Quebec City Day Trips & Excursions

Explore the beautiful countryside surrounding Quebec City on a half-day sightseeing tour to magnificent Montmorency Falls - higher than Niagara Falls - and the pilgrimage shrine of Ste-Anne-de-Beaupr?. With a choice of morning or afternoon tours, you'll see Quebec's spectacular countryside and visit interesting sites along the way.

Your countryside half-day trip follows Avenue Royale through the traditional villages and farms of the Beaupre Coast. On your tour, the entertaining commentary provided by your bilingual guide will help re-create the tranquil pace and way of life of bygone years.

The half-day tour includes stops of 35/45 minutes each at Montmorency Falls and the basilica of Ste-Anne-de-Beaupr?, with a short detour to the western tip of the Island of Orleans to visit the Chocolaterie. Other highlights include the Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum and Chez Marie's bread oven.

Escape Quebec City for a day, and treat yourself to an exciting adventure on the water. After meeting your guide you will board a deluxe motor coach and travel along the picturesque mountainous coastline of the St Lawrence River to reach Baie-Sainte-Catherine, where you?ll board either the Grand Fleuve observation boat or a speedy zodiac for a memorable afternoon of whale-watching.

The choice of transportation in the water is yours ? the Grand Fleuve is a large, three-level boat with a glassed-in main deck, observation platform, covered upper deck, a bistro and a bar; the zodiac is a small, open-air boat that holds only 12 or 24 passengers (depending on the boat) and allows you to zip through the water to enjoy super-close access to the whales and other marine life. Opt for the Grand Fleuve for a more leisurely experience on the water, or choose the zodiac for an exciting high-adrenaline adventure!

Both vessels depart from the south shore of the St Lawrence for an exciting encounter with whales, seals and belugas! Discover the many faces of the St Lawrence River, including the Saguenay?St Lawrence Marine Park, lighthouses, fascinating islands and an amazing diversity of marine life.

Aboard the Grand Fleuve a bilingual naturalist-guide will share illuminating facts during your whale-watching journey, while on the zodiac your captain will provide live commentary on your search for whales. Binocular rentals are available on both vessels for that magical moment when you encounter the whales. This is an extraordinary rendezvous with the nature of eastern Canada!

Meet your guide in the Upper Town district of Quebec City in the afternoon and head to the Petit-Champlain neighborhood, one of the oldest commercial districts in North America and set at the foot of the cliff below the grand Ch?teau Frontenac hotel.

Notice the beautiful holiday decorations as you make your way to eight local shops, restaurants, boutiques and wineries. Your guide will take you to where Quebec's locals go to eat and shop.

Shop for Christmas specialties and sample local cuisine including gourmet cheeses and meats, chocolates, macaroons, pastries, apple cider, ice wine and poutine, a typical dish of French fries topped with gravy and cheese.

Throughout your tour, your knowledgeable guide will explain the history of this charming European city and point out the unique architecture. End your tour at the Christmas market near the Old Port to shop for one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts.

See the best of Quebec City on a short introductory tour of Old Quebec, the historic heart of French Canada. You'll be charmed by the old-world atmosphere of Quebec City on your two-hour tour, with its narrow streets, steep hills and numerous historical treasures on the banks of the St. Lawrence River.

Tour highlights include:

• Old Quebec
• Place Royale, birthplace of French civilization in North America (20 minute stop)
• Plains of Abraham, where the famous battle between the French and English armies took place in 1759
• Picturesque Place d'Armes square
• Chateau Frontenac hotel
• The Fortifications and city walls

This tour is commentated in English, however if there are French passengers on board, the guide will give a bilingual commentary

Get a real sense of the flavor and culture of Quebec City on this tasty and educational food tour. During this 2.5-hour walking tour, enjoy authentic Quebec products while sampling the city?s specialties and delicacies at some of the most popular spots in town. Taste the very unique ice cider at the Societe des Alcohols du Quebec and cheeses at J.A. Moisan Grocer. A chocolate factory, creperie and a classic bakery are also popular spots to stop at for samples. With a maximum group size of 15 people, this Quebec City food tour allows you to have a personalized experience.

