Quebec Travelers Recommend

If you have just two days in Montreal, you’ll have ample time to explore the European-style architecture of Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal), visit some of the city’s ethnic enclaves, and dive into Montreal’s excellent food and craft beer scenes. Here is how to get the most out of 48 hours in Montreal, Quebec’s cultural capital.

Day 1: Downtown, Food, and Phantoms

Morning: Devote your morning to the downtown area, where most of Montreal’s major sights are concentrated. Take a guided tour around Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal), home to Notre-Dame Basilica, the Old Port, and Place d’Armes, or tour the top sights by hop-on hop-off bus tour, getting off to explore whenever you choose.

Afternoon: Snack your way through some of Montreal’s best foodie hot spots. Food tours typically focus on ethnic enclaves such as Little Italy or Chinatown, or Mile End, a trendy neighborhood full of brewpubs, restaurants, butchers, third-wave cafés, and Montreal’s most famous bagel shops: St-Viateur and Fairmount. 

Night: As darkness falls, delve into Montreal’s many unexplained mysteries with a ghost tour. Choose a tour that focuses on the history-steeped streets of Old Montreal, the oldest part of the city, or opt to tour Griffintown, a once-industrial neighborhood along the Lachine Canal. 

Day 2: Sky-High Views, Local Beverages, and Romance

Morning: Having seen the city from ground level, it’s time to appreciate the sights from a new perspective. Zoom up to the 44th-floor observation platform at Place Ville Marie, or ride a glass-enclosed cable car up 541 feet (165 meters) at the Montreal Tower. For an even more spectacular aerial view, take a helicopter tour over the city.

Afternoon: Dedicate the afternoon to discovering the local beverage scene. With so many craft breweries and brewpubs dotted around town, it’s helpful and efficient to take a guided beer tour. Non-beer drinkers may prefer a tea-themed tour with teahouse visits and tastings.

Night: Celebrate your final night in Montreal with a romantic meal to remember. Head back to Place Ville Marie for sky-high dining at the 44th-floor restaurant, or take a dinner cruise along the St. Lawrence River, during which you’ll enjoy a multicourse meal while sailing past the twinkling city lights. 

Two days in Quebec City will allow you to thoroughly explore the historic UNESCO World Heritage–listed Old Quebec area, get a feel for the city’s French-influenced food scene, and even squeeze in an out-of-town excursion or two. Here are the experiences you won’t want to miss on a 2-day trip to Quebec City.

Day 1: Flavors of Quebec

Morning: 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. 

Afternoon: 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.

Evening: 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. 

Day 2: City Escapes

Morning: 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.

Afternoon: 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.

Evening: 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.

Quebec City has a wealth of diverse draws, from its historic walled core and rich culinary scene to nearby waterfalls, mountains, and national parks. Here are some of the top options for a 3-day tour of the city, including museums in Old Quebec, a whale-watching excursion, and outdoor activities for all four seasons. 

Day 1: Essential Quebec City

Kick things off with an overview of the city and its key sights. A sightseeing cruise along the St. Lawrence River will carry you past major landmarks including Château Frontenac, Orleans Island (Île d'Orléans), and Montmorency Falls, which at 272 feet (83 meters) is the highest waterfall in the province.

In the afternoon, delve deeper into the history of New France and Québécois culture with a thorough exploration of UNESCO World Heritage–listed Old Quebec. Museum-hop your way around the Museum of Civilization (Musée de la Civilisation) and the Museum of French America (Musée de l’Amérique Francophone), both of which can be easily reached by hop-on hop-off tour bus. Spend the evening drinking and dining in one of the city’s many brewpubs, which can be found scattered around the old town and St. Roch neighborhoods. 

Day 2: Whale Watching or Ice Wine Tasting

The St. Lawrence River is a feeding ground for all kinds of majestic creatures, including more than 10 different whale species. Sign up for a whale-watching tour and travel from Quebec City to the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, where you’ll board either a high-speed zodiac boat (ideal for close-up whale encounters) or a larger observation vessel (which offers protection from inclement weather). A certified naturalist will explain more about the unique marine ecosystem as you scan the water for belugas, minke whales, and humpbacks. 

Outside whale-watching season (May to November), or if you’d simply prefer to stay on land, take a food- and wine-focused excursion to Orleans Island, during which you can taste ice wine, ice cider, and locally made chocolate. Back in town, embark on a dinner cruise along the St. Lawrence River and admire the illuminated city skyline while tucking into a multicourse meal.

