The Best Day Trips from Quebec City [That Are Actually Worth It]

Quebec City is stunning—but if you’ve got an extra day, there’s a lot more to check out just beyond its walls.

During my recent six-day visit, I took day trips to Île d’Orléans and Wendake, and each one offered a completely different side of Quebec: quiet countryside, rich Indigenous culture, and a break from the cruise ship crowds.

This guide covers the best day trips from Quebec City, including what’s actually worth your time, how to get there (with or without a car), and what kind of traveller each spot is best for. Let’s go, shall we?

Quick Picks: Best Day Trips by Interest

Short on time? Start here.

• Waterfall + adrenaline: Montmorency Falls (zipline + stairs)
• Local food + river views: Île d’Orléans (best time to visit is in summer/fall)
• Indigenous culture + trails: Wendake (with museum + restaurant)
• Easy, scenic, no car needed: Lévis (ferry + best photos of Quebec City)
• Nature + architecture combo: Sainte-Anne + Canyon Sainte-Anne
• Art, food + slower pace: Baie-Saint-Paul (via scenic train or car)
• Hiking + total reset: Jacques-Cartier Park (bring water + good shoes)

Easiest day trips from Québec City without a car:

• Lévis
• Montmorency Falls (bus)
• Wendake (short Uber ride)

1. Montmorency Falls

Travel time from Quebec City: ~15 minutes by car / ~35–40 minutes by RTC bus

Just outside the city, Montmorency Falls gives you big nature energy without a full-day commitment. It’s actually taller than Niagara Falls, and yes—you can walk across the suspension bridge right over the top.

Best for: Nature lovers, hikers, families, and anyone who wants waterfall photos without the long drive

Without a car:

Hop on RTC bus #800 toward Beauport. Get off at Brideau, then walk about 10 minutes to the park entrance. Super easy and budget-friendly.

What to do there:

• Walk the suspension bridge for top-down views of the falls
• Take the cable car up or down if you’re not into stairs
• Hike the cliffside staircase (nearly 500 steps with photo spots along the way)
• Try the zipline in summer—it crosses right in front of the falls
• Explore the trails around the top for a less crowded viewpoint

Food:

There’s a café onsite, but options are limited (especially for vegans). Bring snacks if you’re picky, or plan to eat back in the city.

Pro tip: Go early in the day or late afternoon to avoid crowds, especially in peak summer or cruise season.

Skip the car rental drama—join this half-day tour that hits Montmorency Falls and Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré without wasting the whole day. 🚌

2. Île d’Orléans

Travel time from Quebec City: ~20–25 minutes by car

Île d’Orléans feels like a mini road trip without the hours of driving. This peaceful island just outside the city is packed with wineries, cider houses, farm stands, and sweeping river views—all wrapped in charming countryside vibes.

Best for: Slow travel lovers, photographers, local food fans, couples, and anyone needing a breather from Old Quebec crowds

Without a car:

Tricky. Public transport doesn’t run here regularly, so your best bet is a half-day guided tour or car rental. A few bike tours are available in summer, but they sell out fast.

What to do there:

• Stop at farm stands for berries, preserves, or homemade bread
• Visit Cass’Isle d’Orléans for cassis products or Cidrerie Verger Bilodeau for cider tastings
• Enjoy the views from Sainte-Pétronille, the southern tip of the island
• Walk along the river or through the small villages for a true “Quebec pastoral” moment

Food:

There are several local cafés, bakeries, and bistros—some with vegetarian options, though not all are vegan-friendly. Bring backup snacks if you’re plant-based and touring on your own.

Pro tip: The island makes a great half-day trip—you don’t need to do the full loop unless you’re driving and want to stop at every winery.

Eat your way through Île d’Orléans—this small-group tour brings you to cideries, chocolate shops, and local farms without excessive boring bus narration. 🍓

3. Lévis

Travel time from Quebec City: ~10 minutes by ferry

Lévis is literally across the river, but it feels like you’ve escaped the tourist crowds in minutes. The vibe is local, relaxed, and perfect for a slow afternoon—especially if you like quiet cafés, river walks, and iconic views of the Château Frontenac.

