Great Itineraries

Great Itineraries

If You Have 2 Days

With only a couple of days, you should devote one day to Lower Town, which is the earliest site of French civilization in North America, and the second day to Upper Town. On Day 1, stroll the narrow streets of the Quartier Petit-Champlain, visiting the Maison Chevalier and browsing at the many handicraft stores. Moving on to Place Royale, head for the Église Notre-Dame-des-Victoires; in summer there's almost always entertainment in the square. On Day 2, view the St. Lawrence River from Terrasse Dufferin and visit the impressive buildings of Upper Town, where 17th- and 18th-century religious and educational institutions predominate.

If You Have 4 Days

Four days will give you some time to explore outside the walls of the Old City as well as the countryside. Follow the itinerary above for a two-day trip. On Day 3, plan a picnic on the Plains of Abraham, site of the battle that ended France's colonial dreams in North America and marked the beginning of British rule in Canada. In the afternoon check out the Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec or the Musée de la Civilisation. On Day 4, head out of town to explore the Côte de Beaupré, including the colossal Basilique Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré, or see Montmorency Falls and Île d'Orléans.