If you’re looking for the best Quebec City views, you’ve come to the right place!
There’s no denying that Quebec City is one of Quebec’s… or even Canada’s… and maybe even North America’s… prettiest cities (especially in the winter snow!).
I mean, there’s cobblestone streets filled with stone buildings (and tons of history!). And to top it all off – a majestic hotel that you can see from anywhere!
I scouted the city for a month for the most beautiful places in Quebec City, and I think I found them all!
Whether you’re looking for a picnic spot with a view, that perfect instagram worthy-spot, or just interested in taking Quebec City photography, these spots are for you!
I’ve included both paid, and free Quebec City views on my list!
Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!
Top Paid Quebec City Views
Some of the best views of Quebec City are hidden within a paid activity.
Other times, the view is the activity.
So needless to say, some of the best Quebec City views are behind a pay wall, but they’re worth the cost!
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1. From The Top Of The Citadelle de Quebec
The Citadelle de Quebec is one of the main attractions in the city, but the best part about it is the view you get of Quebec City from the top.
You can see all the iconic landmarks of the city like the Saint Lawerence river and the Château Frontenac. This is also the only place you’ll get a cannon in your view!
The only way into the citadel though is with an organized tour. If you were already interested in touring the citadel, then the view is definitely a nice perk of the tour!
Otherwise, stay tuned for some free alternatives for a similar view!
2. Observatoire de la Capitale: 360° Quebec City Views
If you want an aerial view of Quebec City, the Observatoire de la Capitale seems like the no brainer place to go.
It’s on the top floor of the tallest building in Quebec City, so needless to say, this is an activity that’s all about the view.
There are a few things to keep in mind though before you go…
First, the ticket price is a bit steep for what you’re getting. And to warrant the ticket price, they’ve added in a lot of fluff that I found actually took away from the experience.
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If I were to go again, I would ignore all text – it’s confusing, and skip the videos – they’re nauseating to look at! You came for the view and that’s what you should enjoy.
They have a few seats set up for you to sit, and really take it all in.
And you can try to find different points of interest in the surrounding areas (like Ile D’Orleans, Montmorency Falls, Levis, and more!).
I also recommend bringing a snack, drink, or even lunch. There are some tables set up at the end of the tour – but there’s no cafe.
So if you want to make it worth your while I would pack some food. This way you can prolong the time you’re there for (otherwise I mean how long can you look at the same view!?).
3. Ciel! Bistro-Bar (Revolving Restaurant)
A great alternative to the Observatoire de la Capitale is Ciel! Bistro-bar just down the street. Of course, it isn’t the tallest building, but you get a lot more bang for your buck.
Ciel! Bistro-bar is a revolving restaurant. Now you can have a meal served to you while you slowly tour the city.
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You might look at the menu and say that it’s a lot more expensive than the Observatory – and I don’t disagree. But, what you don’t realize is that you can just come here for drinks (which means it also gives you a spectacular night time experience).
Unfortunately, you can’t make drink reservations, and they might be full when you go.
So another option is to make brunch reservations. It’s more expensive than drinks, but still cheaper than dinner!
This way you don’t have to feel like you’re just paying for the view.
4. Take The Levis-Quebec City Ferry
The Levis-Quebec ferry takes you across the St. Lawrence river to Levis Quebec.
It’s not just a ferry though but one of the best skyline Quebec City views! The best view will be when you’re halfway between both cities, in the middle of the Saint Lawrence River.
You see the size of the natural cliffs that protected Quebec City all those years ago!
You also don’t have to return right away to Quebec City once you make it to Levis. Opt to stay and tour a bit of Levis Quebec, you might even get some more (free) views from here!
Another unique way to see Quebec City from the St Lawerence River is to book a sightseeing cruise, like this one on Viator. The cruise takes you from Quebec City to Montmorency Falls along the St Lawerence, all with guided commentary.
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5. Manoir Montmorency
Montmorency falls is already one of the top things to do in Quebec city. But did you know that you get an incredible view of Quebec City from the top!?
You can park at the bottom and hike to the top.
