip? 👇 Grab my free guide: 8 Must-Try Foods to Eat in Québec City 👇

How to get to Old Québec City and around

Split image showing two Québec landmarks: on the left, the historic Marché Bonsecours building in Old Montréal with a silver dome and neoclassical columns under a cloudy sky; on the right, the powerful Montmorency Falls cascading into a river, with a suspension bridge spanning across the top and mist rising into the blue sky.
Left: Montréal’s Marche Bonsecours just a day trip away from Québec City – Right: a shorter distance day trip at Montmorency Falls

You can fly directly into Québec City’s Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB), and take an 20 minute uber to Old Québec City, or take bus 80 from the airport to the historic center, which will take around 50 minutes.

If you’re traveling from within Canada, for example, Montréal, take a scenic train ride from Montréal with VIA Rail—it’s about 3 hours and honestly a super comfortable way to arrive!

Old Québec is super walkable, which is part of the charm, and honestly, the best way to see the city. There are buses as far as public transport, as well as touristic hop-on hop-off buses which are a great way to see the city if you want to give your feet a break from the uphill walks.

The city has a few uphills and a few sets of stairs, so make sure to wear comfy shoes and get ready for some cobblestone steps and hills!

If you want to visit a little beyond Old Québec City on a day trip, there’s a solid bus system, taxis, and Ubers available. You can also rent a car to get around outside of the city!

✅ Rent your car in Québec City here

Budget and packing tips

A fanned-out arrangement of colorful Canadian banknotes in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5 dollars, each featuring prominent Canadian historical figures and a transparent maple leaf security feature, displayed on a red wooden surface.
Cash is always a good idea to carry, but Old Québec is also very credit card and contacless payment friendly

Based on my multiple trips to Old Québec City, here are a few quick-fire budget and packing tips to make your trip smooth and easy to plan!

  • Currency: Québec City uses the Canadian dollar, and cards are widely accepted (but it’s smart to carry a bit of cash too for tips on tours or restaurants).
  • Budget Tips: Overall, Québec City is neither cheap or expensive, but if you’re looking for ways to keep under a certain budget, I’d recommend to travel in shoulder season, walk everywhere, and plan for picnics. Eating outside of Old Québec City could also be a good option, which is great because you don’t have to go too far out of the historic center to find tons of restaurant and cafes.
  • What to Pack: Layers, always. Even in summer, it can cool off at night. Bring comfy walking shoes (non-negotiable!), a small daypack for all your essentials or packing a picnic, and if it’s winter—warm boots, a warm coat, gloves, and a hat are non-negotiable.

Need help packing? These are my go-to travel staples!

Plan a few day trips (optional but so worth it!)

A wide view of Montmorency Falls cascading powerfully down a rocky cliff surrounded by lush green trees, with mist rising at the base and a suspension bridge stretching across the top of the falls under a partly cloudy sky.
Montmorency Falls – only a 15-20 minute drive from historic Old Québec City!

If you have an extra day or two, consider venturing beyond Old Québec. Here are a few gems that are super accessible:

Montmorency Falls – Taller than Niagara and only about 15 minutes away. Here’s a Montmorency Falls day trip option you can take from Old Québec City!

Île d’Orléans – A countryside escape full of charming farms, bakeries, and scenic roads. For the foodies especially, this is a great day trip option with food tour options from Old Québec City to check out!

Levis – Just across the river! Take the ferry for beautiful views of Old Québec from the water and a cute little town to wander.

Interested in history, indigenous culture, or local food? Check out my extensive list of the best day trips from Québec. Get all the details before leaving on your trip so you can maximize your time in Québec City!

Before you go: Quick reminders for planning your Québec Trip:

Are you leaving for Old Québec soon?

A quiet street corner in Old Québec City featuring historic stone and colorful row houses with steep roofs, a small circular monument in the center with people gathered around it, and a couple walking down the street in the background.

Whether you’re walking through its centuries-old streets or sitting at a charming café on Petit Champlain, this is the kind of place that’s so beautiful and European looking, you can easily forget you’re still in North America!

What’s going on your Québec City itinerary from this list? Let me know in the comments below!

Remember to take what you need from this guide, plan just enough to feel confident, and leave space for spontaneity.

To many more travel moments like this,

travel blog

Hi! I'm the founder and writer behind Travel Notes and Things. I write posts about travel destinations, share travel tips and resources, as well as talk about transformative travel to help inspire Latinas to travel to their dream destinations!

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