Quebec City is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited in Canada. I spent my last trip exploring the best photo spots in Quebec City and quickly fell in love with the city.
There’s a reason Quebec City enjoys UNESCO-World Heritage status. The quaint cobblestone streets of Basse-Ville, the well-preserved fortifications, and the iconic Château Frontenac perched on top of the headland make for a postcard-perfect setting.
In this guide, I’m sharing some of my favourite Quebec City photography locations that I found while wandering the city – from the popular Instagram spots to lesser-known viewpoints. I’ve also included the best time to go, along with some photography tips, including lighting considerations, camera settings, and gear recommendations.
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A guide to Quebec City’s best photography locations
Before we get into the best photo spots in Quebec City, here’s some must-know information to help you plan your trip:
How to get to Quebec City
By Train
Via Rail operates train services to Québec City from various Canadian cities, including Montreal and Ottawa. It’s a very scenic journey and the Québec City train station is conveniently located in the heart of the city.
By Air
If you live further away, you can fly into Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB). It offers domestic flights from major Canadian cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, as well as international flights from destinations in the US and Europe. You can check flight prices and find the best rates here.
By Car
The highways and roads are well-maintained all-year round; however, always check Ontario 511 and Québec 511 for the latest information before setting off.
Car hire
I personally use Auto Europe for car rentals as they have great rates. You can compare all the major companies in a grid format that shows the prices for different car sizes by provider. If you need any help, their 24/7 customer service is very good. Find the best car rentals in Quebec City here.
How to get around Quebec City
Quebec City is a great place to explore on foot. Compared to other cities, the centre is quite compact and many of the best photography spots in Quebec City are within easy walking distance of one and another.
Walking around Quebec City, camera in hand, is the best way to discover different vantage points and views that you don’t normally see on Instagram. We found so many of the places in this guide by just walking aimlessly around the Upper and Lower town. If you like guided tours, I recommend joining this Quebec City walking tour. It’s a great way to learn about the city’s history, familiarise yourself with the different areas, and discover some hidden gems.
If you’re visiting Quebec City in winter, most of these photography spots are still accessible on foot but you might not want to walk! Here are some other options for getting around Quebec City:
- Public transport: Québec City’s public transit system, Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC), operates buses throughout the city. Buses are equipped to handle winter conditions, making them a reliable option for traveling to different neighborhoods and attractions.
- Taxis: Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available in Québec City and offer a convenient way to get around, especially during bad weather in the winter months.
- Horse-drawn carriages: Step back in time and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride! These rides provide a unique perspective on the city’s historic landmarks.
Important information about Quebec City
- Currency: Québec City used the Canadian Dollar.
- Language: The official language of Québec City is French. While English is widely spoken, it’s good to learn some of the basic words and phrases before you go.
- Payment method: Most places in Québec City accept credit cards, including attractions, shops and taxis. You can take some cash with you but we used our credit cards for everything in Québec City without a problem. The only exception is the funicular which takes cash only.
The best photo spots in Quebec City
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, Old Québec is the only walled city in North America north of Mexico. It’s divided into two sections: Upper Town (Haute-Ville) and Lower Town (Basse-Ville). They’re connected by a funicular and an iconic staircase known as “Breakneck Stairs”. You’ll find most of the best photo spots in Quebec City in these two areas.
To make things easier, I’ve added all the best photo spots in Quebec City to the map below so you can see where they are. Click on the star on the right-hand side of the title. This will save the map to “Your Places” in the Google Maps so you have it for your next trip to Quebec City.
Photography spots in Basse-Ville
1. Corner of rue Dalhousie and rue Marché-Champlain
This might be my favourite photo spot in Quebec City. This vantage point is located near the Quebec-Levis ferry where rue du Marché-Champlain turns into rue Dalhousie. The iconic Château Frontenac provides a beautiful backdrop for photos, especially in fall when the trees are changing colour and in winter when the rooftops are covered in snow.
It’s one of the best photo spots in Quebec City as it’s easy to set-up a tripod without getting in the way of cars or pedestrians.
Pro tip | If you’re looking for a spot to do some night photography, this is a great place to capture light trails with the chateau above.
