When I booked my day trip to Quebec City, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I had heard that it was one of the prettiest cities in Canada, but I also knew I only had a few hours to explore. I took the easy route and joined a Gray Line tour from Montreal, just because Quebec City was a later add-on to my existing itinerary, and I only had one day to spare. If I had more, I would have definitely gone by myself and spend at least one night in the city. However, in these circumstances, the tour turned out to be the perfect choice: I could relax, enjoy the scenery on the drive, sleep on the way back, and make the most out of my one precious day in Quebec City because we had individual time in the city to spend it as we wished.
If you’re wondering how to spend one day in Quebec City, here’s exactly what I did — and a few tips to help you make the most of your visit – based on my experience and what I would have done better.
Morning: Explore Vieux-Québec
You can’t come to Quebec City and not start in Vieux-Québec — the historic heart of the city. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visiting the city is like stepping into a little corner of Europe without ever leaving North America. The city was founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1608, and looking around, especially around Place Royal, where you can still see that French colonial architectural style of the buildings, between the cobbled streets. Here, pastel coloured buildings blend in like a puzzle with the historic houses made of stone, rebuilt after the city burned down in a devastating fire, in 1682, and are overlooked by the pretty Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church.
I started my day just wandering through the Upper Town, admiring all the beautiful architecture. Every alley seemed to have a cozy café or a little boutique tucked away. I even stumbled across a Christmas store that looked magical – maybe because my visit was in early September.
I didn’t follow any particular map — sometimes the best way to discover a city is simply to get lost in it.
After wandering around the Lower Town for a while, it was time to head up to the Upper Town. You can either climb the very steep Breakneck Stairs (seriously, that’s their name!) or take the much easier and very charming Old Quebec Funicular. I chose the stairs because the queue to the funicular it was too long and I didn’t have time to wait. And guess what? I did not break my neck climbing the stairs.
Stroll Along Dufferin Terrace
Once at the top, my steps took me to the courtyard of Château Frontenac, the most iconic building in Quebec City. Fun fact, Château Frontenac, even if it looks like a castle, was built to be a hotel. It was never a castle. Here, my impostor syndrome kicked in and even if I really wanted to get in and have a cup of coffee, I thought that my outfit for the day was not elegant enough for that. Now, of course, I regret it and I can see how silly that thought was. Nobody cares what you’re wearing!
Passing through the courtyard, I made my way to Dufferin Terrace, a long wooden boardwalk that stretches out in front of the grand hotel. The terrace was built in the 1870s and named after Lord Dufferin, the Governor General who actually saved the fortifications of the city from being demolished.
The view from Dufferin Terrace is spectacular: you can see the St. Lawrence River glistening in the sun, ferries crossing back and forth, and even spot the faraway shores of Lévis.
Walk the Fortified Walls and See the Citadel
From Dufferin Terrace, I followed the path up towards the Old Fortified Walls and the Citadel. Quebec City is the only city in North America north of Mexico that still has its fortified walls intact, and walking along them I could only imagine how hard it would have been trying to attack and conquer this city. The walls are high. And big!
The Citadel is an active military station and also home to Canada’s Royal 22nd Regiment. I didn’t go inside for a full tour (not enough time on a day trip), but I tried to peek into the old cannons and ramparts.
Lunch Time: A Cozy Break
For lunch, I stopped at a cute cafe back in the Upper Town, which seemed popular with students.
I ordered a croque–monsieur, that perfect combination of melty cheese, thick slices of ham, and crispy bread, alongside a berry lemonade which was very welcomed on this very hot day. It was absolutely delicious, hearty without being heavy — exactly what I needed before continuing the day.
Visit Montmorency Falls
If I was to visit Quebec City for a day again, I would leave the Montmorency Falls for the afternoon. In my original trip we stopped there in the morning, and I felt so rushed. There are so many things to do there that it deserves at least a couple of hours, which is perfect for the afternoon.
Montmorency Falls are even higher than Niagara Falls (by about 30 meters!), but with a much wilder, untamed beauty. You can either view them from below or take the cable car up to the suspension bridge that crosses right over the falls — even if I didn’t go up to the suspension bridge, from my day trip to Niagara Falls, I can imagine feeling the power of the water rushing underneath your feet is an unforgettable experience.
Dinner
If you have more time in Quebec City and don’t need to rush back like I did, I highly recommend trying poutine for dinner — Quebec’s most famous comfort food. Poutine is simply crispy fries topped with cheese curds and a generous helping of gravy — but trust me, it’s much more magical than it sounds.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have time for dinner in Quebec City as I had to return to Montreal, but next time I visit, poutine at a local restaurant will definitely be on the list!
Is One Day in Quebec City Enough?
Honestly? One day in Quebec City is short — but it’s enough to get a glimpse of the city and plan a longer, return trip.
A day trip to Quebec City might feel rushed on paper, but in reality, it’s perfectly manageable, . With a little planning, you can cover all the highlights — from wandering the cobbled streets of the Lower Town, riding the funicular, strolling Dufferin Terrace, learning about Quebec’s military history, tasting traditional dishes, and even visiting a waterfall taller than Niagara Falls. It was a great day trip from Montreal, and I would go back in a heartbeat when I’ll get the chance again. If you have the opportunity to spend even just one day in Quebec City — take it. You won’t regret it.
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