10 Things to do for Free in Quebec City

Quebec City is one of Canada’s most vibrant cities, with plenty of attractions, both free and paid. From stunning historic sites to picturesque parks, there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to experience the best of what the city has to offer, without spending a dime. Here’s our guide to the top 10 things to do for free in Quebec City.

Explore Old Quebec City

Old Quebec City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only walled city in North America north of Mexico. It’s a must-visit for anyone exploring Quebec City. The cobblestone streets are lined with colorful buildings, quaint shops, and historic monuments, giving visitors a true taste of the city’s rich history. Stroll through the streets and take in the sights of the Petit-Champlain district, or explore the winding paths and hidden courtyards of the Place Royale.

The Old Town also offers plenty of free activities, such as outdoor concerts in the summer months, and visits to some of the city’s most iconic monuments, such as the Château Frontenac and the Citadelle.

The Old Town is also home to the Musée de la Civilisation, an interactive museum that offers free admission on the last Thursday of every month.

Visit a Park

Quebec City is filled with lush green parks and gardens, offering plenty of opportunities for visitors to take in some fresh air and relax. The Plains of Abraham is one of the most popular parks in the city, with its rolling hills and stunning views of the St. Lawrence River. The park is also home to several monuments and historical sites, such as the Martello Towers, the Citadelle, and the Maison Chevalier.

Another popular park in the city is Parc de la Chute-Montmorency. This park is home to a stunning waterfall that cascades 83 meters into the St. Lawrence River, creating a stunning natural spectacle. The park offers plenty of free activities, such as hiking trails, picnic areas, and a suspension bridge.

Quebec City is also home to the stunning Parc du Bois-de-Coulonge, which is a great place for a stroll or a picnic. The park is home to several gardens, ponds, and walking trails, and is a great spot for bird-watching.

Experience the Culture

Quebec City is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can experience the city’s culture for free by exploring some of the city’s many art galleries and museums. The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month, while the Musée de la civilisation offers free admission on the last Thursday of every month.

The city is also home to several free music festivals, such as the Festival d’été de Québec and the Quebec City Summer Festival. The festivals offer visitors the chance to enjoy a variety of musical genres, from classical to pop, in some of the city’s most beautiful locations.

Quebec City also hosts several free cultural events throughout the year, such as the Carnaval de Quebec, which is an annual winter festival that celebrates the city’s French roots. The event features a variety of parades, fireworks, and theatrical performances, and is a great way to experience the city’s unique culture.

Explore the Neighborhoods

Quebec City is filled with vibrant neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. The Quartier Petit-Champlain is one of the most charming areas in the city, with its cobblestone streets and colorful buildings. The area is home to a variety of independent boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, making it a great spot for a leisurely stroll.

The Saint-Roch neighborhood is another popular area for visitors to explore. The area is filled with vibrant street art, as well as some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. The neighborhood is also home to the Musée de la civilisation, which offers free admission on the last Thursday of every month.

The Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood is a great spot for visitors to experience the city’s French-Canadian culture. The area is home to several restaurants and cafes that specialize in traditional Quebecois cuisine, as well as a variety of antique shops and boutiques.

Visit the Religious Sites

Quebec City is home to several religious sites that are open to the public. The Notre-Dame-de-Québec Basilica-Cathedral is one of the city’s most iconic sites, and is open to visitors for free. The stunning gothic cathedral is home to a variety of religious artifacts, as well as some of the city’s most breathtaking stained-glass windows.

The city is also home to the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, which is one of the oldest churches in North America. The stunning church is open to visitors for free, and is a great spot to explore the city’s religious history.

The Eglise Saint-Roch is another must-visit religious site in Quebec City. The stunning Baroque-style church is home to several historical artifacts, as well as some of the city’s most beautiful stained-glass windows.

Visit the Markets

Quebec City is home to several markets, offering visitors the chance to experience the city’s unique culture and cuisine. The Marché du Vieux-Port de Québec is the city’s oldest market, and is a great spot to sample some of the city’s traditional dishes. The market also offers a variety of fresh produce, artisanal products, and souvenirs.

The Marché du Quartier Saint-Roch is another popular spot for visitors, offering a variety of food stalls and local vendors. The market also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as live music performances and art exhibitions.

The Marché de la Croisée is a great spot for visitors to experience the city’s multicultural side. The market is home to a variety of international vendors, offering a variety of ethnic foods and products.

Take in the Views

Quebec City is home to some stunning views, and visitors can take in some of the city’s most breathtaking panoramas for free. The Château Frontenac offers stunning views of the St. Lawrence River, and is open to visitors for free. The city is also home to several lookout points, such as the Dufferin Terrace, which offers stunning views of the city skyline.

The Plains of Abraham is another great spot for visitors to take in the views. The park offers breathtaking views of the city, as well as a variety of monuments and historical sites. The park is also home to several picnic areas, making it a great spot for a relaxing afternoon.

The Observatoire de la Capitale is another great spot for visitors to take in the views. The observatory is located atop the Grande Allee, and offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding area.

Visit the Beaches

Quebec City is home to several stunning beaches, offering visitors the chance to experience the city’s natural beauty. The Plage de la Baie de Beauport is one of the city’s most popular beaches, offering a variety of water activities, such as swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.

The Plage de la Pointe-aux-Lièvres is another great spot for visitors to enjoy the city’s stunning coastline. The beach is home to a variety of water sports, as well as a variety of picnic areas and walking trails.

The Parc de la Plage-Jacques-Cartier is another popular spot for visitors to enjoy the city’s beaches. The park is home to a stunning beach, as well as a variety of hiking trails and picnic areas.

Explore the Museums

Quebec City is home to a variety of museums and galleries, offering visitors the chance to explore the city’s rich history and culture. The Musée de la Civilisation is one of the city’s most popular museums, offering a variety of interactive exhibits and activities. The museum also offers free admission on the last Thursday of every month.

The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec is another great spot for visitors to explore the city’s culture. The museum offers a variety of exhibits, as well as free admission on the first Sunday of every month.

The Musée de l’Amérique francophone is another must-visit for visitors to Quebec City. The museum offers a variety of exhibits on the city’s French-Canadian culture, as well as a variety of interactive activities.

Take a Hike

Quebec City is home to several stunning hiking trails, offering visitors the chance to explore the city’s natural beauty. The Sentiers du Moulin Trail is one of the city’s most popular trails, offering stunning views of the St. Lawrence River. The trail is also home to a variety of wildlife, making it a great spot for bird-watching.

The Montmorency Falls Trail is another must-visit for visitors to the city. The trail offers stunning views of the falls, as well as a variety of picnic areas and walking trails.

The Parc de la Chute-Montmorency is another great spot for visitors to take in the city’s natural beauty. The park is home to several hiking trails, as well as a suspension bridge that offers stunning views of the falls.

Summary

Quebec City is a vibrant city with plenty of opportunities for visitors to experience the best of what the city has to offer, without spending a dime. From exploring the city’s historic sites and beautiful parks, to visiting its many art galleries and museums, there are plenty of free activities for visitors to enjoy. The city is also home to several stunning beaches and hiking trails, offering visitors the chance to experience the city’s natural beauty. With its rich culture and vibrant neighborhoods, Quebec City is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore Canada’s culture and history.