If you’re heading to Quebec City you won’t be bored for a second! With loads of things to do in the city itself, but plenty just outside it as well!
Quebec City is in the Charlevoix region of Quebec, bordering the Laurentian mountains. That means there is a TON to explore on day trips from Quebec City.
Here are just 20 Quebec City day trips that you can go on!
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Top 20 Day Trips From Quebec City
1. Montmorency Falls
Montmorency Falls is by far one of the easiest day trips from Quebec City. It’s super close to the city (like a 15 minute drive) so you also don’t have to spend the entire day here.
If you don’t have a car, there are also many organized tours that leave from Quebec City (like this one from Viator).
Montmorency Falls is the tallest waterfall in Quebec, it’s actually even taller than Niagara Falls in Ontario!
There are a few activities to do while you’re here. You can walk to the top of the falls, or take the gondola. There’s a restaurant at the top of the falls as well (with an incredible view of Quebec City). And you can even zip line down if you’re feeling adventurous.
Quebec City To Montmorency Falls Organized Tours With Viator
If you don’t have a car in Quebec City, don’t worry, Montmorency Falls is the most popular place to visit out of the city. Book one of the top tours below!
Half-Day Trip to Montmorency Falls and Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré from Quebec City →
Small Group Excursion of Quebec City and Montmorency Falls →
See more Quebec City tours with Viator.
2. Levis, Quebec
Levis, Quebec is right across the St. Lawerence River from Quebec City. It actualy used to be THE town before Quebec City boomed in the 1800s. In fact, this is where the main train station was before Quebec City ever even had one.
Although Levis might not look like much today, it does have quite a bit of history that you can learn about once you’re here. First, you can tour Lévis Forts National Historic Site, go to the A.C. Davie Shipyard national historic site, or see the old home of Alphonse Desjardins (the founder of Desjardins Insurance).
The best part of visiting Levis is actually getting there. You can take a ferry directly from Quebec City, making visiting Levis by far one of the easiest things to do around Quebec City.
Read more about a day trip to Levis, Quebec.
3. Chaudière Falls – Things To DO Around Quebec City
Although technically in Levis, the Chaudière Falls and the town of Lévis can be a separated into two unique day trips fro Quebec City. You can’t get to Chaudière Falls from the Lévis-Quebec ferry, so it’s easier to drive to them.
The main attraction is of course the falls but also the suspension bridge for the best view of them. There are also a few hiking/walking trails in the park, plus a visitors centre and a case croute that’s open in the summer.
4. Wendake Village
Wendake is a First Nations village about a 20 minute drive from Quebec City. This is a very important day trip from Quebec City to learn about a different side to the history of Canada.
There are two museums that you can visit to learn more about the First Nations in Canada (and see what a traditional long house looked like!).
If you visit at the right time of year, you might even be able to make it for the annual Pow Wow celebrations.
They also have a night time light show you should check out.
Read more about spending the day in Wendake.
5. Iles D’Orleans: Quebec City Day Trips
Iles D’Orleans is another popular Quebec City day trip. But to be honest, depending on when you visit it can be a whole lot of nothing.
This is an island across from Quebec City that’s really just a lot of farmland. You can drive around the entire island in around 45 minutes, but you do get some pretty spectacular views of the city itself and Montmorency Falls!
And, depending on the time of year you’re visiting, they offer different sets of activities to do on the island.
The summer is the best time to visit because there is a beach, farmers markets, and berry picking. Iles D’Orleans produces some of the best berries in Quebec! Plus, there are a bunch of wineries to lunch at as well.
In the fall, you might be able to go apple picking and visit different cideries.
In the winter though, the island kind of shuts down, and there really isn’t much to do other than go on a scenic drive…
Quebec City To Île d’Orleans Organized Tours With Viator
Ile Orleans Food & Drink Tour From Quebec City →
Ile Orleans Wine Tasting Tour From Quebec City →
See more Quebec City tours with Viator.
6. Grosse Île
Grosse Île is in the middle of the St. Lawerence River and has some pretty unique history. This is where you’ll find the Irish Memorial National Historic Site. The island was Canada’s main immigration gateway and a quarantine station for the Port of Quebec from 1832 to 1937.
The catch though – the only way to reach the island is by boat or, surprisingly, by plane! Boats to the island leave from the Berthier-sur-Mer marina, about a 45 minute drive from Quebec City.
7. Valcartier Vacation Village – Quebec City Day Trips For Families
One of the best (and easiest) day trips from Quebec City for families is Valcartier Vacation Village.
Valcartier Village is an indoor and outdoor amusement park (so it’s good all year round – rain, shine, and even snow… this is Quebec after all!).
They have water slides all year round, and this is where you’ll find the ice hotel in the winter!
8. Cap Tourmente
Cap Tourmente is a wildlife preserve with hiking and walking trails. If you’re looking for things to do outside Quebec City to connect to nature, this one is for you!
Unfortunately, we haven’t had a chance to visit yet, but it’s on our list!.
9. Canyon Sainte-Anne
Or head a bit further for an even more incredible day trip from Quebec City, at Canyon Sainte-Anne. Canyon Sainte-Anne is well, a canyon.
Walk on the suspension bridge admiring the canyon below, or opt to soar high above it in their Aircanyon!
10. Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré isn’t a huge town near Quebec City but it might be a worthwhile stop for you!