Best time to go | First thing in the morning on weekdays before the road gets busy with work traffic.
2. Place des Canotiers
Place des Canotiers is a pretty square overlooking the St. Lawrence River with scenic views looking back at the iconic Château Frontenac and the stone fortifications. In summer, the square normally displays various works of art and also has fountains and mist sprays. In winter, it’s a lot quieter as the square is covered in snow.
Best time to go | Evening just before sunset
3. Quai 22
Located close to Place des Cantoniers, Quai 22 is another one of my favourite Quebec City photo spots. It’s a lovely place to watch the sunset over the river with the town of Lévis in the distance. The Old Port is also home to many antique shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants. Check out the picturesque rue Saint-Paul and rue Saint-Pierre when you’re in the area for more photo opportunities.
Best time to go | Evening just before sunset
4. Rue Sous-le-Fort & Rue Saint-Pierre
There is no shortage of picturesque photo spots in Quebec City but the view from the corner of rue-Sous-le-Fort and rue Saint-Pierre is may be my favourite. The cobbled street with quaint stone houses on either side and the magical Château Frontenac peering out behind is a postcard-perfect setting.
Pro tip | Take a wide-angle lens (16mm) so you can capture the whole scene. You can set up your tripod on the pavement out of the way to film walking videos and take photos if you’re travelling solo.
Best time to go | This area gets very busy with tourists so get there as early as possible to take advantage of the empty streets.
5. Rue Sous-le-Fort & Rue Notre-Dame
Wander a bit further up the street and you’ll find another one of the best photo spots in Quebec City. Although you can’t see the chateau as well from this spot, you’ll get a great shot of the famous funicular that has connected the Lower and Upper Towns since 1879. It’s even more magical in winter with all the Christmas decorations and lights.
Best time to go | If you want to avoid the crowds, go first thing in the morning. If you want to capture the ambiance, go later at night just before sunset.
6. Place Royale
Nestled in the heart of the Lower Town, Place Royale is a picturesque square surrounded by cafes, shops and a beautifully preserved 17th-century stone church (Notre-Dame des Victoires). The square has played an important role in Quebecois history. It’s the site where, in 1608, Samuel de Champlain established the first permanent French settlement in North America. Place Royale is one of the most instagrammable spots in Quebec City. In summer, it feels like you’re in France. In winter, the square transforms into a festive wonderland, with a majestic Christmas tree taking centre stage.
Pro tip | If you visit in winter, make sure you head back to the square at night to take photos when the tree is lit up and the carollers are out.
Best time to go | The square is in the heart of Basse-Ville so it does get very busy. Aim to go first thing in the morning (but be prepared for shadows) or try early evening when people are going for dinner in nearby restaurants.
7. Rue Cul-de-Sac
If you’re looking for the most instagrammable places in Quebec City, head to Rue Cul-de-Sac. Also known as Umbrella Alley thanks to the colourful overhead umbrellas, this street has a great view of the Chateau Frontenac. When we went in winter, the umbrella installation wasn’t up but the cobblestone street was still very picturesque.
Pro tip | This is another spot that needs a wide-angle lens (16mm) to capture the whole scene. You can set up your tripod on the pavement out of the way.
Best time to go | Early morning is best but you can still get lovely photos without anyone in the background later in the day – you may just have to wait a bit!
8. Breakneck Stairs
The Breakneck Stairs (L’Escalier Casse-Cou) are one of the best photo spots in Quebec City. Built in 1635, this is Quebec City’s oldest stairway connecting rue du Petit-Champlain to Côte de la Montagne which leads to Haute-Ville. Standing at the top of Côte de la Montagne will give you the iconic view you’ve undoubtedly seen on Instagram!
Pro tip | There are three levels with space to stand and look down over rue du Petit-Champlain. This means that you can get some lovely shots of the street without anyone directly in front of you. If it’s not too busy, it’s also ideal for setting up a tripod but don’t leave it unattended.
Best time to go | These steps get very busy in the day so aim to go early morning (7 – 8am) for empty shots. If you don’t mind having people in the background, go early evening for better lighting.