Your walking tour takes place in the picturesque neighborhood of St-Jean-Baptiste. The past meets the present in St-Jean-Baptiste, home of the Parliament of Quebec, the Grand Theatre, and the Park of French America. You are encouraged to interact with your guide and ask as many questions as you like about the food or the neighborhood you are exploring.

An enthralling culinary journey through Quebec City awaits you!

See the city, the river and their history from a whole new angle on a Quebec City Historic Discoverers Cruise. Follow in the wake of a legendary explorer and discover for yourself the attractions of Old Quebec and the surrounding countryside aboard the M/V Louis Jolliet.

Discover the bucolic charm of Ile d'Orleans. Admire the Montmorency Falls, the highest waterfall in Eastern Canada. See the port installations on both shores of the St. Lawrence and cruise beneath the prestigious Chateau Frontenac, perched atop Cap Diamant, with the majestic Laurentian Mountains in the background.

You can purchase a delicious meal at the outdoor grill or indoor snack bar, or a refreshing cocktail on one of the wide decks.

Take to the skies above Quebec City and surrounding areas in a hot air balloon to enjoy a bird's eye view of this charming and beautiful region. Take a sunrise flight to enjoy the city awaken at dawn, or choose a sunset flight for the tranquility of flying as the sun goes down.

After check-in, you'll be transported to the take-off site where the balloon will be inflated (those that wish can participate). You will receive the required technical information and then prepare for take-off!

Experience the magnificent views of Quebec from a whole new perspective. During this one hour flight, marvel over the unique breathtaking sights and landmarks the area has to offer. Highlights include Quebec City, the St. Lawrence River, the ile d'Orleans and the Laurentian Mountains.

During your flight, air temperature is more or less the same as on the ground and the balloon moves at the same speed as the air around it. The ground crew is in radio contact with the pilot and follows the balloon to landing.

You will never look at Quebec City the same way again! Allow us to return you to your Quebec City hotel after an experience of a lifetime!

Experience the period charm of Old Quebec on a two-hour guided walking tour of this historic city's many highlights. This leisurely paced, downhill walking tour is ideal for all visitors to Quebec City; families, individual travelers and small groups.

Conducted year-round, rain or shine, this walking tour starts in the Upper Town district of Old Quebec and finishes in the Lower Town.

You'll discover Quebec City's history from 1608 to present on this enjoyable walking tour. While listening to the entertaining and informative commentary provided by your guide, you'll gain a sense of the day-to-day lives of the people who have lived in this lovely fortress city over the centuries.  You will visit sites such as the Quebec Citadel, Chateau Frontenac, Quebec fortifications, Basilica Notre-Dame, Old Port and Place Royale.

Relax on a Quebec City Dinner Cruise as enjoy a night of fine-dining and dancing. Dine on a delectable five-course dinner with wines to match as you cruise past enchanting Old Quebec. Dance the night away as the stars come out and the house band plays.

Cast off for fine dining aboard the Louis Joillet, Quebec City's unique cruising restaurant. As the sun goes down, take in all the magic of Quebec by night. The fabulous view from the glass enclosed decks sets the stage for a very special evening.

The chef has prepared for you a meal worthy of the Captain's Table: Atlantic salmon fillets, chicken supreme, beef fillet mignon and not to mention the captain's delight - always a favorite for dessert! You will have the choice from three set menu on the night. Your wine steward will offer wine suggestions to complement your gourmet dinner meal.

No Quebec City Dinner Cruise is complete without music! Leave your cares behind as the band plays, and dance the night away under the stars with romantic Quebec City as your decor!

Upgrade: During select nights in the summer, see a spectacular firework show from the water! You'll also enjoy a buffet-dinner (menu below).