For starters, in the winter it has one of the best ski hills in Quebec (well in my mind anyway!) – Mont Sainte-Anne!
If you’re religious, you might be interested in the Sainte-Anne Basilica, as it’s one of eight national shrines in Canada. The pope even visited in 2022!
They’re also known for having Americas largest panorama at the Cyclorama of Jerusalem.
11. Jacques Cartier National Park – Quebec City Day Trips
Jacques Cartier National Park is one of the best day trips from Quebec City for a full blown escape to nature just outside the city.
Only a 45 minute drive from the city, you’ll soon be surrounded by forest, mountains, and water! Hike one of the many trails (the most popular is Le Loup) or paddle board down the river in the summer.
Québec City Things To Do In Winter
Discover Christmas Magic in Old Quebec Tour →
Snow Shoe Excursion From Quebec City To Jacques Cartier National Park →
Ski Excursion From Quebec City To Jacques Cartier National Park→
See more Québec City organized tours with Viator.
12. Baie-Saint-Paul
I absolutely love Baie-Saint-Paul! If you thought Quebec City was small, just wait until you see Baie-Saint-Paul.
There’s some shopping and good eats in the city. But it’s mainly known for its art scene. There are art installations set up throughout the town, plus art museums and galleries to visit.
You can of course also head down to the actually Baie. If you time it right, you can walk along the beach at low tide.
13. L’Isle-aux-Coudres
Just passed Baie-Saint-Paul there’s another island that can only be reached by ferry: Iles-Aux-Coudres.
This small island is similar to Ile D’Orleans, but there’s somehow a lot more going on. It’s beautiful to drive around the island – which also takes 45 minutes. But, if it’s nice enough, bike around the island instead!
Of course, there’s also some local shopping and restaurants to enjoy. Plus! Once you’re here, you can also go on a tour of a working water mill.
Related
14. Le Massif Mountain
If extreme sports are what you’re looking for on day trips from Quebec City, then head to La Massif Mountain.
The Massif Mountain is the only mountain where you actually park at the top. This means you don’t even have to work for the view!
They have several extreme activities at the top of the mountain all year round – like mountain biking in the summer and skiing in the winter.
But, for the less extreme out there, you can also opt to just hike around. In fact, they have a beautiful walk around the top of the mountain with incredible views. Look for La Cerisier loop trail.
You can also just take the gondola up and down the mountain – although there isn’t anything at the bottom (just the Charlevoix Club Med).
15. La Haute-Gorges National Park
The Haute-Gorges is another Quebec National Park you can reach from Quebec City in one day – and it’s incredible! It’s quite a bit further, but trust me, it’s worth the drive!
You’re driving through the mountains into a gorge (well canyon!).
They have hikes for every level, from the extreme to the really easy! But each one has incredible views at the end. You can also opt for a cruise down the river instead!
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16. La Malbaie
La Malbaie is just past La Haute-Gorges National park, so you can easily combine both day trips from Quebec City into one. Head to the National Park for a morning hike, and then settle down in La Malbaie in the afternoon/evening.
The main attraction in La Malbaie is actually the Fairmont Le Richelieu hotel, and the Casino.
If you come here for the day, I would recommend having lunch at the Fairmont, as the view is just incredible from the top of the hill. Read more about what to do in La Malbaie here.
17. Train De Charlevoix (Seasonal)
If you don’t have a car, one of the best Quebec City day trips is the Train de Charlevoix. It only runs during high season (of course) but it effortlessly takes you from Quebec City to La Malbaie!
It stops by Montmorency Falls and Baie-Saint-Paul as well. You can even choose to get off and stay the night in La Malbaie before heading back on the train.
Or you can just take it as a scenic train through the mountains along the St. Lawrence River.
18. Whale Watching On The St. Lawrence River (Seasonal)
One of the top things to do around Quebec City is to actually go on a whale watching excursion on the St. Lawerence River.
A boat will take you further down the St. Lawerence in hopes of spotting some whales!
Book a whale watching tour with Viator.
19. Mosaiculture (Seasonal)
In the summer, head to Mosaiculture to be truly amazed.
This is a park filled with garden art. They’ve created everything imaginable out of plants, from whales, to butterflies, and more!
20. Mega Park If It’s Raining!
Mega Park is really an indoor amusement park. This is the place to bring the family on a rainy day in Quebec City. Just outside the city centre, they have it all!
From an indoor skating rink, to a roller coaster, arcade games, and laser tag! Everyone is bound to have a good time here!
You might also be interested in…
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There’s Also The Quebec Aquarium
I’m never the biggest fan of aquariums, but it is nonetheless one of the things to do around Quebec City, and a great option for families.
It’s also more than just an aquarium for sea life, they also have polar bears!
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Read More Related Posts
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- 10 Jaw-Dropping Quebec City Views You Don’t Want To Miss
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Georgina
Wednesday 9th of August 2023
I loved visiting Quebec City! It was too cold for hiking in November, but I'm thinking about returning specifically to enjoy the hiking trails near the city. La Haute-Gorges National Park sounds like a lovely place to spend the day outdoors.
Meghan
Thursday 10th of August 2023
Hi Georgina! I actually went to La Haute-Gorges in November but only because it was a balmy 25 degrees (celsius!)... which is so not typical for November! And of course it was followed by a snow storm the next week! But that is one of the coolest Quebec National Parks I've been to!