It is Worth Taking a Gray Line Day Trip to Quebec City from Montreal?

Quebec City wasn’t really on my itinerary for my first long trip to Canada. But, when I was planning my trip, I stumbled upon an article about Gray Line’s day trips to Quebec City, and it instantly caught my attention. With a few extra days in Montreal and a desire to see more of the region, I figured a day trip to Quebec City would be the perfect addition to my itinerary—without sacrificing any of the experiences I had planned in Montreal.

I booked the trip online, and soon after, I received an email with all the details, including the pickup time from my hotel. The process was straightforward, with a note that I needed to confirm my booking a day before. Naturally, I did so, and I received a confirmation in return. The anticipation began to build, and I was ready for my adventure to Quebec City!

But let me tell you, things didn’t go quite as smoothly as I had imagined. Keep reading to find out what happened—and whether I think a Gray Line day trip to Quebec City from Montreal is worth it!

Departure from Montreal

I’m not going to lie—I didn’t think I was going to make the bus and, subsequently, the day trip to Quebec City.

My pickup time was set for 7 AM, and, being the punctual traveller that I am, I was outside my hotel a solid 15 minutes early. Just in case. As the minutes ticked by with no sign of the bus, I started to feel that familiar travel anxiety creeping in. After 30 minutes, I decided to call Gray Line using my Skype account (because international roaming is ridiculously expensive), and they reassured me not to worry—the driver was on the way.

Another 30 minutes passed. Still nothing. Another call. Same response. “Just traffic,” they said. By this point, my stress levels were through the roof and I was already contemplating an alternative itinerary for the day.

Then, out of nowhere, a small van appeared. To my surprise, it wasn’t the tour bus but a shuttle, already carrying two other equally puzzled passengers. The driver, clearly aware of how late we were, sped through Montreal’s morning traffic like he was in a Fast & Furious movie. Eventually, we made it to the big tour bus—something I had no idea we’d be switching to—with just minutes to spare. But before we could board, we had to go inside the office and exchange our email confirmations for physical tickets. Not exactly a smooth start.

Once we were finally on board, though, things settled down. The driver, who doubled as a guide, was actually great—sharing tidbits about the places we passed along the way. The drive to Quebec City takes around three hours, and somewhere along the route, we made a pit stop at a petrol station for a much-needed break. Coffee, snacks, and toilets were the priority. I grabbed a giant blueberry muffin and some chocolates—because all I’d had that morning was coffee. Funny enough, if you ever find yourself wandering Montreal at 6:30 AM in desperate need of caffeine, your only option is McDonald’s. Good to know for next time.

Arrival in Quebec City

By 11 AM, we finally rolled into Quebec City, and right away, our guide hopped on board to introduce herself. She had that perfect mix of enthusiasm and authority—the kind of person who could keep a group of sleepy tourists engaged.

As the bus made its way toward our drop-off point by the river, near the city centre, she walked us through the plan for the day. It was one of those moments where you try to pay attention but are also too busy taking in your first glimpses of the city. The historic buildings, the cobblestone streets—it already felt different from Montreal, almost like a little slice of Europe.

Gray Line City Tour

Our day in Quebec City kicked off with a short but insightful guided tour. As we weaved through the streets, our guide took us on a journey through the city’s fascinating history—its French roots, British influences, and the way it has evolved into the charming destination it is today.

One of the highlights of the tour was, without a doubt, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. It’s impossible to miss this iconic building, perched high above the St. Lawrence River like a real-life fairytale castle. But, as we learned, despite its regal appearance, it was never actually a castle. Built in 1893 as part of a series of grand railway hotels by the Canadian Pacific Railway, it was designed from the start to be a luxurious hotel, meant to encourage wealthy travelers to journey across Canada by train. Over the years, it has hosted royalty, world leaders, and even played a role in history—the Quebec Conferences of World War II were held here, where Churchill and Roosevelt discussed the next steps in the war. Today, it remains one of the most photographed hotels in the world.

Next, we made our way to Place-Royale, the historic heart of Old Quebec. This picturesque square is where Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec City in 1608, marking the beginning of French civilization in North America. The square is a fascinating blend of architectural influences—originally built with wooden structures, it was devastated by fire in 1682, after which stone became the standard building material. Then, in 1759, during the Siege of Quebec, the area suffered significant damage. Once the British took control, they quickly rebuilt, which is why the square now showcases both French and British architectural styles.

Surrounding the square are beautifully restored buildings that have been transformed into cosy restaurants, boutique souvenir shops, and artisan craft stores.

