If you’re looking for things to do in Québec City at night, well, it’s nice to meet you! As a fellow evening adventure seeker, I have to say Québec City is one of my favourite places to visit at night. It’s the perfect combination of photogenic places to see, interspersed with great restaurants to explore and experiences that await.
Whenever I can, I visit Québec City and always plan to land in the evening with enough time to explore the beautiful city at night. Whether it’s -40°C and the middle of winter, or a warm summer evening, there is plenty to do after the sun goes down in Québec City. I’m here to share some of my favourite photos and recommendations on what you need to check out when visiting one of Canada’s most vibrant cities.
Get ready, as we shine a spotlight on the 26 must-try things to do in Québec City at night, showing you a whole new side of the city.
Self-Guided Evening Photo Tour in Downtown Québec City
The streets of Québec City are a kaleidoscope of colours, with a mix of old and new architecture, an interwoven immersion of French Canadian culture. Home to the most photographed hotel in the world, The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, daytime is popular for tourists as they work on capturing the perfect shot of the shops, murals, and architecture. This can make it difficult, if not impossible, to take photos with so many people bustling around the city. My best advice is to head out well after sunset and do a photo tour in the dark, when you’ll have empty streets, beautiful lights, and plenty of space to set up the tripod or pose for photos.
Explore at your leisure — all the locations and their addresses are listed below for a smooth self-guided tour.
1. Capture The Floating Umbrellas on Rue Du Cul-de-Sac
Many cities around the world have floating umbrellas, making them a popular place to visit and photograph. But few have floating umbrellas with a castle-like hotel in the background! Known as Umbrella Alley, when you step back and look up, you can capture the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, the colourful umbrellas dancing in the sky, all over a meandering cobblestone street that is bustling with restaurants and local shops. Go for the photos – stay for the vibes.
Photographer Tip: Bring a tripod and shoot at F22 with a slow shutter speed. This will allow you to get those starburst effects.
Location Address: 8 Rue Du Cul-De-Sac (best to enter Umbrella Alley at the corner of Rue Du Cul-De-Sac and Rue Notre-Dame)
2. Photograph The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac from Montmorency Park National Historic Site
Many people want to visit and photograph the Château Frontenac up close and personal, but if you step back and view it from Montmorency Park, you’ll be able to put the Fairmont in the backdrop and also be able to get in the photo yourself! This is one of the best places in all of Québec City to capture a picture with the hotel without having to have other people in the photo.
Location Address: Côte de la Montagne
3. Stroll The Streets of Rue du Petit Champlain
Rue du Petit Champlain reminds me of one of those small Christmas villages that people display in their homes during the holidays. With brightly decorated storefronts lining centuries-old cobblestone streets and string lights dangling from above, Rue du Petit Champlain is one of Canada’s most beautiful historic streets to stroll. Give yourself lots of time on the street to allow you to wander in and out of the shops, and make the difficult decision of deciding which restaurant to indulge in (there are so many amazing ones to choose from).
Photography Tip: The best place to capture a photo is from the stairwell on Rue Sous-le-Fort, looking down Rue du Petit Champlain.
Location: Rue du Petit Champlain (which stretches between Rue Sous-le-Fort and Rue du Marché-Champlain)
4. Pose on the Frontenac Stairs
One of my favourite places to capture the Fairmont was on the stairs that connect Lower Town and Upper Town. I brought a tripod and set it up so that the trees framed the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac perfectly. This is a perfect spot to visit during every season, especially in the winter when it’s snowy and bright.
Photography Tip: Wear a bright colour to make yourself and your crew pop in the photos.
Location: The Frontenac Stairs start at the bottom of Côte de la Montagne and go up to the end of Dufferin Terrace.
5. Photograph the Enchanted Entrance of Le Lapin Sauté
The storefronts in Old Québec City blend 18th-century architecture and modern design, making each place worth slowing your stroll to soak in. With displays changing seasonally, as well as embracing the culture and vibrance of their businesses, each property acts as a storybook location, making you feel like you’re walking through a novel as the story unfolds as you meander down the street.
Traveller Tip: This is a great place to stop for rustic vibes and comforting dishes, either by the fire in winter or on their sunny terrace in the Summer.
Location: 52 Rue du Petit Champlain
6. Mural at Parc de la Cetière
Depicting a historical story of Québec, the mural at Parc de la Cetière, known as The Fresque des Québécois, is definitely worth visiting at night. The mural depicts the local architecture, geography, fortifications, and stairs, while highlighting the seasons’ changing colours. In addition, the mural also pays tribute to fifteen historical figures and honours dozens of authors and artists. But I don’t want you to make the same mistake I did and only see it from above (and hence only the top half of the mural). Be sure to get down to ground level and look up at the beautiful artwork by the 12 French and Québec artists who collaborated on the piece.
