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Québec, Canada, Canada · Trip plan

3 days in Québec City

A walled French city, the Winter Carnival and Europe's charm in North America.

Best time
Dec – Feb
Ideal length
3 days
A day, mid-range
$250 per person
Trip for two
about $1,500

Planning a 3-day trip to Québec City? Here's a day-by-day Québec City itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.

Why go now

Québec City is magical under snow: Christmas markets in December and the Carnaval de Québec, the world's largest winter carnival, in February.

Québec City is North America's only walled city north of Mexico, with French language, food and culture, and a winter season it fully embraces.

  1. Jan: a good time to go
  2. Feb: a good time to go
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec: a good time to go

December to February: -18 to -5°C.

Create my Québec City trip

Don't miss

Best things to do in Québec City

  • 01

    Old Québec

    A UNESCO walled city of cobbled streets.

  • 02

    Château Frontenac

    The most photographed hotel in the world.

  • 03

    Winter Carnival

    Ice palaces, parades and night tobogganing in February.

  • 04

    Montmorency Falls

    A frozen waterfall higher than Niagara.

Day by day

Québec City itinerary for 3 days

  1. D1

    Day 1: Old Québec

    Morning
    Walk the city walls and the Plains of Abraham.
    Afternoon
    Château Frontenac and the Dufferin Terrace toboggan slide.
    Evening
    Dinner of tourtière in a stone-walled restaurant.

    The toboggan slide runs in winter.

  2. D2

    Day 2: Lower Town

    Morning
    Take the funicular down to Petit-Champlain, North America's oldest shopping street.
    Afternoon
    Place Royale and the Fresque des Québécois mural.
    Evening
    Carnival events or the German Christmas market.

    Try maple taffy on snow.

  3. D3

    Day 3: Montmorency Falls and home

    Morning
    Visit Montmorency Falls, frozen into an ice cone.
    Afternoon
    Lunch.
    Evening
    Fly home.

    The falls are 15 minutes from the city.

Want it hour by hour?GoRoam plans every stop with times, maps, costs and bookings for your dates.

Shorter or longer

Québec City in 2, 3 or 5 days

2 days in Québec City

Follow days 1 to 2 above and leave out “Montmorency Falls and home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.

5 days in Québec City

Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering.

What it costs

Québec City trip budget

StylePer person, a day3 days for two
Budget$120$720
Mid-range$250$1,500
Luxury$600+$3,600

Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Québec City is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.

Where to stay

Best hotels in Québec City for every budget

  • Budget

    Auberge Internationale de Québec

    Old Québec

    A hostel inside the walls.

    from $50 /night

    Prices
  • Mid-range

    Hotels in the Old Town

    Old Québec

    Historic stone buildings.

    from $220 /night

    Prices
  • Luxury

    Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

    Old Québec

    The castle above the river.

    from $550 /night

    Prices

What to eat

Food to try in Québec City

  • Tourtière

    A spiced meat pie.

  • Poutine

    Born in Québec.

  • Maple taffy

    Hot syrup rolled on snow.

Getting there

How to reach Québec City

Travel
Québec City airport is 25 minutes away; trains run from Montreal (about 3.5 hours).
Getting around
Walk the old city; the funicular links the upper and lower towns.
  • Buy a Carnival effigy pass for events.
  • Dress for -20°C with wind chill.

Before you go

What to pack for Québec City

  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Passport and visa printouts
  • Thermals, gloves and a woollen cap
  • Waterproof boots
  • Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples
  • A forex card or some local cash
  • Travel insurance

Good questions

Québec City trip FAQs

How many days are enough for Québec City?

3 days are enough to see the highlights: Old Québec, Château Frontenac, Winter Carnival. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.

How much does a 3-day Québec City trip cost?

Roughly $120 a day per person on a budget, $250 mid-range and $600+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $1,500 for 3 days.

What is the best time to visit Québec City?

Dec – Feb. Québec City is magical under snow: Christmas markets in December and the Carnaval de Québec, the world's largest winter carnival, in February.

Where should I stay in Québec City?

Budget: Auberge Internationale de Québec (Old Québec), from about $50 a night. Mid-range: Hotels in the Old Town (Old Québec), from about $220 a night. Luxury: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac (Old Québec), from about $550 a night.

How do I reach Québec City?

Québec City airport is 25 minutes away; trains run from Montreal (about 3.5 hours).

Is 2 days enough for Québec City?

Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 2 of the itinerary above and skip "Montmorency Falls and home". 3 days is the comfortable length.

What is the weather like in Québec City?

December to February: -18 to -5°C.

What food should I try in Québec City?

Tourtière: A spiced meat pie. Poutine: Born in Québec. Maple taffy: Hot syrup rolled on snow.

How do I get around Québec City?

Walk the old city; the funicular links the upper and lower towns.

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