10 Best Photo Spots in Quebec City Plus Easy Photography Tips

Looking for the best photo spots in Quebec City, but don’t want to wake up at dawn or fight through crowds just to get the shot?

You’re not alone. While this city is incredibly photogenic, not every viewpoint is worth the detour—or the effort.

This guide to the best photo spots in Quebec City focuses on places that are easy to access, ideal for solo travellers, and genuinely enjoyable to linger in.

I visited these spots myself on foot, with no special gear, no car, and no itinerary packed to the minute. So yes, you can enjoy the view and get a great photo, without turning your trip into a photoshoot.

1. Ferry to Lévis

One of the most peaceful and underrated ways to photograph Quebec City. You’ll get panoramic shots of the skyline—Château Frontenac, Dufferin Terrace, and the Old Port—all from the water.

I had no issues staying connected mid-river thanks to this prepaid eSIM, which also worked seamlessly on the ferry.

• Best during golden hour or sunset
• Minimal crowds, inexpensive, and easy to board
• Bonus: views keep changing as you move
• Works year-round, but is especially striking in fall or summer evenings

2. Terrasse Pierre-Dugua-De-Mons

Tucked just above the Château, this overlook gives you sweeping views of the river, Lower Town, and beyond. It’s open, calm, and has benches if you want to sit with your camera (or coffee). It’s also a great moment to try this photography walking tour if you’d like expert guidance (and shortcuts to top shots).

• Easy to reach on foot from Upper Town
• Best light: morning or late afternoon
• Often quiet, even in high season
• Bonus foliage views in early October

3. Château Frontenac from Rue du Trésor or Dufferin Terrace

Château Frontenac is one of the most photographed hotels in the world—and for good reason. It sits at the heart of Old Québec, which is officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its preserved fortifications, colonial architecture, and rich cultural history.

For creative angles, step back to Rue du Trésor or wander toward the funicular for a layered street view that includes more than just the landmark.

• Best early morning before tours begin
• Adds dimension with street performers or café tables
• Winter snow and fall leaves both photograph beautifully here

4. The Citadelle Walls

For wide-angle shots of the city’s rooftops and the river beyond, walk the outer Citadelle paths. Fewer people, lots of space to explore, and great elevation for perspective.

• Go around golden hour for warm shadows + drama
• Easily walkable from the Plains of Abraham
• Bring a zoom lens or shoot wide for contrast shots

Just make sure you’ve got coverage—even near the Citadelle, I relied on Airalo’s eSIM to upload and geo-tag images in real time.

5. Observatoire de la Capitale

Quebec City’s highest indoor view—ideal if it’s raining, windy, or just too cold to hang outside. You get a full 360° skyline and mountain views from above the city.

• Accessible, calm, and never packed
• Great for capturing the layout of the city + St. Lawrence River
• Try in late afternoon for dramatic shadows over the rooftops

6. Rue Couillard

A quieter, less-touristed street near Rue Saint-Jean. Cobblestones, character, and colourful buildings make it perfect for portraits, storytelling shots, or moody edits.

• Go early to avoid any parked delivery vans
• Gorgeous soft light after rain
• Works well with a phone or camera—no gear stress here

If you’re heading here solo or want gear coverage while travelling, this travel insurance covers both cancellations and belongings.

7. Petit Champlain Back Alleys

Skip the main thoroughfare and look for the hidden corners behind the shops and restaurants. String lights, staircases, ivy-covered walls—it’s atmospheric and easy to shoot. The back alleys of Petit Champlain offer a unique perspective, revealing hidden gems and quaint spots that many visitors overlook.

• Best in early morning or twilight
• Magical in winter with snow and lights
• Feels like stepping into a movie set—but without the people

8. Parc Montmorency

An elevated, leafy park between Upper and Lower Town, perfect for natural frames and skyline shots. It’s never busy and offers quiet views of rooftops and treetops.

