Best Months to Visit Quebec from Toronto
The best time to travel from Toronto to Quebec City is from late June to early October. In summer, you can enjoy pleasant weather, outdoor festivals, and bustling streets. In early autumn, you can admire Canada's fall foliage, especially in parks and along the St. Lawrence River. Winter is magical for visitors who love snowy landscapes, but travel may be slower due to icy road conditions.
How Far Is Quebec City from Toronto?
The distance from Toronto to Quebec City is 800 kilometers (approximately 500 miles). If you choose to drive or take the train, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Lake District in Ontario and the charming countryside of Quebec Province along the way.
Best Way to Go from Toronto to Quebec City
You have a few main options for getting from Toronto to Quebec City.
● Toronto to Quebec City Flight: The fastest way to get there takes only 1 hour and 30 minutes, and the round-trip fare ranges from $295 to $460.
● Toronto to Quebec City Train: VIA Rail offers a comfortable journey of approximately 9 hours and 40 minutes, passing through Kingston, Montreal, and the St. Lawrence River region. A transfer is required in Montreal. The train ticket costs approximately $138.
● Toronto to Quebec City Drive: It takes 8 hours to drive from Toronto, passing through Kingston and Montreal along the way.
● Toronto to Quebec City Bus: At least two transfers are required, and they are operated by different companies. You will need to transfer at different stations in Montreal, and the total journey time is 10 hours.
Scenery and Attractions Between the Two Cities
If you're thinking about a road trip from Toronto to Quebec City, be sure to check out these must-see stops along the way.
● Kingston: Known as the “Limestone City,” it features 19th-century architecture and the historic Fort Henry.
● Thousand Islands: A popular cruise destination with beautiful river views.
● Montreal: A cultural hub with numerous museums, parks, and the Old Port.
● Trois-Rivières: A smaller city with French-Canadian history and riverside scenery.
Popular Attractions and Sightseeing
The city's main attraction is Old Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most Quebec City tours focus on this area.
● Fairmont Le Château Frontenac: This historic hotel, resembling a European castle, is a must-visit iconic landmark.
● Quartier Petit Champlain: This neighborhood features narrow cobblestone streets lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
● Abraham Plains: This historically significant urban park is perfect for strolling and offers stunning views of the St. Lawrence River.
● Place Royale: This historic square is where Samuel de Champlain founded the city in 1608. Here, you can see one of North America's oldest stone churches, the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Catholic Church.
Nearby Sightseeing Tips
Quebec City is an ideal base for day trips to explore the surrounding area.
● Montmorency Falls: Higher than Niagara Falls, this is a popular spot for hiking and enjoying beautiful scenery, just a short drive from the city. You can also experience a zip line ride.
● Île d'Orléans: This island offers beautiful natural scenery, farms, and craft shops.
● Jacques-Cartier National Park: Located in the Laurentian Mountains, this park is a 50-minute drive from Quebec City. It offers hiking, canoeing, and other outdoor activities.
● Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré: This small town is home to the religious landmark Sanctuaire Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, which attracts a large number of pilgrims each year.