11 Unmissable Day Trips From Québec City, Canada in 2024

Updated March 2024

Looking for some ideas to add to your growing list of day trips from Québec City? You’re in the right place!

I’ve been to Québec City several times, and though the French-inspired charm of the streets of Old Town is enough to keep you exploring, Québec City also offers quite a few amazing day trips not to be missed out on.

From nature escapes to whale watching, food tours at quaint French towns, and more, let me share with you the beauty that resides just a few hours outside of stunning Québec City.

Brimming with nature, culture, tradition, and beauty, let’s read some of the best day trips from Québec City that are unmissable and even accessible if you don’t have a car.

11 Unmissable Day Trips From Québec City, Canada

1. Full-Day Whale Watching Cruise from Québec City

⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 11 hours | 🏛️ Check Rates and Availability

Did you know that you could do some whale watching not too far from Québec City?

Hop on a comfortable coach bus and travel a few hours outside of Québec City and cross some of the most scenic views of the Saint Lawrence River all the way to the town of Baie-Sainte-Catherine, which is the setting of some of the best places in Canada to do some whale watching.

You’ll get the option of hopping on either the AML Grand Fleuve observation boat, which has 3 floors or the faster Zodiac boat (which you’ll decide when making your booking).

Depending on the experience you’re looking for, you can go for a leisurely whale watching experience on the AML Grand Fleuve or an adrenaline-packed whale watching experience on the Zodiac boat, where you’ll get to get a bit closer to the water creatures.

On board, you’ll have the expertise of a whale educator, sharing more information on these amazing animals, plus other guidance for a safe experience.

While whale watching, you’ll also enjoy the magnificent views of the Saguenay-Saint Lawrence Marine Park and spotting other marine animals, from seals, belugas, porpoises, and whales like the Blue Whale, Humpback Whale, Minke Whale, the Fin Whale, and much more!

Outstanding guide & experience! I highly recommend it. The zodiac was very comfortable and we were able to see minke whales, seals, beluga whales and the Saguenay fjord.

Lianna (read more reviews here)

📍BOOK Full-Day Whale Watching Cruise from Québec City

2. Magnificent Montmorency Falls Private E-Bike Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🏛️ Check Rates and Availability

Explore Montmorency Falls on 2 (electric) wheels when you join this e-bike tour to see this unique and beautiful natural landmark, only 30 minutes away from Québec City!

Known for it’s crashing waters and incredible surrounding nature, this tour includes a local guide, and plenty of stops to take in the views, and learn from your guide more about the history, nature, and wildlife of the area.

“From start to finish this tour was top notch! The equipment, on time, Yvan our guide was everything and more you could wish for in a guide making us comfortable, informed and making us laugh and enjoy our time immensely.”

Tania (read more reviews here)

At the end of the experience, you’ll get to enjoy a breathtaking ride on the funicular.

You’ll be equipped with an e-bike, water, and snacks as you ride bike-friendly paths, which makes this tour ideal for all people with different biking skills.

📍BOOK Magnificent Montmorency Falls Private E-Bike Tour

3. Private Half-Day Montmorency Falls and Ste-Anne-De-Beaupré

⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 3.5 hours | 🏛️ Check Rates and Availability

If you’re looking for a tour combining nature and culture, this tour perfectly combines both!

You’ll enjoy a comfortable ride to the incredible Montmorency Falls, a waterfall site 30 meters higher than Niagra Falls and only 30 minutes away from Québec City. This site attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, and I can say it’s something worth seeing in Québec City.

“Our driver, Isabelle, was wonderful! She arrived on time and drove safely to our destination. She is very pleasant and was able to give us a lot of information about the Basilica and waterfalls. The Basilica was a wonderful surprise. So beautiful! We would definitely recommend this private tour.”

Paula (Read more reviews here)

You’ll get to walk across the suspension bridge that goes over the crashing waves of the falls, take in the wide views around from the top of the waterfall, and even ride the funicular for more wonderous views!

