If planning a vacation in Montreal, have you considered including a day trip to Quebec City (Ville de Québec)? After all, it’s only a three-hour journey to see the North American city that most resembles a European destination. Moreover, Québec is one of Canada’s oldest cities and the only walled city in North America north of Mexico. If that’s not enough, you’ll be able to see what’s known as the world’s most photographed hotel and enjoy the city’s unique culture. With all this in mind, learn how to get to the capital of the Québec Province (Bonjour Quebéc) and what to see and do on your fascinating day trip.
Planning for Your Day Trip from Montreal to Quebec City
How to Get to Quebec City
By Car
If you plan to visit Quebec City by car, you have a couple of routes to consider for your day trip. Quebec Autoroute 40 is the more scenic of the two, as most of the journey travels along the St. Lawrence River. This route can take you from 2 hours 50 minutes to as much as 4 hours. As for your other option, Quebec Autoroute 20 is less scenic than Autoroute 40. This route can take 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes. However, before you depart, you should have your GPS app help you determine the best route to take.
Parking
There are over 15 parking lots in the heart of Old Quebec, including some open 24 hours. However, rates will vary, although hourly rates generally start at CAD 2.50 and daily rates at about CAD 17.50. For more detailed information on parking lots, you can visit QuebecCite.com and Parkopedia. Of course, as are local parking apps like Copilote and Click Park, Google Maps is helpful.
Taking a Bus
Of your public transportation options, riding a bus to Quebec City is your most affordable option from Montreal. Rates are about $21 to $55, with discounts for students and older riders. The primary bus operator serving Montreal and Quebec City is Orleans Express, which provides frequent service daily. Trips with Orleans Express typically take 3 hours and 15 minutes, except for trips that make stops in Longueuil or Drummondville. In addition, all buses have toilets and complimentary Wi-Fi. The last two Orleans Express departures from Quebec City are 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Other bus operators you can consider are Jaguaride and Intercar, but they have limited service.
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By Train
Regarding public transportation, your best option may be taking a train from Montreal to Quebec. The train service between these two cities is comfortable, efficient and affordable. Moreover, you won’t experience traffic congestion and unexpected delays you might encounter on the highways. If you’d like to take the train, the only operator is VIA Rail Canada, which provides intercity service countrywide. However, rates start at just $63 roundtrip for economy seating, and five trips are available in either direction. Perhaps the one drawback to taking a train is that the last departure from Quebec City to Montreal is at 5:45 p.m.
How to Get Around Quebec City
If you’re driving into Quebec City, you won’t necessarily have to rely on any other form of transportation. However, if you’re arriving by bus or train, you can take a bus, taxi, or a rideshare service. On the other hand, the main transit terminal at Gare du Palais is just about 1.2 km (.75 mile) from Old Quebec. In other words, for a day trip, you might not have to rely on city transportation, except for the Old Quebec Funicular, which transports you from the lower section to the upper. While you can walk the Breakneck Steps connecting the sections, please note that it’s a moderately steep climb. For information on the city bus, you can visit RTC Quebec. If you’re interested, a hop-on, hop-off service from Unitours is also available. If you prefer a guided tour, consider making reservations with Guidatour or Cicerone.
What to See in Quebec City
While Quebec City covers nearly 190 square miles, your day trip should be within the historic section. After all, most major attractions can be found here, along with some excellent dining spots. Moreover, Vieux Quebec, or Old Quebec, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with some centuries-old structures still standing. In fact, it’s North America’s only walled city, which is north of Mexico.
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Quebec City Mural
The Quebec City fresco covers the entire building wall and details this historic capital’s story. A project by the National Capital Commission, the mural features several prominent figures from the city’s history, including French explorer Jacques Cartier and Samuel de Champlain, the founder of Quebec City. This impressive trompe l’oeil mural stands nearly three stories high and measures 420 square meters. An informational display in front of the mural helps you learn about 17 important people and historical events.
Place Royale
You will find Place Royale, where the capital city was founded, just beyond the enormous mural. As the oldest section, it features well-preserved 17th and 18th-century structures, as well as Parisian-style cobblestone streets. The most prominent structure is Notre Dame des Victoires church, the oldest stone church in North America, dating to 1688. In addition, you have dining options, retail shops, and, of course, many photo opportunities. Incidentally, public toilets can be found in Place Royal at 19 Rue Notre Dame, open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Yet another public restroom facility is just to the right of the funicular. In addition, you can use the Google Maps app to help you locate other public restrooms.