9. Rue du Petit Champlain
Rue du Petit Champlain is one of Canada’s prettiest pedestrian street (in my opinion). Here you’ll find one-of-a-kind boutiques selling everything from clothes and jewellery to sculptures and artwork. It’s one of the best photo spots in Quebec City., but it’s especially pretty in winter with the festive decorations and snow. There are so many great photo opportunities along rue du Petit Champlain thanks to the adorable building facades.
Pro tip | Unless you go first thing in the morning, it isn’t possible to set up a tripod as it gets very busy down this street. You’ll be best using a zoom lens (16 -35mm or 24 – 70mm) here as it’s quite a compact area, but there are also some lovely close-up details to capture.
Best time to go | Go first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds, or just before sunset if you want the ambiance and enjoy street photography.
10. Rue du Sault-au-Matelot
Rue du Sault-au-Matelot is another gorgeous street in Basse-Ville. While it’s only a short walk from Place Royale and Quartier Petit Champlain, it’s often overlooked by visitors. It wasn’t on our initial list of Quebec City photo spots to explore – we only found it by chance because we were staying close by at Auberge Saint-Antoine. The street is home to a range of boutique shops and art galleries, all of which have lovely facades which are perfect backdrops for photos.
Best time to go | As it’s tucked away from the more popular streets, you can save this one for the afternoon as it’s usually a lot quieter than other Quebec City photo spots.
11. Montmorency Park
It would be remiss to not include Parc Montmorency on this list as it’s one of the most instagrammable places in Quebec City! It was originally established in 1759 as a military parade ground. Today, it’s a National Historic Site boasting lush greenery, winding paths, and gorgeous views of the St. Lawrence River. If you’re looking for the best spot to get a photo of the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac without anyone in the background, this may be it!
Pro tip | A wide-angle lens (16mm) will help you get all of the Chateau in your shot if you’re shooting landscape.
Best time to go | This is one of the best photo spots in Quebec City and is quite well-known due to Instagram, so it is very popular. However, if you’re patient, you can get a great photo in front of the Chateau at any point during the day.
12. Fort Street
Fort Street is yet another great place to photograph the Fairmont Château Frontenac. It’s a short walk up the hill past Montmorency Park close to Notre Dame Cathedral. There are lots of options here to get creative with composition!
Pro tip | If you go when it is quiet enough, there is a pedestrian crossing which makes for some great photos walking in front of the Fairmont. Have your travelling companion stand on the corner of rue Port Dauphin where this shot was taken while you cross the road. Shoot on continuous mode to capture movement.
Best time to go | This road can be very busy with cars and tour buses dropping people off at the Fairmont. Go early in the morning or later at night. We tried to take photos here in the afternoon on our first day and failed miserably as there were so many people and cars. We came back later that night and only had to deal with a few pedestrians and one van.
Photography spots in Haute-Ville
13. Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Towering over Old Quebec City, the Château Frontenac is one of the best photo spots in Quebec City. As one of the world’s most photographed hotels, there’s no shortage of great lovely shots to take. We loved taking photos on the path near the UNESCO monument with the hotel in the background but there are lots of other viewpoints.
Pro tip | Take a variety of lenses to this photo spot as the opportunities really are endless!
Best time to go | This spot will always be busy. Early morning is definitely quieter but I would prioritize Lower Town for morning photos. There are more chances to be creative with your angles at the Fairmont and avoid people in the background than in Lower Town.
14. Dufferin Terrace
Dufferin Terrace is a long wooden sidewalk located in front of the Château Frontenac. Named after Governor General Dufferin, the terrace was reserved for private use for many years before it was opened to the public in 1838. Not only does it have beautiful views of the St. Lawrence River and surrounding area, but if you’re visiting in winter you’ll get to photography the toboggan!
Best time to go | Although the terrace does get very busy, there’s plenty of room to take photos if you’re patient. Aim for late morning before the tour buses arrive.
15. Place d’Youville
If you’re visiting Quebec City in winter, make sure you stop by Place d’Youville. This historic square houses the outdoor ice rink and is one of the best photo spots in Quebec City in winter. My favourite view was looking back towards le Capitole Hotel but you can also get some lovely shots with St Jean Gate in the background.