Next, you’ll head to the religious sanctuary that goes by the same name as the town of Ste-Anne-De-Beaupré, known as one of the largest pilgrimage sites in North America. Depending on if there is or isn’t a special service or event happening, a guided tour of the Basilica will also be part of the day’s adventures.

📍BOOK Private Half-Day Montmorency Falls and Ste-Anne-De-Beaupr

4. Half-Day Private Getaway to Ile d’Orléans

⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 3.5 hours | 🏛️ Check Rates and Availability

Start off the days adventures traveling to the magnificent Montmorency Falls, and enjoy walking over the crashing waves on the footbridge that goes over the waterfall, or enjoy a smooth ride on the funicular, with incredible views all over.

Next, you’ll get to explore the rest of Orleans Island and its wonders, starting at the Cider house Domaine Steinbach, where you can visit the local cider house and gaze out at one of the most beautiful apple chards on the Island of Orleans.

Afterward, you’ll taste local Québecoise delicacies at Les Fromages de I’isle d’Orleans, where you’ll taste test local cheese. Then at Isle de Bacchus Vinery, you’ll get to try locally produced wine while overlooking the stunning orchards.

To sweeten up the experience, you’ll stop at Chocolaterie de I’lle d’Orleans where you’ll get to see chocolatiers at work, creating several types of chocolates, that you’ll get to sample and purchase afterwards.

If time permits, you’ll stop at Cassis Monna & Filles, which is known for its incredible local bites!

📍BOOK Half Day Priavate Getaway to Ile d’Orléans

5. Bike Tour to Montmorency Falls from Québec City

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🏛️ Check Rates and Availability

Montmorency Falls is a waterfall that lies 15-20 minutes north of Old Québec City and offers you some of the best nature escapes nearby, making this stop one of the best day trips from Québec City.

Join a fun bike tour, and hit the trails of the beautiful Montmorency Falls Park, down the scenic Domaine de Maizerets, as your guide pauses to take in the beauty, and learn more about the interesting geological make up of the falls, and the surrounding nature.

“This was a great way to see the city and the falls! Our guide was exceptionally friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. Great exercise and overall a wonderful way to spend the day.”

Jackie (read more reviews here)

You’ll cross the incredibly panoramic bridge over the crashing falls. If you want, you’ll take the cable car to get to enjoy even more views, including views of the historic Manoir Montmorency, the previous summer home of the Duke of Kent.

Lastly, step into the visitors’ center, learn a bit more about the waterfall, and get information on all the activities to do there.

📍BOOK Bike Tour to Montmorency Falls from Québec City

>> Read More: Follow Me Around Québec City, Canada

6. Snowshoeing Tour in Jacques-Cartier National Park

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 6 hours | 🏛️ Check Rates and Availability

Try something new and uniquely Canadian when visiting Québec City in the winter, and go snowshoeing!

Visit the stunning winter wonderland at Jacques-Cartier National Park, and hit up the snowy trails with proper snowshoeing equipment, and a guide to help guide you, and point out different panoramic sights to take in.

In between snowshoeing, you’ll stop at warm tents for a hot beverage and quick break, before returning on the trail for more breathtaking views.

This day tour includes hotel pick up and drop off, lunch and hot drinks, and proper snowshoeing equipment.

Enjoy the stillness of winter in one of the most beautiful national parks in Eastern Canada, and check out the local wildlife.

Bring your camera and warmest clothes, as these will be memories you’ll want to cherish for a while!

We had a great time! Our guide was excellent and responded well to the variable weather conditions. The guide was very knowledgeable about local wildlife. The picnic we had was very good. We would recommend to anyone. It is a great bargain!

dillon (read more reviews here)

📍 BOOK Snowshoeing Tour in Jacques-Cartier National Park

7. Guided Hike in Jacques-Cartier National Park

⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours | 🏛️ Check Rates and Availability

Hop on a guided walk through the breathtaking Laurentian Mountains at Jacques-Cartier National Park, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Eastern Canadian wilderness as your guide takes you through the most stunning paths.

Get picked up from the designated spot in Québec City, and then get driven to the mountains with all the proper equipment and safety guidance for a successful hike there.