Quartier de Petit Champlain
As you stroll south past Place Royal, you’ll see the Funiculaire du Vieux Quebec. Here, you can take the tram to Chateau Frontenac, or if you continue, you will enter Quartier de Petit Champlain. Said to be the oldest commercial district in North America, you will find an impressive collection of restaurants, galleries, retail shops, and a 19th-century theater. Also in this section is the Breakneck Stairs, which dates back to 1635 and is the oldest in the city. This set of stairs connects you from the Lower Town to the Upper Town. Alternatively, you can take the funicular, which costs just CAD 5 or USD and $10 roundtrip.
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Notre Dame de Quebec Cathedral-Basilica
Just a few minutes west of Place Royal is the oldest church in Canada. Founded in 1647, Notre Dame de Quebec Basilica is a National Historic Site and the first Holy Door outside Europe. In fact, the Holy Door is currently open through December 8, 2024, in observance of the cathedral’s 350th anniversary. You can visit the cathedral and Holy Door during regular visiting hours.
Chateau Frontenac
It’s not likely to be the first attraction you see in Quebec City. However, Chateau Frontenac is bound to be the highlight of your day trip. After all, it’s the largest and most famous building in Vieux, Quebec. Of course, it’s also one of the most renowned hotels in Canada and the world. Built between 1892 and 1893 as a Canadian rail hotel, it resembles the medieval castles of France’s Loire Valley. Today, it symbolizes Quebec and may be the world’s most photographed hotel. Under the ownership of Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Chateau Frontenac rests upon a peninsula with views of the St. Lawrence River.
Dufferin Terrace
If you take the funicular from Lower Quebec, you will immediately walk onto Dufferin Terrace. An expansive boardwalk bordering Chateau Frontenac, it’s a lively spot offering sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River. Among the attractions are six gazebos lining the boardwalk and a row of historic cannons. In addition, you should see the glass skylights along the walkway that enable you to see the ruins of Saint Louise Forts and Chateau Saint Louis. If you wish to continue beyond the boardwalk, you can visit the Citadelle of Quebec.
Dining in Old Quebec
As you would expect, Old Quebec offers you a variety of excellent dining options. This includes Michelin-worthy restaurants and restaurants featuring authentic Quebecois dishes. For instance, poutine, tourtière, pâté chinois and tarte au sucre are all examples of delicious cuisine Québécoise. Among recommendations you might like are Aux Anciens Canadiens, Bistro Pape Georges, Don Vegan La Buche, and Le Chic Shack. Of course, you can also dine at the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac, such as Bistro Le Sam, which is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Other places you might be able to dine at the Fairmont are Place Dufferin, open for breakfast and Friday-Saturday afternoon tea, and Bar 1608.
La Citadelle of Quebec
Another Historic Site of Canada, the Citadelle, is an active military installation with public access to its La Citadelle museum. What’s more, Citadelle serves as a secondary official residence of King Charles III, the Canadian monarch and governor-general of Canada. Providing you have time during your day trip, you can purchase tickets online for a one-hour tour and access to the museum. During the summer, you can also enjoy a live performance by the Royal 22nd Regiment Band.
Plains of Abraham
Set within Battlefields Park, the Plains of Abraham is an expansive greenspace covering 280 acres. Extending along the St. Lawrence River, the Plains of Abraham was the site for its namesake battle in 1759, also known as the Battle of Quebec. Although the British won the battle against the French military, it eventually led to the creation of Canada. Also, in this National Historic Park, you can enjoy outdoor activities like picnics and nature walks. During winter, the Plains of Abraham is a popular spot for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Grand Allee
If you have time on your day trip, you may also wish to visit the Grand Alle. The Grand Alle is home to prominent buildings like the Parliament and National Assembly just west of the Citadelle. It’s also the center of the city’s nightlife, with numerous cafes, bars and pubs. There are also affordable hotels and other attractions like the Observatory of the Capital and Plains of Abraham Museum. Please note that if you take public transportation for your Quebec day trip, you must determine if you have enough time to see the Grand Alle.
Port of Quebec City
Another attraction to consider, depending on the length of your day trip, is the Port of Quebec City. Established in the mid-19th century, it’s the oldest in Canada and still the second largest. Today, it’s famous as a cruise ship port of call, serving cruise lines like Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises. Further south beyond Vieux Port is the Quebec-Levis Ferry near Petit Champlain. This ferry offers 12-minute trips to Quai Parque, an urban park across the St. Lawrence River.
Museum of Civilization
Among the most suitable museums to visit on a Quebec City day trip is the Museum of Civilization. For one, it’s in Old Quebec; for another, it’s among the finest municipal museums. Not far from the Old Port, the museum showcases the history and culture of the city. For instance, you can see a significant amount of exhibit space devoted to the region’s indigenous people. What’s more, there are permanent exhibits that detail the 17th-century formation of the city. The museum is entirely family-friendly, and you can purchase advance tickets online.
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About the Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University and has nearly 25 years of experience in the transportation industry.
