Explore Beautiful Québec City With My Perfect 2 Day Itinerary
Quebec City is romantic, charming, and unlike any other place in North America. Its cobblestone streets, French flair, and storybook views make it feel more European than Canadian. For couples planning a quick getaway, a weekend in Quebec City is the perfect choice, as it combines history, food, fun, and culture.
In this post, I’ll walk you through my personal experience spending two days here before boarding a Canada/New England cruise with Holland America.
I know many of you are searching for that perfect 2 day itinerary Quebec City offers. For something balanced, enjoyable, and not overwhelming, this guide, built from my own experience, will help you find it.
This complete itinerary hits Quebec City’s highlights while making time for romantic dinners and quiet moments together.
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Arriving in Quebec City
There are several ways to get to Quebec City. You can fly into the Jean Lesage International Airport or take a train.
Since we began this trip with two nights in Montreal, I booked this one-day tour from Montreal to Quebec City.
The tour included transportation from Montreal, a stop at Montmorency Falls, a guided tour of Quebec City, and a river cruise.
The tour returned to Montreal that same evening. However, we brought our luggage on the tour and stayed the night in Quebec City afterward instead of returning on the bus.
The tour company is very accommodating with bags, and the tour saved me the hassle of booking a train or a flight.
Short on Time? Quebec City Highlights
- Visit Montmorency Falls
- Take a guided sightseeing St. Lawrence River Cruise
- Stay at Hôtel des Coutellier, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Hôtel Clarendon, or Hôtel Hilton
- Beginning in Montreal? Take this day tour from Montreal to Quebec City
Day One: Montmorency Falls, Lower Town, and the Waterfront
However you arrive in Quebec City, get ready for a fantastic visit.
Morning: Montmorency Falls
Start your day with coffee at Café Olive or pastries at Patisserie Chouquettes. Both came highly recommended for a light breakfast before heading to Montmorency Falls.
Montmorency Falls are a spectacular sight and stand taller than the more famous Niagara Falls. I absolutely would not miss visiting this spot in Quebec City.
To get to the Falls from Quebec City, you can take a quick Uber or taxi (about $20–$25 CAD each way) or join a guided shuttle tour departing from Old Port.
At the falls, there is a Visitor’s Center featuring a gift shop, a place to purchase drinks or grab a quick bite to eat, and clean restrooms.
You can take the cable car to the top for around $19 CAD per adult and then walk back down along the hiking trails. There is also a suspension bridge spanning the top of the falls if you don’t mind heights.
In the summer, be sure to dress in layers, as the temperature can drop significantly near the mist but increase along the trails.
Plan to spend at least two hours here hiking and exploring.
Afternoon: Explore Quebec City’s Lower/Upper Towns
After leaving the falls, head straight for Quebec City’s Lower Town.
This area feels like a postcard come to life, with cobblestone streets, flower boxes, and cozy shops.
Stop to admire the Fresque des Québécois mural, which tells the story of the city’s history, and then wander down Rue du Petit Champlain. It’s easily one of the prettiest streets I’ve ever walked.
From there, take the funicular ($6 for both CAD/USD) up to Upper Town. It saves you from climbing the steep hill, and the views of the St. Lawrence River and Fairmont Le Château Frontenac at the top are spectacular. Just make sure you have cash, as the funicular ride only accepts payment in cash.
For lunch, visit one of the nearby cafés. We ate at Savini’s after being enticed by the wood-fired pizza served with a side of French fries! That sounds odd, but how can you not love that combination?
There are many restaurants in the area, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that suits your taste.
Evening: Sightseeing River Cruise
As evening approaches, book a Guided Sightseeing Cruise along the St. Lawrence River. The cruise departs from the Chouinard Pier, just a five-minute walk from Petit Champlain, and lasts about 90 minutes.
On board, you’ll float past iconic landmarks while a bilingual guide narrates the history of Québec. He/She will point out the Château Frontenac, Île d’Orléans, Montmorency Falls, and more.