“Excellent experience. Our guide was phenomenal. Food was perfect. Timing was perfect. Would highly recommend this to friends and family.”

Gerard (read more reviews here)

On your walk, you’ll have plenty of breaks in between for photos and lunch, with time to absorb the sheer beauty around.

📍BOOK Guided Hike in Jacques-Cartier National Park

8. Wine Tasting on Ile d’Orleans

⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🏛️ Check Rates and Availability

Head to the stunning Orleans Island and bask in the beauty of nature as you sip on locally produced wine at 4 local and family-run wineries on this wine-tasting tour.

Enjoy the nature views of Orleans Island, and learn about how the St. Lawrence River influences the fertility of the soil to produce Quebec wines as you try local Chardonnay, the special blend of Natashquan, which is a blend of fruity pears and apples, with a hint of oak, and a few reds, too.

“Celine was an excellent driver, super funny and nice! The wineries were excellent and gave lots of wine.”

Jessica (read more reviews here)

Start your wine-tasting journey at Domaine Sainte-Familie, where you’ll get a tour of the winery and vineyards, and then do your tasting; Vignoble du Mitan, where you’ll get the story behind the winery and time for shopping, along with your tasting, and then lastly, you’ll get a taste for the house wines at Isle de Bacchus Vinery.

📍BOOK Wine Tasting on Ile d’Orleans

9. Quebec: Grosse Île & Irish Immigrant Memorial Cruise & Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 6 hours | 🏛️ Check Rates and Availability

See history come to life in this interactive and historical cruise through the St. Lawrence River, and landing at the shores of Grosse Îl, an island with deep roots as an immigration point for Irish people between 1832-1937.

Your local guide will share insight into the history of the sights as you come across them on the boat and when you arrive on the island. Explore the buildings and monuments on the island while learning about the history of migration, stories, and local culture.

“This was a wonderful trip! The boat ride was fun, the pilot had us in the wheel house to tell us about the cruise in English. Only a handful of us so I got to sit in his chair! The Canadian Park Service gave an outstanding tour of the island. Telling us history of the potato famine in Ireland, the immigrants, the quarantine station and how garments were disinfected, who the employees of the station were and much more. Our guide was wonderful and it was a most worthwhile activity when you visit Quebec!”

read more reviews here

Relish the views of nature, from mountains, hills, and the river, on this comfortable cruise. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

📍BOOK Quebec: Grosse Île & Irish Immigrant Memorial Cruise & Tour

10. Québec City Guided Sightseeing Cruise

⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🏛️ Check Rates and Availability

Hit the waters of St. Lawrence River, and head towards Montmorency Falls, as you enjoy stunning views of the river, Old Québec City, the falls, nature, and more!

The boat has 3 viewing decks to enjoy the views from, and also comes with a local guide to share insight on what you’re passing and seeing, to give you more information on the region, from when the first French people arrived, to the impressive natural and geological make up of the region.

We took this cruise on our third day of sightseeing. It was fun to be on the beautiful St Lawrence…and see Quebec City from a different perspective. Also…a relief from walking!

Brian (read more reviews here)

You’ll also get to see the charming Ile d’Orléans, and get those highly saught after photos of the towering Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, plus more!

The boat has snacks and drinks for purchase, so rest assured you’ll have a great time on board!

📍BOOK Québec City Guided Sightseeing Cruise

11. Island of Orleans Taste and Drink Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🏛️ Check Rates and Availability

Get ready to indulge in the local ingredients and bites when you join this tour exploring Orleans Island, which is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Start your adventures by sampling regional Québec Wine at Vignoble du Mitan as you drink up the magnificent Beaupré coast. Then you’ll try the amazing cider at Cidrerie Verger Bilodeau as you learn about the family-run business, their pride in their product, and the beauty of their orchards.

“It was wonderful to experience these local businesses in person and have the opportunity to try their products before purchasing. We had a very small group for the tour so we were able to have very personalized service from the driver and all the stops we made.”