Best time to go | Aim to go mid-day or early evening so you can capture people enjoying the ice rink.
16. St Jean Gate
One of the things that makes Quebec City so unique is that it’s the only fortified city north of Mexico. The old fortifications have been well preserved and many of the original structures still exist today. St Jean Gate is one of four gates and dates back to the 17th century when it served as a key entry point through the fortified walls surrounding the city.
Best time to go | Aim to go early morning to avoid traffic or late evening if you want to do some night photography.
17. Le Capitole Hotel
The Capitole Hotel in Quebec City blends historic charm with modern elegance. Its stunning architecture, vibrant façade, and beautifully designed interiors make it one of the best photography spots in Quebec City. In winter, it’s even more magical with the Christmas decorations.
Best time to go | Although this area does get busy during the day, you can still get gaps long enough to shoot some photos in front of this hotel. The photo above was taken mid-afternoon on a busy day in January.
18. Rue Haldimand
Rue Haldimand in Quebec City, nestled in the historic Old Town, is a charming, picturesque street. We stumbled across this one on our way to another spot and loved the brick facades, bay windows and street lamps. It’s a lesser known Quebec City photo spot but it offers a perfect backdrop for photos.
Best time to go | As this isn’t a well-known street, you can go mid-afternoon after doing photos at the more popular photo spots in Quebec City.
19. Aux Anciens Canadiens
Aux Anciens Canadiens restaurant in Quebec City is another picturesque photo spot. Housed in a charming 17th-century building, it has a rustic façade and vibrant red roof. The lamp post out front of the restaurant is a great prop for photos.
Best time to go | The restaurant is located on rue Saint-Louis which is a busy road. The walkways on both sides are quite narrow so aim to go early in the morning before it gets too busy. That way you can get some great shots in front of the restaurant.
20. Rue Sainte-Ursule
Rue Sainte-Ursule in another hidden gem we found while walking around Upper Quebec City. We were on our way to another Quebec City Instagram spot (Parc du Bastion-de-la-Reine) when we saw this quaint street. The pretty pale houses caught our attention and reminded me of some of the facades in Notting Hill in London.
Pro tip | Walk up Avenue Saint-Denis to get the shot above looking down at the street.
Best time to go | This is a residential street so avoid the morning and evening as people will be leaving for work. We went mid-afternoon and it was very quiet as most people were walking to the nearby parks and other viewpoints.
21. Parc du Bastion-de-la-Reine
Nestled along the fortified walls of Quebec City’s Old Town, Parc du Bastion-de-la-Reine was originally a military bastion built in the 17th century. Today, it’s a lovely place to enjoy a picnic and watch the sunset. In winter, it’s transformed into a winter wonderland and becomes a tranquil retreat for locals and visitors alike. The historic buildings along Avenue Saint-Denis near the park provide a picturesque setting for photos.
Best time to go | The park gets very busy in summer but there is plenty of space and angles for photos. It’s particularly enchanting in the early morning light when you can capture the quiet, timeless essence of Old Quebec.
22. Pierre-Dugua-De Mons Terrace
Located at the edge of Parc du Bastion-de-la-Reine, Pierre-Dugua-De Mons Terrace is one of the best viewpoints in Quebec City! It offers beautiful panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River, Dufferin Terrace and Château Frontenac. If you’re visiting in summer, bring a picnic for some cute photos and enjoy running up and down the stairs below the terrace for some unqiue photos. In winter, you’ll be able to capture a postcard-worthy winter wonderland! I personally think it’s one of the best photo spots in Quebec City.
Best time to go | If you just want to take photos of the view from the terrace, you can go anytime during the day the terrace offers unobstructed views of the Fairmont and St Lawrence River. However, if you want to take photos of yourself or friends with the view in the background, aim to go early morning to avoid the crowds and take advantage of the softer light.
23. Rue D’Auteuil
Rue d’Auteuil in Quebec City is renowned for its stunning Victorian-style architecture and scenic views. Lined with beautifully preserved historic buildings and lush greenery, it offers a charming, picturesque backdrop for photos. It actually reminded me of parts of Edinburgh New Town.
