Charlesbourg Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Outdoor adventure and heritage charm are present side by side in this historic northern region of Québec City.

More than half of Charlesbourg is agricultural or wooded, with recreational opportunities that are practically endless. Take your time to experience the traces of a fascinating history during a visit to Charlesbourg.

Originally founded as a 17th-century Jesuit colony, Charlesbourg has grown and developed over the years, eventually merging with Québec City in 2002. As you explore this livable district, slow down and admire fine examples of French and Québécois architecture from multiple centuries.

Start at Charlesbourg’s southern end, at the iconic Trait-Carré. Appreciate the stylings of this well-preserved historic village, originally built by Jesuits in the shape of a star for ease of defense. Head to the green heart of Trait-Carré for a scenic walk or picnic in the much-loved Parc de la Commune. Varied concerts take place at its bandstand through the summer.

After a break at one of many local cafés and restaurants, continue on to the Moulin des Jésuites, a lovingly restored rustic water mill from the 18th century. Learn about Charlesbourg’s history at the exhibit inside, join a guided walking tour or simply enjoy the mill’s decorative gardens.

Farther north, take a scenic forest walk at Parc des Verveines. Explore sprawling Parc des Moulins, where landscaped gardens and pools lie alongside woodland with trails groomed for hiking and snowshoeing.

For more winter fun, head to one of Charlesbourg’s ski parks. At the non-profit Ski de Fond Charlesbourg, pick from 15 cross-country skiing trails before relaxing at a heated chalet or the restaurant, which is open on weekends.

Charlesbourg is located northwest of Québec City, about a 20-minute drive from the city center and 25-minute drive from the airport. Travel by bus from downtown in about 1 hour. The historic region around Trait-Carré is easily navigated on foot, with the Parc des Moulins about a 20- minute bus ride north from there. Rent a car to best access the ski parks.

Before you leave Charlesbourg, stop for a sweet treat at a boutique chocolate or fudge store.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Charlesbourg Hotel Deals

DoubleTree by Hilton Quebec Resort
DoubleTree by Hilton Quebec Resort
4 out of 5
7900 Rue du Marigot, Québec City, QC
The price is NZ$186 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
NZ$186
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Stay at this 4-star golf resort in Québec City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,119 reviews)
"It was a beautiful hotel and would absolutely stay there again!"

Reviewed on 29 Mar. 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Quebec Resort
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
4.5 out of 5
1 rue des Carrieres, Québec City, QC
The price is NZ$482 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
NZ$482
includes taxes & fees
16 Apr - 17 Apr
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Québec City. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,229 reviews)
"Overall amazing experience."

Reviewed on 30 Mar. 2025

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
Hôtel Le Concorde Québec
Hôtel Le Concorde Québec
3 out of 5
1225 Cours du General de Montcalm, Québec City, QC
The price is NZ$211 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
NZ$211
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Québec City. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
7.6/10 Good! (5,967 reviews)
"Hard to navigate in the car, but only in the winter."

Reviewed on 2 Apr. 2025

Hôtel Le Concorde Québec
Hôtel Palace Royal
Hôtel Palace Royal
4 out of 5
775 Honoré-Mercier Ave, Québec City, QC
The price is NZ$233 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
NZ$233
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Québec City. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,885 reviews)
"The location into the city"

Reviewed on 1 Apr. 2025

Hôtel Palace Royal
LHotelQuébec
LHotelQuébec
4 out of 5
3115, avenue des Hôtels, Québec City, QC
The price is NZ$181 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
NZ$181
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Québec City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,746 reviews)
"overall stay very pleasant, front desk staff friendly upon arriving where as when leaving we were not asked if our stay was pleasant just a simple info that our invoice would be sent by mail. Restaurant staff very good and food very good and fairly priced though we did stay during the week Tues to ..."

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2025

LHotelQuébec
Hotel Classique
Hotel Classique
3.5 out of 5
2815, Boulevard Laurier, Québec City, QC
The price is NZ$182 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
NZ$182
includes taxes & fees
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Québec City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,663 reviews)
"Good place"

Reviewed on 31 Mar. 2025

Hotel Classique
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Charlesbourg

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Les Rivières

Historical sites, coffee shops and shopping highlight some of the noteworthy features of Les Rivières. Make a stop by Les Galeries de la Capitale or Mega Parc while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Les Rivières
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Beauport

3/5(1 area review)

The ample dining options and enchanting waterfalls are top of the list for many visitors to Beauport. A stop by Montmorency Falls Park or Saint Lawrence River might round out your trip.

Beauport
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Vieux-Limoilou

Vieux-Limoilou might not have many top sights, but Quebec Cruise Terminal and Vidéotron Centre are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Vieux-Limoilou
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La Cité-Limoilou

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

La Cité-Limoilou is a destination visitors seek out for its fascinating museums, great live music and charming cafes. You might also want to check out attractions like Quebec Cruise Terminal or Vidéotron Centre while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

La Cité-Limoilou
Parliament Building which includes heritage architecture, a garden and a sunset

Centre-Ville

Centre-Ville is popular for its live music, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Quebec Cruise Terminal or Grand Theatre of Quebec.

Centre-Ville
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Saint-Roch

4/5(8 area reviews)

Saint-Roch is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Church of St. Roch or Marina Saint-Roch.

Saint-Roch

Charlesbourg Travel Guide

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