Jordan (read more reviews here)

Then to top it off, you’ll stop at not only 1, but 2 sweet shops – Chocolaterie de I’lle d’Orleans for rich chocolate sweets, and La Nougaterie Québec for a sweet finale with caramel, meringue, bonbons, chocolate, and more!

📍BOOK Island of Orleans Taste and Drink Tour

Nature Escape Day Trips From Québec City

Stare at the beauty of the St Anne’s Canyon Saguenay

*Spoiler alert I gave St. Anne’s Canyon Saguenay it’s own spot on this list separate from the picturesque town in which it is located (Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré). I will also share more about the town itself and St. Anne’s Canyon Saguenay separately just because there is SO much to do here alone*.

Enjoy the incredible 242-foot waterfall views at St. Anne’s Canyon Saguenay. Located 36 minutes north of Old Québec City in the city of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, is the outstanding site of a gushing waterfall that spews out of a million-year-old rock, creating an incredible natural sight to see for yourself.

Zipline above the beautiful waterfall on the Air Canyon, lifting visitors up 295 feet above the canyon. Get views of other natural phenomena such as the “giant cauldron” which is a bubbly river, the forested mountains, and even catch sight of a few wild animals.

Trek through one of the 3 giant suspension bridges, and step on the incredible viewpoints dotted around the park to snap your pictures or simply take the view in for yourself.

The entrance rate is $14 CAD, and don’t forget to bring comfortable, preferably waterproof shoes to comfortably trek the park.

I personally love my Women’s Vectiv Exploris Futurelight Shoes by the North Face for their lightweight feel, waterproof protection, and sleek style that can go with whatever outfits you’re going to pack for your trip to Québec City. I can’t recommend them enough!

Address: 206 Rt. 138, Saint-Joachim, Quebec G0A 3X0, Canada

Kayak and swim at Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier

Considered one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the province of Québec, Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier is overflowing with an incredible abundance of natural sights, adventurous and leisure activities to enjoy.

Located 30-40 minutes north of Old Québec City, the Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier offers visitors 62 miles worth of hiking trails, mountain biking, incredible swimming opportunities, boating options, kayaking, and so much more.

Guides are available to take you along the many walking paths to learn more about the local trees and plants that grow abundantly throughout the park, do some fascinating bird-watching, and skiing, skating and snowshoeing in the winter.

There is a lot more to do and experience in the park, and you can even plan to stay an entire weekend in the park’s incredible forest cottages and cabins or rent a space to pitch a tent in one of the many camping spaces available.

Whether you’re planning a day trip from Québec or you’re trying to plan a weekend-long escape, rest assured you won’t be bored while visiting Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier. Entrance tickets begin at $7.19 CAD.

Address: 103 Chem. du Parc-National, Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury, QC G3C 2T5, Canada

ℹ️ Check out cabins at Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier

Take a skiing lesson or two at Mont-Sainte-Anne

Located within Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, Mont-Sainte-Anne gets its own spot on this list for its long list of things to do/see here, separate from the picturesque town in which it is located (Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré).

Located 25 miles north of Old Québec City is the beautiful ski resort of Mont-Sainte-Anne, a deluxe ski resort situated in the Laurentian mountains, offers more than just incredible skating and skiing opportunities.

Whether you’re visiting in the summer or winter, there are always events happening in the ski resort.

The summer months include adventurous opportunities, such as paragliding, canoeing, hiking, and biking, as do the winter months.

In the winter, you can expect skiing, ice skating, sledding, sleigh rides, and snowshoeing.

Address: 2000 Bd du Beau Pré, Beaupré, QC G0A 1E0, Canada

ℹ️ Check out more activities to do at Saint-Anne Mountain

Rock climb and hike at Parc National des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie

Sitting smack dab in the middle of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Charlevoix biosphere reserve is the outstandingly gorgeous Parc National des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie.

The name roughly translates into “deep cuts from the valley” – which isn’t too hard to see when that is what takes many visitors breath away.

Kayak through the great white water rivers, take in the serenity and views of the abundant wildlife, rock climb, and reach new heights with incredible views of the valley below, and refresh yourself with the mist of the cascading waterfalls.