Location: 29 Rue Notre-Dame
7. Place Royal – One of Québec City’s Iconic Churches
One of the most photographed places in all of Old Québec City is Place Royale. During the day, you’ll find a busy courtyard filled with tours, tour guides, and more cameras than you can count, but my night…. It is silent and cinematic, making for the perfect images.
Photographer Tip: Every season, this courtyard changes, so you can visit again and again and get a different shot. For example, during the holidays you’ll find a huge Christmas tree and a display in the middle, and during Carnaval you’ll find some giant ice carvings. They all sparkle brighter at night, so they’re definitely worth checking out after dark.
Location: 2-4 Rue des Pains Bénits
8. Pose With a Pig at Cochon Dingue
Unique to the Petit Champlain district of Old Québec is a life-size pig that is curiously peeping into the window of Cochon Dingue (French for “crazy pig”). Since 1979, the restaurant has been a beloved destination for both locals and guests alike, inviting you to come on in and indulge in the French-inspired cuisine.
Reservations are open until 8:30 PM, so this is a great place to have dinner and then head out into the night once the sun goes down. Be sure to load up on their delectable desserts to fuel your evening adventures!
Location: 59 Rue de Petit Champlain
9. Watch the Fontaine de Tourny Sparkle
The Québec City Parliament building (also known as Hôtel du Parlement) is stunningly beautiful with its blend of French, Indigenous, and British architecture influences, making for the perfect background for the fountain out front. With reflecting lights that change colours, plus so many angles to capture the fountain from, this is a fun spot for both photographers and visitors alike.
Photographer Tip: If you have an iPhone, steady yourself to reduce any movement and take a photo of the fountain in live mode, with cars driving by. Then adjust the picture mode to long exposure, which will help get you images like the one above with the fountain water flowing and cars moving by.
With traditional cameras, you’ll need a tripod and a long exposure to get this effect. I also used Lightroom to bump up the colours as the sky was so pretty that night!
Location: Place de l’Assemblée-Nationale
Things To Do At Night In Québec City – Not to Miss Experiences
10. Fairmont Le Château Frontenac – Bistro Le Sam
One of my most favourite hotels in the world, and proudly Canadian-owned and operated, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is definitely worth visiting. My personal favourite is making a reservation at Bistro Le Sam, one of the hotel’s restaurants that overlooks the Dufferin Terrace.
The restaurant’s designers were inspired by Canada’s railway history, which was integral to the creation of the hotel back in 1893. Walking through the restaurant, you can spot elements of train life, including elegant dark colours and fabrics, a mix of media and textures, as well as cozy and intimate banquette tables that make you feel like you’re riding in a first-class train car.
Traveller Tip: Make reservations in advance and sit next to the window so you can soak in the beautiful scenery over the Saint Lawrence River and out over the Dufferin Terrace.
Location: 1 Rue des Carrières
11. Scale The Cliff in Québec City’s Funicular
A unique and easy way to traverse between the upper and lower towns is by the Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec. The funiculaire spans 64 metres (about 210 feet) and climbs roughly 59 metres (about 195 feet) at a 45-degree angle, taking just a few minutes to ride in one direction, saving you from walking up lots of stairs. What makes the funiculaire special isn’t just the convenience, though — it’s also a slice of living history and a unique vantage point over Québec City. Riding it gives you lovely panoramic views of the Lower Town, the rooftops, the winding streets of Petit-Champlain, and glimpses of the St. Lawrence River below.
Traveller Tip: The funicular only accepts cash payments; however, they do have a cash machine in the gift shop if you need it.
Location: 16 Rue du Petit Champlain
12. Enjoy Nightlife on Grande Allée
You can hear the buzz of the street from blocks away as Grande Allée is the place to be when night falls in Québec City. Historically, this boulevard was once home to Québec’s elite in the 19th century. Its grand Victorian and Second Empire–style mansions give the street a refined, elegant charm. Today, it is lined with bars, restaurants, cozy sidewalk patios, and clubs, where locals and travellers converge for food, drinks, music, and good times long after dusk.
Whether you’re there for a relaxed dinner on a sunny patio, a night out with friends dancing and socializing, or a picturesque evening walk through historic architecture, Grande Allée offers a uniquely Québecois mix of charm, energy, and history that’s well worth experiencing.
