Quebec City with a Toddler: Things to Do + Tips

Heading to Quebec City with a toddler? You’re in the right place.

Quebec City is the most beautiful city in Canada, and known as the Europe of North America. It has some of the oldest buildings, and post-card perfect, cobbled side streets.

I have been to Quebec City multiple times, and brought both an older child, and a 2.5 year old daughter.

Based on that experience, I’m going to tell you which activities I recommend in Quebec for small children.

So, let’s jump in – navigating Quebec City with a toddler!

5 Toddler Tips for Quebec City

✅ Tip # 1: The old town can be a bit challenging to navigate with a stroller, but it’s not impossible. We brought a stroller with us, and just carried it and folded it up and the 1-2 times that it was needed. (Which were going on the funicular as strollers need to be folded, and taking the stairs down to Old town, as there’s no ramp.)

✅ Tip # 3: There are lots of toddler activities. We found Quebec City very family-friendly, and there are plenty of things to do there with kids of all ages, including babies and toddlers

✅ Tip # 3: Quebec City is magical in all seasons Different seasons offer a different experience in Quebec city. We’ve been there in summer, but winter too was when we brought our 2 year old. Both have their own unique qualities

✅ Tip # 4: Most restaurants have kids menus and high chairs. We didn’t have a problem finding restaurants with high chairs, and kids menus. Some restaurants are more geared to adults, but many are family friendly. See this guide on family friendly restaurants in Quebec City

✅ Tip # 5: Don’t worry if you don’t speak French. Quebec City is an extremely popular tourist destination and they don’t expect tourists to speak French. Anyone working in the old town core speaks excellent English, and all the menus are available in English.

Things to Do with a Toddler in Quebec City

There are a number of ‘must-dos’ in Quebec City, such has heading to Montmorency Falls, but these are the things that are extremely toddler friendly and should be on your itinerary for Quebec City

1. Visit the Museum of Civilization

Museum of Civilization has a fun, interactive spot for young kids called Ma Maison, on the basement floor.

It says that Ma Maison is aimed at ages 3-8, but our 2.5 year old loved it.

You may need to be prepared to get down on hands and knees and crawl with them through the compartments. It’s quite extensive and should have them entertained for at least an hour.

Pro Tip: Bring whatever snacks you want. There are picnic tables next to Ma Maison where you can sit down and have a bite to eat.

2. Head to the Quebec City Aquarium

Your little one will get a kick out of seeing all the marine life at the Quebec Aquarium. There are indoor, and outdoor areas, and the whole thing is stroller-friendly.

The highlight for us was being able to see the polar bears, which are in one of the outdoor exhibits.

The Quebec Aquarium is a bit out of the way, and you would need to drive or take an Uber. Read our guide on Quebec City Aquarium here

3. Enjoy walks through Old Town

A big part of the joy of Quebec City is just in the walking around, and taking it all in. It’s such a beautiful, and walkable city.

Staying right in the heart of old town can be pricey, so the AirBnb we chose was a good 20-minute walk from the downtown.

We enjoyed many walks through the old town, with and without a stroller.

4. Try a poutine

Poutine should be easy enough for your toddler to eat – it costs of fries covered in cravy, with cheese curds.

It’s a traditional dish in Canada, specifically Quebec.

There are also lots of variations of poutine, with different kids of toppings. The whole family should enjoy it.

The gravy can be quite hot at first, be sure to make sure it’s cooled down enough before your little one digs in. Read my guide on best poutine places in Quebec City

5. Eat at a crêperie

Another traditional dish in Quebec that we also found very toddler-friendly was crêpes!

They come in either savoury, or sweet flavours. We ordered a simple plain one for our 2-year-old and she loved it.

6. Dufferin Terrace

The Dufferin Terrace is a boardwalk right in front of the Chateau Frontenac. It’s very large and stroller friendly.

Spend time just walking up the terrace. You have a beautiful view of the St. Lawrence River, and the old town below. In the winter, there’s a toboggan sled (which toddlers unfortunately would be too little for, but they may enjoy watching others sliding down.)

It’s also where many Quebec Festivals are held, such as the annual Canada Day celebrations.

Be sure to get family photos in front of the Chateau Frontenac when you’re on the Dufferin Terrace.

If you’re in Quebec City during the Christmas season, go inside the Chateau Frontenac to see their display of very unique Christmas trees.

7. Take part in a festival

Quebec City has a busy calendar of special events and festivals, year round.

Some of the festivals are mostly for adults (such as the summer festival which consists of concerts.)

Many of them are family-friendly, such as the New France Festival, the Winter Carnival and even many of the events that take place during the Christmas Markets.

Places to Stay in Quebec City with a Toddler

Ideally, you can stay right in Old Town so that you’re close to everything, to minimize walking, but this can be pricey. After researching this to death, here are some places that we believe are some of the best spots (for different budget levels) to stay in Quebec City with kids under 5

• Budget – Auberge International de Quebec This is a hostel right in Old Town for a very decent price. It has a family room with private bathroom that sleeps up to 5 people.
• Mid-Range – L’Addresse sur Grande Allée Right on Grande Allée in a small apartment in a Victorian building just a short walk to Old Town, and quite close to the Art Museum. It’s well located, quiet and comfortable. I stayed here once while travelling solo (but wanted to sleep) and loved how quiet it was
• Luxury – Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac The ultimate Quebec City upscale, lavish experience. You can’t get much closer to everything, or better views