The Parc National des Hautes‑Gorges-de-la-Rivière‑Malbaie is located 2 hours north of Québec City, which makes it a little tricky to get there by public transportation, even Uber.

The best way to get to Parc national des Hautes‑Gorges-de-la-Rivière‑Malbaie from Québec City comes down to either driving to the park yourself or befriending a local and nice Québecian and seeing if they’re down to take you to Parc national des Hautes‑Gorges-de-la-Rivière‑Malbaie.

The entrance into the park is $9.25 CAD.

Check out the Riverboat Discovery Cruise, a 1-hour boat cruise taking you through some of the most breathtaking sites of the park, hop on a rabaska canoe (multi-person canoe), stand up paddling in the summer, and ice climbing, skating snowshoeing, and skiing in the winter.

Address: 500 Main Street, Saint-Aime-des-Lacs, QC G0T 1S0, Canada

ℹ️ Rent your car in Québec City

🚘 🚗 Looking to rent a car for your day trips from Québec City? Check out Alamo Car Rental or Expedia Car Rental Options to find the best rates for your upcoming road trip from Québec City.

Explore the parks of Saguenay

Saguenay is a nature lover’s paradise, overflowing with rivers, hills, valleys, ski, bike trails, and so much more.

One of its unmissable sites is the famed Saguenay Fjord, which is the remnants of the glacial valley that created the beautiful Saguenay River in the Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park, an ideal place for kayaking, canoeing, taking a scenic cruise, or cycling around the coast.

Check out the world’s largest La Pulperie de Chicoutimi, a pulp mill turned museum where you can dive deep into the influence that the pulperie had on Saguenay’s development then, and beyond, as well as what it was used for.

Take a stroll in one of the many parks in Saguenay such as the Parc de la Rivière-du-Moulin, offering 7.2 kilometers of walking trails. Catch the sunset, bring a few snacks, and absorb nature’s abundance.

Step inside the Pyramid of the Ha! Ha!, built in 1996, which has an observatory opened in the summer inside, and in and of itself is a unique structure to see in the middle of Québec.

Lastly, check out Val-Jalbert Historical Village, a true step back in time where you can visit this open-air museum and see homes, buildings, and local culture that was prominent in the late 1920s. Go inside the general store, post office, and homes, complete with tour guides dressed in outfits of the time.

Island Escapes, Big Cities, and Charming Small Town Day Trips From Québec City

Be mesmerized by the multiple wildlife sightings at Baie-Sainte-Catherine

Situated 2.5 hours north of Québec City is the picturesque and quaint town of Baie-Sainte-Catherine, situated on the idyllic coast of southern Charlevoix.

With an abundance of things to do, mostly natural and involving wildlife watching, a visit to Baie-Sainte-Catherine is a perfect weekend trip from Québec City for ultimate peace and quiet.

The Centre D’Interpretation Et D’Observation De Pointe-Noire translated into English means Interpretation of the Interpretation and Observation Center of the Black Point, is a stunning viewpoint that offers indescribable views of wildlife, birds of different species, and the emergence of the St. Lawrence River with the Saguenay narrow strip.

Whale watching is also a major activity here, and with an abundance of different whale watching excursions available to make the 2-hour drive up there easier, definitely consider checking them out.

Be in the presence of belugas, whales, seals, and so much more while breathing in the fresh air of the St. Lawrence River. A tour guide and marine life animal expert will share interesting facts along the way to further deepen your appreciation for what you’re seeing.

📍BOOK a Whale Watching Day Tour in Baie-Sainte-Catherine

Try family-crafted ciders and freshly picked fruit at Isle-aux-Coudres

Check out Canadian island life inside Isle-aux-Coudres, in the beautiful Charlevoix region, in the middle of the St. Lawrence River and a little over 2 hours north of Québec City.

A tight-knit community eager to welcome visitors to their beautiful island is the way to describe the vibe of the island, as the Marsouins (the locals) are ready to show you the best of their little island, which dates back to 1720 when the first Europeans settled here.

