Did you know that Québec City is one of the oldest most continuously inhabited European settlements in North America?

The city was founded twice, first by French explorer Jacques Cartier in 1541 (the site was later abandoned), then again by another French explorer Samuel de Champlain in 1608.

Though the English gained control of Québec City in 1760, it remains a center of French culture and language in Canada. Thanks to its well-preserved old town and walls, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

Here’s what to do for a visit to this most historic of Canadian cities!

Essential information before you go

Language: French, English

Currency: Canadian dollar

Time zone: Eastern Standard/Daylight Time (UTC -5)

Emergency number: 911

Plug type: A, B

Electrical: 120 volts / 60Hz

Visa needed: Depends on your nationality. For citizens of many countries (including US, UK, Australia, many European countries), no visa is required. Non-US citizens who are visa-exempt will need to complete eTa to enter Canada (except by land or sea).

Getting to and from the airport

The best way to get to Québec City from the airport is to take a taxi, which will get you downtown in around 30 minutes.

Cost for a taxi is about CAD$41.40 during the day and CAD$47.60 at night (between 11:00pm and 5:00am).

You can also use public transportation. There are a couple of bus options from the airport to downtown Québec City:

BUS ROUTE 76

Duration: about 30 minutes to 1 hour

Times: every 60 minutes (every 30 minutes during peak hours) from 5:30am to 11:00pm, 7 days a week.

BUS ROUTE 80

Duration:

Times: every 30 minutes from 6:00am to 7:30pm, then every 60 minutes until 1:00am, 7 days a week

Day 1

Morning:

Start your time in Québec City with a walking tour that will introduce you to the upper and lower towns. You’ll hit all the major sites that’ll put all that in history in context. This tour does a wonderful job.

Afternoon:

Grab lunch in the picturesque lower town (I recommend Q-du-Sac Resto Pub or Archibald Microbrasserie), and purchase gifts from one of its many artisan shops. Stop in front of the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church for a photo op.

In warmer weather, take a cruise along the St. Lawrence River, the gateway to European exploration of North America that continues to be of major economic importance. If boats aren’t your thing, explore the history of the First Nations and other civilizations at the Museum of Civilization.

Evening:

Take the funicular up to upper town and stroll along the Dufferin Terrace, named after Governor General Lord Dufferin, whose fondness for Québec City saved it from ruin and turned it into the well-preserved city enjoyed today. From the terrace, you’ll get amazing views of the St. Lawrence River and the imposing Château Frontenac.

Day 2

Morning:

Do a deep dive into Canada’s military history at the Citadelle de Québec, a historic fort that is still an active military barracks. Before or after your guided tour, don’t forget to stop by the Royal 22e Régiment Museum to learn more about this predominately francophone Canadian regiment who call the Citadelle home.

From the Citadelle, walk around the old city walls, the only intact defensive walls in the Americas north of Mexico.

Afternoon:

Stroll around the Plains of Abraham, the site of one of the most important battles for the control of North America, which took place between the French and British in 1759. Notably, both commanders, General Wolfe for the British and General Montcalm for the French, died as a result. Learn more about the battle at The Plains of Abraham Museum.

Other points of interest include the Martello Tower, the WWI canons, and the Joan of Arc Garden, where you can find a statue of the French national heroine.

Evening:

Head to the Rue Saint-Louis for dinner. You’ll have lots of options here; I recommend trying Restaurant Sagamité for some First Nations fare.

Day 3

Go a little farther afield today with a couple of options:

Take this half day tour that visits the impressive Montmorency Falls (site of another battle between the French and British), the important Catholic Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, and the Ile d’Orléans to sample some delicious chocolates.

Spend the rest of the day on your own and check out some of the other historic places in town, including the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral or the Saint Louis Fort (open summer months only).

Alternatively, why not learn more about the people who were here long before the European settlers arrived at the Huron Traditional Site Wendake.

Where to Stay

Manoir Sur-le-Cap is a no-frills hotel with historic charm. Located in the heart of the Upper Town, it’s easy walking distance to restaurants and all the major sites. There is free WiFi and the staff speak English. Parking may be a bit of a challenge, but that’s everywhere in Québec City.

There you have it! Three perfect days in Québec City.

Let me know what you think in the comments!