Free, Cheap and Paid Things in Quebec City

A trip to Quebec City can cost almost nothing or a fair amount, depending on the season. This page sorts the options by cost, in Canadian dollars (CAD), so you can mix free mornings with one or two paid highlights. Tax of 14.975% is added to most purchases.

Free

  • Walking the walls. The ramparts around the Upper Town are open to walk on your own, with gates, cannons and river views.
  • Dufferin Terrace and the Governors’ Promenade. The clifftop boardwalk sits in front of the Château Frontenac, and the promenade climbs toward the Plains of Abraham.
  • Skating on land. The rink at Place D’Youville and the ice ring on the Plains of Abraham are free, and the Place D’Youville season ran from late November to late March last winter. Rental there was about 10 plus tax for adults. Never skate on the river.
  • Cross-country skiing on the Plains. About 13.9 km of tracks are free in winter.
  • Parliament Building tours. Visits are free, with photo ID for ages 16 and over.

Under about 25 CAD

  • Funicular. 7 one way for adults, cash only, children under 117 cm free.
  • Au 1884 ice slides. The 2025-26 price was about 5 per slide on Dufferin Terrace. The next winter’s price is not yet published.
  • Citadelle. A 60-minute guided tour at 22 for adults, with the regimental museum included.
  • Parks Canada fortifications tour. About 22.75 for adults on a 90-minute guided walk, from 19 June to 25 October in 2026.
  • Morrin Centre. A guided tour of about one hour at 18.50 for adults.
  • Musée de la civilisation. 22 for ages 18 to 34 and 27 for ages 35 to 64.
  • Montmorency Falls access. About 13.90 for adults in high season, per person, with lower rates for residents.

Mid-range, 25 to 60 CAD

  • Hôtel de Glace day visit. Priced by height, from about 29.99 to 42.99 before tax, depending on height and whether you buy online or on site.
  • River cruise. Croisières AML sails for about 1 hour 30 minutes, with adults at about 49.99 before tax.
  • Carnaval de Québec Effigie pass. About 29 plus tax at the 2027 presale price, valid for the 5 to 14 February 2027 festival and required from age 13.

Higher spend

  • Hôtel de Glace overnight. Suites start around 485 before tax, from 4 January to 13 March 2027.
  • Whale-watching at Tadoussac. Zodiac trips start around 134.99 for adults before tax, and the trip works better as an overnight.
  • Dinner at a restaurant such as Le Saint-Amour, which is recommended by the Michelin Guide and serves dinner only.

Seasonal notes

Winter is cold and the steps ice over, so boots with deep treads help. Summer brings rafting on the Jacques-Cartier River, north of the city, from mid-May to mid-October. Swimming is not recommended along the river, except in the supervised area at Baie de Beauport, which opens in summer and charges 10 for parking.

Official prices can change, so look at the Citadelle page and the Carnaval site before you go. Activities can be searched on GetYourGuide .

Read more: sightseeing in Quebec City and the 3-day itinerary .