Montmorency Falls

After our 45-minute guided city tour, our next stop was Montmorency Falls, one of Quebec’s most spectacular natural attractions.

On our way out of the city, we drove past the Quebec Parliament Building, an impressive French Second Empire-style structure that houses the National Assembly of Quebec. Completed in 1886, it’s the only provincial legislature in Canada that allows French as its sole official language. We also passed through the Citadel of Quebec, a star-shaped fortress that’s still an active military base. Built by the British in the 19th century, it was designed to defend against potential American invasions (which, luckily, never happened). Today, it’s home to the Royal 22nd Regiment, and if you visit at the right time, you can even catch the traditional changing of the guard ceremony.

Montmorency Falls is just a 10 to 15-minute drive from Quebec City, making it a perfect quick escape into nature. But here’s the catch—we only had 20 minutes to explore, and honestly, that’s barely enough time to do much. From the visitor’s entrance, the falls aren’t exactly right in front of you. With 10 minutes each way, you can pretty much make it to the main viewing point and back, but you won’t have time to go up to the suspension bridge or get up close to the falls.

Standing at 83 meters (272 feet) tall, Montmorency Falls is actually higher than Niagara Falls (by about 30 meters!), though much narrower. The water dramatically crashes down a steep cliff face, creating a misty spray that can be felt from the lookout points. There’s a suspension bridge at the top that offers a thrilling view from above, as well as a wooden staircase that lets visitors climb alongside the waterfall for different perspectives. The surrounding landscape is lush and forested, adding to the scenic beauty of the area.

But I wasn’t going to let time constraints stop me from getting as close as possible. I jogged all the way to the viewing platform across the water, determined to feel the spray. And wow—the splash was intense. Within seconds, I was drenched, barely able to see anything as water pelted my face. Trying to take photos was a challenge—the mist covered my phone’s screen, making it nearly impossible to use the touchscreen. But honestly, I didn’t mind. The day was hot, a light breeze was in the air, and the cool water was ridiculously refreshing. To top it off, as the sun hit the mist just right, a rainbow appeared, forming a perfect arc over the rushing water.

It was one of those moments where you just stop, take it all in, and feel grateful for the adventure—even if it’s a little rushed.

Quebec City Self Exploration

Back in Quebec City, we were given three hours of free time to explore on our own. Our guide gave us a meeting point and a strict departure time—because, as we all know, there’s always that one person who shows up late (and I did not want to be that person).

I started my solo time by heading straight back to Old Quebec, drawn once again to its charming cobblestone streets and picturesque squares. The historic stone buildings, with their steep roofs and colourful window boxes overflowing with pink flowers, looked even more magical in the afternoon sunlight. Outdoor cafés spilled into the streets, their red umbrellas shading diners as they sipped coffee and enjoyed the European ambiance that makes Quebec City so unique.

Naturally, I had to take another look at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. This time, I wandered through its grounds and onto the Dufferin Terrace, a wide wooden promenade offering spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River. I considered stepping inside the hotel for a fancy coffee or afternoon tea, but something about my casual travel outfit made me hesitate. So, I skipped it. Of course, now I regret that decision—which just means I’ll have to come back to Quebec City and do it properly next time!

From there, I walked along the Governor’s Promenade, a scenic boardwalk lined with English-style bandstands. This 655-meter-long walkway, built between 1958 and 1960 for Quebec City’s 350th anniversary, connects Dufferin Terrace to the Plains of Abraham. In the 18th century, this very path was used to link a series of military cannon batteries positioned on the cliffs. By 1870, soldiers on leave used the steep staircase here to descend from the Citadel to the Lower Town—where taverns and brothels awaited. Over time, the path evolved into the beautifully maintained promenade it is today.

Also known as Cape Diamond, this high promontory rises 100 meters above the St. Lawrence River. The name dates back to Jacques Cartier, who, in 1541, believed he had discovered gold and diamonds here—only to later find out it was just quartz and iron pyrite (also known as fool’s gold). Even Samuel de Champlain noted the presence of these “diamonds” when he founded Quebec City in 1608. The panoramic view from this spot is breathtaking, which is probably why Charles Dickens called Quebec the “Gibraltar of America” when he visited in 1842.

From there, I continued my walk along the Citadel walls, weaving through the lush green park that surrounds the fortress. The fortifications of Quebec are the only remaining fortified city walls in North America north of Mexico.

After making my way back down into the city, I wandered along streets lined with colourful restaurants and cafés, soaking in the lively atmosphere. Eventually, hunger won, and I stopped at Baguette & Chocolat, a cosy little café where I ordered a grilled ham and cheese sandwich and a refreshing cold lemonade.

