11 Best Sights in Quebec City, Quebec

Wedged between narrow streets at the foot of the cliff, this spacious museum, with its striking limestone-and-glass façade, was designed by architect Moshe Safdie to seamlessly blend into the landscape. Its bell tower thoughtfully echoes the shape of the city's church steeples. A new exhibition, running until 2030, powerfully witnesses the narratives of 95,000 First Nations and Inuit women and men of Québec as they reflect on history, embrace the present, and envision a hopeful future. The temporary exhibits here are always well worth a visit too.

Situated on the city's liveliest avenue, the Grand Allée, this neoclassical museum in the park with a slick and modern wing is a remarkable steel-and-glass setting for its collection of 22,000 traditional and contemporary pieces of Québec art. Designed by starchitects Rem Koolhaas and Shohei Shigematsu, the Lassonde Pavilion, added in 2016, features three stacked, cascading galleries; a grand stairwell that spirals dramatically from the top floor to the basement, where a rising almost-mile-long tunnel connects to the museum’s three other wings. MNBAQ houses works by local legends Jean-Paul Riopelle, Jean-Paul Lemieux, Alfred Pellan, Fernand Leduc, and Horatio Walker that are particularly notable, as well as temporary exhibits by international artists such as Turner, Miró, and Giacometti. The original museum building in Parc des Champs-de-Bataille is part of an abandoned prison dating from 1867; a hallway of cells, with the iron bars and courtyard, has been preserved as part of a permanent exhibition on the prison's history.

Located atop the Édifice Marie-Guyart, the city's tallest building, Observatoire de la Capitale offers a spectacular panorama of Québec City from 31 stories up. The site features an overview of the city's history with 3-D imagery, audiovisual displays in both French and English, and a time-travel theme with a 1960s twist.

This 6.8 km (4.2-mile) promenade along the St. Lawrence River offers a truly gorgeous and privileged space to enjoy the water. It's a beloved local hotspot, boasting stunning vistas of the river and the two bridges spanning it to the west. The park's creative and contemporary landscape design attracts a lively crowd of pedestrians, cyclists, and inline skaters on sunny summer days, with children often seen playing by the fountains and on the sprawling lawns. Toward the eastern end, you'll discover a charming café and an observation tower, alongside the newly inaugurated Station de la Plage. This spectacular addition features a sandy beach area complete with chairs and umbrellas, and an infinity pool that truly gives the impression of bathing directly in the river, complemented by cascading water fountains. During high season, shuttle bus #400 conveniently transports visitors directly from Petit-Champlain in Lower Town to this scenic stretch every 30 minutes.

Crossing the St. Lawrence River on this ferry will reward you with a striking view of the Québec City skyline, with the Château Frontenac and the Québec Seminary high atop the cliff. The view is even more impressive at night. Ferries generally run every 20 or 30 minutes from 6 am until 6 pm, and then every hour until 2:20 am; there are additional ferries from April through November.

Have breakfast with the walruses, lunch (carefully) with the polar bears, and spend the afternoon watching the seals do their tricks at this cliff-top aquarium overlooking the St. Lawrence and Québec City's two main bridges. When you tire of the mammals, check out the thousands of species of fresh and saltwater fish in the aquarium's massive, three-level aquatic gallery, or have some hands-on experiences with mollusks, starfish, and stingrays. Don't miss the jellyfish ballet or seahorse tanks. This is the only aquarium in North America with examples of all five species of cold-water seals. Experience the Arctic with the brand-new immersive projections of polar bear, narwhal, whale, polar fox, and more in their natural habitat. For an even more immersive experience, there is a re-creation of the feeling of cold, even in summer. Chill factor guaranteed!

Just minutes from Old Québec, Baie de Beauport offers a vibrant escape on the St. Lawrence River, also easily accessible by car via the Corridor du Littoral waterfront bike path. Its expansive sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing, enjoying stunning city views, and a variety of water sports, including kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddle. On land, visitors can enjoy volleyball and an outdoor climbing wall. Food is readily available on site, including a lively beach bar. The summer buzz peaks with La Cigale festival in early August. This multi-day, California-vibe beach festival hosts not only the best of Québec musicians but also a slew of indie international acts like Half Moon Run and Foster the People, making it especially appealing to English speakers.

Québec City's Bassin Louise swimming pool is a bold urban marvel, a vibrant example of European-style city planning brought to life right here in the Old Port. Open from late June to early September, this free public swimming area offers an unforgettable, fun way to cool off on hot summer days. Dive into Olympic-sized lanes or relax in tranquil zones, or have your kids enjoy a wealth of supervised activities in the water, all with breathtaking marina views directly on the St. Lawrence River. On-site changing rooms, a restaurant, and an ice cream counter complete this perfect, accessible day by the water.

What was once a vast parking lot across from the Musée de la Civilisation has been transformed into an elegant, modern park. It now offers stunning views of Upper Town and significantly improves access to the river, both for strolling locals and for the cruise ships that frequently moor here. Children will delight in the interactive water features. Even the new multistory parking garage has been thoughtfully clad in an elegant wooden façade, adding considerable character to the area.

Of the 16 Martello towers in Canada, four were built in Québec City because the British government feared an invasion after the American Revolution. In summer, visitors can tour Martello Tower No. 1, and watch a presentation on the history of the four structures. A haunted maze is held for youngsters on Halloween at Martello Tower No. 2, at avenues Taché and Laurier, and a mystery dinner show is available by reservation. Martello Tower No. 4, on rue Lavigueur overlooking the St. Charles River, houses an escape room game, The Tormentor, in the summer months.

Throughout the month of August, an international competition of fireworks performances set to music lights up the skies between Old Québec and Lévis, launched from barges on the St. Lawrence River, near the ferry docks. Special shows are presented on the sites before the first rockets launch.