Best time to go |Late afternoon in the week is surprisingly quiet and is a great time to capture the street’s architectural details.
24. Place de l’Hotel de Ville
Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville is a prime Quebec City photo spot. Its grand architecture, vibrant flowerbeds, and historic charm provide a stunning backdrop.
Best time to go | The square’s lively atmosphere is best captured in late afternoon or early evening.
25. Hôtel de Ville
Located in the square, the Hôtel de Ville (city hall) is an architectural masterpiece. Its stately presence and detailed design make it a must-visit spot for capturing the city’s charm.
Best time to go | If you want to take photos in front of the city hall, aim to go early morning so you avoid the crowds and can take some shots walking down the steps.
More photo spots in Quebec City
These are just a few of the best photo spots in Quebec City – there are so many more! Here are the ones we’re planning to visit on our next trip:
- Montmorency Falls: This waterfall is located just 15 minutes from Old Quebec City and at 83 m (272.3′) high, it’s taller than Niagara Falls!
- Hotel de Glace: If you’re visiting Quebec City in winter, the Ice Hotel is a bucket list experience. It’s made from snow and ice and is inspired by a new theme each year.
- Observatoire de la Capitale: Looking for the best views in Quebec City? The Observatoire de la Capitale is a must-visit attraction in Quebec City, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounded landscapes.
- Parliament Building: Built in the late 19th century, it is home to the National Assembly of Quebec. The building is an architectural masterpiece and one of the few buildings constructed in the Second Empire style.
- Citadelle of Québec: Perched on top of Cap Diamant, Quebec City’s Citadelle is Britain’s biggest fortress in North America dating back to the 17th century.
The best travel photography gear for Quebec City
Quebec City is a very photogenic city, so I definitely recommend taking some good photography gear with you. Below is the gear I used to get all of our shots in Quebec City:
- Canon 6D Mark II: This is my full-frame camera body which produces true-to-eye colours
- Canon 16 – 35mm f/4: This is my go-to wide angle. I used my Canon 16 – 35mm f/4 for the majority of the trip as it allowed me to capture more of the scenes in front of me.
- Tamron 70 – 200mm f/2.8: This telephoto lens is compatible with Canon cameras and allowed me to get detail shots and also capture some beautiful compressed shots down the streets.
- Canon 24 – 70mm f/2.8: My friend brought her zoom lens which was perfect for everyday shots as well as getting close ups when we didn’t need the telephoto lens. It’s exceptionally sharp and is one of the best zoom lenses on the market.
If you like my photography and want to see more, be sure to follow Love From Steph on Instagram, too.
Final thoughts on the best photo spots in Quebec City
With its historic architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and vibrant cultural scenes, Quebec City is made for photography. Iconic landmarks like Château Frontenac, picturesque neighbourhoods, and scenic river views provide endless photo opportunities.
I hope you found this blog post helpful. If you have any questions, please drop them in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer them!
Where next?
If you’re looking for more short break ideas in Canada, have a look at these guides:
- Victoria: Perched on southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest. If you’re looking for a city break that combines culture, history and outdoor adventures, Victoria is the perfect choice. Read the full guide >
- Telegraph Cove: Voted as one of Canada’s most picturesque villages, Telegraph Cove is a charming boardwalk community which offers an array of magnificent adventures. From whale watching and grizzly bear viewing to kayaking and fishing, there’s no shortage of incredible things to do in Telegraph Cove. Read the full guide >
- Cowichan Valley: Home to rolling hills, stunning orchards and expansive farmlands, Cowichan produces incredible artisanal food and drink. Read the full guide >
- Gibsons: Formally known as Gibson’s Landing, this quaint town is the gateway to British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast. It’s home to beautiful scenery and an ever-growing number of award-winning breweries and distilleries. Read the full guide >
- Tofino: Known as the surf capital of Canada, Tofino has some of the best beaches in BC! Visit in summer for incredible sunsets or winter for storm watching. Explore the gorgeous hiking trails or book a scenic flight for a completely new perspective. Read the full guide >