Go on a bike ride along the beautiful shores of the island, and pick your own fruit at the Cidrerie and Vergers Pedneault where you can try the family-crafted ciders, and check out the Mills of Isle-aux-Coudres, which often do grain milling demonstrations in which guides will share the deep tradition of milling on the island.

The best way to get to the island is to travel from Québec City up to the town of Saint-Joseph-de-la-rive and take a ferry from there to Isle-aux-Courdes, which is usually around 15 minutes and is completely FREE.

We like that word.

Make sure to head to the ferry’s official website to get the ferry schedule.

Getting up to Saint-Joseph-de-la-rive however may be a bit trickier unless you befriend a local Québecian, but if that’s not the case, consider renting a car and driving up there yourself.

If you’re from the States, the roads are not that different from what we are used to, and it’s fairly easy (and freeing) to go in your own vehicle.

ℹ️ Rent your car in Québec City

Check out local fishing culture and maritime heritage at Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive

Sainte-Joseph-de-la-Rive is a beautiful town located 1.5 hours north of Québec City. It boasts hometown vibes with the most picturesque towns surrounded by panoramic mountains and the St. Lawrence River.

Speaking of nature, one of the things to do is hike the trails at Sentier de la Forêt Marine, which means Marine Forest Trail, where there are sights of rivers, canyons, and waterfalls.

Right next to the hiking trails of the Sentier de la Forêt Marine is the Saint-Joseph-de-la-rive Maritime Museum, showcasing a collection of fishing and boating traditions and the heritage of the local area.

With boat exhibitions, a sawmill, and more, you’ll learn about the importance of these traditions and the identity they symbolize for locals.

📍BOOK your tickets to the Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive Maritime Museum

Visit one of the last types of flour mills belonging to a Lord at Le Moulin Seigneurial de Les Éboulements, which has been maintained to appear as historically.

Visit the grounds, check out how the mill still functions, and the history behind one of the few left of its kind.

Visit some of the most stunning French-inspired villages in Ile d’Orléans

Ile d’Orléans (Island of Orleans) is one of the most picturesque islands just east of Québec City, brimming with abundant nature escape opportunities, local charm, and friendly people.

This little island has around 6 villages to explore, each offering something to do and/or see.

Sainte-Pétronille for instance is located on the north side of the island. Showing off some of the most beautiful, picturesque architecture and homes on the island, the region has been recognized by many as one of the most beautiful towns in Québec.

For stunning French-style architecture, much like you’d see in Québec City, visit Sainte-Famille, as well as different farms and specialty dairy shops showcasing workshops on how to make certain island delicacies.

For great birdwatching and unruly nature, check out Saint-François. Stop by the multiple viewpoints, directing the gaze of the traveler to a new corner of the island or one of its magnificent views and sunset sights.

Make it a weekend trip to get to Ile d’Orleans and explore the French heritage yourself by renting a car and driving there.

However, if that is not an option, you can also consider taking a tour that will take you alongside other curious travelers while making other stops along the way.

Learn about the Irish heritage at La Grosse Île

Making up one of the 21 archipelago islands, La Grosse Île is an important city in Canadian history, as it used to be an immigration port when they arrived in Canada.

Today, the naturally beautiful island retells the story of its rich Irish heritage via the Irish Memorial, commemorating the unfortunate devastation of the famine that the Irish immigrants faced and suffered.

Tours are offered of the Irish Memorial, which is a towering Celtic cross, to guide and educate visitors on the tragedy and the lasting impacts of the famine on the future of the island.

The tour allows for easier access to the island, as ground and boat transportation are included, as opposed to driving yourself from Québec City if that is not an option for you.

Located on the St. Lawrence River, north of Québec City, the island is a beautiful natural escape with a fascinating and tragic history worth learning about.

📍BOOK a tour of La Grosse Île Irish Memorial

Try a few locally crafted treats in Baie-Saint-Paul

Naturally a beautiful sight to see, the cultural city of Baie-Saint-Paul is a city a little over an hour north of Québec City. It is most commonly known for its abundant art galleries and varied cultural scene.

The mountain and river scenery will impress you as you take in the scene of nature and history with one gaze.

