Dates are flexible. This day-by-day plan is provisional until you choose exact travel dates.
After arriving in Quebec City, head toward the Old Port and allow extra time for hotel drop-off, luggage, and traffic on the approach to Vieux-Québec. If you are driving, confirm parking with your accommodation before entering the historic district; street parking is limited and often inconvenient with luggage. For a taxi or rideshare from the train or bus station, the ride is usually about 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic. Check your reservation time for Strøm spa nordique Vieux-Québec in advance, especially for an evening visit, and plan on 2½–3 hours including changing and relaxation. Thermal access generally costs roughly C$60–90 per person depending on timing and package, with treatments extra. Bring a swimsuit and sandals, and arrive early enough to avoid rushing through the required check-in.
After the spa, walk downhill into Petit-Champlain, one of the prettiest parts of the city at night. Allow about 10–15 minutes from the spa area, with steep sections and cobblestones; winter footwear with good grip is useful even in late October if the pavement is damp. Spend around 45 minutes browsing the small boutiques and enjoying the lantern-lit streets rather than trying to cover too much ground. For dinner, settle into Le Lapin Sauté, a cozy Québécois restaurant known for rabbit and other regional dishes. Budget approximately C$40–65 per person before drinks, and reserve ahead if possible—the dining room is popular and walk-in space can be limited. If you have a reservation, leave a little buffer for the walk and for the inevitable photo stops around Place Royale.
Finish by walking uphill from Petit-Champlain toward Dufferin Terrace, using the funicular if you would rather avoid the steep climb; it is a short ride and typically costs a few dollars. From the terrace, you get a broad nighttime view of the St. Lawrence River, with Château Frontenac rising directly behind you. Allow 30–45 minutes for the viewpoint, then return to your hotel by taxi or on foot depending on its location. The terrace is open-air, so bring a warm layer—Quebec City can feel noticeably colder beside the river after dark.
Plan to leave Quebec City around 8:30–9:00 a.m. for the roughly 15–25-minute drive to Montmorency Falls Park, depending on traffic. A car is by far the easiest option for this day: public transit to the falls and onward around Île d’Orléans is limited and would make the itinerary much less flexible. Arrive early enough to park comfortably and allow about two hours for the viewpoints, the cable car or the stairs, and the suspension bridge. The cable car costs extra—typically around C$15–25 round trip—while park access and parking are separate fees; check the current rates before leaving. The bridge can be windy and damp, so bring a warm layer and shoes with good grip.
Have lunch at Manoir Montmorency, beside the falls, allowing approximately C$25–45 per person and about an hour. It is convenient rather than a destination meal, so book ahead if you want a guaranteed table during the busy midday period. From there, drive across to Île d’Orléans, following the island road toward Sainte-Pétronille—roughly 25–35 minutes without stops. Spend 45 minutes at the western tip enjoying the broad river views back toward Quebec City; this is especially pleasant on a clear day, though the exposed shoreline can feel chilly.
Continue to Vignoble Ste-Petronille for an hour of tastings and vineyard scenery. Check its seasonal opening days and last tasting time before setting out, since island businesses can keep reduced hours outside the main summer season. Tastings are usually an additional charge, and purchasing a bottle is a nice option if you have a safe way to transport it. Then drive about 20–25 minutes to La Maison Drouin in Sainte-Famille. Confirm opening availability in advance, as historic-house access can be seasonal or appointment-dependent; if it is open, allow 45 minutes for the visit.
Finish at Le Relais des Pins in Saint-Pierre-de-l’Île-d’Orléans, allowing about 45 minutes for island-made treats or a light meal costing roughly C$15–30 per person. From there, return to Quebec City in approximately 25–40 minutes, depending on traffic over the bridge. Keep the evening deliberately open: this route involves several small roads and photo stops, and the island is best enjoyed without rushing.
Start at Aquarium du Québec in Sainte-Foy, ideally around 9:30 a.m. Allow 2½–3 hours for the indoor galleries, seals, and polar bears; the outdoor areas are especially enjoyable if the weather is crisp but dry. Check the aquarium’s current opening hours and admission prices before leaving, as seasonal schedules can change. Parking is straightforward on-site, while driving from central Quebec City usually takes about 15–25 minutes; by bus, allow considerably longer and check the RTC route planner that morning.
Head next to Marché de Sainte-Foy for an easy local-food lunch—roughly C$15–30 per person—and a browse through the stalls. It is a practical stop rather than a grand sightseeing market, so an hour is plenty. From there, drive about 15 minutes to Promenade Samuel-De Champlain at Anse Brown. Walk the riverfront for an hour to 90 minutes, or rent bikes if conditions are good; the broad path and changing views toward the south shore make this a relaxed pause after the aquarium. Parking can fill on pleasant afternoons, so avoid arriving at peak lunchtime if possible.
Continue to the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, near the Plains of Abraham, for 1½–2 hours. Allow time to find parking or walk from a nearby garage, and check the museum’s current hours and exhibition fees before setting out. Afterward, stroll along Grande Allée toward Parliament Hill, looking into the side streets and historic façades rather than rushing straight to dinner. Finish with an early meal at one of the avenue’s restaurants—budget about C$35–60 per person before drinks and tip. Booking is sensible for a weekend evening, while an early dinner gives you flexibility for one last unhurried walk through the surrounding streets.
No packing list attached yet.