The outdoor decks are perfect for photos, and there’s commentary available in both English and French.
They also have a bar and bistro on board, where you can order light snacks and drinks, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery. In the summer months, the cruise runs in the evenings, but later ones may switch from a guided commentary to a music/lounge format
If you visit in winter, swap the river cruise for the holiday market in the Old Port. Wooden stalls sell gifts, mulled wine, and festive treats. It’s one of the city’s most beloved seasonal traditions, usually open from late November through December.
Day Two: Upper Town & Cultural Highlights
Morning: Exploring Old Québec
Fresh pastries, fruit, and coffee were delivered to our room at Hôtel des Coutellier, making it easy to have a leisurely start to the day. If breakfast is not included in your stay, you have tons of cafes and coffee shops serving French pastries.
After breakfast, spend your morning wandering the cobblestone streets of Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage site that feels like you’ve stepped into a European village.
Start in Place Royale, the birthplace of French America, with its charming stone buildings and inviting cafés. It’s a perfect spot to grab another coffee before making your way uphill toward the Citadelle of Québec.
The Citadelle of Québec is situated at the highest point in Old Québec and is the oldest military building still in use in Canada. It’s home to the Royal 22e Régiment Museum and offers sweeping views over the St. Lawrence River.
Take a guided tour of La Citadelle, a star-shaped fortress that still houses an active military presence. The Citadelle of Québec is a functioning military fort and a significant part of the city’s history.
I didn’t take the tour myself, but it’s highly rated and a great way to learn about Quebec history.
Even if you don’t take the guided tour, the panoramic scenery from the ramparts makes the walk worthwhile. From there, you can trace the stone streets back down to Place Royale, soaking in the city’s history and timeless charm.
After a lazy morning, spend the day exploring more of the city, which I’ve fully detailed in my post on one day in Quebec City.
Your day continues with a walk along Dufferin Terrace, taking in the river views and snapping photos of the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.
Next, visit Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica, a beautiful and historic church. Then, take a short walk to the expansive Parliament building and its ornate grounds, which are very similar to those at the Victoria, BC, cruise port.
Afternoon: History, Views, and a Peaceful Escape
For lunch, wander back to the Petit Champlain District, which is filled with boutiques, galleries, and cafés.
Some great choices include Il Teatro for Italian and homemade focaccia, Laurie at Raphael for casual dining, or Pub Saint Alexander for fish and chips accompanied by beer flights.
You could easily spend the afternoon wandering this area, stopping to visit the quaint shops and artist alleyways.
Another option is to visit the Parc du Bois-de-Coulonge, which was once the site of the lieutenant governor’s residence, and today is a lovely place to stroll hand-in-hand.
Our hotel concierge in Montréal raved about Parc du Bois-de-Coulonge, saying it’s one of the most peaceful places to unwind in Québec City.
Time slipped away from us, and we didn’t have time to visit before boarding our cruise, but it’s now at the top of my list for next time.
The park is only a short ride from Old Québec and offers lush gardens, shady walking paths, and views of the St. Lawrence River. For couples looking for a slower-paced afternoon surrounded by nature, it sounds like an ideal way to close out a romantic weekend.
Evening: Drinks and Dinner
As the sun sets, enjoy cocktails at Bistro Le Sam in the Fairmont.
Dinner at Le St. Amour is a romantic splurge option with fine French cuisine.
Afterward, a quiet walk along the cobblestone streets feels intimate and magical.
Getting Around Quebec City
The beauty of Quebec City is that you don’t need a car. Most of the highlights are walkable, though be prepared for hills and cobblestones.
While I walked most of the city, you may find the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus very convenient. It connects Lower and Upper Town, as well as major attractions, making it easy to see more in less time without worrying about hills.
For areas not on the route, taxis and Uber are available, but are rarely necessary. The funicular also helps if you’d rather skip the climb between Lower and Upper Town.
In winter, you will want to pack waterproof boots with good traction for icy sidewalks.
