A long weekend in Quebec City

Château Frontenac and the AML Louis-Jolliet

Whether you are with your lover, the family or friends, Quebec City is a must for the perfect getaway. With its culture, magnificent landscapes and authentic features, the National Capital charms its visitors, thanks to its urban features blending in perfectly with nature.

A boat excursion to fully appreciate the majestic St. Lawrence River

Dinner cruises and fireworks

Take advantage of summer season in Quebec City and come aboard for the best vantage point to admire the fireworks. The St. Lawrence River is an incredible amphitheatre that beautifully reflects these dazzling lights.

Complete your evening with a gourmet meal on board. Depending on the vessel you are on, you will have choose between the 3 or 5-course dinner, a 6-course Red Carpet dinner, the popular all you can eat smoked-meat for 5.00 $ or a complete buffet.

Dinner cruise and circus

Extraordinary entertainment awaits you on the Dinner cruise and circus offered by AML Cruises.  Performances by world-class artists will amaze and delight you throughout the evening.

During dinner, you admire Quebec City and the surrounding landscapes, thanks to the three fully glazed dining rooms. The restaurant team insists on presenting you with local Quebec products. 

During the evening, you are invited to step outside and dance on the outdoor terraces of the boat. A festive atmosphere is provided by the entertainment team and DJ. Bar services are also available.

Guided cruises

A great way to discover Quebec City's scenery is aboard an AML guided cruise.  Set sail from Old Quebec to the impressive Montmorency Falls, stop by the iconic Île d’Orléans and end your cruise with a breathtaking view of the famous Château Frontenac. It’s the ideal way to learn more about the history of the only fortified as well as one of the oldest cities in North America.

There’s no need to bring your lunch, food and drink services are available aboard. There is a bistro offering fresh and varied menus for you to enjoy while relaxing on the interior or exterior terraces. History buffs can also opt for a cruise and an evening guided tour aboard the Red Bus. It’s the perfect combination of nature, culture and architecture. 

Your evening guided tour will make you fall in love with Quebec City and its mythical locations. Your orientation tour will allow you to visit the Plains of Abraham and the famous Grande-Allée known for its festive and lively nightlife. Admire the sunset over Old Quebec and the Laurentians aboard a double-decker red bus equipped with an audio-visual system available in ten languages.

Whale Bus Express and Zodiac package

Have you ever had the opportunity to observe whales? This is your chance, thanks to the Whale Bus Express and Zodiac package offered by AML Cruises. Operating for 45 years, this family business offers you exciting and memorable adventures.

Not only will you admire marine mammals, but you will also learn more about their natural habitat thanks to the bilingual naturalist captains who know all the St. Lawrence marine life's secrets.

The bus departs from Place d’Armes in Old Quebec towards an exciting adventure: the Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park! You don’t have a vehicle? Not a problem. AML Cruises offers a shuttle service from your hotel to the meeting location, thus allowing you to sleep in a little longer. The trip promises to be comfortable and the beauty of the landscapes will amaze you as we head east to our destination.

Aboard the Zodiac, you will observe breathtaking scenery as we head to the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord, thanks to this panoramic guided tour. You will be back in the Old Capitale around 8 PM, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy a tasty cocktail at one of the many restaurants on Grande-Allée. 

Explore Old Quebec, an historic staple!

Old Quebec Tours

Old Quebec Tours offers you the opportunity not only to visit Quebec City but also discover it. You will explore the National Capital, thanks to authentic and dynamic activities that you will never forget.

The company specializes in tourism and offers organized guided visits as well as private tours. Old Quebec Tours is known for excellence and reliability.

Whether you long for urban or country vibes, there is certainly a tour for you.  The Countryside Tour includes a visit to the famous Saint-Anne Basilica, the breathtaking Montmorency Falls and Île d’Orléans.  The City Tour will take you to the Plains of Abraham, the renowned Château Frontenac, the National Assembly, the Basilica, City Hall and Place Royale.

You can also enjoy the magic of winter, thanks to various city excursions offered by Old Quebec Tours. Sport and outdoor enthusiasts will be delighted with the ski shuttles to Mont Saint-Anne and the Massif. The Massif is a must-see with the breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence River that skiers enjoy as they hurtle down the slopes.

Discover the Ice Hotel, the only one of its kind in North America. Made entirely of snow and ice, this architectural marvel is a wonder to behold. Old Quebec Tours offers a trip to this fascinating winter attraction.

Are you seeking thrills? Old Quebec Tours offers exciting skidoo exploration packages, with or without a guide, as well as, an introduction to dog sledding package! Tourists as well as Quebec residents will benefit from the many tours available and get the chance to discover Quebec City like never before.

