Quebec City is one of North America’s most enchanting destinations. This historic city is brimming with French-inspired architecture and a vibrant culinary scene. Travelers love to travel here for the cobblestone streets and the rich culture as a way to step back in time. Quebec City’s charm expands beyond the city walls. This destination is surrounded by waterfalls, mountains, charming villages, and more, all just a short drive away. Here are the best places to visit close to Quebec City, perfect for either quick half-day escapes or full-day adventures.
Montmorency Falls: A Natural Wonder Close to Quebec City
Montmorency Falls (Les Chutes Montmorency) are just a 15-minute drive from downtown Quebec City. The spectacular sight towers 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls. Visitors can access a cable car or stroll across the suspension bridge. For a real dose of adrenaline, take the zipline over the roaring cascade. For a summertime trip, the mist created by the fall makes for phenomenal photos. For a visit in the winter, expect to enjoy the wonders of a frozen winter wonderland.
Île d’Orléans: Quebec City’s Countryside Escape
The drive to Île d’Orléans is a short drive over the bridge from the city, offering gorgeous views on the way. The island is lush with apple orchards and vineyards. Enjoy time away from the bustle of the downtown area. Some refer to the island as Quebec’s pantry, given the abundance of orchards, cheese shops, vineyards, ice cider houses, small restaurants, and quaint chocolate stores. The island is full of heritage homes too and the scenic roads are perfect for either cycling or a leisurely road trip.
Basilica: A Place of Pilgrimage
The Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica is one of North America’s most important Catholic shrines and located just 30 minutes outside Quebec City. Pilgrims travel from around the world to visit the religious site, which is dedicated to Saint Anne, the grandmother of Jesus. The story goes that pilgrims can be cured at the basilica, so crutches and leg braces line the entrance. Five churches have been built at the shrine, the most recent one completed in 1926, as earlier ones were destroyed by fires. For those looking for a cultural and historical visit, the basilica boasts a Romanesque Revival design, intricate mosaics, and more than 225 stained glass windows.
Mont-Sainte-Anne: Outdoor Adventure Year-Round
Mont-Sainte-Anne, a four-season playground, is just a 40-minute drive from Old Quebec. Known for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Saint Lawrence River and Île d’Orléans, the resort is also internationally recognized for its epic mountain biking trails. During the winter months, visitors can enjoy alpine skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cross-country trails.
Wendake: Indigenous Culture and Heritage
Wendake has long been home to the Huron-Wendat people who have lived in the region for centuries. The people continue to preserve their language, traditions, and cultural identity. The area is just a 20-minute drive from Quebec City and offers a deep immersive cultural experience set amidst forests and rivers. Visitors can visit a reconstructed longhouse and watch traditional dances. A boutique hotel, the Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations, is also a museum and displays artifacts honoring the Huron-Wendat Nation. Wendake boasts an award-winning restaurant, La Traite, that serves traditional First Nations-inspired dishes with bison, venison, and wild berries.
