It doesn’t take long to fall in love with Quebec City. As I was walking down Rue du Petit-Champlain admiring the local shops and restaurants dotted down the cobblestone street, I stopped for a coffee to keep me warm on the chilly November afternoon, and I could see the Chateau Frontenac peeking over the city street. Immediately, Quebec City had pulled me in.
With 2 days in Quebec City, you can explore Old Town and enjoy some of the city’s best sights and activities. This is the perfect place for a weekend trip; it’s easy to walk around, the French charm is alluring, and you’ll have time to explore enough so you will be drawn to return.
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What to See in Quebec City in 2 Days
Visiting Quebec City feels like you’ve flown to Europe without the jet lag and 9 hour plane ride. With a heavily French culture along with the architecture, Quebec City, Canada is the perfect place to go in North America to enjoy a “European feel” vacation.
With two days in Quebec City you can explore some of the most famous sights like the Chateau Frontenac, Petit-Champlain, and the Quebec City mural. Visit a museum in Old Quebec and indulge in crepes, poutine, and other Quebecois dishes.
The majority of Quebec City’s population is French-speaking, and signs here are all in French. It doesn’t feel like you’re a two hour drive from the United States (or a two hour flight from New York City), but in a quaint city in France.
Honestly, if Quebec City isn’t on your mind, it’s time to make it a priority to visit. This Canadian city is so charming, you’ll likely find yourself telling your friends to visit too. Let’s dive into what to see in Quebec City in 2 days.
Where to Stay in Quebec City
Click the name of the hotel to check availability!
- Fairmont Chateau Frontenac: $$$, 8.8/10 rating | Iconic luxury hotel
- Hôtel Manoir de l’Esplanade: $$, 8.8/10 rating | Breakfast included
- Au Petit Hôtel: $, 8.6/10 rating | Quebec charm, great deal
- Hotel AtypiQ: $, 8.1/10 rating | Modern, great location
Quebec City 2 Day Itinerary
DAY 1
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
Possibly the most famous sight in Quebec City is the Chateau Frontenac. This massive building was built in the late 19th century to entice travelers while promoting train travel and is currently a five star hotel overlooking the St. Lawrence River and the Dufferin Terrace.
Chateau Frontenac has hosted celebrities (and even Queen Elizabeth II), been turned into a movie set, and held the First Québec Conference in 1943.
Make your way around the entire outside of the Chateau to admire all its pretty angles, but make sure you leave time to head inside as well. The interior design is gorgeous, and if you’re visiting around Christmas you can catch the Christmas tree exhibition. There are also restaurants, a bar, and afternoon tea available inside.
Dufferin Terrace
Past Chateau Frontenac is Dufferin Terrace. From here you can enjoy some of the best views of the Chateau Frontenac as well as the River Lawrence. Can you see the city of Levis across the river?
If you’re visiting Quebec City in the winter, you can also go on a toboggan ride at Dufferin Terrace. Since 1884 toboggan rides have been a staple winter activity in the heart of Old Quebec City. Enjoy the thrill of speeding down the toboggan hill while admiring the Chateau in all its winter glory.
Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec
Catch the Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec, the funicular cablecar, that connects upper and lower towns, or Dufferin Terrace to Petit-Champlain below. At CAD $5.00 (~USD $3.36), this is a fun way to get from the Chateau area to your next destination, the cobblestone streets of Petit-Champlain.
Rue du Petit-Champlain
Stroll through one of the quaintest areas of Quebec City, Petit-Champlain. Home to local boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, this is a must visit after you’ve admired the Chateau Frontenac.
I recommend walking down Rue du Petit-Champlain after getting off the funicular, then making a u-turn at the end to walk down Bd Champlain (136) to Rue du Cul-de-Sac, then walk down Rue Notre-Dame to make it to your next stop.
