Quebec City tours and excursions

Quebec City tours

Walking tours

One of the classic routes to explore Quebec City on foot is to walk along the top of the fortification walls, with the option of continuing to the Citadel and along the Plains of Abraham; a partial tour is available from the Centre d'Interprétation des Fortifications-de-Québec. A number of thematic walking tours are also available: the Corporation du patrimoine et du tourisme religieux de Québec covers the city's religious heritage, whereas Ghost Tours of Québec delves into the supernatural.

Tel: +1 418 648 7016; +1 418 694 0665; +1 418 692 9770.
Website: http://www.ghosttoursofquebec.com

Romantic tours

The most romantic way to tour the city is in a horse-drawn calèche. These can be hired just inside the city walls near Porte St-Louis from Calèches du Vieux-Québec or other companies. Héli Express Tours offers helicopter flights over the city. Departures are from Jean Lesage International Airport. Taxi Coop offers private half-day tours that include Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, Canyon-Sainte-Anne and the Montmorency Falls.

Tel: +1 418 683 9222; +1 418 877 5890; +1 418 525 5191.
Website: http://www.taxicoop-quebec.com

Quebec City excursions

Saguenay-St Lawrence Marine Park

The Saguenay-St Lawrence Marine Park begins at the eastern end of Charlevoix and is an excellent place for spotting whales. From Quebec City, Croisières AML (tel: +1 866 856 6668; www.croisieresaml.com) offers a coach-and-cruise trip. By car, it is a three-hour drive (plus ferry ride) each way to the pretty town of Tadoussac, where numerous companies offer whale-watching trips.

Tel: +1 418 235 4703.
Website: http://www.parcmarin.qc.ca

Charlevoix

Around 60km (37 miles) east of Quebec City, the terrain changes dramatically as the Laurentian mountain chain meets the St Lawrence River. Amidst the forest-covered mountains are a couple of scenic provincial parks: caribou can be spotted in the Parc des Grands-Jardins, while the Parc des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie has mighty ravines. Artists have found the scenery stimulating and their output is visible at the many galleries in the coastal town of Baie Saint-Paul, home to numerous restaurants and country inns.

Tel: +1 418 665 4454.
Website: http://www.tourisme-charlevoix.com

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Featured Hotels

Le Clos Saint-Louis

The lavish attention to detail in these joined mid-19th-century townhouses makes staying here a treat. Gorgeous antiques feature in the elegant parlour and dining room (where a free continental breakfast is served in low season), and they make an appearance in the 18 bedrooms as well, where area rugs soften the hardwood floors, and televisions are hidden away in armoires to preserve the romantic Victorian atmosphere. This hotel is a gem! But don't just take our word for it: thousands of travellers on the Tripadvisor website once voted it Best Hidden Gem in Canada.

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

The grandest of Quebec City's hotels is the city's chief landmark, a red-brick, mock-medieval tower topped by a steep copper roof and perched on the edge of the cliff overlooking the St Lawrence. Its 611 rooms have benefited from a multimillion dollar refurbishment project; each stately and grand in appearance if occasionally a bit small, but that's made up for by the prime location, with its gastronomic Le Champlain restaurant and Le Café de la Terrasse overlooking the scenic Dufferin Terrace promenade.

Le Manoir des Ramparts

This hotel, located in the heart of Old Québec, might not win any prizes for design, but it offers very reasonable accommodation at a very decent price, and some rooms have an exceptional view of the St Lawrence River and Laurentian Mountains. Most of the 34 bedrooms have a private bathroom, television and telephone, but eight budget rooms have shared shower and toilet facilities. Continental breakfast is included in the price.

Hôtel Le Germain-Dominion

The 60 loft-like rooms in this warmly minimalist boutique hotel are full of nice touches like blown-glass basins lit from beneath, chunky wooden blinds (revealing terrific views over the St Lawrence River from the upper floors) and home comforts like down duvets and bathrobes. Breakfast (included in the price) is served at large communal tables, a reception area and two meeting rooms cater to business needs and there's a complimentary cappuccino/espresso bar. The staff provide discreet, impeccable service.

Hôtel Manoir Victoria

This comfortable 4-star hotel, just up the hill from the train station, is tucked discreetly behind the main shopping street in the Old Town and is handy for exploring the sights. Low-key lighting and thick carpets give a hushed feel and the 156 well-appointed rooms and suites, done up in earth tones, are a good size. For relaxing there is a pool, sauna, fitness room and spa treatments.

Hotel Le Cavalier du Moulin

This 19th century property in Old Québec is blessed with historic character and charm. Located just a stone's throw from many of the city's most iconic sights, some of the rooms come preserved with their original stone walls and fireplaces, and all are equipped with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

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