As I stepped out of the café, I spotted a Christmas shop across the street. Obviously, I couldn’t resist going in. The entire store was packed floor to ceiling with thousands of ornaments, in every shape, size, and theme imaginable. There’s just something about Christmas shops that makes you feel like a kid again, even if it’s the middle of summer. Of course I had to buy an ornament as well, to always remember Quebec City at Christmas time.

With my belly full and a little extra holiday spirit in my heart, I crossed to the other side of the city, venturing into Basse-Ville (Lower Town). This area feels different from Upper Town—quieter, more intimate. I wandered through wooden walkways connecting historic houses, taking in the peaceful contrast to the bustling tourist streets above.

Back in the most touristy part of Quebec City, I suddenly understood why people fall in love with this place. One of the most iconic spots is the Rue du Petit-Champlain, where dozens of colourful umbrellas hang suspended above the narrow cobblestone street. Below, people strolled past stone façades with red window trims, overflowing flower boxes, and charming little shops and cafés. It was impossible not to stop at a souvenir shop, where I picked up a fridge magnet—my favourite way to remember my travels.

Three hours passed in the blink of an eye, but one thing was clear—I had barely scratched the surface of Quebec City. It’s the kind of place that pulls you back. And after this visit, I knew I’d be returning someday to explore even more.

Pros and Cons of Taking a Day Trip from Montreal to Quebec City

A day trip from Montreal to Quebec City with Gray Line is an easy and affordable way to see one of Canada’s most beautiful cities in just one day. However, while the tour offers convenience, guided insight, and free time to explore, it also comes with long travel times and some logistical downsides. Here’s a breakdown of my pros and cons to help you decide if it’s worth to you or not.

Pros:

✅ It’s a budget-friendly way to see Quebec City – A guided day trip is an affordable way to visit Quebec’s capital without the hassle of organizing transport or accommodation. Considering the cost of a train or rental car, this tour is a good deal.

✅ The guided city tour was surprisingly good – The tour guide was knowledgeable, providing a great introduction to Quebec City’s history and key landmarks. Even though it was brief, it set the stage for my independent exploration later.

✅ You’re not stuck with the group all day – After the initial 45-minute city tour and the trip to the waterfall, you’re free to explore at your own pace for three hours. Whether you want to wander the cobbled streets, visit museums, or relax at a café, you can customize your experience.

✅ Quebec City is compact and walkable – Despite the short visit, it’s easy to see a lot in a short amount of time. The historic centre is pedestrian-friendly, making it perfect for solo exploration without needing taxis or public transport.

Cons:

❌ It’s a long drive—three hours each way – That’s six hours spent on the bus, which eats into the time you actually get to enjoy in Quebec City. If you’re not a fan of long drives, this might be a dealbreaker.

❌ The pickup and drop-off were disorganized – The morning pickup was stressful, with a long wait and uncertainty about whether I’d even make it. And on the way back, because I didn’t know I had to tell the driver my drop-off location, I ended up back at the Gray Line office instead of my hotel. Not the best way to end a long day.

❌ Not enough time at Montmorency Falls – We were given just 20 minutes at the falls, which was barely enough to get to the viewing platform and back. I jogged to make the most of it, but there was no time to cross the suspension bridge, hike the trails, or explore properly. It felt rushed.

❌ Three hours in Quebec City wasn’t enough – While I covered a lot, lunch alone cut into my exploration time significantly. I would’ve loved another hour or two to slow down and visit museums, go inside Château Frontenac, or explore more of Basse-Ville.

❌ The constant reminders about tipping – Coming from a non-tipping culture, I found it uncomfortable to be reminded multiple times that we needed to tip the driver, the guide, and just about everyone else involved. While I understand it’s standard in North America, it felt excessive.

Would I Do It Again?

Probably not. While the day trip offered a good introduction to Quebec City, I found the time spent there far too short, mainly due to the long three-hour drive each way. By the time you factor in the travel time, you’re left with only a few hours to explore, which just isn’t enough to fully appreciate the charm of the city. If you’re looking for a more in-depth experience with enough time to explore at your own pace, I’d recommend considering an overnight trip instead.

For more similar articles, check out my recommendations below:

• Iconic foods to eat in Montreal

Like it? Pin it!

Disclaimer: Some of the links on this website are “affiliate links.” This means that if you click on the link and do a purchase, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost for you. This helps me keep my website running and continue to share my travelling knowledge with you. I thank you for booking your flights or hotels using the links on my website. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.