Location: Grande Allée E (between Place Montcalm and Place George V-Ouest)
13. Strøm Spa Nordique
When it comes to unforgettable spa experiences, I have to say that Strøm Spa Nordique in Québec City is up there with one of my all-time favs! A riverside Nordic spa experience with a variety of hot and cold experiences, allowing you to soak, sauna, plunge, and steam your way through a therapeutic experience. Did I mention you get to do all of this while looking out over the St. Lawrence River?
Strøm Spa has many areas to explore, including outdoor hot tubs, an Epsom salt flotation bath, an inviting infinity-edge pool overlooking the St. Lawrence River, saunas and steam rooms, and, of course, ice-cold plunge pools. For an elevated experience, you can also book massage therapy, body, hand, and foot treatments.
Whether you are travelling solo, with a friend, or looking for a great couples night out, Strøm Spa is an absolute must when looking for things to do at night in Québec City.
Location: 515 Bd Champlain
14. Take a River Cruise
I always love seeing the city from a different perspective, and taking a river cruise on the St. Lawrence River is the perfect nighttime experience in Québec City. Personally, I recommend Croisières AML and taking either their Dinner Cruise or their DJ and Cocktail Cruise, where you can not only soak in the beautiful city lights and landscape from the view, but also party and dance out on the river, making for a memorable experience.
Photographer Tip: The view of the city with the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in the background is stunning at night. The best place to photograph it from is the main dock, either upon departure or when you are returning to the dock.
Location: 10 Rue Dalhousie
15. Follow the Onhwa’ Lumina Trail
Spend your night immersed in a magical multimedia display at the Onhwa’ Lumina experience. This Wendat-inspired live activation was created in collaboration with the Wendat nation and the creators from Moment Factory, resulting in an outdoor, culturally immersive and educational experience. Passionate about preserving stories of the Wendat people of the past, Indigenous culture is creatively shared through a variety of multimedia stations, including the use of light, sound, and video projection.
Traveller Tip: Dress warm as this is an all-weather outdoor activity. If you’re visiting with kids, I recommend bringing a warm drink in a thermos for your walk to keep them toasty and warm.
Location: 110 Rue Grand Chef Thonnakona, Wendake
16. Visit An Iroquois Longhouse For An Intimate Indigenous Storytelling Experience
Deep in the heart of Wendake awaits a truly exceptional cultural experience: the beautifully recreated Ekionkiestha’ National Longhouse. Traditionally built with wood and bark to house three families, this longhouse was crafted with artifacts and recreations that help visitors envision what it was like for the Indigenous people to live in these homes, many years ago.
Part of the Huron-Wendat Museum, your Indigenous guide will welcome you to a fireside circle where they will perform an opening welcome drumming ceremony, followed by a storytelling session. This tradition of storytelling has been passed down from one generation to the next, and the Wendat people are passionate about keeping their language, stories, and history alive through this verbal sharing.
Traveller Tip: Our Indigenous guide encouraged us to ask any questions we wanted to, stating that “nothing was too silly or stupid to ask”. I appreciated the opportunity to ask difficult questions and with their transparency, it was a great way for us to learn more about the Wendat culture, traditions, and goals for the future. Be sure to dress in layers so you can adjust once inside the longhouse. While there is a propane fire in the longhouse, I was grateful to have dressed with boots, gloves, and a toque when we visited in Winter!
Location: 15 Pl. de la Rencontre, Wendake
17. Take a Ghost Tour Through Old Québec
Did you know that Québec City is one of the oldest settlements in North America? With hundreds of years of history, many ghost stories lurk between the stone walls! As night falls, the cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture, and dimly lit alleyways create the perfect backdrop for stories of mystery, legends, and little-known historical events. These tours bring the city’s darker, more dramatic history to life. Guided by costumed storytellers, tales of eerie folklore and infamous crimes to real tales of hardship, hauntings, and unexplained encounters are told. It’s part history lesson, part spine-tingling adventure, and an exciting way to see Old Québec from a completely new perspective.
Full Disclosure: I have not done this tour as I’m a complete scardy cat! But I know a lot of readers love ghost stories and history, so I had to include it in this article! (Those of you who go, please report back to me; for those who don’t, I’ll meet you at the spa!).
Location: Old Québec City
18. Places to Play In Québec
Whether you’re travelling with kids or want to embrace your inner child, there are a lot of fun evening adventures around Québec City worth checking out. Here are a few favourites:
iSaute
Jump around at iSaute in Québec City. This multi-activity trampoline adventure park includes: arcades, an inflatable air court, club saute, open jump, dodgeball, kids zone, trapeze and turbulence.
