Begin in Old Quebec, where the centuries-old streets seem frozen in time. A guided walking tour will enlighten you about the area’s 400-year history, while a scooter or bus tour will allow you to sightsee effortlessly. Hop-on hop-off bus tours are a good option if you want to explore the sights more freely.

Eat and drink your way around Quebec City’s best restaurants and bars. Taste French-Canadian specialties such as poutine (French fries and cheese curds covered in gravy) and sip local wines. There’s also a booming craft beer industry here, which brew lovers can explore during a guided beer tour of the St. Roch neighborhood.

Finish your first day on a high with a sunset hot-air balloon ride. Aerial views of the walled old town, together with the St. Lawrence River, Orleans Island (Île d'Orléans), and Laurentian Mountains, make for an unforgettable scene. Back at ground level, feast on French-style fare at an Old Quebec bistro.

Start today with a guided tour to scenic Montmorency Falls, the shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, or the picturesque and pastoral Orleans Island. All three destinations are within a 30-minute drive of Old Quebec, making them easy-to-reach options for half-day trips.

Back in Quebec City, take the ferry across the St. Lawrence River to the quieter and less-developed south shore area of Lévis. Few travelers head to this side of the river, meaning it’s usually pretty peaceful. Cycling is a good way to get around, especially along the lovely riverside trails.

If you’re visiting in winter, sip a chilled cocktail in the Ice Hotel (Hôtel de Glace), about a 20-minute drive from town. This seasonal attraction, made entirely of snow and ice, typically opens from early January until March. If you’re here in summer, enjoy a dinner cruise on the St. Lawrence River instead.