Everything you need to know about visiting Québec City with kids

20.02.2024 - 15:07 / lonelyplanet.com

With all the charm of a European city but a proud history that’s firmly French-Canadian, Québec City is a perfect place to travel with kids – and fortunately for North Americans, it’s much closer than Europe.

Founded in 1608, the provincial capital has engaging activities for the whole family, many of which are accessible on foot or with a short taxi/Uber ride. The best part? Kids aren’t just tolerated here, they’re welcomed with open arms, as many establishments cater to children through designated programming and discounted (or free) pricing. Here's everything you need to know about visiting Québec City with tots in tow.

You’ll be far from the only one traveling to Québec City with kids. Historic sights like the Fortification Walls and Le Château Frontenac are just as amazing for parents as they are for children, and there are plenty of benches to give your feet a rest. Restaurants usually have kids' menus and open earlier for dinner than in Europe. While there are just a few public toilets in the city, changing tables in restaurants and fast-food-chain bathrooms are common – you’ll just need to buy something.

Yes, this is a French-speaking province and English isn’t spoken by everyone in Québec City. However, you shouldn’t have too much trouble in the most-visited establishments. That said, a few words of French would help and the effort is appreciated by locals. You and your children can practice some basics like “bonjour” (hello) and “merci” (thank you), for starters.

If you bring a stroller, note that the main historic area, Vieux Québec (Old Town), has lots of cobblestones, especially in Basse-Ville (Lower Town), and a tiring set of steps to Haute-Ville (Upper Town). The good news is you can take Québec’s nearly 145-year-old Funiculaire up and down, though strollers must be folded up before you enter the building.

The most interesting neighborhood in Québec City, Vieux Québec, is just as entertaining for parents as it is for kids. You’ll see homes dating back to the 1600s, intriguing statues, and replica cannons atop the city walls. You’ll also likely see guides dressed up in period outfits, which kids get a kick out of.

Watch jellyfish drift, walruses flip-flop and polar bears munch their lunch at Québec’s aquarium. There are 10,000 animals spread over 100 acres of tanks and pools. While kids love the fishies, the aquarium is also a great opportunity for parents to learn about Québec’s fascinating fauna since most of the animals are from nearby habitats. It's free for kids under two.

The best view of Vieux-Québec and the famous Château Frontenac hotel isn’t from the city center, but from the St. Lawrence River while traveling on the Lévis Ferry. The commuter ferry is a pleasant 12-minute ride and