Quebec City is a charming destination that offers a rich history, a vibrant culture, and a stunning natural scenery. But if you want to explore beyond the usual tourist attractions, there are plenty of hidden gems and quirky activities that will make your visit more memorable. Here are 10 under-the-radar or offbeat experiences that you can have in Quebec City.
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Sleep in an ice hotel at the Hôtel de Glace
For a truly unique experience, book a night at the Hôtel de Glace, the only ice hotel in North America. The hotel is rebuilt every year from January to March, using 500 tons of ice and 40,000 tons of snow. The hotel features 45 rooms and suites, each with a different theme and design. You can also enjoy the ice bar, the ice chapel, the ice slide, and the outdoor hot tubs. Don’t worry about freezing: you’ll sleep in a cozy sleeping bag on a bed made of ice and wood.
Slide down the Toboggan Slide Au 1884
One of the oldest attractions in Quebec City, the Toboggan Slide Au 1884 is a giant snow-slide that runs from mid-December to mid-March every year. You can hop on a wooden toboggan that seats up to four passengers and reach speeds of up to 70 km/h (43 mph) as you glide down the slope. Enjoy the views of the Château Frontenac and the St. Lawrence River as you experience this thrilling ride.
Walk along the fortifications
Quebec City is the only fortified city north of Mexico, and you can explore its impressive walls and gates by walking along the Fortifications. The 4.6 km (2.9 mile) trail will take you through various historical sites, such as the Citadelle, the Artillery Park, and the Plains of Abraham. You can also learn more about the city’s military past and its role in the conflicts between France and Britain.
Attend Le Festival d’été de Quebec
Le Festival d’été de Quebec is a summer music festival that attracts up to 1.5 million people every year. It features performances by local and international artists from various genres, such as rock, pop, hip-hop, folk, and more. The festival takes place in various venues across the city, one of which is the biggest stage in North America. Some of the recent headliners include Lady Gaga, Billy Joel, The Killers, Snoop Dogg, and more.
Follow the Parcours des Anses
The Parcours des Anses is a 15 km (10 mile) path that follows the south shore of the St Lawrence River. It offers great views of Quebec City and Cap Diamant, and it’s a perfect place to enjoy a relaxing stroll, bike ride, or rollerblade session. The path is flat, wheelchair-friendly, and dog-friendly. You can access it by taking a short ferry ride from Quebec City to Lévis.
Join a Quebec City food tour
If you want to taste the best of French-Canadian cuisine, you can join one of the many Quebec City food tours that will take you to different local eateries and producers. You can sample craft beers, charcuteries, cheeses, teas, and other delicious dishes, while also learning about the history and culture of Quebec City and its region. You can choose from different themes and areas, such as Old Quebec, Saint-Roch, or Île d’Orléans.
Explore Île d’Orléans
Île d’Orléans is an island located about five kilometres (3.1 miles) east of downtown Quebec City. It was one of the first parts of the province to be colonized by the French, and it preserves a rural charm and a rich heritage. You can explore its six quaint villages, visit its farms and orchards, taste its wines and ciders, admire its art galleries and museums, and enjoy its scenic views.
Catch a candlelight concert
For a romantic and unique musical experience, you can catch one of the candlelight concerts that take place in various churches and chapels around Quebec City. These concerts feature classical music performed by talented musicians in an intimate and cozy atmosphere. You can listen to works by Bach, Mozart, Vivaldi, and more, while admiring the architecture and acoustics of these historical venues.
See the birthplace of French Canada at Place Royale
Place Royale is a small square that marks the spot where Samuel de Champlain founded the first permanent French settlement in North America in 1608. It’s considered the birthplace of French Canada, and it’s surrounded by some of the oldest buildings in the city. You can visit the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church, the Musée de la civilisation, and the Fresque des Québécois, a mural that depicts the history of Quebec City.
Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from an observatory
If you want to see the city from a different perspective, you can visit the Observatoire de la Capitale, which is located on the 31st floor of the Édifice Marie-Guyart, the tallest building in Quebec City. You can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city and its surroundings, including the Old Quebec, the Plains of Abraham, the Saint Lawrence River, and the Laurentian Mountains. You can also learn more about the history and culture of Quebec City through interactive exhibits and multimedia displays.
