Top Things to Do in Québec City

La Citadelle, Québec City

The fascinating star-shape fortress on Québec City’s Cap Diamant is the largest fortified base in North America still occupied by troops. Built in the 1800s to protect the city from an American invasion that never came, La Citadelle is currently home to Canada’s Royal 22nd Regiment. Every summer morning at 10 am, the regiment turns out in scarlet tunics and bearskin caps for the changing of the guard.

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Québec City

The most photographed sight in Québec City, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac towers above 18th- and 19th-century houses, which are now shops and bistros. At the hotel’s base is Terrasse Dufferin, a wide boardwalk with sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentian Mountains.

Tadoussac, Side Trips from Québec City

This old trading post north of Québec City, situated at the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Saguenay rivers, is now a major whale-watching destination. You may see minke, finback, and even blue whales, but more commonly the southernmost colony of beluga whales. Watch them from shore, or sign up for a cruise to get a closer look.

Plains of Abraham, Québec City

It’s a peaceful city park now, full of winding walking paths and bicycle trails, and a favorite in winter of Québec City’s cross-country skiers. But on September 13, 1759, it was anything but peaceful, when British troops defeated the French in a half-hour and changed North American history forever.