• Stunning in fall with orange and yellow foliage
• Bring a hot drink and linger—you won’t feel rushed here
• Nice contrast to the more formal views from the Château

9. Historic Architecture You’ll Want to Photograph

You don’t have to visit museums to capture Quebec City’s history—it’s all around you. These architectural photo stops are especially striking in soft light or with a bit of weather drama (fog, snow, golden hour).

• Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral – Look for angles from Rue de Buade or the side garden
• Old Seminary of Quebec (Séminaire de Québec) – Peaceful courtyard and aged stonework
• Ursulines Chapel
• Maison Chevalier + Place Royale – Best early in the day before crowds, especially with long shadows

Tip: These spots are even more atmospheric in the off-season or early morning when the city feels still.

10. Street Art and Murals in Quebec City

Quebec City isn’t always known for its street art, but that makes the murals even more special when you find them. These are worth seeking out (and easy to photograph even solo):

• Fresque des Québécois (Rue Notre-Dame) – Massive mural of city history, best viewed early morning
• Fresque du Petit-Champlain – Tucked near the base of the funicular, looks amazing with a wide-angle shot
• Backstreets of Saint-Roch – More modern and colourful, especially near bars, cafés, and creative spaces
• Random finds around Rue Saint-Jean and Rue Saint-Vallier – Keep your eyes up!

Tip: These make great contrast shots—pair them with neutral architecture or leafy streets for scroll-stopping edits.

If you love finding creative corners and unexpected murals, you’ll want to check out this self-guided walk I put together—it includes some of my favourite street art spots that most visitors miss.

Each wall tells a story, and some of them are part of this guided photo tour, which includes both murals and historical commentary (no boring narration, I promise).

Photography Tips for Exploring Quebec City

You don’t need a full camera bag to enjoy photographing Quebec City, but a little planning makes a big difference, especially if you’re shooting solo or want to really capture the vibe of each neighbourhood.

• I used both my iPhone and my Canon DSLR—sometimes both on the same walk. Some spots are best for quick phone shots, while others deserve the tripod and full setup.
• I also take short videos at each location—not just for content, but to help remember the sound, light, and mood of the place later.
• To stay organized, I photograph the street sign or location name before starting a new area. That way, when I go back to write or sort images, I’m not guessing where something was.
• Go early or near sunset for the softest light—Rue Couillard, Pierre-Dugua-De-Mons, and even Petit Champlain are especially beautiful when the light hits just right.
• Foggy mornings and snowy evenings? Keep your camera out. Some of the city’s best photo moments aren’t sunny.
• Don’t rush—some of my favourite shots happened while I was sitting on a bench, letting the scene unfold.

Whether you’re posting or just documenting for yourself, this city rewards curiosity and quiet moments.

FAQ: Photographing Quebec City

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Bonus: Night Photography, Timelapses & Sky Shots

If you’re into evening light, time lapses, or a bit of low-effort astrophotography, Quebec City gives you plenty to play with—no hiking or car required.

• Best for cityscapes: Dufferin Terrace, the ferry to Lévis, or the Citadelle walls
• For sky shots: edge of the Plains of Abraham (fewer lights, open sky)
• Want timelapse-worthy light shifts? Shoot from the ferry, upper lookouts, or Rue Saint-Jean as the lights come on
• I shot short video clips at each stop and used both my phone and DSLR—tripod optional but helpful

Want a real feel for the city after dark? I shot this quick clip during a solo walk. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy gear (or a buddy) to enjoy golden hour turning into blue hour safely.

Don’t Just Look, Pause

These photo spots aren’t just about the shots. They’re about the experience of noticing something—how the light hits the stone, the quiet of an empty alley, or the way the city glows at golden hour.

So yes, bring your camera. But bring your curiosity too. The best photos here often come when you’re not trying so hard.

Want more ways to explore Quebec City at your own pace?

→ Try my 2-day itinerary with plenty of photo stops along the way

→ Out after dark? Here’s what to do in Quebec City at night—from ferry views to low-key ghost tours