Family-Friendly Adventures in Quebec City, Quebec!

Shrine of Saint-Anne-de-Beaupré (Sanctuaire de Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré)

Why Visit?

Day 1: Exploring Shrine of Saint-Anne-de-Beaupré

Morning: Arrival and Tour of the Shrine

Start your family adventure by driving just 30 minutes east of Quebec City to the Shrine of Saint-Anne-de-Beaupré, easily accessible via the scenic Route 138. Upon arrival, soak in the majestic architecture of one of the oldest pilgrimage sites in North America, dating back to 1658. Take a guided tour (available upon request at the entrance) to learn about the shrine"s history, art, and the miracles of St. Anne, the grandmother of Jesus, who is revered for healing the sick and disabled.

Afternoon: Explore the Grounds and Artisan Shops

After lunch at one of the local eateries, spend your afternoon exploring the shrine"s beautiful grounds. Visit the Scala Santa, a replica of the Holy Stairs in Rome, where pilgrims ascend the stairs on their knees in prayer. Don"t miss the Memorial Chapel and the Cyclorama of Jerusalem, which offers a stunning 360-degree depiction of the city during the time of Christ.

Evening: Attend a Mass or Candlelight Procession

Cap off your day by participating in an evening Mass or join in the seasonal candlelight procession (check schedule ahead). It"s a serene way to experience the spiritual ambiance of the shrine.

Day 2: Surrounding Attractions

Morning: Mont-Sainte-Anne

Just a 20-minute drive from the shrine, spend your morning at Mont-Sainte-Anne. During the summer, enjoy hiking or mountain biking and in winter, experience skiing or snowboarding on its famous slopes.

Afternoon: Canyon Sainte-Anne

Conclude your trip with a visit to Canyon Sainte-Anne, about 15 minutes from Mont-Sainte-Anne. Walk the suspension bridges over the breathtaking gorge and waterfall, an exciting adventure for all ages.

This two-day itinerary offers a perfect blend of spiritual enrichment, natural beauty, and family fun at Shrine of Saint-Anne-de-Beaupré and its surroundings. Enjoy your visit!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec)

Why Visit?

Day 1: A Stroll through Old Quebec

*Morning:*

Start your adventure at the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Accessible via the 800 or 801 bus line, this world-renowned hotel offers picturesque views of the St. Lawrence River. Take a guided tour to delve into its rich history.

*Afternoon:*

Head to the Dufferin Terrace, right next to Château Frontenac. It"s a perfect spot for family photos with sweeping views of the river below. After lunch at one of the nearby cafés, stroll down to the Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec, a funicular railway that links Upper Town to Lower Town. It"s an exciting ride down for the kids and easier than the stairs!

*Evening:*

In Lower Town, explore the charming Petit Champlain District. Its narrow cobblestone streets and colorful buildings are like stepping into a fairy tale. Check out local boutiques and dine at one of the family-friendly restaurants.

Day 2: History and Culture

*Morning:*

Visit the Citadel of Quebec, a short walk from Château Frontenac. This active military installation, also the residence of the Canadian monarch and the Governor General, offers an engaging Changing of the Guard ceremony in the summer, which is a hit with families.

*Afternoon:*

Spend some time at the Musée de la Civilisation. Just a 15-minute walk from the Citadel, it offers interactive exhibits that are both educational and entertaining for children.

*Evening:*

Wrap up your visit with a stop at Montmorency Falls Park, located a short bus ride away (take route 800). Higher than Niagara Falls, it offers stunning views, and you can either hike around the park or take a cable car up to the top.

Tips

- Purchase a multi-day transport pass for convenience.

- Check for family passes or discounts at museums and attractions to save on entrance fees.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Montmorency Falls Park (Parc de la Chute-Montmorency)

Why Visit?

Embark on an exhilarating family adventure at Montmorency Falls Park, a natural wonder located just a few minutes from Quebec City. Standing taller than Niagara Falls, this 83-meter high waterfall is a spectacular backdrop for a day of exploration and fun.

Morning Arrival

Begin your visit early in the morning to enjoy the park at a quieter time. If you"re driving, there"s convenient parking available onsite. Alternatively, take the bus from Quebec City; it’s a scenic route and drops you right at the park entrance.