Your half-day shore excursion in the Quebec countryside starts as you depart the Quebec City port and head out of town. Follow Avenue Royale through the traditional villages and farms of the Beaupr? Coast as your bilingual guide provides entertaining commentary that will re-create the tranquil pace and way of life of Canada?s bygone era.

Your tour includes 30 to 45 minutes each at Montmorency Falls and the basilica of Ste-Anne-de-Beaupr?. You?ll also take a short detour to the western tip of the Isle of Orleans to visit its chocolaterie (chocolate shop). Other highlights include the Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum and Chez Marie's bread oven.

Worry-free Shore Excursion: We will ensure your timely return back to the ship in Quebec City for this activity. If your ship is delayed and you are unable attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.

Make the most of your time while in port in Quebec City with this 2-hour shore excursion. Soak up the French atmosphere of Old Quebec and visit several historical treasures along the St Lawrence River. You'll be enchanted by the old-world charm and stunning beauty of sites such as Place Royal, the Plains of Abraham and Place d'Armes, and your friendly guide will offer interesting commentary along the way. This is an easy, comfortable way to see the city while in port!

When your cruise ship docks at the Quebec City port, walk a few minutes to the port departure point, where you'll meet your guide to begin your 2-hour sightseeing shore excursion.
Aboard a comfortable coach, soak up from quaint French atmosphere of Old Quebec, the historic heart of French Canada, while hearing interesting stories from your guide about the city's history and culture.
Stop by Place Royale -- what's known as the birthplace of French civilization in North America -- and admire the beautiful Plains of Abraham, where the famous battle between the French and English armies took place in 1759.
Pass by picturesque Place d'Armes and capture photos of the astounding Chateau Frontenac hotel. You'll also see the city walls and learn about their important function centuries ago.
Your bilingual guide will offer commentary in English and French, if there are French passengers on board. After your tour, you'll be taken back to the cruise port.
Worry-Free Shore Excursion:
We will ensure your timely return back to the ship in Quebec City for this activity. If your ship is delayed and you are unable attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.

Experience the period charm of Old Quebec on a two-hour guided shore excursion of this historic city's many highlights. It?s a wonderful way to spend your time in port in Quebec City. This leisurely paced, downhill walking tour is ideal for all visitors to Quebec City ? families, individual travelers and small groups.

Discover Quebec City's history, from 1608 to the present day, on this enjoyable walking tour shore excursion ? a great way to get familiar with the city while you?re in port. Start your tour in Quebec City?s Upper Town district, just a short walk from the cruise ship port.

While listening to the entertaining and informative commentary provided by your guide, you'll gain a sense of the day-to-day lives of the people who have lived in this lovely fortress city over the centuries.  Visit sites such as the Quebec Citadel, Chateau Frontenac, the Quebec fortifications, Basilica Notre-Dame, the Old Port and Place Royale.

Worry-Free Shore Excursion:
We will ensure your timely return back to the ship in Quebec City for this activity. If your ship is delayed and you are unable attend this activity, your money will be refunded.  See our terms and conditions for full details.

After meeting at the ticket office in Quebec City at your chosen departure time, you?ll be driven to the heliport for your exciting helicopter tour!

Aboard a 4 to 6-person, state-of-the-art helicopter, soar over Quebec City for 15 minutes and admire incredible aerial views of Old Quebec and its fortifications. Spot Ch?teau Frontenac, Montmorency Falls, the Plains of Abraham, Ile d'Orl?ans and the bridges spanning the mighty St Lawrence River. You?ll fly over all the must-see natural wonders and popular urban areas of this 17th-century capital city.

Your expert pilot will provide interesting and informative commentary (available in English and French) throughout your flight, letting you learn about the sights you see. This scenic helicopter flight will surely be an unforgettable experience!

When your cruise ship docks in Quebec City, hop in a taxi and head to the ticket office, where you'll be driven to the heliport to begin your exciting helicopter tour!