Best for: Casual explorers, sunset chasers, photographers, and anyone who needs a break from the busy streets of Old Quebec

Without a car:

Super easy. Just take the Québec–Lévis ferry from the Old Port. It runs frequently (about every 20–30 minutes) and costs a few dollars. No booking needed—just show up and go.

What to do there:

• Grab a coffee and explore Avenue Bégin, Lévis’s main shopping street
• Walk or bike along the Parcours des Anses, a scenic waterfront path with river views
• Snap photos of Old Quebec from across the water—especially golden hour or sunset
• Visit Terrasse de Lévis for panoramic skyline views
• Stop by the old Notre-Dame-de-la-Victoire Church or check out street art tucked between side streets

Photo tip:

If you’re into photography, this is the spot to capture Quebec City’s skyline—especially at sunset. The ferry ride itself is underrated for photos as the light shifts and the Château Frontenac glows behind the cliffs.

Food:

There are a few cafés and bakeries nearby, but vegan options are hit or miss. It’s a short enough trip that you can just snack and return for dinner in the city.

Pro tip: Go in the late afternoon, take your time walking, and catch the sunset ferry back for the best light + least crowds.

4. Wendake (Huron-Wendat Nation)

Travel time from Quebec City: ~25 minutes by car or taxi

If you’re looking for a meaningful, culturally rich day trip from Quebec City, Wendake is the one. This Indigenous community offers an experience you won’t find anywhere else nearby—deep history, traditional knowledge, and modern Wendat culture, all shared in respectful and immersive ways.

Best for: Cultural travellers, history lovers, and anyone wanting to understand Quebec beyond its colonial past

Without a car:

Public transport is limited, but a taxi or Uber is a straightforward option (about 25 minutes from Old Quebec). Some tours also stop here.

What to do there:

• Explore the Huron-Wendat Museum, which shares the history, resilience, and traditions of the Wendat people
• Visit the traditional longhouse, guided by storytellers who bring the space to life
• Walk the Trails of Onhoüa Chetek8e, a peaceful path through forest and cultural landmarks
• Eat at Restaurant La Traite, where the menu highlights Indigenous ingredients and seasonal flavours (with vegan/vegetarian-friendly options available)

Food tip:

La Traite is a destination in itself—it’s beautiful, locally run, and well worth planning your trip around lunch or dinner there.

Want more details?

Check out my full guide to Wendake Village here—I go deeper into what to expect, what to eat, and how to make the most of your visit.

Pro tip: This is a quieter, more reflective trip—perfect if you’ve been sightseeing non-stop and want something more rooted and intentional.

5. Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré + Canyon Sainte-Anne

Travel time: ~35–45 minutes by car

Combine architecture and adrenaline in one day. Start at the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, a towering pilgrimage site with stained glass, mosaics, and a long religious history. Then head a few minutes down the road to Canyon Sainte-Anne, where you’ll find rope bridges over waterfalls, rugged trails, and even ziplining in summer.

Best for: Adventure-lovers who also appreciate a quiet cultural moment

With no car: Some day tours include both spots; otherwise, this is best by car

Tip: Canyon Sainte-Anne is perfect for summer/fall, with stairs and scenic lookouts. Wear good shoes!

Craving nature without the hassle? This combo tour gets you to two stunning waterfall spots—no car, no stress, no slow shuffle behind a guide. 🥾

6. Baie-Saint-Paul (Charlevoix Region)

Travel time: ~1.5–2 hours by car or train (seasonal)

This artsy riverside town is the heart of the Charlevoix region, known for its galleries, food scene, and dramatic views. It’s where Cirque du Soleil got its start, and the creative energy is still strong. You can browse local studios, hike nearby hills, or take the Charlevoix tourist train if you’re visiting in summer.

