Exploring Québec City in The Fall

Québec City is one of the most charming places in North America—and, dare I say it—one of the most beautiful, too; exploring Québec City in the fall was a treat!

My childhood introduction to the city was quite memorable: I was nine years old, taking a family trip with my grandfather and extended family over the Christmas holiday. Though we only spent a few days in Québec before moving on to Mont Tremblant, a popular ski region, it was the city itself that had captured my childhood sense of wonder and imagination. 

To me, the UNESCO-designated city covered under feet of snow and lit up like a Christmas tree was the closest I could get to a fairytale wonderland. Add in the city’s love for a good cup of hot chocolate, a warm horse-drawn carriage ride and a high-flying toboggan ride, and I was hooked for life. 

Exploring Québec City in The Fall – Autumn in Old Québec

Seventeen years later, I returned to Québec City with a few others. We spent three days in the city before leaving on a Canadian cruise to destinations like Charlottetown and Halifax. 

Autumn is one of the best times to visit the city and experience its 400 years of history. While I still consider the city’s winter charm to be the most beautiful, my second visit promised warmer weather, which made it a lot easier and more comfortable walking around the city. 

In late September, the weather was in the mid-50s and 60s each day, with lots of wind, but very little rain. That meant I could enjoy walking around the city in light layers, and enjoy something I did not get to experience in winter: street dining.

Some of the restaurant-heavy streets in Québec completely close most evenings, allowing for the restaurants to place tables and chairs outside. This was true even as the nights dipped into the 40s, but I loved it. There’s something about sitting outside a pub in a jacket, sharing a pizza and listening to live music. Al fresco is a step above, even if it’s a bit chilly. 

Another special experience that may or may not be seasonal was the small maker’s market and art street: both located between two churches near the Chateau Frontenac, the two little market areas are where travelers can find local artisans selling their wares and paintings. 

Now, I know you’re probably wondering: what are the fall colors like in Canada?

Well, the red maples were just beginning to change from green to red when we visited in late September, so don’t believe when the Internet tells you late September is the peak fall foliage season in that region of the world, because it’s not. With that being said, it was still a lovely, mild time of year to visit, provided you bring layers and some waterproof boots, just in case. 

Expert Tip: If you’re exploring Québec City in the fall when there aren’t any red maple trees, check out the La Boutique de Noël de Québec, the Christmas-themed shop that’s a beloved attraction. There, you’ll find a special handmade ornament made of a real maple leaf encased in glass and gold. While it’s likely the most expensive ornament in the shop, it’s definitely a perfect souvenir to memorialize your time in the city. 

Québec City’s Film Fame

Québec City has been featured in a few different films and TV shows over the years, but none more popular around the globe than the Korean drama “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God,” which, even though it originally aired in Korea in 2016, has captured so many hearts that it still brings fans to visit Québec City from around the world.

You’ll find a lot of travelers taking photos at the show’s iconic film spots, like the golden mailbox inside the lobby of the Chateau Frontenac, or the nondescript red door along the Petit Champlain area. 

If you’ve watched the show, you’ll have an easy and fun way to make connections with people during your time in Québec.

During the time I visited the city, it was also host to a special art installation called Le Mignonisme by French artist Philippe Katerine. The installation, oddly enough, featured inflated pink baby-like people to be placed in locations throughout the city, from rooftops to stairwells and more. They were strange and cute, and I had fun finding them. 

Expert Tip: If you hopped on the “Twilight” bus way back when it was a huge trend, you’ll have no trouble loving the show. Go on, just give it a watch—especially if you’re headed there any time soon.

Practical Considerations

Québec is a great place to visit before embarking on a cruise. It’s perfect for three or four days’ exploration, and the historic city center is completely walkable, with only a few steep hills to consider. 

The biggest hill, which marks the line between the upper city and the lower city near Saint Lawrence River, can be easily ignored thanks to the Funiculaire, which costs $5 to use in either direction. The Funiculaire is located near the Chateau Frontenac and is itself one of the special features of the UNESCO-designated city.

I recommend staying within the city’s historic walls, where there are plenty of boutique-style hotels, along with the luxurious Chateau Frontenac, which is a Fairmont property. However, travelers with mobility considerations should be aware that many of these properties, beyond the Chateau itself, may not have elevators or may have limited accessibility for those in wheelchairs, given their historic construction. 

If you have limited mobility or need an elevator, make sure to contact the hotels you’re considering before you book your stay, or consider staying at a newer property just outside of the city walls. 

Expert Tip: meals are expensive in Québec, so bring lots of Canadian bills. It’s a popular little place, and while there are so many incredible restaurants to discover, be aware that they might come with a pricier bill than you would initially expect. 

Expect a variety of fare, from everything fried to pizza and the city’s favorite bar meal, poutine. Also, don’t be surprised if you spot grown adults ordering a cup of hot chocolate at one of the city’s many cafes: for some reason, Québec has a deep, abiding love for hot chocolate. 

This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.