Enjoy charm, history, music, adventure and great food – all with a French accent -during a weekend rail trip to Quebec City in Quebec province, Canada.
Many Americans think of Francophone Canada as a way to get a slice of Europe that’s much closer to home, but you’ll soon find that it has a unique charm of its own. Quebec City (QC) is a perfect example. Recently we had the opportunity to visit our neighbor to the north, and it was fantastique, albeit too brief.
If you happen to be traveling through Canada, the only way to go is on VIA Rail. Our trip from Montreal to QC was one of the most comfortable rides we’d ever taken, and the scenery was absolutely stunning. To top it off, the food and service were just about as good. The 3½-hour journey was so pleasant that it made us dream of taking a VIA Rail trip west across Canada to Vancouver someday.
Le Vieux et le Nouveau: Old Quebec City
For an introduction to Quebec City, kids will enjoy the 3D multimedia Quebec Experience (8 rue de Tresor, 418/694-4000). You’ll take a thrilling journey through 400 years of history from the Amerindians to the French and English settlers, meeting Jacques Cartier, Samuel de Champlain and others through a sound and image show bursting with animatronics, holograms and amazing special effects.
Most tourists spend their time here in Vieux Quebec (the Old City). The narrow, winding and steep streets, as well as the ancient wall surrounding the old town evoke a European feel. Perhaps too expensive to stay in, but definitely worth a viewing is the Chateau Frontenac, a hotel with castle-like architecture that dominates Quebec City’s skyline. It’s located right above the Funicular, a short, steep cable railway, (a must-do) down to Place Royale in the lower city, which is the site of Nouvelle-France’s first settlement. This well-preserved square is full of shops and restaurants, and is the heart of the city’s artistic activities. Don’t miss La Fresque des Quebecois (Mural of Quebec), an amazing trompe l’oeil work depicting the city’s 400 years of history.
Le Vieux et le Nouveau: New QC
Another great area to explore is rue St.-Jean, which extends past the walls of the old city and gives you a more authentic feel of contemporary Québecois life. Of special interest to kids and chocolate lovers alike is the Erico Chocolate Economuseum (634 rue St.-Jean, 418/524-2122) where everything is made on site, and you can learn the history of chocolate from the ancient Mayan discoveries through the present. Educational yet delicious!
Another great stop is the Maison Jean-Alfred Moisan (699, rue St.-Jean), the oldest grocery store in North America, which has some unique Canadian products like maple syrup and teas.
Québec City is home to many captivating museums, but we only had time for one: Musée de la Civilisation de Quebec (85, rue Dalhousie, 418/643-2158), a combination science, history, and art museum. You could spend an entire day exploring all of its different exhibits (only two are permanent), or pick and choose from the delightfully interactive and engrossing rooms. Exhibits that were there when we visited included an examination of the historic and contemporary life of Canadian Native Americans (Amerindians), a CSI-like Murder Mystery exhibit where we collected clues and learned about how crimes are solved while narrowing down the list of suspects, and an exhibit on democracy. The museum also boasts a comfortable and affordable café, as well as an extensive giftshop.
One of the unique opportunities for families traveling to Quebec during the summer is their fantastic summer festival, Le Festival D’été de Québec featuring live music and street performances on several stages throughout the city. It started small in 1968 when seven artists and a group of businessmen were looking for a way to liven up the city’s parks and squares and promote the popular arts. Since then, it has expanded into a huge 11-day event with performers and visitors from around the world. Now over 1,000 artists perform in all styles to a roving audience in the hundreds of thousands.
Luckily, our trip happened to coincide with the Festival and it really seemed like the whole city came out to hear the music and participate. The activities started in the late afternoon and continued into the evening and were very popular, making for a very lively and celebratory atmosphere. Specially-themed performances and workshops for children take place each afternoon. Canadian love festivals and there are many throughout the year (such as the Montréal’s Jazz Festival and Quebec City’s Winter Carnival), so it’s worth looking into their schedules ahead of time.
