Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Quebec City

"Château Frontenac frames the skyline, perched high on a cliff overlooking the St. Lawrence River. If the hotel’s famous walls could talk, they’d whisper secrets of royalty, celebrities and politicians. Staying here is a luxurious date night idea that fuels love with lavish decor, spa treatments and views to take your breath away."

"More than a hotel, the iconic Frontenac is Québec City's most enduring symbol. Its 611 rooms come in a dozen-plus categories. The coveted river-view rooms – beg, borrow or steal room 1001 – range in price from..."

"This grand and historic hotel may be out of some visitors' price range, but you can still download the self-guided tour app to learn about the history of the beautiful building."

"Citadelle of Québec, North America’s largest bastion let’s you appreciate an astonishing view over Saint-Lawrence river. Musée national des Beaux-Arts du Québec, an excellent art museum, one of the most interesting in the region. Go discover french colony paintings, as well as Québecois abstract art."

"The Citadel of Quebec is the largest fortress in North America still occupied by troops. It’s Canada’s oldest military building dating back to the 1600s. The Citadel is a must-see for anyone interested in the military history of Quebec City."

"Notre- Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral was built-in 1647 under the French Regime. It has been expanded, bombarded, burnt to the ground, rebuilt in 1925 and designated as a national historic. It is the final resting place of four New France governors and the bishops of the Quebec City diocese."

"The stunning Parliament Building can be found perched atop a hill just outside of the city walls, not far from both the citadel and Battlefields Park. The seat of the province’s government, it lies amidst some lovely gardens which are dotted with superb statues of influential figures from the history of Quebec. Built in 1886, it exhibits some striking Second Empire architecture with a tall clock tower rising above its fine facade that features people and places from the province’s past."

"Québec City is the only remaining fortified city in North America, which has led to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided walking tours of the 3-mile (5 kilometer) long city wall surrounding the old city of Québec give insight into the city's military history. Once intended to keep assailants at bay, three fortification gates provide lovely and prodigious entryways into the old city."

"Old Quebec is home to the only preserved, walled city north of Mexico, which is a designated Unesco World Heritage Site. The fortifications that surround Quebec City cover around 4.6km (2.8mi) and have survived three centuries of intense colonial history. The fortifications also offer beautiful views of the surrounding cityscape."

"What makes Quebec City unique is the fortification wall that surrounds old Quebec. The walls are a reminder of the city’s rich military past. The French and the British used them to keep their enemies out of the city."

"Built by the Jesuits around 1740, this water mill is located to the east of the Charlesbourg district. Traditional in appearance, the mill measures 10 by 18 meters and comprises two levels, each with attic space, as well as two chimneys. The mill is city-owned property and has been open to the public since 1991."

"Moulin des Jésuites is a historic site, as well as an interpretation and tourism centre. Take a walking tour of the Charlesbourg Heritage Site to learn more about the village’s history."

"If you grew up in the Canadian school system, you'll have heard many times about the Plains of Abraham and the critical role this expanse of land played in the history of Canada. The site of many French / British battles, including the pivotal 1759 Battle of Quebec, the Plains of Abraham sit high at the edge of the St. Lawrence River. The 108-hectare green space was christened National Battlefields Park in 1908 and today serves as both a historic site - with informative tours and historic monuments and plaques - and green space to enjoy."

"The Plains of Abraham, now a recreational public park, is one of the most important historical sites in Canada. In 1759, this was the site where British troops defeated the French in a half-hour battle that was pivotal in the subsequent unfolding of North American history. Head to the plateau for a picnic, or depending on the time of year, some cycling, cross-country skiing and more."

"This was the site of a key battle in the Seven Years War, a clash between the French and British Empires. A wonderful place for a picnic, factor this site into a day outdoors."

"Located in Limoilou district, the Domaine de Maizerets is an incredible place to have a picnic in Quebec City. This splendid and vast park has several magnificent buildings, a lake, walking trails, playground for children, a municipal swimming pool, an Arboretum and much more. Many picnic tables are at your disposal as well as large green areas."

"Spread out over 27 hectares, Domaine de Maizerets is laced with hiking trails that lead visitors through undisturbed and landscaped areas. Domaine de Maizerets is a great place for family get-togethers, nature fans, and science buffs. Its arboretum, which contains some 15,000 trees, shrubs, and perennials, is truly a living museum."

"I hate steps and as I soon discovered there is no shortage of hills and steps here in Old Quebec City – at least these steps are pretty. This outdoor staircase, dates back to 1635, a few years prior to the death of Samuel de Champlain, (the city’s founder) and they are the oldest in Quebec City. In 1895, the old wooden staircase was replaced by one made of steel and the current staircase was built in 1968."

"Breakneck Stairs, so-called because of the steep incline, links Upper Town near the Château Frontenac to rue du Petit Champlain in Lower Town. Built in 1635, it’s the city’s oldest stairway. The challenge here is to avoid the crowds."

"Pat Rétro is a classic American diner set in a typical 50’s décor on the first floor and a colour-bursting creamery below. For breakfast, lunch or dinner, you cannot go wrong with Pat Rétro’s hot dogs, burgers and fries. How about a banana split?"

"Vendredi 👉🏻 sushis date 🍣🤪 • • • #sushilovers #sushi #foodie #limoilou #miyagibistrothai #restoquebec #sushidate. Une publication partagée par Miyagi Bistro Thaï & Sushi (@miyagi_bistro_thai) le 9 Mars 2018 à 7 :07 PST. Choix du consommateur 2019 pour la Ville de Québec, le restaurant est inspiré des accents d’ailleurs avec une touche d’ici."

"I visited here with my family and we had a lot of dishes, not only sushi. Everything tasted really good!. Their drink options were also varied and tasty."

"La poutine la plus créative de l’année avec notre saumon fumé à froid au bois d’érable!. Des sushis c’est tellement bon, de la poutine c’est écoeurant!. Nihon Sushi crée La Maki Poutine!"

"Even though it could feel like you’re walking into a former Victorian bordel, the only pleasure here is served on tap. Projet features an exhaustive list of Québec-brewed beers and ciders to please every beer lover. There’s good food on offer, although service can be spotty."

"A visit to the Huron Traditional Site is a good starting point when exploring Wendake. Learn about the Aboriginal people who lived on the land before the arrival of Jacques Cartier and Samuel de Champlain."