Best for: Art lovers, foodies, and slow travellers

Without a car: Take the Charlevoix train (June to October) from Montmorency station

Food: Local cheese shops, chocolate, and farm-to-table restaurants—some have veg-friendly menus

Pro tip: This makes a long but scenic day trip—or an easy overnight if you need a change of pace

7. Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier

Travel time: ~45 minutes by car

This is the go-to nature escape for hiking, kayaking, or spotting wildlife just outside the city. The park is known for its deep glacial valleys, dense forests, and stunning lookout points over the Jacques-Cartier River.

Best for: Hikers, nature photographers, or anyone who needs a total reset

Without a car: You’ll need to drive or join a guided tour—no public transit

What to do:

• Half-day hikes with river views
• Canoeing/kayaking in summer
• Snowshoeing in fall/winter if you return for another season

Pro tip: Stop at the discovery centre first for maps, trail recs, and up-to-date conditions

Don’t get stuck offline on a backroad tour. Install an eSIM before you go and keep Google Maps, ferry times, and translation apps at your fingertips. 📶

Which Day Trip from Quebec City Is Right for You?

You likely don’t have time to do them all, so here’s how to choose the one (or two) that best fit your style:

• For epic nature close to the city: Montmorency Falls (with a zipline, if you’re brave)
• For slow food, views, and a full unplug: Île d’Orléans
• For meaningful culture and storytelling: Wendake (read my full Wendake Village guide)
• For laid-back vibes and the best view of Old Quebec: Lévis
• For a combo of wow-factor architecture and wild canyon trails: Sainte-Anne + Canyon Sainte-Anne
• For a scenic escape with food, art, and a slower pace: Baie-Saint-Paul
• For total nature reset with hiking or kayaking: Jacques-Cartier National Park

Still not sure what fits your itinerary? Start with the ferry to Lévis or a quick ride to Montmorency Falls—easy wins that don’t eat up the day.

Smart Day Trip Combos (If You Want to Do 2 Things in a Day)

• Montmorency Falls + Canyon Sainte-Anne – Nature + adventure
• Île d’Orléans + Lévis (sunset ferry) – Slow morning + golden hour views
• Wendake + dinner in Old Quebec – Culture + relaxed return
• Jacques-Cartier Park + local spa stop – Hike then unwind
• Baie-Saint-Paul + overnight – Long but rewarding (or pair with Charlevoix the next day)

What to Pack for Quebec City Day Trips

For all trips:

• Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll be on trails, bridges, or cobblestones)
• Reusable water bottle (especially for parks or Île d’Orléans)
• Sunscreen + bug spray (nature spots = bugs + sun)
• Light layers – it can get breezy by the river
• Phone/camera with space for photos (Montmorency! Lévis at sunset!)
• Snacks if you’re vegan or picky—some rural stops have limited options
• Backup power bank (if you’re relying on your phone for tickets or maps)

Avoid WiFi dead zones. Download an eSIM before your day trip so you’re never without GPS or bus times. 📲

Frequently Asked Questions About Day Trips from Québec City

Practical Planning Tips for Quebec City Day Trips

Don’t trust Google Maps blindly.

Driving times are often accurate, but walking distances, bus stop locations, and ferry timings can be misleading. Cross-check routes with RTC’s app or official attraction websites.

Mondays are weird.

A lot of places outside the city—like museums, cideries, and even restaurants on Île d’Orléans—are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays. Always check the opening days before committing.

Bring cash for roadside stands.

Île d’Orléans farm stands and some Lévis cafés may not take cards, especially for small purchases like berries or pastries.

You don’t need to rent a car for every trip.

Montmorency Falls and Lévis are super accessible without one. Wendake is Uber-able. Only a few (like Île d’Orléans and Jacques-Cartier) truly require wheels.

Ferry timing matters.

If you’re doing Lévis at sunset, check the return ferry schedule—service slows down in the evening. You don’t want to be stuck on the wrong side of the river.

Don’t overschedule.

Trying to fit in two or three major stops in one day can turn a charming outing into a logistics headache. Leave room to explore slowly.