Quebec City Mural & Place Royale
To finish up day one of the 2 day Quebec City itinerary, stop to admire the Quebec City mural and Place Royale. The Quebec City Mural was created in 1999 to display the history of Quebec City in an iconic location.
Place Royale is a cobblestone square that sits in front of the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Catholic Church. If you haven’t felt like you’re in Europe yet, the Place Royale square is sure to convince you.
DAY 2
Ferry to Levis
After breakfast, possibly at one of the best coffee shops in Quebec City, it’s time to venture just outside of Quebec City to enjoy one of the best views. Take the ferry from Quebec City to Levis just across the River Lawrence.
Catch the ferry near the end of Rue du Petit-Champlain right on the river edge. Once you’ve crossed the river, you can explore the smaller town of Levis, or get right back on the ferry for more views of Quebec City on your way back. Or just walk to the ferry port in Quebec City for a pretty river view!
Museum of Civilization
There are many great museums here, but if you only have 2 days in Quebec City, the Museum of Civilization (Musée de la civilisation) is a must-visit. Learn about Quebec’s history beginning with the First Nations through to modern Quebec as you wander through this wonderfully curated museum.
Tickets are about CAD $25 (~USD $17.50) and can be purchased on site or on the museum website ahead of time to ensure availability.
Rue Saint-Jean
Another iconic street to wander down is Rue Saint-Jean. It begins just a 12 minute walk from the Museum of Civilization making it the perfect next stop on this Quebec City itinerary. Rue Saint-Jean boasts local boutiques, pubs, restaurants, and coffee shops all with pretty architectural styles.
If you’re up for lunch or a coffee break, I highly recommend making your way to Café La Maison Smith St-Jean before continuing on with your neighborhood stroll. They have delicious coffee and fun lattes as well as incredible sandwiches and pastries.
St. Louis Gate
The historic site of Old Quebec City is entirely walled in, and the St. Louis gate is one of the entry ways into the fortified area. The original gate was built in the 17th century, but the current gate dates back to 1878. From Café La Maison Smith St-Jean it’s about a 10-minute walk to the St. Louis gate.
Parliament Building
Next up on your mini Quebec City walking tour is the Parliament building. Architecturally, this building is stunning. Even if you’re not a history buff, I recommend stopping here to admire this beauty and the Fontaine de Tourny out front. It’s about a 5 minute walk from the St. Louis Gate. You can also take a free guided tour of the Parliament building.
Montmorency Falls
If you speed through the above sights and activities, or find yourself with more time in Quebec City, I highly recommend a visit to the nearby Montmorency Falls. Taller than Niagara Falls, this Quebec waterfall is a natural icon.
If you have a car, you can drive here in 15 minutes. Or you can book a guided tour from Quebec City to Montmorency Falls. And you can even rent bikes in Quebec City and bike here via Corridor du Littoral bike path in about 1 hour!
Wander across the suspension bridge, take the cable car up from the lower level parking, or even spike your adrenaline and try the zipline or via ferrata (a mountain face climbing route).
OR Opt for a Day Trip!
If you have more time in Quebec City or want to explore more than just the city, plan a day trip during one of your 2 days in Quebec City! There are many towns (like the nearby Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre), parks and natural areas, and even an island to visit nearby (visit Ile d’Orleans). Or you can book a tour for a stress-free adventure.
There are many half-day and full-day tours from Quebec City including hiking, whale watching, snowshoeing in the winter, and guided tours to Montmorency Falls and Ile d’Orleans. Booking a set tour is a convenient way to explore outside of Quebec City (or within). Here are some of the best.
- Whale Watch Zodiac Boat Tour | 2.5 hours, 4.4/5 star rating
- Ile d’Orleans Taste and Drink Tour | 3.5 hours, 4.5/5 star rating
- Quebec City Walking Tour | 2 hours, 4.8/5 star rating
- Hiking in the Jacques-Cartier National Park | 8 hours, 4.8/5 star rating
Best Restaurants in Quebec City
With a whole weekend in Quebec City, you’ll get the chance to try traditional Quebec cuisine and enjoy some phenomenal restaurants in the city. Not only can you find killer poutine and crepes here, but Quebec City also boasts top notch dining of all kinds of cuisines.