Book a bike tour or just a bike and ride at your own pace through its forested paths, take your shoes off and feel the sand between your toes on one of the many beaches on its east coast, or stop into a specialty food store and get a taste for the delicacies of Baie-Saint-Paul.

The good news about Baie-Saint-Paul is that it is accessible via public transportation if that interests you.

Buses make the trip between Québec City and Baie Saint Paul every day, so make sure to check the bus schedule.

📍Check out the bus schedule between Québec City and Baie-Saint-Paul

>> Read More: 37 Great Must-Have Car Accessories For Your Next Road Trip [Updated 2022]

Learn about the Huron-Wendat Nation at Wendake

Learn and educate yourself on one of the First Nation Tribes called the Huron-Wendat Nation.

Wendake, which is the name for two reserves, is a First Nations “open air” museum space that welcomes visitors to witness first-hand the traditions and rich heritage of the Huron-Wendat Nation.

Though their original home is in central Québec, Wendake is located 22 minutes west of Old Québec City, and visitors can learn and appreciate the culture here.

Some enriching activities include canoeing and kayaking, storytelling, Huron traditional dance performances, and more.

Enjoy dinner at the lovely NEK8ARRE restaurant, which offers traditional delicacies based on game and fish.

Step into the boutique, and explore some of the handmade crafts created by a variety of First Nation people, or step into one of the craft-making workshops, and immerse yourself in the practice of making certain arts.

Wendake is open all year round, offering different activities based on the season, so consider a trip here.

ℹ️ Check out upcoming cultural events at Wendake

Explore endless activities in beautiful Montréal

Montréal is a beautiful city where new meets old and co-exist beautifully. I’ve been lucky to have visited a couple of times, and I relish every moment I’m there each time I visit.

From exploring Old Montréal and getting lost in its French Charm to the hipster Mile End neighborhood and all the poutine shops and beautiful diversity recognized in the varied neighborhoods.

Check out a walking tour of Montréal before doing anything else to really get the essence of the city, its buildings, the French influence, and the current-day Quebec-ian efforts to preserve their distinct culture.

Another amazing tour I have to recommend is the Fantômes Montreal Ghost Tour, which I took while visiting and LOVED.

Not only is it spooky and creepy to wander the streets of old Montréal at night, going through little alleyways and learning about the dark past, but it’s also super informative and historic.

Plus the tour guides come in full dress, adding their own flair, and describing the tour in character, making the experience even better. I can’t recommend them enough.

Visit the beautiful Montréal Botanic Garden and spend a few hours absorbing the beauty of the Japanese Garden, the variety of flowerbeds, and exotic flowers adorning the paths.

Not too far off is the Olympic Stadium, where the 1976 Olympics took place. Get a tour guide to share the impressive details with you, and enter the stadium, where all the activities and closing ceremonies take place.

For an added dose of fun, consider taking a bike tour to explore Montréal and go inside the little neighborhoods, smaller streets, and outside of the city center just a bit. I can’t recommend it enough; it was so much fun!

There are so many things to do in this city, so make sure to plan ahead all the things you want to do, especially if it’s your first time in Montréal!

📍Plan more activities to do in Montréal

>> Read More: 7 Helpful Things To Know Before Going To Montréal, Canada

>> Read More: How To Easily Book and Take The Train From Québec City To Montréal Using Via Rail Canada

Enjoy slipping down slides at Village Vacances Valcartier

With a number of slides, water games, activities, and lazy rivers, both indoors and out, the Village Vacances Valcartier is one of the best water day trip activities to do only 20 minutes away from Québec City.

Counting on 35 water slides, over 90 water games and activities, and 2 thematic rivers to enjoy during the summer, the water amusement park also has a few winter activities as well.

Open all year, if you’re visiting in the winter, check out the indoor water park “Bora Parc” as well as a few outdoor activities like 35 tobogganing runs, snow rafting, and more.

Considered to be the CONTINENT’S largest water park, this is a must-visit site near Québec City not to miss.

If you’re visiting in the winter, make sure to check out the unique but super interesting Ice Hotel, said to be the only one in North America boasting an all-ice-made hotel. If you’re traveling with kids, check out fun activities like snow-tubing at Village Vacances Valcartier!

