Compare Montreal tours from Toronto, including Quebec City, Ottawa, Thousand Islands, Niagara Falls Canada, and selected Eastern Canada multi-day itineraries.
A day trip from Montreal gives you a few hours in Old Quebec plus a stop at Montmorency Falls, which covers the main sights at a steady pace. It suits travelers with limited time who mainly want the walled old town and the views. If you want to see the city at night, visit museums or explore beyond the old town, plan an overnight stay or choose a multi-day tour.
Start at the Chateau Frontenac and walk along Dufferin Terrace for river views, then take the stairs or funicular down to the Petit-Champlain district and Place Royale in the Lower Town. The streets are compact, so you can see the upper and lower parts of the old town on foot. Guided day trips usually follow a similar loop and leave free time for lunch and shops.
Summer is warm and lively, with street performers and long evenings. Fall brings foliage around the city and at Montmorency Falls. Winter is cold, but the old town looks its most festive, with the Quebec Winter Carnival in late January and February and holiday markets in December. Dress for snow and ice from late fall to early spring, since the old town streets are steep.
Choose a day trip if you are already staying in Montreal and want Quebec City as a single outing. Choose a multi-day tour if you also want Ottawa, the Thousand Islands, Toronto or Niagara Falls, since those routes connect several cities without returning to Montreal each night. Some multi-day tours from Montreal end in Toronto, which suits travelers flying home from there.
Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, since Old Quebec has cobblestones, hills and long staircases between the upper and lower town. Bring a light layer even in summer, as the river breeze can feel cool, and a warm coat, hat and gloves from late fall to spring. Spray at Montmorency Falls can reach the viewing areas, so a light rain jacket helps if you plan to get close.