Day 3: Active Outdoor Adventure

Quebec City’s setting alongside the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentian Mountains make it well-suited to lots of outdoor activities year-round. In summer, cycle along the bike paths of the St. Lawrence or kayak with a guide through the Parc Maritime de Saint-Laurent. In winter, the plentiful options for outdoor fun include ski-shoeing (a cross between snowshoeing and cross-country skiing) in Station Touristique Duchesnay park, nordic skiing (a mix between cross-country and downhill skiing) in Massif du Sud Regional Park, ice canoeing on the St. Lawrence River, and snow tubing down the more than 30 slides at the Valcartier Vacation Village. 

Having worked up an appetite, return to Old Quebec for a guided gourmet food tour. Sample charcuterie and French-style plates, and witness liquor-drizzled dishes being flambéed tableside. 

One of North America’s oldest settlements, Quebec City retains its old-world flavor with historical buildings, stone ramparts, and cobbled streets. Because of its manageable size—the UNESCO World Heritage–listed area of Old Quebec is easily walkable—it is possible to see loads in just one day. Here’s how to maximize 24 hours in Quebec City. 

Morning: Discover the Old City

Start with a walking tour of Old Quebec to learn about the history of New France, seeing key sights such as Place Royale, the Fortifications of Quebec, and the Citadel of Quebec (La Citadelle de Québec). Old Quebec is hilly, so if you want to save your leg muscles, try a sightseeing bus tour, a hop-on hop-off bus tour, or an e-bike tour instead. 

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the Château Frontenac. With its copper turrets, spires, and towers, this hotel is an architectural triumph. You can explore the interior during a guided tour. 

Afternoon: Visit Montmorency Falls

Make the short journey outside of town to one of the natural highlights of the Quebec City region: the 272-foot-high (83-meter) Montmorency Falls. Ride the cable car to the top of the cascade, walk over the suspension bridge, or zipline over the rushing water. Guided bus tours will get you from Quebec City to Montmorency Falls in just 15 to 20 minutes, and may include commentary from a guide. For another perspective on the falls, soar over them—as well as Old Quebec, the St. Lawrence River, and Orleans Island (Île d’Orléans)—by helicopter.

Evening: A Night to Remember

Seeing as you have only one night in Quebec City, make it memorable. That might mean an evening cruise along the St. Lawrence River, soaking up views of Quebec City, Cape Diamond (Cap Diamant), and the Laurentian Mountains while enjoying a sit-down dinner. 

If you’d prefer to stay on dry land, opt for a gourmet food tour, which will introduce you to a handful or so of Quebec City’s best restaurants in one evening. And if you’ve still got energy to burn, join a guided pub crawl: hop from bar to bar enjoying free and discounted drinks deals with fellow crawlers. 

One of Canada’s snowiest cities, Quebec City is a true winter wonderland. Rather than dampening the fun, the snow actually enhances it—and in fact, you’ll find the city at its atmospheric best in winter. Here’s how to make the most of your winter trip to Quebec City.

• See snow sculptures, go ice skating, cheer on dog sledding teams, and watch nighttime parades at the Quebec Winter Carnival. The festival runs from the end of January to mid-February.

• Try outdoor activities such as ski-shoeing (a mix between cross-country skiing and snowshoeing) and cross-country skiing in Jacques-Cartier National Park, just a 30-minute drive from Quebec City.

• Taste French-Canadian cuisine during a small-group food tour around the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec and trendy St-Jean-Baptiste.

• Enjoy an exclusive guided visit of the impressive Ice Hotel (Hôtel de Glace), a 44-room building constructed entirely from snow and ice.

• Shelter from the cold during a guided tour of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Guides in period dress show guests around the grand interior of Quebec City’s most emblematic building.

• Slide down the slopes of Valcartier Vacation Village during a family-friendly snow tubing excursion.

As the mercury dips below zero and a blanket of snow renders everything in sight white, the city of Montreal exudes a magical, winter wonderland quality. If you’re visiting Canada during the snowy season, you’ll find plenty of frosty fun in Montreal. See below for inspiration.

• Discover local art, gastronomy and culture during the 11-day Montreal en Lumiere winter festival. The festival culminates in Nuit Blanche, an all-night extravaganza featuring free events, shows, and parties.

• Embark on a tour of the Underground City, a vast subterranean complex situated beneath Downtown Montreal.

• Sip ice wines and apple ice cider during a winter tour of Quebec wine country.

• Wrap up warm and get in the festive spirit with a Christmas walking tour of historic Old Montreal and the Old Port.

• Zip around the scenic region of Mauricie by snowmobile.

