@jeftadube via Instagram
Quebec City is one of Canada’s most beautiful cities. From its stunning architecture to its historic sites, this provincial capital offers visitors plenty of reasons to fall in love with it. If you’re planning a vacation here, we’ve got some tips on where to go and what to do while you’re in town. If you are looking for great spots in Quebec City that are worthy targets for your camera, look no further than our list of the best views and viewpoints in Quebec City.
What are the most beautiful photographic viewpoints of Quebec City?
What is unique about Quebec City is the fact that it is a walled city that exudes a certain old-world charm that reminds the visitors of European cities. From historic buildings to stunning city skylines, Quebec City offers some epic views.
Dufferin Terrace
The Dufferin Terrace offers spectacular views of the St Lawrence River and its surrounding area. Here you can turn your camera towards the many talented street performers and musicians who strut their wares in the neighborhood or take pictures of the historic Chateau Frontenac. There are also many restaurants and shops in the neighborhood.
What’s more, this Quebec City landmark is easy to access. A trip to Dufferin Terrace can easily be nestled into a jam-packed day of sightseeing in Quebec City, allowing you to get that special picture and enjoy some of the best views that the city has to offer.
Observatoire de la Capitale
The observation deck at the Capital Center offers visitors a unique opportunity to take in a view that is immersed in historic vignettes. This is one of the most visited places in Quebec City, a spot where families come together to enjoy the spectacular views of the city and the St Lawrence river.
At the heart of this observation deck, situated at an altitude of 221 meters over 360 degrees, are three different spaces: the Main Hall, the Grand Salon, and the Terrace. In addition to the stunning views, visitors can admire the architectural details of the building, including the famous glass dome designed by René Leibovitz.
Top 5 attractions in Quebec city
Citadelle de Québec
The Citadelle de Québec is a former French fortress built during the 17th century in what is now the heart of downtown Quebec City. It is one of the most visited attractions in the entire city, and it’s well worth the trip just to see the excellent views from the ramparts. The value of this citadel has long been recognized by the Canadian government as a protected national historic site. Apart from giving you an opportunity to immerse yourself in history, it offers a view of the St Lawrence River that is unmatched.
Promenade des Gouverneurs
The Governor’s Promenade is a long boardwalk stretching across the Ottawa River from Dufferin Terrace to the Plains of Abraham. It offers an incredible view of the river and the Parliament Building. You can walk along the boardwalk and enjoy the scenery while admiring the architecture of some of Canada’s most famous historical buildings.
The promenade runs alongside the Ottawa River and connects the National Capital Commission’s Dufferin Terrace Park with the Plains of Abraham park. There are several places to stop along the way, including a large playground, picnic areas, walking trails, and even a small zoo.
Pierre-Dugua-De-Mons Terrace
This lookout point is located on the Île d’Orleans peninsula. It features a large grassy area, where visitors can take in stunning panoramic views of the city, as well as scenic views of the surrounding countryside. There are benches scattered throughout the park to sit down and relax. Perfect for a picnic in the summer, and for a leisurely snowy stroll in the winter, Pierre-Dugua-De-Mons Terrace offers stunning views of the city throughout the year, making it a must-visit attraction.
Québec City Ferry Terminal
This might sound like a strange option if viewpoints are what you are after but trust us. A trip on a Quebec City ferry offers you a unique setting with unmatched views. The Quebec city ferry terminal is located on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River. This destination offers travelers different options, depending on whether they are traveling north or south.
For those heading towards Montreal, there are four routes to choose from:
Route #1: Petit Champlain – Quebec
Route #2: Montreal – Quebec
Routes #3 & 4: Lévis – Quebec
Between the three main routes, there are also seasonal routes to take advantage of the beautiful scenery.
Ciel! Bistro-Bar
The Ciel! bistro-bar is located inside a skyscraper with windows around the entire building, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. This unique concept offers guests a chance to enjoy a meal while looking out onto Old Quebec and the Saint Lawrence River.
When taking in the view, guests can gaze at the city and mountains in the distance. The restaurant has been owned and operated by the same family since opening in 1996, and features a menu of French cuisine, including steak tartare, foie gras, lamb chops, and duck confit.
The 16 best restaurants in Quebec city
Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec
This funicular railway takes passengers up and down a steep cliff face at a stunning 45 degrees. This unique attraction allows visitors a chance to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area, while traveling up and down a cliff. When you arrive at the top station, you are rewarded with panoramic views of the city. There is even a restaurant located at the top station where you can stop for refreshments.
Le Petit-Champlain
The Petit-Champlain district is located just below the iconic Château Frontenac. It is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Quebec City, especially during winter. This area is known for being full of small boutiques, restaurants, bars, cafés, and art galleries. There are many streets you can walk down, such as rue Saint-Jean, rue de l’Église, rue Sainte-Foy, etc. If you want to see the best views of the city, head up to the top floor of the Chateau Frontenac.
Montmorency Falls
Forget Niagara Falls! When you’re in Quebec, it’s all about the Montmorency falls. With an average height of 82 meters, the Montmorency falls are the highest waterfalls in the province. This natural wonder is also known as the “staircase of the falls.” Visitors can access the area via three different paths: the main path, the pedestrian bridge, and the cable car.
During summertime, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Montmorency falls from the top of the stairs. There are several restaurants and cafés along the way, where you can take a break. During winter, the Montmorency falls are covered in ice. If you want to see the falls completely frozen, you must go there during the month of February.
Where to stay in Quebec City
After a long day of exploring famous landmarks, and taking in an impressive collection of views from the city, you are going to need somewhere to rest your head. The Best Western Plus is the ultimate accommodation for anyone who wants to get the most out of sightseeing in Quebec City. Our convenient downtown location makes it easy for visitors to this historic city to access its major sites and views.
Our aim is to make your stay in Quebec City as comfortable as possible, which is why we offer a whole range of services and amenities to suit your needs. These include an indoor swimming pool and free wifi. Our hotel is pet-friendly in case you want to bring your furry friend along.
We also serve a delicious breakfast and delicious tapas on our premises, perfect for those long days when you just want to come back and relax. We offer three different types of rooms: traditional, business, and executive. All in all, our accommodation is sure to fit both your needs and your budget.