Location: 185 Fortin Road
Laser Game Evolution
Low lights and big action await at Laser Game Evolution. Grab your friends and sign up for a game of laser tag where you will compete to score as many points as you can in their multi-level mazes.
Location: Multiple locations around Québec City.
Toss & Smash at Tomahawk Québec
Whether you’re looking to perfect your aim and evolve your axe-throwing skills or looking to smash up some stress in their demolition room, Tomahawk is a creative way to get out for a night in Québec City.
Location: 2376 Rue Galvani bureau 100
Mini Golf Fluo S’amuse
Get your glow golf game on at Mini Golf Fluo S’amuse! Fun for the whole family, this modern take on the traditional mini golf game is the perfect thing to do in Québec City at night.
Location: Local 105, 475 Boul de l’Atrium
Escape Rooms
Québec City has an affinity for escape rooms, with over 10 in the city to choose from. With so many different themed rooms and challenge levels across the city, there’s sure to be an escape room for everyone!
Location: Various locations throughout Québec City
19. Attend a Show or Event
If Canada were to give out prizes for the city with the most events, I’m pretty sure that Québec City would win. While they are known worldwide for hosting the largest Winter Festival on the planet – Carnaval, it’s clear that Québec residents like to party year-round, and not just in winter! From the Summer Festival to the Auto show, to year-round concerts and more, be sure to find an event during your stay or plan a trip to take part in the festivities. Tourism Québec City has a great calendar that features the schedule of shows and events, which they keep updated to assist in your planning.
Things To Do In Québec City At Night During Winter
20. Toboggan Dufferin Terrace – The best $4 activity in the world?
It’s hard to believe, but it only costs $4 to take one of the most iconic toboggan rides in the world. If you’re looking for things to do at night during the winter in Québec City, this has to be at the top your list (hence, why it’s on the top of my list!). Since 1884, Québec residents and visitors alike have been pulling their sleds up the ramp so they can fly back down the terrace on a classic Canadian toboggan. With speeds reaching up to 70km per hour, it’s a quick ride filled with lots of giggles as you fly alongside the St. Lawrence River. Weather permitting, the three ice slides remain open from early to mid-December through mid-March
Traveller Tip: While you may venture to Dufferin Terrace for tobogganing, be sure to hang around for a while if you have time so that you can check out all of the other activities happening in the area. From skating and pond hockey, to three-legged ski tracks, to DJs that’ll have you dancing in the streets, to fun, sweet treats, there’s lots more to see and do beyond the toboggans (some of these activities are only on during Carnaval).
Location: Pl. Terr. Dufferin
21. Go Ice Skating at Place D’Youville
Canada is full of incredible ice rinks, but Place d’Youville may win for one of the prettiest rinks in Canada. Skating at Place d’Youville isn’t just about lacing up your skates; it’s about gliding through the heart of Québec City’s historic core. At night, under the glow of lights, surrounded by historic architecture, and with the charm of snow-dusted streets all around, skating here feels like a scene straight out of a winter fairy tale, perfect for anyone wanting to embrace Québec’s magical winter season. Best of all: entry is free, and they have skate rentals available.
Location: 963 Rue Saint-Jean
22. Visit Canada’s Only Ice Hotel
An enchanting ice palace, as if it were sprinkled with Tinkerbell’s own pixie dust, making Canada’s only ice hotel not just a Disney dream, but a reality. Hôtel de Glace is located only 20 minutes from Québec City in Valcariter Village. As a visitor, you can tour the ice hotel, or if you’re like me, you can do the tour and then come back as a guest and book an overnight stay to check this ultimate Canadian experience off your bucket list.
As wonderful as the ice hotel is during the day, I feel like it comes alive at night. Decorated with beautiful ice sculptures, a decadent ice bar, rocking DJ pumping tunes from above the bar, and neon lights setting an atmosphere that can’t be found anywhere else… If you’re a guest at the hotel and staying overnight, you’ll be able to enjoy the hot tubs and feel what it’s like to sleep in a real ice hotel. For a full and very detailed description and photos from our trip to Hôtel de Glace, check out this article.
Location: 2280 Bd Valcartier, Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier
23. Go Night Skiing at Stoneham
Take a short 30-minute drive and be in the mountains for sundown! Stoneham Mountain Resort offers night skiing and snowboarding under mountain lights until 9:30 pm. Finish off the evening with apres ski, stop at Bar Quatre-Foyers and indulge in classic comfort food like mac and cheese or my personal favourite, loaded nachos! (perfect for sharing with friends).