Are you looking for a cruise and city tour combo? AML Cruises offers the ideal package combining a day cruise aboard the AML Louis Jolliet and two consecutive days of touring aboard a double-decker bus.  During your cruise on the St. Lawrence River, you will have the opportunity to admire the Montmorency Falls and Cap Diamant while discovering the history of the capital and its surroundings. You will visit Quebec City, Wendake and several unique and interesting locations that will captivate you. AML Cruises also offers a package which includes a day cruise aboard the AML Louis Jolliet and a one-hour guided tour aboard the double-decker bus. You will surely remember this wonderful trip!

Quartier du Petit-Champlain

Looking for a unique place to shop? Discover the magical setting of Quartier du Petit-Champlain! For many years, shopping enthusiasts have been coming to Quebec City’s most famous district. There, you will find boutiques, restaurants and a theatre, open all year. Several stores showcase local products and crafts. Encourage the local economy by purchasing unique jewelery, souvenirs and gifts. Whether you wish to decorate your home or purchase a new clothing item, the Quartier du Petit-Champlain will charm you by its beauty and uniqueness as well as the large variety of products and services it offers.

It should be noted that the Quartier du Petit-Champlain is much more than a place to shop, it is also rich in culture and history.

The Petit-Champlain theatre is an institution and has been a part of the artistic scene for years. Since its opening in the mid-nineteenth century, this theatre has always reinvented itself and offers diverse programming featuring local and international artists. It is a magical and place where you can have a good time and discover many new artists.

For a complete artistic circuit, you can also visit the neighbourhood's two galleries. The Chez l’Artiste gallery and the Galerie Zen present the work of several local artists who have an eclectic and original style. On the neighbouring streets, you will find an illuminated gallery that will certainly dazzle you.

Make sure to spoil yourself with body-care products offered in different boutiques. You can purchase products from Quebec family businesses such as the Centre de l’Émeu de Charlevoix which offers natural body care products made of high quality emu oil, known for its exceptional virtues.

End your visit by going to one of the many restaurants or bistros. The Cochon Dingue, a city must, is well known for its gargantuan desserts!

You can also take a stroll and head towards Saint-Jean street. Take the famous stairs or hop on the funicular and you will reach the heart of Old Quebec in a matter of minutes. Numerous boutiques, cafés and restaurants are worth visiting on this famous street. Stop by the inner courtyard of the Petit Séminaire de Québec, the oldest school in America. The architecture, with its impressive tin roof, will take you back to another era. The quartier Petit-Champlain is also a few minutes away from the Chouinard Pier, departing point for the AML Louis Jolliet. 

Immerse yourself in culture

Musée de la civilisation

Learning in a convivial and accessible setting sums up the philosophy of the Musée de la civilisation.  It’s the ideal museum for families with children as it values participation and interaction throughout the visit.  You will make interesting discoveries as the exhibitions have a reputation of being original, educational and sometimes very unusual.

Founded in 1984, the Musée de la civilisation is part of Quebec's museum society which aims to present exhibitions that hightlight the humanities and social sciences.

You will immerse yourself with culture and history throughout your visit. A dozen exhibitions are available at all times, many of which are permanent. The museum also presents exhibitions that make you travel around the world and discover different cultures. It also has several activities and workshops relying on technology for an immersive and interactive experience. Guided visits are also available.

Once your exploration is over, you can relax in the lounge or in the museum’s restaurant. You can also enjoy a great vantage point as it faces the St. Lawrence River. If weather allows, visit the beautiful outdoor gardens located on the roof of the building or stroll through the brand new Place des canotiers, next to the Chouinard Pier. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of an international cruise ship like the famous Queen Mary 2. 

Musée des beaux-arts

The weather is lousy and you are looking for an indoor activity? The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec is there to present you with fine art. Its mission is to preserve and promote Quebec art of all periods, from the 17th century to the modern era.

The museum is located in the heart of Quebec City next to the Plains of Abraham. The gallery has more than 38 000 works including paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs, prints and decorative art objects.

You will be amazed by the works of several famous Quebec artists, including Jean-Paul Riopelle, Claude Tousignant and Armand Vaillancourt, to name only a few.

The museum complex consists of 4 buildings, housing a total of 18 exhibition halls. Since 2001, the museum’s pavilions are illuminated at dusk, giving a majestic look to the building.

The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec is also renowned for its gastronomy available at its main restaurant and breathtaking view of the Plains d'Abraham, seen on its magnificent terrace. Visit the legendary park and end your outing in style on the terrace Dufferin, the famous belvedere near the Château Frontenac. It’s one of the best locations in town to admire the St. Lawrence River and capture the famous hotel. 

Throughout your weekend in Quebec City, you will bathe in an intimate and warm atmosphere while immersing yourself in culture, history and art! You will certainly be charmed!

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