But if the hike up to the top of the falls is a bit daunting, you can simply drive up! Yup, you can drive straight to the Manoir Montmorency at the top of the mountain – there’s even a parking lot there.
During the summer, I recommend planning a lunch stop here. I mean, it doesn’t get better than enjoying a poutine with a view of Quebec City in the background.
I recommend making a reservation in advance to get a seat on the terrace.
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.
6. Best Private Quebec City Views
Hands down, quite possibly, the best view of Quebec City is from the Hilton just outside Old Town.
You’ll have to book a room to see the view – but it’s worth it! Just book one night here for the view alone (and make sure you pay extra for the view… I mean that’s why you’re booking it!).
You can fall asleep starting at the lit up Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. Or get breakfast in bed while watching cars drive through the old city gates!
You’re the perfect distance from everything – even better than the observatory and Ciel! Bistro-bar.
Obviously it’s not a 360 degree view, but you see all the important parts: the Citadelle, Fairmont, city gates and of course the St Lawerence and Laurentian mountains in the background.
See room rates and availability on Hilton or Booking.com.
7. Risky But Relaxing View At Place Dufferin
Another one of my favourite Quebec City views is actually at Place Dufferin in the Chateay Frontenac.
Place Dufferin is a restaurant on Dufferin Terrace, so you get all the best views in the comfort of being inside… perfect for those cold winter days!
The only catch? You’re not guaranteed a seat by the window, and those are arguably the best ones!
I would avoid coming here for afternoon tea, and instead coming here for breakfast. Breakfast is a lot cheaper and you can opt to wait for a seat by the window to open up (p.s. ask for the A La Carte menu instead of ordering the breakfast buffet).
Fun fact: Place Dufferin used to be a curling rink before it was renovated into a restaurant!
8. Throughout The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is arguably one of the most iconic landmarks of Quebec City.
Of course, you can get several free views of the hotel itself but you also get some pretty unique Quebec City views from inside the hotel as well, but you will need to book a room!
Some of the best views of Quebec City are from the higher floors of the Chateau Frontenac.
For safety reasons, you now need a room key to use the elevator (unless you’re willing to take the stairs all the way up!).
Thankfully the room keys are not floor specific, so you can be staying on the third floor and still access the 17th! Which is where you’ll want to go!
You can’t get these views anywhere else. You’ll see the gorgeous architecture of the Chateau up close with the St. Lawerence in the background, or the city down below.
In the summer, there’s also a terrasse on the 6th floor of the Chateau Frontenac to relax with the view!
P.S. the interior of the hotel beyond beautiful as well so I recommend booking a tour to see more of it!
Top Free Quebec City Views
Everyone likes free things to do in Quebec City, and finding the best free view is no exception.
As it turns out, quite possibly THE BEST view of Quebec City is completely free! Continue reading to find out where it is!
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40 Things To Do In Quebec City: Top Attractions To Hidden Gems
9. Promenade des Gouverneurs – Beautiful Places In Quebec City
This is one of those views that you have to work for to make it count!
A top attraction in Quebec City is Dufferin Terrace (which gets you an incredible view – just not of Quebec City!).
So, if you want to see Quebec City you’ll have to walk a bit further along the boardwalk until you reach the stairs.
And yes – you’re going to have to walk up all of them (all 390 of them!). This will turn into the Promenade des Gouverneurs.
I urge you to not look back until you’re at the top. It’s incredible once you make it to the top and look back to see Quebec City in all it’s glory!
If you continue along the boardwalk, it takes you along the walls of the citadel (that could otherwise only be seen from the river!). You’ll eventually even reach the Plains of Abraham and the Citadelle de Quebec.
10. Terrasse Saint Denis
The Terrasse Saint Denis is kind of a cheat code to a free and easier Quebec City view (if you don’t want to pay for the citadel, or walk up the steps to the Promenade des Gouverneur).
Terrasse Saint Denis right below the citadel, and above Dufferin Terrace. You obviously won’t get the citadel in your view but you’ll still get a stunning landscape.
