Sightseeing in Québec City

We wanted to visit Québec City for a while, and was finally able to do this during our road trip from Ontario to New Brunswick. Québec City is located on the north bank of the Saint Lawrence River and offers unspoiled views of the Laurentian Mountains. It has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. During our visit, we had the pleasure of spending a night at Auberge Saint-Antoine, and checking out different places in Québec City on a bus tour of the city. 

Auberge Saint-Antoine is located in the heart of Québec City's Old Port, and was built on a major archeological site. We loved the comfort and convenience of staying at this contemporary luxury boutique hotel, which is a member of the prestigious Relais and Châteaux. This hotel owned by the Price family has 95 individually designed rooms and suites. We like that even though it preserves the history, there is a modern luxurious feel to the hotel.

During the construction of the hotel, they found various artifacts dating back to the 1600s. It was fun for us to read and look at the collection of artifacts displayed throughout the hotel. Each room in the hotel has a special artifact, offering us a glimpse into the rich history of the oldest colonial city in North America. Inside the room we stayed at there was a button made of bones on display. The hotel also offers staff‐guided historical tours of the property through an exhibit of artifacts showcasing the sites evolution from 1608 to present time. 

We stayed in their contemporary style comfort room, which is 310 square feet in size overlooking the courtyard and river. The room had comfortable beds, a bathroom with heated flooring, no-fog mirrors, and a deep soaking tub. There is a large work desk, wi-fi, and cable. There is also a separate space to relax with some reading material included. 

We really like the colour combinations and the exciting, serene feeling of the space. They have a delicious selection of tea and Nespresso we can enjoy in the comfort of our room.

Children were excited when they were welcomed to the hotel with coupons to get ice cream of their choice at the ice cream parlour by the hotel, which is open only in the summer. We were bid farewell with a pack of home baked cookies. 

If you choose to, you can indulge in wellness experiences including spa treatments, yoga, and a large gym. They have the space for private venues including an amphitheater for the perfect business, special occasion or gathering.

Having the valet parking option at the hotel is very convenient, as it is much easier to walk around Québec City than driving around the busy downtown area and narrow streets. 

Auberge Saint-Antoine is a charming hotel with modern day amenities right by the St. Lawrence river, next to the Musée de la Civilisation.

Touring Québec City

We were able to easily explore Québec City in the Red Bus and by walking. The sightseeing excursion in the red line bus departs from Place d’Armes across Château Frontenac starting at 8:30 a.m. and the last tour bus leaves at 4 p.m. This is across the Tourism centre where we can purchase the tickets. We like that the ticket is valid for 1 or 2 consecutive days. 

The bus stops at 14 locations. The tour takes about an hour and 45 minutes. The red loop frequency is every 20 to 45 minutes depending on the season, so if you get off at one of the locations you can get on at another red bus stop and continue. 

We took pictures of Château Frontenac, the most photographed hotel in the world from different angles. This year they are celebrating their 125th year. 

By sitting on the top deck of the bus we can easily take pictures of the different places. It is a fabulous way to explore Québec City and understand the major places we see. If it wasn't for the bus tour we would have missed out on some of the important places in Québec City. The commentaries are in 10 languages, and they provide a earphone to plug in and listen. 

We got off close to Place d'Youville for lunch at Saveurs de Monde, a Moroccan restaurant, and walked back to the hotel while seeing some Parks Canada sites. During the walk we were able to explore and get a feel of the city a little more. 

Musée du Fort has a 30 minute sound and light show where we can travel back in time to the foundation of Québec to see how the six military sieges shaped its history.

Observatoire de la Capitale has the highest and best view of Québec City because of its elevated point, we can see the winding streets of the city, the river, and the mountain ranges.

Saint-Louis Forts and Château National Historic Site has archaeology from over 200 years of French and then English rule.

Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site is 4.6 kilometres in length. This wall of defence system is the only city north of Mexico that is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Plains of Abraham or Battlefields Park is a historical and urban park.

Musée national des beaux arts du Québec has art from the seventeenth century.

Musée de la civilisation - the most popular museum in Québec City is right next to the hotel. It gives an insight to different cultures and people in Canada. Due to their late opening time at 10 a.m. and early closing time of 5 p.m. we did miss it, as we wanted to see as many places we can during our one day stay in Québec City.

Musée de l'Amérique francophone dates back to 1663 to learn about the history of the French presence in America.

Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec has a unique view of the river, lower town, and Château Frontenac.

Using the Traversier, a ferry ride that is about 15 minutes we can cross St. Lawerence River to see a different perspective of Québec City from Lévis, Québec. When purchasing the ferry tickets ask for two-way tickets which is about $7 for an adult, or you will have to wait longer in line to buy tickets. There are bike paths on both sides of the shore.

Aquarium du Québec is open all year round, the times vary so check their site before planning the trip. If you want to visit using the shuttle, the Orange Shuttle from Place d'Armes in Québec City departs at 10:45 a.m. and departs at 4 p.m. for about $10 both ways. If you drive, there is free parking. 

Outside they have exhibits of harbour seals, Greenland and grey seals, walruses, polar bears, and arctic fox.

The indoor pavillons...

Pavillon des eaux douces et salées (Fresh and salt water pavilion) 

• There is a temporary exhibition part of the Biodôme de Montréal's collection of Amazonian fish. There are stingrays, catfish, red piranhas and more.
• Coastal Zone Discovery has selection of invertebrates. We enjoyed touching sea cucumber, sea urchin, starfish, and anemones in the touch tank.
• Awesome Ocean Discovery about the Pacific Ocean and scuba diving.
• Discovery Corner with reptiles and amphibian.

Pavillon des Profondeurs (Deep Sea pavilion and touch tank) Beautiful collection of jellyfish, seahorses, and more. Everyone will enjoy touching the stingrays in the touch tank.

Interpretation Kiosks Guides with displays and artifacts beside the harbour seals and along the arctic path near the polar bear exhibits.

There is a playground with water games, playground activities, places to eat, and a souvenir shop by the reception building. The video below will show a glimpse of fascinating sea creatures. 
There are lot more historical places to see in Québec City, and a day will not be enough.  

Disclosure: This post is in partnership with Québec Tourism and Auberge Saint-Antoine. Please note that all opinions and thoughts expressed are my own. All rights reserved on photographs and written content Createwithmom © 2010 - 2018. Please Ask First