Quebec City Day Trip

When I booked my trip to Montréal, I organized all of my excursions through Viator.  I kept seeing an option for a Quebec City Day Trip.   Honestly, I didn't really know anything about Quebec City, but the pictures online were beautiful.   The excursion included transportation there and back along with guides at the sites.  I was a little nervous about taking my kids since it was three hours there and then three hours back, but I figured even if there was a meltdown it would be worth it.  

The night before the trip I realized that if you contact the tour operator twenty four hours prior then they will pick you up at the hotel.  Unfortunately, I neglected to do this. Luckily the departure point wasn't that far from my hotel, so I just took an Uber ride in the morning.  The departure point was out of the visitor center in Old Montreal.  I saw people purchasing tickets the day of, but the prices were higher.  

Once on the bus the driver gave us a rundown of the day.  He let us know it would be a very long day, but a good day.  I made sure the kids had downloaded movies to their tablets for the ride.  At the halfway point we stopped at a gas station/rest stop.  There were plenty of snacks and a small restaurant inside serving sandwiches. 

The driver gave us around twenty minutes, so he recommended ordering food as soon as we arrived, then taking care of other business.  The ride to Quebec is very flat terrain.  I was expecting more mountainous, but it was still very green and beautiful.   

When we were getting closer to Quebec City the traffic thickened quite a bit, but the driver was very knowledgeable about getting us through quickly.   Once in Quebec City we departed the bus for a walking tour. 

For around forty minutes we learned about the history of Quebec City and fun facts about people living there today.  The Old Town is a real gem full of restaurants and shops winding around the narrow streets.  

After the walking tour we got back on the bus to head to Montmorency Falls. I wish we could have eaten lunch in Old Quebec at this point because it was around noon, however the guide stated we would break for lunch at 2 pm.  

The drive to the water fall was a short trip.  If you love water falls I would plan a different trip with more time because we only spent around 20 minutes at the falls.  The falls had so much to do.  I saw a zip line, a gondola that takes you to the top of the falls for a lookout bridge, another lookout point, and tons of walking trails.  The falls had a nice bathroom and snack area.  I spent around $10 for my kids to try slush puppies, but if they are used to ICEE forget it.  They said it was too sweet.  They had some really cute souvenirs in the falls gift shop.  

After the waterfall we boarded the bus for a driving tour of the upper part of Quebec City.  The town looks like there are many parks and museums to check out. The guide was very informative of the history of the area and the kids enjoyed the break from walking.  

Once back in the lower part of Quebec City,  we departed the bus for free time in the city.  We were pretty hungry at this point, but a restaurant I really really wanted to try a lobster roll said they were no longer seating for lunch and would not be seating for dinner until 330pm.  This would be my complaint about departing for lunch at 2pm.  Then many of the restaurants had long waits, but I couldn't make reservations beforehand because I had no idea what time we would be in town for lunch.  I ended up finding a creperie to eat something quickly that way there would be time to check out the town and shop.  If you have time to research food and make reservations beforehand I definitely recommend doing that. 

The town hill has a funicular, which is a little car that will take you up the hill on the track.  It is only $4 per person and if we had more time I definitely would have done it. 

The shopping in Quebec City was a blast.  My daughter found some locally made moccasins at Martino Boutique.   I really wish I had bought some shoes here.  They are beautifully handmade.  

 My son found local maple syrup, and I found a beautiful necklace. Each shop was unique and had tons of different items.   There are also your typical touristy type shops with sweatshirts and hats.  The church in the center of town Note Dame de Quebec is well worth a walk through.  I made the kids sit in there for a bit and say something they are grateful for.  

Throughout the town there are street musicians playing.   There was also a free museum in the center of town, but we didn't have enough time to indulge.  

Around 445 pm it was time to hop back on the bus to head back to Montréal.  Make sure to bring cash to tip the guide and driver. They stated multiple times on the journey that they appreciate tips.  The drive back seemed to go by really fast, and we were back at the hotel by 8pm.  There is a comfort stop again on the way back, but the restaurant part of the rest stop was closed.  Once back in Montréal the driver dropped us right in front of the hotel, which was greatly appreciated.   As the driver said it was a long day, but a very good day and one I won't soon forget.  

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