Perched along the St. Lawrence River just a short ride upstream from Montreal, Quebec City greets guests with centuries of charm and modern energy. 

Cobblestone streets and fortified walls invite you to drop anchor and explore on foot. Wander through Old Quebec’s Quartier Petit Champlain, where pastel storefronts share space with street artists and the occasional accordion serenade. Pause at Place Royale to imagine fur traders hammering out deals, then trace the footsteps of explorers at the Citadel, where centuries of military history have stood guard over the city.

For a dash of adventure, take a bike ride along the riverfront boardwalk, paddle across the river to Île d’Orléans for panoramic skyline views, or ride the funicular up Cap-Diamant, the fastest shortcut between Haute-Ville and Basse-Ville. Venture a little farther to Montmorency Falls—taller than Niagara—via cable car or suspension bridge walk, then return in time for a guided ghost tour through narrow, gas-lit lanes after dark.

Quebec’s culinary scene balances comfort and creativity. Taste melt-in-your-mouth poutine at a cozy bistro, then sample maple bourbon cocktail flights at a sleek bar. Follow fellow foodies to Grand Marché de Québec, where fresh cheeses, smoked meats, and buttery pastries beckon. Pull up a stool at a brewpub in Old Port for a locally crafted ale, then cap your evening with a sugar-dusting of traditional tarte au sucre for a sweet send-off.

Climb the Observatoire de la Capitale’s 31st-floor viewing deck for a bird’s-eye sweep of rooftops and river bends. With historic streets to roam, outdoor thrills to chase, and flavors that stick long after the last bite, Quebec City delivers days of discovery. Your Escape with Effy charter cruise drops you into a UNESCO World Heritage setting where every corner tells a story, and the next pint waits just around the bend.