Purchase tickets ahead of time on their website, and select your time, date, and how many tickets you’d like to buy.

Address: 2280 Bd Valcartier, Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, QC G0A 4S0, Canada

Tour the historic Old Town of Lévis

A popular place to visit sitting across the St. Lawrence River from Québec City is the picturesque town of Lévis.

Check out the Lévis Forts National Historic Site, where you can check out 3 separate forts that were constructed between 1865 and 1872 against a potential American invasion. Explore the underground firing tunnels, vaulted architecture, and castmates.

Stroll by the Maison Alphonse-Desjardins and take in the beauty of the beautiful mansion that used to be the home of the founder of the Desjardins Group.

Step in for a free tour of the mansion and get the history behind it. Groups of 7 or fewer do not have to make an online reservation, but if you plan on bringing a larger group, head to their website to make a FREE reservation.

Tour the historic neighborhood of Le quartier St-Romuald, right next to the St. Lawrence River, and step back in time as you walk past beautiful old buildings, quaint homes, and more. Take a tour of the neighborhood to further deepen your understanding of the area and the history behind the buildings.

📍BOOK your tour of the historic downtown Lévis

See why half a million people visit Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré every year

As you may have already seen, there is an abundance of natural sites to visit in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré as per #2 and #4 on this post, but here, I want to highlight a bit more of the culture of the town.

Situated 30 minutes north of Old Québec City is the town of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre, most commonly known for the St. Anne Basilica/ the Sainte Anne Sanctuary and Shrine. Named one of the 4 major shrines in Canada and one of the oldest pilgrimage sites in North America.

The shrine was dedicated to Saint Anne, believed to be the grandmother of Jesus, and is a beautiful work of art to explore and get lost in the details of the mosaics, paintings, the light that comes through the stained glass windows, stunning architecture, and the wooden sculptures inside.

The shrine receives approximately half a million pilgrims annually and is known by many believers as a holy site to ask for miracles to bring healing to the sick.

If you’re visiting around the end of July, you may catch the annual Feast of Saint Anne, which is a feast to celebrate St. Anne with a mass, procession, and other celebrations.

Getting to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre is quite easy with a river tour that will not only take you from Québec City to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré but will also include lunch, a cable car ride to the Mont-Sainte-Anne peak, and many other stops along the way.

If you’re visiting in the summer, check out the Canyon Sainte-Anne and explore the incredible beauty of waterfalls, suspension bridges, pine trees, and many hiking trails to enjoy it all.

Address to Sainte Anne Sanctuary and Shrine: 10018 Ave Royale, Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, Quebec G0A 3C0, Canada

📍BOOK your entrance tickets to Canyon Sainte-Anne

The Wrap-Up: 11 Unmissable Day Trips from Québec City, Canada

Québec City has an abundance of beauty, charm, history, and fascinating things to do on its own, but sometimes it’s just as great to explore a little further outside of the city center, to see the beauty and marvels that reside just a few miles out.

As a recap, the best unmissable day trips from Québec City, Canada are:

• Full-Day Whale Watching Cruise from Québec City
• Magnificent Montmorency Falls Private E-Bike Tour
• Private Half-Day Montmorency Falls and Ste-Anne-De-Beaupré
• Half-Day Private Getaway to Ile d’Orléans
• Bike Tour to Montmorency Falls from Québec City
• Snowshoeing Tour in Jacques-Cartier National Park
• Guided Hike in Jacques-Cartier National Park
• Wine Tasting on Ile d’Orleans
• Québec: Grosse île & Irish Immigration Memorial Cruise & Tour
• Québec City Guide Sightseeing Cruise
• Island of Orleans Taste and Drink Tour

I hope that you enjoyed this list of unmissable day trips from Québec City and that it served you with some inspiration and places to add to your itinerary.

Have you been to any of these places near Québec city?

Let me know if I missed any other sites you may know that should be included in the list so we can all take advantage of the different day trips available from Québec City.

To more travel like these.