1. Don Vegan
The best vegan restaurant I’ve ever been to is Don Vegan (even better than Chicago). Even if you’re not vegan, I highly recommend eating here on your weekend trip to Quebec City. Their cocktails are also unique and delicious.
2. Che Tao!
If you want to try something outside of Quebecois cuisine, Che Tao! is the place to go. This cocktail bar not only offers killer drinks in quirky cups, but a full Asian street eats menu. I recommend the bao buns and fried chicken.
2. Le Bilig
You can’t visit Quebec City without eating your fair share of crepes. Le Bilig was my favorite crepe restaurant we visited. Their savory crepes are too die for, but leave room for a dessert crepe as well!
4. Poutineville
A visit to Quebec would be incomplete without a stop at Poutineville. This chain restaurant is a staple when it comes to poutine; they offer a variety of ways to enjoy this classic Quebec dish.
5. Microbrasserie de l'Île d'Orléans - Pub le Mitan
If you do make it over to Ile d’Orleans, the island next to Quebec City, stop for lunch or dinner at Pub le Mitan. Pair your local brew with their signature poutine with red beer gravy.
6. Café Saint-Henri (Saint-Roch)
There is no shortage of cozy coffee shops to enjoy in Quebec City, but one of the best is Café Saint-Henri. If you’re also a tea or coffee lover, plan a few day breaks at a Quebec City coffee shop.
2 Days in Quebec City: FAQ
Is 2 days enough in Quebec City?
You will have enough time to explore many of the highlights with this Quebec City 2 day itinerary, like the Chateau Frontenac, Rue Saint-Jean, and Petit-Champlain. But you’ll likely leave wanting to return with more time in this charmingly French Canadian city.
Two days will allow you to immerse yourself in Quebec City life and most likely make you fall in love with the French paradise far away from France.
Do I need a car in Quebec City?
A car is not necessary while spending 2 days in Quebec City. So much of the city is walkable and there is public transportation if needed as well. If you plan on taking day trips, you may want a car but it’s not necessary.
If you do drive here, I recommend parking your car in a paid lot (we often parked in the Dorchester parking lot) or at your hotel and walking around from there rather than moving your car every time you go somewhere new.
It is possible to drive to Quebec City from other cities in Canada as well as the USA (we drove with our dog so we had our car with us). Here are some driving distances.
- Montreal, Quebec | 3 hour drive
- New York City, NY | 9 hour drive
- Boston, MA | 6.5 hour drive
- Toronto, Ontario | 8 hour drive
- Portland, MA | 5.5 hour drive
What is the difference between Québec City and Old Quebec City?
Old Quebec City is an area, or neighborhood, within Quebec City known for its historic landmarks, museums, architecture, and UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. In Old Quebec, you will find the Chateau Frontenac, Dufferin Terrace, the funicular, and the Citadelle fort.
Is Quebec City walkable?
Quebec City is easy to explore in just two days because it is so walkable. Many famous landmarks are located close to each other, especially in Old Quebec City.
If you plan on driving in Quebec City, a car will come in handy to explore outside of the city (like driving to Montmorency Falls and Ile d’Orleans), but I recommend parking within the city near Old Quebec and walking around from there.
Review: Quebec City 2 Day Itinerary
With 2 days in Quebec City you can easily explore some of the best highlights including the Chateau Frontenac, and Dufferin Terrace, visit a museum like the Musée de la civilisation (Museum of Civilization), and indulge in delicious Quebec cuisine. Crepes, poutine, and maple butter need to be on your list!
Save this 2 day Quebec City itinerary for your trip, or send to a friend who would enjoy the charming European vibe, stunning architecture, and cobblestone streets lined with boutiques and cafes.