Location: 600 Chem. du Hibou, Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury
24. Visit German Christmas Market (Seasonal)
From November 20 to December 23, the Québec City German Christmas Market (Marché de Noël allemand de Québec) takes over the streets of Old Québec and transforms them into a traditional European Christmas market. Decorated wooden chalets and holiday lights bring together artisans selling their handmade crafts, jewelry, and Christmas decorations. Visitors can enjoy German and local delicacies such as traditional German bratwurst, pretzels, gingerbread, and Glühwein (mulled wine).
The best part, entrance to this event is free, and there are a lot of free activities to enjoy, including musical performances, a giant puppet parade, and a Kinderchalet with activities for kids, as well as special visits from the North Pole’s most famous couple… Mr and Mrs. Claus.
Location: The market is spread across five sites in the heart of Old Québec, all within walking distance:
- Place d’Youville
- Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville
- Jardins de l’Hôtel-de-Ville
- Courtyard of the Holy Trinity Cathedral and Ste-Anne Street
- Place d’Armes
25. Carnaval de Québec
If there’s anything I have learned from my friends in Québec, it’s that they know how to party, and nothing is more evident than how they celebrate Winter and bring the streets alive, even when it’s -40°C degrees outside! Since 1894, Carnaval has been bringing people together through a series of outdoor celebrations and traditional winter festivities. Visitors can marvel at massive ice and snow sculptures, wander through the magical Bonhomme’s Ice Palace, and join in a wild “snow bath,” go down snow slides, skate outdoors, zoom down zip-lines, play games, and enjoy a whole lineup of live music and dance parties. Don’t forget there’s even maple-syrup treats, hot drinks, and local foods to keep you warm and satisfied between events.
Each year Carnaval evolves to bring in new activations. 2026 will see a variety of different activities happening around town including Cayo Carnival, country dance, and fatbiking intros.
Carnaval de Québec isn’t just a festival — it’s a full-on winter immersion, packed with culture, thrills, history, and fun for all ages.
If you’re in Québec during Carnaval, be sure to check out their schedule of events and take part in as many as possible. Or plan a trip to Québec City specifically for this amazing festival. Be sure to check out our in-depth guide.
26. Pedal the City
One of the best ways to explore a city is by bike. Not only is it eco-friendly, but it’s also great exercise and allows you to explore the city like a local. I highly recommend booking a guided fat bike city tour, which we did on one of our last visits, and it was a trip highlight for us.
Why a fat bike and not a regular bike? Old Town Québec is lined with the most beautiful cobblestone streets that are hundreds of years old. With the uneven roadway, riders on a fat bike simply glide over the rough terrain. Do you want to soar up the side hills and back alleys? A fat electric bike (e-bike) is the perfect adventure companion.
One of the biggest benefits of booking a tour (rather than just renting a bike and going out on your own), is that it comes with a certified Québec City tour guide who will stop to share fun and hidden facts that you would miss if out on your own. It offers you a unique way to explore the city’s rich history, stunning architecture and charming neighbourhoods. Plus, e-biking allows you to cover more ground than traditional biking, while still immersing yourself in the local culture and atmosphere.
Location: 112 Rue Saint-Paul
FAQ’s: Things to Do in Québec City at Night
Is Québec City safe at night?
Yes—Old Québec is extremely safe, walkable, and well-lit.
What’s the most romantic thing to do at night?
A stroll on Dufferin Terrace with Château Frontenac shining above.
Are there restaurants open at night?
Yes, there are a variety of restaurants that are open at night and even late into the evenings.
When is the best time to visit Québec City?
Québec City is a year-round destination. The best time to visit depends on your interests. Summer is great for festivals and outdoor dining, while fall offers spectacular colours and mild temperatures. Winter is ideal for winter sports and Carnaval de Québec and Spring is often quieter and full of beautiful blooms.
Exploring Québec City at night is an experience you simply shouldn’t miss. Once the sun sets, the city’s historic streets glow with warm light, its architecture feels even more enchanting, and its lively culture truly comes alive. Whether you’re wandering through cobblestone alleys, skating under the stars, joining a ghost tour, or diving into the vibrant energy of Grande Allée, nighttime reveals a side of Québec City that’s rich, magical, and unforgettable. Venturing out after dark isn’t just about seeing more — it’s about feeling the heartbeat of the city in a whole new way.
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