Must Shoot: Top Photo Spots to Visit in Quebec City, Canada

Quebec City, a charming and historic gem nestled in the heart of French Canada, exudes a captivating old-world charm that transports visitors back in time. With its cobblestone streets, romantic architecture, and stunning natural landscapes, Quebec City offers a myriad of opportunities for photographers to capture its unique essence. Whether you're an avid landscape photographer, a lover of architecture, or simply a seeker of beauty, Quebec City's picturesque locations will leave you in awe. Here's our take on the top photo spots to visit in enchanting Quebec City.

Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Quebec is the heart and soul of the city. Its quaint streets, historic buildings, and charming cafes provide a dreamlike backdrop for photography. Rue du Petit-Champlain, with its colorful facades and decorative signs, is a particularly popular spot for capturing the essence of the city's historic charm.

The Musee Du Fort sits opposite the Châteaux Frontenac and is well worth a quick visit.

Cathedral of the Holy Trinity on the western side of Place d'Armes dates from the early 1800s.

Château Frontenac

Dominating the city's skyline, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is an iconic castle-like hotel that dates back to the late 19th century. This majestic structure offers photographers numerous vantage points to capture its grandeur, whether from across the St. Lawrence River or from the nearby Dufferin Terrace. Whether you’re taking photos of the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac itself, framed against the river and the sky, or are taking selfies in front of it on a cold winter’s morning or an autumn afternoon with a crisp blue sky framing you, it’s a winner of a photo spot.

The impressive Chateaux Frontenac is Quebec City's most famous landmark and has towered over the city since the late 1800's.

Terrasse Dufferin

Adjacent to Château Frontenac, Terrasse Dufferin is a splendid boardwalk with panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River and the city. It's a wonderful place to capture the changing moods of the river and the distant landscape. The terrace is especially magical during sunrise and sunset. If you are in Quebec in winter, be sure to grab a mug of hot chocolate and enjoy the taboggan rides on the boardwalk.

Located right next to the Chateaux Frontenac, the Dufferin Terrace affords stunning view of the St Lawrence river as well as no shortage of people watching opportunities.

Place Royale

As one of the oldest squares in North America, Place Royale holds a significant historical charm. Its centerpiece is a beautiful fountain, and the surrounding buildings, like the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church, offer a glimpse into the city's past. This location is perfect for street photography, capturing the blend of history and modern life. With so much great architecture to admire, be sure to find the small details that can be found in the stones and cobbles or the details inside buildings, like the candles below from Notre-Dame-des-Victoires.

The beautiful and historic Place Royale, dressed in holiday lights.

One of the oldest chruches in North America, the small Roman Catholic church of Notre-Dame-des-Victoires was completed in 1723 after 35 years of construction.

Small details make great photos. These votive candles are from the church of Notre-Dame-des-Victoires.

Montmorency Falls

Just outside the city, Montmorency Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder that provides spectacular photo opportunities. The falls, taller than Niagara Falls, are surrounded by lush forests and offer various viewpoints, including a suspension bridge that provides a stunning vantage point. The walk is not a hard one and you will be rewarded with some great photo opportunities.

Montmorency Falls are only a few minutes from downtown Quebec City and make for a great phot subject at any time of year.

Quartier Petit-Champlain

Located below the cliffs of Old Quebec, Quartier Petit-Champlain is a pedestrian-only area with narrow streets and quaint shops. It's a photogenic spot, especially during winter when festive decorations add a touch of magic to the scene.

The old narrow streets of Quartier Petit-Champlain offer endless subjects and compositions.

A walking tour of Quartier Petit Champlian is one of the best ways to capture the sights of the city. Be sure to find a tour that will take you to La Fresque des Quebecois. Standing at almost three stories high and spanning an impressive 4,520 square feet, this Quebec icon vividly portrays the rich history of Quebec and the historical figures involved in its story. A waking tour also allows you to take your time and capture smaller details like windows, doors and the famous umbrellas on Rue du Cul-de-Sac. Also try to stop at the Séminaire de Québec where the buildings are arranged in a rectangle overlooking a splendid inner courtyard. The white of the walls contrasts beautifully with the blue of the sky above.

The vibrant Quebec City Mural (La Fresque des Quebecois) tells the history of the city.

Umbrella Alley, better known as Rue du Cul-de-Sac, is a great location to soak in the atmosphere of the old town.

History and great compositions are everywhere. Doors and windows are particularly appealing subjects.

Be sure to take a walking tour that includes the Seminaire De Quebec and its wonderful courtyard, and yes, more windows!.

Parliament Building (Hôtel du Parlement)

The Parliament Building of Quebec, with its grand facade and manicured gardens, is an architectural masterpiece. Head there during the blue hour or after dark to capture stunning shots with the building beautifully illuminated.

The parliament building and gardens lit for Christmas.

Pierre Dugua De Mons Terrace & The Citadel

The view from the Terrace in any direction will be a beautiful one, no matter the time of day or season of the year. Be sure to spend a moment inspecting the bust of Pierre Dugua De Mons who instructed Samuel de Champlain to establish Quebec before heading to the nearby Citadel. La Citadelle de Quebec is a National Historic Site located atop Cap Diamant in the Old City. Its walls enclose 300 years of history from the New France period to today. It is an active military installation and its commanding location showcases breathtaking views of the St Lawrence River and the ever-present Chateau Frontenac.

View of the Chateaux Frontenac and St Lawrence River from Pierre-Dugua-De-Mons Terrace.

Bust of Pierre Dugua de Mons.

The Plains of Abraham (Battlefields Park)

This historic park, once the site of a significant battle, now offers vast green spaces and beautiful vistas of the St. Lawrence River. It's a popular spot for outdoor activities and photography, especially during the fall when the foliage turns into a colorful canvas or during the Winter Carnival when you can marvel at the artistry of numerous amazing ice sculptures.

The ice sculptures of the Winter Carnival are a wonderful and photogenic tradition.

Hotel de Glace (The Ice Hotel)

Hotel de Glace is North America’s only ice hotel. Inspired by the igloos of native peoples and built every December, the hotel is made entirely from ice. It's a magical place and braving the cold for a night on your ice bed is a unique and special experience. The amazing clear ice makes for a beautiful photography subject and once you've captured the scene be sure to have a drink at the ice bar and have some fun on the ice slide before relaxing in the outdoor spa and sauna.

Entrance to the Ice Hotel.

The hotel is built every December for an opening in early January.

Quebec City is a one-of-a-kind photography destination and arguably the most beautiful city in North America. There are no shortage of stunning photos to take any time of year, whether you're drawn to its architectural wonders, cobbled streets, natural beauty, or vibrant atmosphere, the city has something to inspire every photographer. So, grab your camera and head to this cultural and visual wonderland and let Quebec City work its magic through your photographs.