A Daytrip out of the New QC
We took an excursion to the outskirts of the city (about 10 minutes by car ) to Montmorency Falls Park (800/665-6527), a breathtaking waterfall that is 1½ times the height of Niagara Falls. A short aerial tramway ride takes you to the top of the mountain, where you can visit Manoir Montmorency whose restaurant offers an incredible view, and a small museum explaining the history of the falls. There is a pedestrian footbridge across the falls (not recommended for any acrophobiacs in your family), and a stairway down to its base.
You could easily spend an entire day here, hiking in the summer and ice climbing and sledding in the winter. Our guide told us that for adventurous and active families, it would be possible to rent a bicycle in the city and bike all the way to the Falls, for a nice day trip.
Planning a QC Weekend Getaway
Within walking distance of the VIA Rail station and many sights is the Hotel Manoir Victoria (44, cote du Palais, 800/463-6283, 418/692-3822), a beautiful, historic hotel with luxurious accommodations. Well-situated in the midst of the Old City, it is near shops and restaurants, surrounded by hundreds of years of culture. Accommodations include 156 rooms and luxury suites, and the hotel is outfitted with a gym, an indoor swimming pool, “Le Spa du Manoir,” a business center, indoor parking and two restaurants. Children are most welcome, and stay free in their parent’s room up to age 18. In the restaurants, children under 6 eat free, and older children to age 12 receive a 50% discount. Video Games are available in the rooms, and babysitting can be arranged through the concierge. Free high-speed Internet (in all rooms) and a whirlpool bath were great perks during our stay. It really is perfect for both a romantic getaway and for families with children of all ages.
It’s hard to find bad food in Québec City, and some of the places we really enjoyed are: La Primavera (73, rue St-Louis, 418/694-0030), a comfortable Italian restaurant in the Old City; Creperie Le Petit Chateau (5, rue St.-Louis, 418/694-1616) featuring unforgettable and mouth-watering crepes and fondues, and Le Petit Cochon Dingue (24, boulevard Champlain, 418/694-0303), meaning “Crazy Little Piggy,” which is what you’ll feel like after sampling the treats at this bakery/café in Cartier-Petit Champlain.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
This enthusiastic blog provides a huge list of 51 varied and exciting summer vacation ideas for families, offering options from theme parks to national parks both near and far.
Absolutely love the insights you’ve shared in this blog!
Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it’s truly informative.
I am gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future.
A lot of people will be benefited from your writing.
Cheers!
Lovely just what I was looking for.Thanks to the author for taking his clock time on this one.
wow
Great read! I really appreciated the insights you shared—especially the way you broke things down in a clear and relatable way. Looking forward to more content like this. Keep up the great work!
Traveling to Aruba promises an unforgettable escape. From white-sand beaches to clear turquoise waters, this Caribbean gem invites you to create memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t forget your sunscreen and sense of adventure!
Thanks very nice blog!
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this write-up plus the rest of the site is very good.
This article was very informative thank you!
For the people that are planning to go to Aruba, I would also suggest this website: https://canitravel.net/countries/aruba . I used it last month when I went to Aruba and it always had up-to-date travel restrictions. I hope this helps 🙂
Nice post!
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article.
I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks
for the post. I will definitely comeback.
This is such helpful information! Traveling with minors can get complicated, and having all the required documents ready makes the process so much smoother. Thanks for breaking it down so clearly!
Great blog! I really enjoyed reading it. The way you explained everything in such simple and clear words made it easy to follow. Sometimes blogs can get too technical or confusing, but this one was straight to the point and very helpful.
I got good info from your blog
Keep working ,great job!
I haven’t checked in here for a while as I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I’ll add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
I had the chance to experience Denmark during the Christmas season, and it’s something I’ll always hold close to my heart. Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen felt like stepping into a storybook. The way the entire park was dressed in soft, glowing lights, handmade decorations, and the comforting scent of mulled wine in the air made every moment feel special.
