This guide to the best things to do after dinner in Quebec City caters to just about anyone, from families to solo travellers. This picturesque city is known for its history and culture – just what you'd expect from the oldest fortified city in North America. However, many cultural venues like museums are often closed after dark. So how can you experience the best of Quebec City after closing hours?
If you have an evening to spend in Quebec City, check out our suggestions for filling your time after dinner. We’ve included unique sightseeing options, world-class theatres, and some of the city’s busiest nightclubs.
What are the best things to do at night in Quebec City?
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Night cruise on the St. Lawrence River
Watch the city light up from the water
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Taking a night cruise on the St Lawrence River is a fantastic way to spend a few hours during a summer visit to Quebec City. Many tour providers that depart from the Port of Quebec offer excellent cruises of varying durations, vessels, and themes.
Whether you want a full dining and drinking experience on the water or simply sit back and watch the scenery on a classic Canadian riverboat, there’s a cruise to suit your budget and preference.
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Theatre Petit Champlain
Catch a show at this iconic theatre
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Theatre Petit Champlain is one of Quebec’s oldest theatres, having opened back in the 1800s. You can enjoy a wide range of performances in an intimate setting. Whether it’s live music, comedy, or children’s theatre, you’ll find a bit of everything on the schedule.
The theatre’s location in Old Quebec certainly adds to its historic appeal. You can find it on Rue du Petit Champlain, one of the city’s most picturesque streets. It’s a good idea to catch a show at Theatre Petit Champlain while you’re in the city.
Osoite: 68 Rue du Petit Champlain, Québec, QC G1K 4H5, Canada
Puhelin: +1 418-692-2631
KarttaValokuva: Jeangagnon (CC BY-SA 3.0) muokattu
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Patinoire de la Place D'Youville
Go skating at this centrally located park
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Patinoire de la Place D'Youville is a must-visit if you’re in Quebec City in the winter months. The park’s onsite ice-skating rink is open even during late autumn and early spring, so you can enjoy a day of skating even when the weather is on the warm side.
Flanked by numerous historic and cultural sites, the park has a very photogenic setting. Standouts include the St. John Gate and the Art Deco Maison de la Musique concert hall. Using the rink is free of charge, though online bookings are required. Rental skates come with a small fee.
Osoite: 965 Rue Saint-Jean, Québec, QC G1R 1R5, Canada
Avoinna: Monday–Thursday from noon to 10 pm, Friday–Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm
Puhelin: +1 418-641-6256
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Live music in Quebec City
Immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant music scene
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Quebec City has one of the most diverse live music scenes in Canada. Find classical music and opera performances, including those provided by Canada’s oldest symphony orchestra, at concert halls and theatres across the city. Nightclubs and bars offer excellent performances by singer-songwriters, jazz and blues musicians, DJs and more.
Depending on the neighbourhood, you’ll find venues offering certain genres, such as the dance-heavy house music in Parliament Hill. Wherever you end up in Quebec City, keep an eye out for what’s known as boîtes à chansons, a term that refers to the city’s abundance of smaller and more intimate clubs with laidback vibes.
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Upper Town
One of Quebec City’s most notable neighbourhoods
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Upper Town, also called Haute-Ville, is part of the UNESCO-listed Old Quebec. This neighbourhood offers plenty of things to do, see and explore throughout the day and well into the night.
You can start the day by exploring popular historic sites, such as the 1647 Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral and ancient fortifications. While these landmarks are closed at night, you can head over to Upper Town’s many pubs and lounges for a drink or 2. Bar Le Sacrilege is a church-inspired lounge and club, complete with pew seats and views of the cathedral. Head over to Bar Les Votes Napoleon for drinks in an Old-World atmosphere.
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Saint-Roch
Hop between breweries in this stylish neighbourhood
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Saint-Roch is a hip neighbourhood that sits a little off Quebec City’s main waterfront. It’s fun to explore any time, with its streets lined with boutiques, cafés, restaurants, and galleries. The area is especially attractive in the evening, when craft breweries open their doors for those who love unique beers and ales.
Standouts include La Barberie Microbrasserie, Noctem Artisans Brasseurs, and La Korrigane Brasserie Artisanale. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the extensive range of venues, many tour providers offer beer tours of Saint-Roch’s most prominent breweries.
KarttaValokuva: Municipal Affairs and Housing (CC BY 2.0) muokattu
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Grande Allée
A notable thoroughfare that passes by multiple points of interest
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Grande Allée offers a bevvy of nightlife venues in a single thoroughfare. This pedestrian-friendly street leads to many Quebec City attractions, including the Parliament Building and the city’s national museum. It’s also lined with late-night restaurants, bars, breweries and nightclubs.
Pick out a nice spot to eat and drink (there are lots of outdoor dining options) before heading to one of Grande Allée’s many nightclubs for a night of dancing. Alternatively, you can just enjoy the street’s lively vibe and pretty Victorian buildings.
Osoite: Grande Allée, Quebec City, QC, Canada
KarttaValokuva: J.-P. Fortin (CC BY-SA 3.0) muokattu
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Quebec Old Town
Enjoy a drink at some of the most popular night spots in Quebec Old Town
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Quebec Old Town is home to a vibrant scene of bars and restaurants that offer great spots for a late-night drink. Head to Le Sacrilège Bar on Saint-Jean Street and enjoy a selection of over 20 draught beers in this quirky vintage pub. For an artier ambience, you can go to Le Cercle on Saint-Joseph East Street. This multifaceted complex is as cool as it is trendy. Last but not least, Pub St-Patrick on Saint-Jean Street is a genuine Irish pub, at which you can dine on classic pub grub in a friendly atmosphere.
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MacFly Bar Arcade
Enjoy old-school fun at this late-night hot spot
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MacFly Bar Arcade in Quebec City is a standout nightlife spot for several reasons. It’s a bar equipped with pinball tables and arcade games, giving you a fun way to play if you’re not a fan of live music or dancing. The venue stays open super-late, so you can enjoy yourself for many hours.
It’s a good idea to order a midnight snack while you’re there – MacFly Bar Arcade is known for its grilled cheese. This savoury treat pairs well with the bar’s extensive list of local spirits and beers.
Osoite: 422 Rue Caron, Québec, QC G1K 5W7, Canada
Avoinna: Daily from 3 pm to 3 am
Puhelin: +1 418-528-7000
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Dagobert
One of Quebec City’s largest nightclubs
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Dagobert is a castle-themed nightclub that occupies 3 floors on Grande Allée. This is the place to go if you love a classic nightclub vibe with lots of dancing, live music, and light shows. You can even find several TVs and video games inside the nightclub.
Dagobert is usually packed after 11 pm, especially on weekends. The crowd is typically a mix of students and young professionals, but rest assured that you won’t be out of place as a traveller.
Osoite: 600 Grande Allée E, Québec, QC G1R 2K5, Canada
Avoinna: Thursday–Saturday from 10 pm to 3 am (closed Sundays to Wednesdays)
Puhelin: +1 418-522-0393
KarttaValokuva: Jean Gagnon (CC BY-SA 3.0) muokattu