• See native Quebec wildlife, including arctic foxes, snowy owls, caribou, and bears, roaming around open-air snow-covered enclosures at an outdoor zoo.

• Warm up by sipping steaming brews during a tea-themed tour of the city.

• Try ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing in Mount Royal Park (Parc du Mont Royal) and Jean Drapeau Park (Parc Jean-Drapeau).

With three days in Montreal, you should have enough time to explore the city’s top-line attractions, discover interesting neighborhoods beyond the downtown core, and even take a day trip out to the picturesque Quebec countryside. Here’s how to pack sights, scenery, food, and fun into 72 memorable hours in Montreal.

Day 1: Downtown and the St. Lawrence River

Set aside your first day for Ville-Marie, the downtown area of Montreal and home to many of the city’s must-see sights, including Notre-Dame Basilica and Place Jacques-Cartier. You can travel around by hop-on hop-off bus or wander independently, but guided walking tours are the perfect introduction to Montreal for first-time visitors, who will learn all about the history of Canada’s 2nd-oldest city.

In the afternoon, stroll down toward the Old Port area for your first glimpse of the mighty St. Lawrence River. There’s a water-based tour option for all tastes, from gentle sightseeing cruises to paddleboat rentals and fast-paced Jet Ski tours. 

Refuel with a typical grab-and-go Montreal meal of a bagel, smoked meat sandwich, or poutine (French fries and cheese curds covered in gravy) before setting out on a guided ghost walk around the cobbled streets and history-steeped alleys of Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal).

Day 2: Country Escapes and City Views

Get out of the city today and enjoy an easy day trip to rural Quebec. Opt for a half-day or full-day tour of Quebec wine country. Visit vineyards in the Eastern Townships and take part in guided tastings of local wines and cheese, many of which aren’t available outside of Quebec. Alternatively, travel north from Montreal to the picturesque Laurentian Mountains, where you can visit country villages, cruise on scenic lakes, and ride a cable car to the top of Mont Tremblant. 

Back in town, trade the rural panoramas for cityscapes with a nighttime hop-on hop-off bus tour. Disembark near the Plateau for a quick dinner in one of the area’s hip restaurants, then reboard to reach Mount Royal (Mont Royal). Trek to the park’s mountaintop lookout for unforgettable views over downtown Montreal and beyond. 

Day 3: Multicultural Montreal

Venture beyond the boundaries of the downtown center to uncover Montreal’s multicultural side. Spend today getting to know other parts of the city and learning about the influence immigrant groups have had on the fabric of Montreal as well as its culinary scene. Explore the Plateau on a Jewish history walking tour, take a food tour of Little Italy or Chinatown, or join a walking tour along the Main—aka St. Lawrence Boulevard—stopping in Little Portugal, Mile End, and Little Italy for divine tastes of local specialties. 

A guided afternoon bike tour of the city will allow you to cover even more ground and spot sights you’re unlikely to stumble upon while exploring solo, such as neighborhood parks and hidden-away eateries. Finish your trip in style with a dinner cruise along the St. Lawrence River, where you’ll be treated to front-row views of the dazzling skyline.

Though not well-known outside of Canada, Quebec’s wine-growing regions—concentrated around Montreal and Quebec City—are burgeoning, with an increasing number of small-scale producers creating red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines, as well as fortified and ice wines. Here is what you need to know about wine tasting in Montreal.

Must-Try Varietals

About 40 different grape varietals are cultivated in Quebec wine country, with most production concentrated in areas north and south of Montreal in regions such as the Eastern Townships, Montérégie and Lanaudière. Because of the severe winter weather conditions, vintners tend to focus on hardy hybrid grapes such as frontenac noir and maréchal foch for reds, and vidal, frontenac blanc, frontenac gris, and seyval blanc for whites. Ice wines, sweet and concentrated dessert-style wines made by pressing frozen grapes, are also produced in the region.

Must-Do Experiences

• Try award-winning Quebec wines paired with a local cheese tasting during a half- or full-day wine-tasting tour.

• Treat your taste buds to a gourmet lunch at an artisanal winemaking estate.

• Sample ice wine, take part in an ice wine mixology workshop, and sip apple ice cider around an outdoor bonfire during a winter wine tour.

• Meet vineyard owners and enjoy exclusive experiences not available to the public during a small-group wine-tasting tour from Montreal.

Montreal, Canada’s 2nd-biggest city and the cultural capital of Quebec, thrills visitors with its melting-pot cultural influences, passion for fine food and fun, European-style old town, and picturesque riverfront setting. If you have only one day to explore Montreal, here’s how you can make the most of it.