If it’s a nice day, Terrasse Saint Denis is also one of those beautiful places in Quebec City to set up a picnic lunch!
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11. Montmorency Park (For The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac)
The view from Montmorency park is known as the second best Quebec City views. It’s all about the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac here.
You’ll get the view of the Fairmont from the other side than you’re used to (compared to from the citadel and Terrasse Saint Denis. Offering a nice change of scenery of the same subject!
From here, you start to see the immense size of the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac towering above you!
12. Iconic Old Quebec Pictures: Escalier Casse-Cou (Breakneck Steps)
One of the most iconic places to snap a photo of old Quebec is from the Breakneck Steps, which are one of the ways to get to Lower Town.
From the steps you have a gorgeous view of Rue du Petit Champlain with the stone walled buildings, colourful rooftops, and people walking through the street.
13. Royal Battery/ Rue de Marché-Champlain
This is actually my favourite view of Quebec City. The Royal Battery is in Lower Town – so it will give you a view of the cliff that Quebec City was built on.
I love just walking a bit out from the battery onto the Rue de Marché-Champlain. In fact, there’s actually a viewpoint saved on Google Maps here as “Fairmont Le Château Frontenac photography spot“.
It’s saved here for a reason – it gives you a view of all layers of Quebec City: from the small, colourful homes, to the cliffside, and finally the Fairmont.
If you aren’t a fan of boats, this view is a great alternative to taking the ferry to Levis. Although you won’t have the whole skyline (like from the ferry), it’s still a pretty nice view.
14. Rue du Cul-de-Sac (Umbrella Alley) Iconic Quebec City Photography Spot
And finally! We’ve made it to the most beautiful place in Quebec City for a view! Just off of Notre Dame in Lower Town, is Rue du Cul-de-Sac (also known as Umbrella Alley). For the most part of the year, they set up umbrellas above the street (perfect for Instagram spots in Quebec City!).
P.S. Rue du Cul-de-Sac is a very funny name because it translates to Dead End Street….
It’s like the view from the Royal Battery, where you see the layers of Quebec City and the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac above. But here, you’re also able to get an idea of some of the smaller cobblestone streets in view.
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15. Île D’Orléans Rue Horatio Walker
Last, is a completely different view for some epic Quebec City photography and you’ll have to leave the city to see it.
You’re going to Île d’Orléans this time. This is the island that you look at from Dufferin Terrace. So it makes sense that you’ll get a view of Quebec City once you’re on the island – but you do have to know where to go!
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.
Once you’re on Île d’Orléans, drive to the Chocolaterie d’Orleans (feel free to pick up some souvenirs while you’re here too!). Before reaching the Chocolate shop, you’ll want to turn right on Rue Horatio Walker.
Either find a spot to park here, or you can also park at the Chocolate shop and walk across the street.
You’ll not only be able to see Quebec City but also Montmorency falls from here! It’s such a different view of the city than you’re used to (especially when we were there on a dark gloomy day!).
Need A Place To Stay In Quebec City?
I’ve visited Quebec City and stayed in a few places over the years, here are my recommendations.
If you’re on a budget but want to stay in the city centre, there’s no better place than Au Petit Hotel (see it on Booking.com). It’s a small but mighty hotel and for a night or two it gets the job done! Plus, you’ll feel like you’re staying in old time Quebec when you stay here!
I’ve also stayed just outside Old Quebec at the Hilton Québec. If you’re going to stay here, you have to upgrade your room to one with a view. This way, you’ll have floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Chateau Frontenac, plus you’ll have all the luxuries of staying in a hotel. It’s not far from Old Town either, only about a 5 minute walk. See it on Booking.com.
I’ve also heard only good things about the Clarendon Hotel in Old Town Québec. It’s be a bit pricier than Au Petit Hotel, but it’s also a more regular size hotel room. Plus, this is THE location to be in Quebec City. See availability and room rates on Booking.com.
For more accommodation options in Quebec City on Booking.com, or for more recommendations read my blog post.
My Amazon Quebec City Must Haves
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Last update on 2024-05-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API