When you live in Montreal, you live in a semi-historicpatchwork of modernism, cultures, artists, andcool people—a city that never sleeps and is constantly buzzing…
And while Montreal is full of museums, heritage buildings, and excitement, you can spend a weekend in a city steeped in the region’s history—just a three-hour drive or three-hour train ride from downtown Montreal—in Quebec City.
We’ve put together a list of our favorite spots in Quebec City, whether you’re planning to spend a few days there or just a Saturday and Sunday…
The Historical Walk: The Plains of Abraham
The Plains of Abraham is a large park in the heart of Quebec City, on the riverfront, which served as the scene of major battles between French and British forces for control of “New France” in 1759 and 1760.
You can learn all about it by visiting the Plains of Abraham Museum, and we’re particularly fond of the guided bus tour (available between July 2 and September 1) led by a guide in period costume…
Every September (dates to be announced), there’s a large-scale reenactment of the battles from that era, witheveryone in period costumes, real cannon fire, and a very, very historic atmosphere.
The Plains are also a large, beautifully maintained natural park—the “lungs of Quebec City”—where you can bike, hike, and cross-country ski in the winter… and where you can also have a picnic and enjoy plenty of concerts and shows during the summer.
And for those who don’t like sitting on the grass (we know we’re talking to city folks, after all), there’s the very cute Café Smith, housed in a round stone gazebo, with a small terrace overlooking the park. Perfect for a glass of rosé or amatcha…
The Historical Tour: The Augustinian Monastery
For a change of pace from the fortifications of Old Quebec and the Château Frontenac, let’s visit the most beautiful monastery in the area: the Augustinian Monastery. The Augustinian Sisters were the first to open a hospital north of Mexico, in 1639. Since then, the sisters have cared for the sick, provided medical treatment, and contributed to the advancement of healthcare.
The monastery’s museum houses more than 40,000 artifacts from the Augustinian Sisters’ 12 monastery-hospitals and traces their spiritual and medical journey.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and general admission for adults is $17. Check out the program and more information here!
And the best part of it all is that you can also stay overnight at the monastery, just like in a hotel, or spend a few days there on a retreat to recharge.
In the cool, serene atmosphere of the Augustines, surrounded by ancient stone walls, it’s tempting to stay for a few nights…
The museum: The National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec City
For a bit of more contemporary history and for the (long-overdue!) inclusion of Indigenous historical figures and artists —who have far too often been erased from the history of Quebec and Canada, in an injustice that has persisted since the arrival of colonists in the Americas—we’re heading to the National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec City.
There, you can see contemporary art exhibitions by Quebec artists, Inuit artworks, and the museum’s incredibly rich collections. We also love its architecture—all glass and curves—with the echo of visitors’ footsteps and the murmur of conversations as people lean in to examine the artworks beneath the high white ceilings.
For the program, click here!
The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m., and admission starts at $10.80.
The Café: Café Olive
It’s a tiny little café—so small you could walk right past it without noticing—but it’s a gem of the city—and a real hangout for thecoolest people around…
We love the cream-filledbuns and the tiny tables in front of the café’s little awning, which are always packed as soon as a ray of sunshine comes out.
It’s at 1190 Cartier Avenue!
The restaurant: Chez J.Jacques
It’s a cocktail bar that serves the best oysters we’ve ever had, and it’s tucked away on a small side street, behind a gray door with no storefront.
The restaurant was ranked No. 16 on the list of Canada’s 100 best restaurants, and yet the prices aren’t too daunting—in any case, it’s definitely worth it, and, of course, the cocktails are exceptional.
You’ll need to make a reservation—right here!
It’s located at 341 Notre-Dame-des-Anges Street and is open every day from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Enjoy your visit!