Cable Car Ride

Start with a ride on the cable car, which offers a panoramic view of the waterfall and the surrounding area. It’s not only a thrilling experience but also provides easy access to the top of the falls without the need to hike. This is especially convenient if traveling with younger children or anyone with mobility issues.

Montmorency Manor

At the top, visit the Montmorency Manor, where you can learn about the historical significance of the area and enjoy refreshments at the café with a view. The manor also offers interactive exhibits that are both educational and engaging for children.

Suspension Bridge

Next, take a walk across the suspension bridge that spans the crest of the falls. It’s a perfect spot for unforgettable family photos. The bridge might sway a little, but it"s completely safe and offers a unique perspective of the plunging waterfall.

Picnic and Play

For lunch, have a picnic at one of the many designated areas with stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and Isle d"Orleans. Afterward, let the kids play at the playground located near the visitor center, a great spot for them to burn off some energy.

Lower Park Trails

In the afternoon, explore some of the lower park trails. These are less strenuous and meander through beautiful forested areas, leading to different viewing points of the falls and the river.

Wrap up your day by catching the cable car back down, or for the more adventurous, descend via the panoramic staircase that offers close-up views of the falls – a refreshing end to a memorable family day out at Montmorency Falls Park.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Quebec Royal Square (Place-Royale)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary for Exploring Quebec"s Place-Royal

Morning Arrival

Start your day by arriving in the heart of Old Quebec. Place-Royale is easily accessible by public transport (bus lines 1 or 11) or by car, with several parking lots nearby, such as the Place d"Youville. Begin at the *Centre d"Interprétation de Place-Royale*, an engaging museum where kids and adults alike can immerse themselves in the 17th and 18th-century history through interactive exhibits. Did you know? Place-Royale is considered the birthplace of French America!

Mid-Morning Exploration

Stroll through the cobblestone streets and marvel at the architecture. Stop by the fresco mural near *Maison Chevalier*, which vividly depicts the area"s bustling history. It"s a great spot for a family selfie!

Lunch

Enjoy a meal at one of the local bistros like *Le Lapin Sauté*, where you can savor traditional Quebec cuisine on a charming terrace. The children"s menu here is delightfully accommodating.

Afternoon Adventure

Visit *Notre-Dame-des-Victoires*, one of the oldest stone churches in North America, right at the square"s heart. When it"s open, the interior is majestic and holds many stories.

Late Afternoon

Take a leisurely walk along the Old Port Market nearby. Here, you can sample fresh local produce and delightful snacks. The market also offers beautiful views of the St. Lawrence River—perfect for a relaxing end to your day.

Overall

Place-Royale offers a blend of educational experiences and leisure activities that are perfect for a family day out. Each point of interest is within walking distance, making it accessible for little ones or strollers. Enjoy your trip back in time in this picturesque part of Quebec City!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Plains of Abraham (Plaines d"Abraham)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: Plains of Abraham

Morning Arrival & Exploration

Start your day early by arriving at the Plains of Abraham, located in the heart of Quebec City. Easily accessible by bus (routes 11 or 800) or by car with parking available at Discovery Pavilion. Begin at the Discovery Pavilion of the Plains of Abraham, where you can pick up a map and explore fascinating exhibits about the park"s historical significance in the Battle of 1759 between the French and the British.

Picnic & Play

Pack a picnic to enjoy on the vast greens. The park is perfect for kids to play around or fly kites. Nearby, you’ll find beautiful gardens like the Joan of Arc Garden, which bursts with colors and is a great spot for family photos.

Afternoon Activities

Post lunch, join a guided tour specifically designed for families. These tours are engaging and help bring history to life, explaining the park’s role in Canadian history in a fun way. Check the timings at the Discovery Pavilion.

Museum Visit

Next, head to the Plains of Abraham Museum. The museum offers interactive exhibits that are particularly appealing to children, including uniforms to try on and historical reenactments. It’s both educational and entertaining, ensuring that the kids are engaged.

Evening Stroll & Departure

As the day winds down, take a leisurely stroll along the Governor"s Promenade, a scenic pathway with stunning views of the St. Lawrence River. It’s the perfect way to end your day at the Plains of Abraham before heading back to your accommodation.

Interesting Fact: Did you know that the Plains of Abraham also hosts major concerts and festivals? Depending on the time of your visit, you might be able to catch a live event!

This itinerary offers a blend of education, fun, and relaxation, ensuring that every family member has a memorable experience at the Plains of Abraham.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.