Board a 6-person, state-of-the-art helicopter and fly over Quebec City for 15 incredible minutes. Enjoy amazing aerial views of Old Quebec and its fortifications and capture photos of Ch?teau Frontenac, Montmorency Falls, the Plains of Abraham, Ile d'Orl?ans and the bridges spanning the mighty St Lawrence River. You?ll soar over all the must-see natural wonders and popular urban areas of this 17th-century capital city.

Your experienced pilot will offer interesting and informative commentary (available in English and French) throughout your flight, letting you learn about the sights you see. This scenic helicopter tour will surely be an unforgettable experience!

This excursion is located within a 25-minute taxi ride from the cruise port, so you determine the time you return to your ship in Quebec. Please allow yourself ample time to enjoy the excursion and ensure your timely return to the port. This excursion is not covered by our worry-free policy.

Board Le Massif de Charlevoix train at Parc de la Chute-Montmorency Station in Quebec City and then travel northeast into the picture-perfect Charlevoix landscape. Following the shoreline of St Lawrence River, your route includes swathes of eastern Canada?s most stunning countryside, with craggy mountains to one side of you and tranquil riverside vistas on the other.

As you travel, your on-board host will serve a delicious breakfast featuring continental breads, cereal, a hot drink and fruit juice. Enjoy the feast and admire the views as you sit back and relax in your spacious railcar. After a journey of roughly two hours, arrive in the picturesque little town of Baie-Saint-Paul to enjoy three hours at leisure (or two hours if traveling between August 20 and October 14).

Baie-Saint-Paul station is a short walk from the town's top attractions and sites, so take a stroll into the center to discover its delights. Perhaps wander along its main street -- Rue-St-Jean-Baptiste -- and browse its quirky art galleries, boutique shops and candy stores, or visit a caf? for a snack. Be sure not to eat too much, as your 4-course dinner will be served back on your train! All entrance fees, activities and food in the town are at your own expense.

Make your way back to the station at the pre-arranged time, and then board your train, heading further north along the banks of St Lawrence River toward La Malbaie. Enjoy the first two courses of your 4-course meal on this leg of the journey, and then enjoy a short break in La Malbaie (roughly half an hour) before looping back around and returning to Baie-Saint-Paul. Stop for another half-hour break at the station and then travel further south to Quebec City. Your train tour ends at Parc de la Chute-Montmorency Station in the late evening.

Sample Dinner Menu
1st course
Jardin des Chefs beet salad ? Miel des ?boulements honey glazed pecans Verger Pedneault cider cream Apple chips

2nd course
Roasted Atlantic salmon ? vinaigrette grenobloise
Ebony risotto ? Saint-Fid?le cheese
or
Grilled Veau de Charlevoix veal tenderloin ? organic prosciutto
Dominus beer ? rosemary r?sti

3rd Course (Preselect your main course)
Roasted Atlantic salmon ? vinaigrette grenobloise ? ebony risotto
Saint-Fid?le cheese
or
Grilled Veau de Charlevoix veal tenderloin ? organic prosciutto
Dominus beer ? rosemary r?sti
or
Pork sampler:
Honey mustard-crusted medallions + shepherd?s pie with organic braised pork shoulder Port reduction
or
Quinoa gateau ? spinach + oyster mushrooms ? zucchini rosette
fried rice noodles ? sun-dried tomato oil

4th course
Dessert trio: season?s freshest field berries
Blueberry macaroon ? chocolate raspberry tarragon pav? ? strawberry brunoise Mistelle mousseli estragon/brunoise de fraise mousseline de mistelle

Start your evening experience at Parc de la Chute-Montmorency Station in Quebec and hop aboard Le Massif de Charlevoix train. As you relax in your luxurious railcar, watch the sun go down over the magnificent Charlevoix countryside, with mountains on one side and the calm waters of St Lawrence River on the other.