There’s a unique warmth about this place that isn’t just from the cocoa or winter drinks, but from the people, the laughter, and the little traditions scattered around every corner. Watching families gather, children’s faces light up at the sight of the reindeer, and the simple joy of wandering through beautifully decorated stalls reminded me how lovely the holiday season can be.
It’s not just about the decorations or the rides — it’s the feeling of togetherness, the calm, and the way time seems to slow down so you can really take in the small, meaningful moments. I left with a heart full of good memories and a deep appreciation for the charm and kindness of Danish traditions.
If you ever get the chance to visit, I promise it’s a place that will stay with you long after you’ve left.
The article is full of information , thanks for such a good knowledge.
This article is incredibly informative and well-structured. It offers clear, practical guidance on a topic many travelers often overlook—traveling with minors. The detailed breakdown of required documents and the emphasis on consent letters provide much-needed clarity for parents and guardians planning a trip. A must-read for anyone traveling with children!
Great article! I completely agree with your points.
Keep up the good work
Excellent post however I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this topic?
I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further.
Thanks!
Hi, yes this post is genuinely nice and I have learned lot of things from it concerning blogging. thanks.
Excellent post! I found your analysis both engaging and informative. Well done.
I have been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thanks, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your web site?
Very interesting information!Perfect just what I was searching for!
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this before. So good to search out anyone with some unique thoughts on this subject. realy thanks for starting this up. this website is one thing that’s needed on the internet, someone with a bit originality. helpful job for bringing one thing new to the internet!
Thank you for such praise, I am glad I could present the material in a way that made you want to see and experience St. Augustine’s Black history for yourself.
Of course, this beach town has lots more to offer but if you are willing to walk the lanes and dig a little bit, the history of the first Blacks and how much they contributed to protecting the colony is fascinating.
Hope you get there and enjoy your trip.
Your trip sounds absolutely incredible! Lisbon is truly a magical city, and your experience during the EuroCup must have made it even more special. If anyone reading this is planning a trip to Lisbon, I highly recommend taking a free walking tour to explore the city’s rich history, charming streets, and hidden gems with a local guide. You can check out this great option: https://www.guruwalk.com/lisbon. It’s a fantastic way to get an insider’s perspective on the city!
It’s iin reality a great and helpful piece oof info.
I’m satisfied that you shared this helpful information with us.
Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing
Great content for cruise lovers !! One of the most advantage of cruising is you do not have to pick your luggages every day , and every day you discover a new country. Although one day is not enough to see everything it gives an idea about a country ! With my experience since 2007, 99,9% of my guest said that Kusadasi/Turkey is their favorite port among all the other ports. Because we have a lot of options for every traveler. The most popular places , if your ship is docking at Kusadasi, is Ephesus ancient city which is only 25 min. drive away. Ephesus was the 4th largest ancient city of the world in 2 c AD.Most of the ruins are reconstructed and gives an idea about Roman’ glorious times. If you ever visit Ephesus, I suggest you to see Terrace Houses , where the rich were living and houses are decorated with beautiful mosaics and frescoes from 3rd c AD.If you want to add a spiritual break , thats House of Virgin Mary is there. It is believed that she was taken by St. John the apostle to there.Another place you must see Ephesus Museum.. Forget all that boring museums you have seen . While guiding , I explain the most interesting artifacts , including original staue of Artemis. BTW. did you know that one of seven wonders of ancient world was located there? Well… not so much left , but it is still worth to be seen. If you ever visit Kusadasi,and want to have private tour, please feel free to contact with me ! I am very happy to answer your questions and customize your trip to Ephesus. Please visit my website,not only for Ephesus trip but also to get an idea about my beloved country Turkey/Turkiye. You can see different types of tours that I organize. Archaeological , culinary or lets customize your tour to Turkey together!! luxurytoursofturkey.com/