Top 10 Places to Take Photos in Quebec City

Photo spots in Quebec City

One of the most beautiful places in Canada, Quebec City is a must-see destination. Both the capital city of Quebec and a UNESCO World Heritage site, this French-Canadian wonder invites visitors to enjoy an experience that is rich in history and charm. Wander the cobblestone streets of Basse-Ville, stroll down Petit-Champlain, and discover natural beauty along the St. Lawrence River. Here at ​​Flytographer, we easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over four million memories worldwide. Today, we asked our local photographers in Quebec City to show us around all the very best spots for pictures. Old-world charm paired with modern innovation makes for an incredible city filled with photo opportunities. Let’s walk through ten of the best places to take photos in Quebec City. 📸

Photo: Francis in Quebec City for Flytographer. Nolan and partner capture memories of their engagement at Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City on a proposal photoshoot.

1. Château Frontenac

With its castle-like architecture and impressive position along the St. Lawrence River, it’s easy to understand why Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is Quebec City’s most iconic landmark. 😍 In fact, this historic hotel is considered the most photographed hotel in the world.

As soon as you’re in front of it, you’ll understand why. Constructed in 19th-century Châteauesque-style, its multiple turrets stretch toward the sky. 🏰 Red brick, green rooftops, and stone archways add to the regal feel of this magnificent building. It is truly a sight to behold.

Bordered by the lush Place d’Armes and picturesque wooden boardwalk, Dufferin Terrace, the stunning hotel is surrounded by beautiful scenery — perfect for fantastic photo opportunities. For the best vantage point, wander along Dufferin Terrace. You’ll have panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River and the city skyline on one side, and incredible views of Château Frontenac on the other — arguably, the most Instagrammable place in Quebec City!

💡Travel tip: Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac offers a guided tour, where you’ll learn the history of the building and surrounding areas.

Photo: Elisa in Quebec City for Flytographer. Dayna and partner capture memories of their anniversary at Quartier Petit Champlain in Quebec City on an anniversary photoshoot.

2. Quartier Petit Champlain

Quartier Petit-Champlain is a vibrant area located within Old Quebec’s Lower Town, below the walls of the city. Here you’ll find iconic Quebec City attractions, including the Place Royale, Old Quebec Funicular, and Petit-Champlain. When you visit this district, you’ll glimpse into the past, as this is where Quebec City was founded over 400 years ago. French architecture dominates the area, giving the neighbourhood a distinctly French feel. 

To get to Quartier Petit-Champlain, there are multiple options. If you’re coming from Chateau Frontenac, consider taking the Old Quebec Funicular, which connects Dufferin Terrace to Lower Town. Built in 1879, the funicular offers a lovely view of the postcard-perfect neighbourhood. 

Alternatively, there are several staircases leading to the area, the most famous being Escalier Casse-Cou, or Breakneck Steps. The oldest staircase in Quebec City, Breakneck Steps offers an incredible view all the way down Petit-Champlain, making it one of the best places to take photos in Quebec City. 📸

Petit-Champlain is a charming pedestrian street that will make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. Cobblestone streets, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and cozy cafes create a truly photogenic scene. Throughout the winter, the street is decorated with twinkling lights and festive decor, creating a particularly magical experience. ✨

After exploring all that Petit-Champlain has to offer, be sure to wander through the rest of the district. Visit Place Royale, a quaint square and the site where Quebec City was founded in the 17th century. Stroll through the surrounding streets and alleyways, where you’ll discover vibrant murals decorating historical buildings — a picture-perfect scene! 😍

Photo: Elisa in Quebec City for Flytographer. Catherine and partner capture memories of their trip at Quartier Petit Champlain in Quebec City on a couples photoshoot.

3. Parliament Hill

Located in Upper Town, Parliament Hill is home to various government buildings, Grande Allée, and the famous Plains of Abraham. The majestic Parliament Building dominates the scene. Inspired by the Louvre in Paris, its impressive facade is decorated with intricate brickwork, and sweeping staircases that lead to the arched front door. Lovely legislature grounds, a beautiful pathway, and the photogenic Tourny Fountain all come together to create an elegant scene well worth capturing. 📸

💡Travel tip: To learn more about the history of the area, take a free guided tour of the Parliament Building. The 75-minute tour explains the history and processes of Quebec’s parliamentary proceedings, as well as the history of the province of Quebec itself.

Photo: Elisa in Quebec City for Flytographer. Karen and partner celebrate their anniversary at Parliament Hill & Plains of Abraham in Quebec City with a couples photoshoot.

4. Basse-Ville

Charming bistros, cobblestone streets, and quaint alleyways — Basse-Ville is a little piece of Europe within Quebec City and is especially reminiscent of Paris. Also known as Lower Town, this is the neighbourhood where you’ll find popular attractions, including Quartier Petit-Champlain, Place Royale, and Old Port.

As the oldest part of Quebec City, Basse-Ville has a high concentration of historic buildings. One of the most prominent is the picturesque Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church, a quaint chapel set in Place Royale beside French-style rowhouses. ⛪ Completely surrounded by charming, historic buildings, this is one of the best places to take photos in Quebec City and you won’t want to miss it.

Despite its long history, Basse-Ville is also home to lively, modern businesses. Enjoy a wonderful meal at fabulous eateries, or shop for souvenirs in the unique boutiques that line the area. 🛍️

Photo: Elisa in Quebec City for Flytographer. Lauren and partner capture memories of their honeymoon at Basse-Villein in Quebec City on a couples photoshoot.