As you travel, your on-board host will serve a delectable dinner, devised by chefs at Charlevoix?s prestigious Fairmont Le Manoir Richelou Hotel. Reflecting the hotel?s sophisticated style through gastronomic flair, your gourmet dinner consists of four courses created with the best-quality locally sourced ingredients.

Your journey takes you deep into the Charlevoix countryside, giving you more than enough time to linger over mouthful of your meal. After three hours, your train will pull back into Quebec?s Parc de la Chute-Montmorency Station, where your evening experience ends.

Sample Menu:
1st course
Jardin des Chefs beet salad ? Miel des ?boulements honey glazed pecans Verger Pedneault cider cream Apple chips

2nd course
Ferme Basque de Charlevoix duck roulade ? Veau de Charlevoix sweetbreads thyme a?oli - Citrus lentil salad
or
Chilled grilled shrimp ? sweet pea pur?e ? lemongrass oil
toasted black sesame
or
Tarragon vichyssoise ? arugula espuma ? pork crisps ? sundried tomato oil

3rd course
Roasted Atlantic salmon ? vinaigrette grenobloise ? ebony risotto
Saint-Fid?le cheese
or
Grilled Veau de Charlevoix veal tenderloin ? organic prosciutto
Dominus beer ? rosemary r?sti
or
Pork sampler:
Honey mustard-crusted pork medallions + shepherd?s pie with organic braised pork shoulder Port reduction sauce
or
Quinoa gateau ? spinach + oyster mushrooms ? zucchini rosette
fried rice noodles - Sundried tomato oil

4th course
Dessert trio: season?s freshest fieldberries
Blueberry macaroon ? chocolate raspberry tarragon pav? ? strawberry brunoise + Mistelle mousseline

Quebec City is a great place to explore by foot, and on this private 3-hour walking tour, you can customize the itinerary to your interests. Departing from Upper Town, follow your private guide -- a friendly, knowledgeable local -- down hidden alleyways full of history, along main routes, and to must-see spots around the city. You are free to tell your guide where you'd like to go or you can let your guide lead the way.
As you walk, you'll learn about Quebec City's rich culture and history, from 1608 to today, while enjoying entertaining and informative commentary. Feel the cobblestone streets under your feet as you explore Old Quebec and visit sites such as La Terrasse Dufferin and Place d?D?tel de Ville with impressive City Hall right in front of it.
Walk through the courtyard of the famous Chateau Frontenac hotel and pass Place Royale, the birthplace of Quebec city. Continue down Petit-Champlain street to see the quaint church Notre-Dame-des-Victoires.
Your guide will explain what you see and encourage you to ask as many questions as you like. Your tour will conclude back in Upper Town.

When your cruise ship docks at the Quebec City port, walk seven minutes to Upper Town, where you'll meet your private guide. 
You can choose to customize your tour itinerary or let your friendly, knowledgable local guide lead the way. Learn about Quebec City's rich culture and history as you stroll down hidden alleyways, along main routes, and to must-see spots around the city such as Old Quebec, La Terrasse Dufferin and Place d?D?tel de Ville fronted by impressive City Hall.
Walk through the courtyard of the famous Chateau Frontenac hotel and pass Place Royale, the birthplace of the city. Continue down Petit-Champlain street and spot the quaint church Notre-Dame-des-Victoires.
Your guide will point out highlights and encourage you to ask as many questions as you like. Your tour will conclude back in Upper Town.
This excursion is located within a 10-minute walk to the cruise port, so you determine the time you return to your ship in Quebec City. Please allow yourself ample time to enjoy the excursion and ensure your timely return to the port. This excursion is not covered by our worry-free policy.

When your cruise ship docks at the Quebec port, get a real sense of the flavor and culture of Quebec City on this tasty and educational food tour.

Walk 15 minutes to the Quebec Tourist Information Center, where your guide will lead you on a 2.5-hour small-group walking tour through the picturesque neighborhood of St-Jean-Baptiste, home of the Parliament of Quebec, the Grand Theatre and the Park of French America.