Where to Stay in Quebec City
One of the biggest decisions for me when booking my Quebec City trip was where to stay before embarking on our Canada/New England cruise. I wanted somewhere comfortable, romantic, and close enough to the port that I didn’t have to stress about getting to the ship.
Hotel Des Coutellier
I chose to stay at Hôtel des Coutellier, and I highly recommend it. It’s a boutique hotel with a cozy feel and a fantastic location in Old Québec.
One of my favorite perks was breakfast delivered right to our room each morning. This is such a nice touch when you’re trying to maximize sightseeing time. The hotel is also just a short walk from the cruise terminal, making it a perfect pre-cruise choice.
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
If you’re dreaming of that fairytale castle stay, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is the one you’ve seen on every postcard.
The Fairmont is situated high above the city, but is also right in the middle of most Quebec attractions.
Staying here is more of a splurge, but the atmosphere is iconic. Just keep in mind that it’s popular, so the common areas can feel busy, especially in summer.
Hôtel Clarendon
For something with history and charm but a little easier on the budget, Hôtel Clarendon is a great option.
The Clarendon is Québec’s oldest hotel, dating back to 1870, and it’s just steps from Fairmont, City Hall, Rue Sainte-Anne, and very walkable to the cruise terminal.
The rooms are comfortable, and the location is hard to beat, as everything is within easy reach.
Hôtel Hilton
Finally, if you prefer the reliability of a big brand, Hôtel Hilton offers modern comfort and the consistency that comes with a chain hotel.
You might sacrifice a bit of the Old World charm, but you’ll gain spacious rooms and familiar amenities.
Where to Eat in Quebec City
There really are so many fantastic restaurants in Quebec City, but I’ll list a few of my favorites.
One of the nice things about Quebec City is that you can mix casual and fine dining to experience the full range of flavors.
Make sure to save room for the pastry shops for mid-day breaks during sightseeing.
I would suggest making reservations for dinner, especially in the summer.
Breakfast, Brunch, Coffee & Pastries
- Café Olive – coffee and light breakfast
- Patisserie Chouquettes – pastries
- Le Billig – crepes
- Il Teatro – Brunch, Italian and homemade focaccia
Casual Lunch & Dinner
- 1640 Bistro – pizza, burgers, cocktails
- Savine – pizza and salads
- Laurie at Raphael – casual dining
- Pub Saint Alexander – fish & chips and beer flights
Bistros & Fine Dining
- Chez Temporal – French bistro
- Ophelia’s – seafood
- Le St. Amour – fine dining French cuisine
Visiting Quebec City in Summer vs Winter: Which is Best?
One of the most common questions is when to visit Quebec City. Summer and winter both bring their own charms, as well as their challenges.
Summer in Quebec City offers long days, outdoor cafés, river cruises, street performers, and festivals. You can explore on foot without freezing, and the flowers and parks are beautiful.
Unfortunately, summer also brings crowds, long waits for restaurants, and higher hotel prices.
Winter in Quebec City offers the magic of snow-dusted rooftops, Christmas markets, and the famous Quebec Winter Carnival. The city looks like a real-life snow globe.
But with that comes icy sidewalks, heavy coats, and limited daylight, and some activities, like boat rides, shut down.
I personally visited in the summer, just before boarding a Holland America cruise to Boston.
I haven’t yet experienced the winter season, though I would return in a heartbeat for the holiday market and cozy bistros. From what I did experience, summer was absolutely enchanting.
A Lovely Québec City Weekend
This Quebec City itinerary helps you make the most of your two days.
You will feel as though you’ve stepped into a European fairy tale. Between Montmorency Falls, river views, and romantic streets, the memories are unforgettable.
Spending two days here before a cruise was the perfect way to start our vacation, and I hope it will be for you as well.
This 2-day itinerary in Quebec City offers a mix of highlights and ample time to relax. In summer, enjoy outdoor cafés, river cruises, and evening strolls. In winter, embrace snow, holiday markets, and cozy restaurants.
I’m sure that Quebec City will delight you, just as it did me.