Morning: Montreal’s Must-Sees

Start by ticking off the city’s top sights. Opt for a guided bus tour or a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour that covers the don’t-miss landmarks, from the Notre-Dame Basilica in Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) to Mount Royal (Mont Royal), the cross-topped “mountain” after which the city is named. Active travelers can explore on two feet instead, or try the method of transportation preferred by many locals—bike—during a cycling tour. If you visit in winter, seek shelter from the sub-zero temperatures in Montreal’s Underground City, a vast complex of tunnels, hotels, malls, universities, and museums.

Afternoon: Splashes and Thrills

Montreal offers up countless opportunities to get active within the city confines. Go rafting or jet boating on the Lachine Rapids, or jet-skiing around the St. Lawrence River. For an exhilarating activity that doesn’t involve getting wet, try careening down a zipline by the Old Port of Montreal or taking to the skies over the city during a flying lesson. If snowy winter weather prevents these activities, you can dial up the adrenaline indoors with a race car or skydiving simulator instead.

Night: Dinner Cruises or Pub Crawls

Come evening, slow down the pace with a romantic dinner cruise along the St. Lawrence River. Admire the dazzling lights of the downtown area, float by St. Helen’s Island (Île Sainte-Helene), and glide under the Jacques Cartier Bridge while enjoying a multicourse meal aboard. For something a little livelier, join a guided pub crawl around Montreal. Hop between some of the city’s buzziest drinking spots before ending your experience in a nightclub, where you can mingle with Montrealers until the wee hours. 

Montreal and Quebec City offer two very different experiences: the former is big, vibrant, and diverse, while the provincial capital radiates romance and European charm. Luckily, they’re close enough to each other that you needn’t choose between them. Here’s how to do a day trip from Montreal to Quebec City.

Highlights

• Admire the copper-topped turrets of one of the most iconic hotels in Canada: the historic Chateau Frontenac.

• Learn about the history of one of the oldest European settlements in North America at the Plains of Abraham, the site of a pivotal 1759 battle between the British and the French.

• Browse the exhibitions at the National Museum of Fine Arts (Musee National des Beaux-Arts du Quebec), the Museum of Civilization (Musee de la Civilisation), and the Ursulines Museum (Musee des Ursulines).

• Stroll the quaint streets of UNESCO-listed Old Quebec, home to Place Royale, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec, and the boutique and restaurant-lined Petit Champlain.

• Hear the roar of Montmorency Falls, which plunge 272 feet (83 meters) into the St. Lawrence River.

Things to Know

• Quebec City is located about 158 miles (255 kilometers) northeast of Montreal.

• The journey takes just shy of three hours by road. During bus tours, tour guides provide commentary en route.

• Day tours from Montreal to Quebec City typically last about 12 hours.

• Some tours include free time where you can enjoy lunch independently as well as optional add-ons such as a St. Lawrence River cruise.

• Bring snacks and water for the journey, and comfortable walking shoes as Quebec City’s streets are cobbled and hilly.

Montreal’s food scene is the envy of Canada. The city has restaurants representing almost every country and corner of the world, as well as a bevy of homegrown delicacies and signature dishes. Here’s what you need to know about eating in Montreal.

Must-Try Dishes

Ask any Montrealer what you should eat and chances are they’ll tell you to try poutine. This classic Quebecois dish consists of fries, gravy, and cheese curds, though all manner of additional toppings are available.

Originating from the city’s sizable Jewish population, Montreal smoked meat is another local specialty that has reached near-legendary status. Made from cured, smoked, and steamed beef brisket flavored with a mix of spices, the meat is typically served in a mustard-smeared sandwich. Another staple savory snack is the Montreal-style bagel. A touch sweeter and a good deal smaller than New York-style bagels, these are baked in a wood-fired oven and are often still warm when sold.

Then, of course, there is maple syrup. With the province Quebec—in which Montreal is situated— responsible for about 75 to 80 percent of the world’s maple syrup production, it’s no surprise the golden elixir is a fixture on breakfast tables as well as being used for desserts such as sugar pie ( tarte au sucre ).

Must-Do Experiences

• Experience Montreal’s booming craft beer scene with brewery visits and beer tastings at brewpubs.

• Sample a range of wines—red, white, rose, and ice wines—in Quebec’s wine country.

• Discover the best things to eat in Old Montreal, the Plateau, Mile End, and Chinatown on food tours of the city.

• Have a local guide show you authentic spots, such as a kosher bakery, a famous bagel shop, food trucks, and other long-standing local establishments.

