Out of the places I’ve visited in Ontario and Québec, Québec City is definitely my favourite place in Canada. I haven’t travelled to British Columbia, Alberta and other provinces, but some people told me Vancouver is their favourite city in Canada because their weather is so much tolerable as compared to Ontario and Québec. I can’t say for now, but meanwhile, let’s go back to Québec City for awhile and you be the judge. 🙂
The main attractions to see in Québec City are all congregated in their downtown, so you’ll probably find yourself walking back the same route as you did for at least 2 days to cover everything in that area. Here are the 5 (+1) places you have to check out:
1. FAIRMONT LE CHÂTEAU FRONTENAC 
View of the half frozen St Lawrence River
This is a grand hotel that costs about CAD$379/night, situated on a cliff in Old Québec and overlooking the St Lawrence River. This hotel is designated a National Historic Site of Canada and is also known to be the most photographed hotel in the world. That’s another record in Canada. 😉 If you can’t afford this luxurious stay like me, then you’ll too, find yourself snapping photo of this castle hotel from the outside, and adding on to the record of the number of photographs taken of this beauty.
2. QUARTIER PETIT CHAMPLAIN 
A neighbourhood in the district of Vieux-Québec–Cap-Blanc–colline Parlementaire, the Petit Champlain is the oldest commercial district in North America. Here you’ll find many boutique stores, restaurants and souvenir shops. The architecture here blew me away, I was in love with this place immediately! You can’t miss out this place in Québec City, it’s full of history and beauty. Drop by for lunch or a snack! Beaver tails can be found here too. 😉
The Breakneck Stairs/Steps, Escalier Casse-cou, is Québec City’s oldest stairway built since 1635.
The Rue du Petit-Champlain Mural; it represents the history of the district, the bombardments of 1759, the landslides, and the fires that occurred. This building is at the end of the lane, at the opposite side of the Breakneck Stairs.
3. VIEUX QUÉBEC (OLD QUÉBEC)
Apart from the two attractions above that are within Old Québec per se, there are still so many things to explore in this area. It’s quite a walk and you’ll constantly find yourself wanting to go into those quaint little boutique shops to take a look. The entire place is magical.
Awww I love horses!
A saxophonist busker in winter #nowyouknowhowcolditwas
You’d be able to find another Notre Dame Cathedral here. Entrance is free so you can pop in to take a look like the one in Ottawa.
This is the Bibliothèque Saint-Jean-Baptiste (a library) that we chanced upon. I really like how the library’s in the cathedral, and there was even an art exhibition when we were there. A cosy little space that could be a hideout when you get too cold. 🙂
4. QUÉBEC PARLIAMENT BUILDING
I didn’t manage to get a decent photo of it but this is how it looks like in summer. C’est magnifique!
5. MONTMORENCY FALLS
I’m not sure if we were unfortunate or not, because the snowstorm happened while we were on our way to the falls. But I have to say the snowstorm made up a picturesque falls and I really liked it. Way too many photo opportunities I would say. 😉 You’ll see why below. (and more on my Flickr)
However, it’s a little far and requires a 30-40min bus ride from downtown area. You could purchase a day pass from their drugstores easily!
6. VIA RAIL STATION
Can someone tell me, where else in the world would you find a domestic train station looking like a castle?! Ahhh I loveeeeee this place! Je t’aime je t’aime je t’aime!
This place is optional, preferably for people who are taking the train to Montréal or elsewhere (which I highly recommend). If you’re in Canada, please do take viarail at least once. The scenery is pretty amazing, and you get comfortable seats like those on airplanes + you have free wifi. It’s not cheap though, but definitely worth the money.
Hope this post inspired you enough to head to Québec City soon! 😀
keep travelling,
J
Y O U T O P I A 