Visit several local hotspots such as Societe des Alcohols du Quebec and JA Moisan Grocer, where you'll taste authentic regional favorites including cheese and ice cider. You'll also stop by a chocolate factory, creperie and a classic bakery for some yummy samples. Your guide will answer any questions you have about Quebec's food culture and history throughout your tour.

This excursion is located within a 15-minute walk to the cruise port, so you determine the time you return to your ship in Quebec. Please allow yourself ample time to enjoy the excursion and ensure your timely return to the port. This excursion is not covered by our worry-free policy.

Hop aboard your train at Parc de la Chute-Montmorency Station in Quebec City and then sit back and relax as you travel northeast into the spectacular countryside of Charlevoix. Hugging the shoreline of St Lawrence River, your route takes in some of eastern Canada?s most breathtaking landscapes, with romantic mountains to one side of you and serene riverside vistas on the other.

Tear your eyes away from the scenery and feast them instead on your gourmet breakfast, served by your on-board host. Consisting of continental breads, cereal, a hot drink and fruit juice, the meal is sure to set you up perfectly for the day ahead!

The picture-perfect town of Baie-Saint-Paul is roughly two hours away from Quebec City, and once here you?ll have three hours to spend at leisure, doing just as you please. The station is a short walk from the town's top attractions and sites, so take a stroll into the center to discover its delights. Perhaps take a wander along Rue-St-Jean-Baptiste, the main street, to browse its quirky art galleries, boutique shops and candy stores. All entrance fees and activities in the town are at your own expense.

Return to Baie-Saint-Paul Station at the pre-arranged time, and then board your train for the journey to Quebec City. As you trace the same route back along the banks of St Lawrence River, your host will serve an artistically arranged plate of tapas for you to eat as you ride! Nibble on freshly baked breads, olives and cured meats --from Fairmont Le Manoir Richelou Hotel -- and then arrive back into Parc de la Chute-Montmorency Station in the late afternoon. Your train tour ends here.

Sample Menu
(Served between Qu?bec and Baie-St-Paul)
1st course
Basket of mini croissants, mini danishes, mini muffins

2nd course
Frittata with Grand-Fonds oyster mushrooms and
Laiterie Charlevoix Hercule cheese, Roasted Italian tomatoes with pesto
Fieldberry fruit parfait ? Yogurt with Miel des ?boulements honey
French toast strata and maple caramel
Coffee, tea, orange juice

Afternoon Tapas
(Served between Baie-St-Paul and Qu?bec)
1st course
Charlevoix Terroir Sampler Plate
Saint-Urbain prosciutto ? Damien?s chorizo
Jardins du Centre yellow beet cream shooter
Tapenade of eggplant and Ferme Basque de Charlevoix foie gras
Organic pork rillettes, Migneron flan ? crostini with truffle oil + fleur de sel

2nd course
Maple pot de cr?me ? apple crisp ? fleur de sel caramel ? biscotti

Quebec City Attractions Card is a mini guidebook with over 100 pages of information and history, combined with a card which provides you with up to $500.00 in attraction savings per couple or family. Receive up to 50% off at over 30 top attractions, museums, theaters, restaurants, adventure activities, bike rentals and spas, including:

• The Canyon Sainte-Anne
• Observatoire de la Capitale
• Musee du Fort
• La Citadelle de Quebec
• Quebec Ice Hotel
• Les Tours Voir Quebec
• Albert Gilles Copper Art Museum and Boutique
• Plains of Abraham
• Quebec City Legislative Assembly Hotel du Parlement
• The Quebec Experience
• Erabliere le Chemin du Roy Sugar Shack
• Maison des Jesuites  de Sillery Historical Monument
• Artillery Park 
• Fortifications Of Quebec National Historic Site Of Canada

This is just a selection of the offers included with your Quebec City Attractions Card - your guide and passport to enjoying Quebec at its very best.

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