• Browse the colorful farm-fresh produce for sale in Little Italy’s Jean Talon Market.

Quebec’s passion for fine wine likely stems from its French heritage, but with frosty temperatures and a tough terrain to contend with, it has taken a while for the province’s wine industry to find its feet. Today, however, Quebec’s wine scene is flourishing—here are a few ways to experience it.

Must-Try Varietals

Wine production in Quebec is focused on the southernmost parts of the province in areas around Montreal and Quebec City, such as Montérégie, the Eastern Townships, Centre-du-Québec, Lanaudière, and the Lower Laurentians. As in much of Eastern Canada, cold winter temperatures mean hardy hybrid grape varieties designed to withstand winters in North America dominate the vineyards. Frontenac, maréchal foch, and seyval are all commonplace, though Old-World varietals, such as chardonnay and cabernet franc, are also present.

In addition to white, rosé, sparkling, and red wines, Quebec is also famed for its production of fruit wine and ice wine, a sweet and syrupy dessert-style wine made by harvesting and pressing naturally frozen grapes.

Must-Do Experiences

• Visit traditional wineries and artisanal food producers on the Island of Orleans (Ile d’Orléans).

• Learn wine-tasting techniques and enjoy a gourmet lunch and cheese tasting during a wine tour around Quebec wine country near Montreal.

• Take part in an ice wine cocktail-mixing class during a winter ice-wine tour.

• Follow the dedicated Wine Route, which links about 20 of Quebec’s top wineries in the Brome-Missisquoi region.

Quebec City’s culinary scene bears a strong French influence, with ample boulangeries, brasseries, and bistros—but it’s no mere copycat. The city’s chefs also champion local produce and heritage recipes, and never shy away from innovation. Here’s what you need to know about how and what to eat in Quebec City.

Must-Try Dishes

As the capital of Canada’s French-speaking province, Quebec City is the place to try classic French-Canadian cuisine. Most traditional dishes are rich and hearty—early settlers needed to create affordable meals that could sustain workers in harsh winter temperatures. The most famous dish in the Quebecois culinary canon is poutine (fries with gravy and cheese curds), though there are many more regional recipes to discover.Cretons (a pork spread) is slathered on toast for breakfast, while tourtière (a traditional meat pie made with pork, beef, or game) is a common dinner dish.

After the main meal, save room for pudding chômeur (“poor man’s pudding”), a maple syrup-drenched cake, and a cheese course. Dairy farmers in the region around Quebec City make some of Canada’s finest cheeses, including Cendré de Lune, a soft and buttery cheese coated in ash, and Lady Laurier d’Arthabaska, a vanilla-flavored triple-cream brie.

Must-Do Experiences

• Discover delicious local food during a small-group Quebec City food tour covering Old Quebec and St-Jean-Baptiste.

• Meet producers at wineries and sugar shacks during a food tour of Ile d'Orleans.

• Learn about the local craft beer movement on a beer-oriented walking tour in trendy St. Roch.

• Sample ice cider, a sweet alcoholic drink made by pressing frozen apples.

With more than 375 years of history under its belt, Montreal is among Canada’s oldest cities. Few cities get to this ripe old age without accumulating a few ghosts, and Montreal is no exception. See below to find out more about Montreal’s spookiest sites.

Top Haunted Sites

• Search for the Algonquin Indian, the spirit of a long-perished Algonquin warrior who is said to roam Mount Royal Cemetery (Cimetière Mont-Royal).

• Hear about hair-raising reports of loud noises and a mysterious woman in white that have plagued the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel in haunted Downtown Montreal.

• Wander the specter-ridden streets of Old Montreal, the oldest part of the city.

• Visit eerie empty lots, abandoned sites, and scary old buildings in Griffintown, a former industrial working-class neighborhood.

Montreal’s Haunted History

From the time of Jacques Cartier’s voyage to Quebec in 1535 right up to the 20th century, when the city rose to prominence as Canada’s biggest and most important urban center, Montreal has witnessed many murders, deaths, tragedies, and unexplained mysteries. Macabre episodes and gruesome events blight the pages of its history books, whether it’s the 6,000 Irish immigrants who fell foul to a typhus epidemic in the mid-19th century, the hundreds of soldiers wiped out during the 1837 rebellions against the English, the more than 50 children killed in a tragic 1918 orphanage fire, or the grisly killing of Mary Gallagher—whose decapitated body was found in 1879. As a result, ghost stories abound in Montreal, meaning guides have lots of creepy tales to share during “spirited” ghost tours of the city.