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Here is a Quebec City 3 day itinerary that includes information on how to get to Quebec City, getting around, accommodation, things to do and places to see and visit to help plan your trip there.

In Quebec, you will find history, culture, and nature like no other province in Canada. Quebec feels very much like a European city with cobblestone streets, tiny alleyways, colourful buildings, and cute French bakeries and cafes. 

Along with the place itself, the language and road rules are also different from any place in Canada. Quebec is predominantly a French-speaking population. Most people speak English in the touristy places of Quebec City so you don’t need to worry too much about communicating with the locals. 

Before visiting Quebec if you plan on driving make sure to familiarise yourself with their road rules. It’s something we did not do and got quite a shock while we were there.

Turning right on a red light is allowed in Quebec and a flashing green light or arrow means that you can turn left after yielding the right of way to vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists already in the intersection. The vehicles on the other side of the intersection have the red light so you are safe to do so. 

When I first moved to Canada, many people recommended Quebec as a place to visit which got me intrigued. Now I will be one of those people recommending others to visit Quebec!

How to get to Quebec City

If you’re travelling from another province in Canada then I recommend flying into Montreal spending a couple of days there and then taking a train to Quebec City.

There is an airport in Quebec City so you can do this the other way round if you want to visit Montreal also. To book the train and for the train schedule between Montreal and Quebec City visit the VIA Rail Website. 

Getting around Quebec City

Hiring a car from carrentals.com is the best way to explore Quebec. Public transportation is easily accessible in Quebec City like any other city but the things to do in this Quebec City 3 day itinerary are difficult to get to via public transport. 

Accommodation in Quebec

I recommend using either Agoda or Airbnb to book your accommodation in Quebec City. There are plenty of affordable and conveniently located places to choose from. 

Quebec City 3 Day Itinerary

I purchased the Culture and Nature Passport from the Strom Spa Website at the time I was planning my trip to Quebec. The package included a tour and tasting at the Verger Bilodeau Cider Factory, a thermal experience at the Strom Spa, a Quebec City walking tour, and entry into Canyon Sainte-Anne with Air Canyon tickets. 

However, I have just noticed that they don’t sell this specific package anymore. Since they update their packages regularly it’s a good idea to check out their website at the time of planning. These packages are good value for money (I paid around $100 per person). Included in this package were places I would never have visited otherwise. 

Day 1

1. Verger Bilodeau Cider Factory and explore L’lle-d’Orleans

The Verger Bilodeau Cider Factory is situated on L’lle – d’Orleans an island in the Saint Lawrence River about 5 kilometres east of downtown Quebec City.

The island holds a lot of history as it was one of the first parts of the province colonized by the French. Many French Canadians can trace ancestry to early residents of this island. 

The best season to drive around this island is in Autumn. You will see abundant brightly coloured yellow, red, and orange trees surrounding the island.

There are 6 old villages to explore on the island complete with farms, bakeries, vineyards, orchards, churches, and historic homes. The only way to fully explore this island is by car.

Verger Bilodeau Cider Factory is located in the village of Saint-Pierre. Take a guided tour at Verger Bilodeau Cider Factory for information on how they make their ciders on-site. Tastings are included in the tour and they have a wide range of products to try.

Not only do you get to taste the different types of ciders but you also get to taste apple-based products like their mustard, jelly, syrup, and other sauces.

Reservations for guided tours are necessary. The ciders are reasonably priced and great for a gift for family and friends. Near the orchard where homegrown apples are made is a small Petting Zoo.

2. Montmorency Falls

On the way back from L’lle – d’Orleans you cannot miss this massive waterfall on the side of the highway. Montmorency Falls is one of Quebec’s main attractions and I can see why. It is an 83-meter high waterfall and taller than Niagara Falls by 30 meters!

The trail from the parking lot around the waterfall is easy and extremely scenic. You will come across a few different viewing platforms to view the waterfall from the side, front, top, and bottom. You can hear and feel the power of these falls standing above them along the suspension bridge.

There are about 500 wooden stairs that lead down the cliffside where you can view the falls from the base and front.

Usually, there is a zip line and a cable car that runs daily for a fee but during COVID they were closed. 

Day 2

1. Strom Spa Nordique

Strom Spa Nordique in Old Quebec is a relaxing and scenic outdoor spa located along the St. Lawrence River. The spa consists of outdoor and indoor hot and cold baths, saunas, indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, and a café.

For spa treatments and massages, you will need to make a reservation. Whether you get a massage, spa treatment, or enjoy the baths you will leave Strom Spa feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. 

2. Canyon Sainte – Anne

Canyon Sainte-Anne is a 40-minute drive from Old Quebec City so you will need a car to get out here.

Purchase the ticket that includes a ride on the Air Canyon. It costs $26.50 CAD including taxes and is totally worth it!

The Air Canyon flies at 50 km per hour dangling 90 meters over the gorge above the Saint-Anne Waterfall. They also have ziplining and rock climbing here!

The 1.6 km trail around the gorge will take around 45 minutes. It’s an easy walk with 3 suspension bridges and views of the 74-meter Sainte Anne Waterfall, river, and canyon. Canyon Sainte – Anne is particularly gorgeous to visit in the Fall!

Day 3

1. Quartier Petit Champlain

Quartier Petit Champlain in Old Quebec City is my favourite place I visited. This cobblestone street is lined with souvenir shops, galleries, jewelry stores, and cafes. It’s the prettiest street in Quebec City! 

Stroll Quartier Petit Champlain at night for a unique experience. Since no one was around during COVID we made the most of this quiet street normally packed with tourists. We bought some takeaway food and wine and ate on the cute table and chairs in the courtyard of Quartier Petit Champlain.

2. Place Royale

Place Royale is a cobblestone square close by Quartier Petit Champlain. The 17th century Notre Dame des Victoires Church is the oldest stone church in North America!

3. Chateau Frontenac

If you don’t feel like climbing the stairs from Quartier Petit Champlain up to the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac there is a glass-encased funicular you can ride with beautiful views on the way up. 

Chateau Frontenac is the world’s most photogenic hotel! Grab a drink at the fancy 1608 Wine and Cheese Bar inside the hotel.

4. Dufferin Terrace

Dufferin Terrace is a long wooden sidewalk in front of the Chateau Frontenac with a view on one side of the St. Lawrence River and on the other Chateau Frontenac. 

In summertime musicians and street performers are often performing here. Dufferin Terrace is the BEST spot to take photos of the Chateau Frontenac!

5. Rue Du Cul-De-Sac

Rue du Cul-de-sac is an instagrammable street because of its colourful hanging umbrellas strung up high above the street. 

The perfect spot to get a photo is on the corner of Rue du Cul-de-Sac and Rue Notre-Dame where you will get the top of the Chateau Frontenac behind the old stone buildings in the street with the coloured hanging umbrellas. 

I loved walking around Old Quebec City learning about the history, and discovering ancient buildings and European streets. This Quebec City 3 day itinerary has all the best spots to visit in a short amount of time.