Quebec City

Dufferin Terrace

Terrasse Dufferin

Boardwalk along (east of) the Chateau Frontenac. Offers a grand view of the St. Lawrence River, running from the statue of Champlain/the top of the Funiculare to the bottom steps of the Governors' Walk, with covered gazebos protruding out for even better views of Lower Town along the way.

Festival d'été

Beginning to mid-July, a lot of cheap music shows (you buy a button for $45 and it gives you access to all the shows, for the 11 days of the festival) in and around the Old Town, with international and local artists (for example in 2004, The Nits, Wyclef Jean, Bérurier Noir in 2010, Iron maiden, The Black Eyed Peas, Santana, Rush, Arcade and Rammstein).

Mont-Sainte-Anne

Ski and snow during the cold season. Camping, biking and hiking at summertime.

Promenade des Gouverneurs

Scenic walk starting at the top of the Funiculare, continuing along the wall over looking the old city. The many staircases lead to overlooks offering scenic views of the St. Lawrence. The walk ends at the gazebo on the Plains of Abraham. At the southern end there's free parking with space for 50 cars.

Station touristique Stoneham

Ski and snow during the winter and an animated summer camp from June to August every summer.

Villages Vacances Valcartier

Water park and go-carts open during the summer season. Tubing and ice skating offered in the winter.

AML Cruises on the St-Lawrence river

Offers three-hour cruises leaving from the docks nearby the ferry. One of the cruises leaves as the sun is setting and comes back when the sun is down for a stunning view of Quebec city by night.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on Plains of Abraham

Treat yourself to nature in the city and ski free of charge in one of the most accessible, enchanting sites there is, as you enjoy a breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence River.

Dog sled

Chiens de traîneaux

Usually available on smaller scale during winter events like Carnaval. Different providers give you the opportunity for half-day ride for about $60-90.

Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand

A musical experience in the open. Jazz, blues, worldbeat. June to August. Thursday to Sunday. In summer.

Ice slide at Terrasse Dufferin

During the winter you can slide down an ice slide on a toboggan, quite fast and great view. Buy the tickets from the café at the end of the slide.

$2.50 per person

Patinoire de la place d'Youville

Ice skating rink in the middle of Old Quebec. Skating is free to those with their own skates, and rentals are available for $7.50 to those who need them. Rink is small but the location can't be beat.

Winter Carnival

City-wide, first two weeks of February and spanning 3 weekends. A truly spectacular event, the Winter Carnival is a hundred-year-old tradition in Quebec City. Each year, a giant ice palace is built in the Place Jacques-Cartier as the headquarters of the festivities, but there's activities all during the week. The International Ice Sculpture Competition sees teams from around the world build monumental sculptures. There are 3 parades during the event in different quarters of the city, and other winter-defying competitions including a canoe race across the St. Lawrence and a group snow bath. The festival's mascot, Bonhomme Carnaval, a sashed snowman, is the city's most famous logo. $12 (2010) will get you a rubber snowman to attach to your parka for entrance into the festivities on the Plains of Abraham.

Festival of New France

First weekend in August.

Horse-drawn carriages

A one-hour tour of the Old City.