5. Plains of Abraham

The site of the Battle of Quebec in 1759, the Plains of Abraham is one of Canada’s most historically significant battlefields. Over time, the battlefields have been transformed into a stunning park overlooking the St. Lawrence River. 🌊

An oasis of green within the heart of Quebec City, this 98-hectare park is a community hub for locals and visitors alike. Enjoyed year round, you’ll see cyclists and walkers in the summer, and skaters and snowshoers in the winter. The Plains of Abraham are also a main stage venue for large events, such as Festival d’été de Québec.

Are you interested in learning more about the history of this park? 🤔 Visit the Plains of Abraham Museum to learn about the Battle of the Plains through interactive exhibitions and immersive story-telling projections.

Photo: Elisa in Quebec City for Flytographer. Amy and family capture memories of their trip at Parliament Hill & Plains of Abraham in Quebec City on a family photoshoot.

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6. Place Royale

In the very heart of Quebec City, Place Royale is where the city was founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1608. It is also the first French settlement in the Americas. 🇫🇷 You’ll see evidence of this in the historic French and British-style architecture that surround the square. Place Royale is home to the oldest stone church in North America, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, built in 1688.

The perfectly restored houses that surround Place Royale have become restaurants with Parisian-style patios and stores that sell souvenirs, crafts, and more. Visit local favourite, Maison Smith, to enjoy a warm beverage ☕ while you soak in the lovely views of this old-world setting.

Photo: Elisa in Quebec City for Flytographer. Ryan and partner capture memories at Place Royale in Quebec City on a couples photoshoot.

7. Pierre-Dugua-De Mons Terrace

For one of the most scenic views and one of the best places to take photos in Quebec City, Terrasse Pierre-Dugua-De Mons is the place to go! 🤩The terrace sits within the picturesque Parc du Bastion-De-La-Reine, alongside La Citadelle de Québec. 

This lookout point has sweeping views of Quebec City, including notable landmarks like Château Frontenac, Dufferin Terrace, and St. Lawrence River. And while you’re in the area, it’s the perfect time to explore the Citadel — North America’s largest military fortress. Wander along the stone walls of this National Historic Site to catch a glimpse of its rich history. To really get to know the history of the Citadel, take part in an immersive walking tour, where you’ll learn its history — all the way from 1750 to today.

Photo: Anthony in Quebec City for Flytographer. Zbynek and partner celebrate their engagement at Pierre-Dugua-De-Mons Terrace with views of Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City on a proposal photoshoot.

8. Montmorency Falls

Located just a 15-minute drive from Old Quebec, Montmorency Falls are a spectacular sight any time of year. Cascading from a height of nearly 275 feet, Montmorency Falls tumble over a craggy cliff face and into the St. Lawrence River below. Surrounded by trees and rocky outcrops, this is a picture-perfect landscape meant to be captured! 🌲

During your visit, there are multiple ways to take in the incredible views. Take a cable car to the top of the cliff and admire the falls from above. From there, wander across the suspended bridge toward the belvedere, where you can feel the power of the water as it rushes past. For the adventurous, there’s even a zipline where you can soar above the waterfalls — an experience you’ll never forget!

Photo: Elisa in Quebec City for Flytographer. Evan and partner celebrate their engagement at Montmorency Falls in Quebec City on a proposal photoshoot.

9. Hotel de Glace

Hotel de Glace is the only ice hotel in North America, open every winter from January to March. ❄️Constructed entirely of ice and snow, Hotel de Glace is truly awe-inspiring. The hotel includes a chapel, spacious suites, an ice slide, and a stunning Grand Hall. There’s also an Ice Bar where you can enjoy beverages served in glasses made of — you guessed it — ice! This incredibly unique hotel makes for a once-in-a-lifetime getaway and is an absolute must-see when you visit Quebec City.

Photo: Francis in Quebec City for Flytographer. Samantha and family capture memories of their trip at Hotel de Glace in Quebec City on a family photoshoot.

10. Quebec City Old Port

A little off the beaten path, Quebec City’s Old Port offers a laid-back vibe by the riverside. The Old Port stretches along the St. Lawrence River and houses a marina and cruise ship terminal. 🚢

This is the ideal place for a leisurely wander through the streets and one of the best places to take photos in Quebec City. Historic houses dot the neighbourhood, highlighting the historical significance of the area — once home to grain merchants and wholesale grocers. 🌾 You’ll find art galleries, inviting restaurants, antique stores, boutiques, and much more. 

For a lovely photo opportunity, visited the beloved fountain sculpture, La Vivrière, at Place FAO. This sculpture represents the bow of a ship as it moves through waves, and commemorates the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Photo: Francis in Quebec City for Flytographer. Samantha and family capture memories of their trip at Hotel de Glace in Quebec City on a family photoshoot.

Capturing memories in Quebec City

Quebec City is a truly captivating city with endless things to see and do. From wandering through historical neighbourhoods and European-esque streets, to discovering vibrant local businesses and exploring iconic landmarks, the magic of Quebec City is unlike any other. No matter what you choose to do, the memories you make in the city will last a lifetime. Connect with a local photographer to capture your Quebec City memories, so you can look back on them- time and time again. 💖