Quebec – Travel Guide
Quebec City, the capital of Quebec province in Canada, exudes Old World charm with its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and rich French heritage. The iconic Château Frontenac overlooks the picturesque St. Lawrence River, offering stunning views and luxurious accommodations. Explore the fortified walls of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit landmarks like the Citadel and Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral. The lively Quartier Petit Champlain brims with boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries. During winter, the city transforms into a snowy wonderland, hosting the famous Winter Carnival with ice sculptures, parades, and festive activities.
All about Quebec
Getting around Quebec
On Foot
The city’s layout makes it easy for walking and exploring, and it’s one of the best ways to take in the atmosphere of the city. Once you pass through the walls of Old Quebec, nearly everything is within easy walking distance. Just be sure to dress warm, especially in the winter months. There are many places to stop to enjoy one of the city’s cozy cafes and quaint shops.
By Bicycle
There are several bike trails if you wish to see more of the river or take a look at what the suburbs of Quebec City look like. The 5.5-mile Corridor de la Riviere-Saint-Charles trail starts from the jardins du bassin Louis, is separated from traffic and loops along both banks of the river. Other routes can be found on the Quebec City tourism website. There are several bike rental companies located throughout the city where bikes can be rented for short periods at reasonable rates.
Cycling tours are also available for those who want to explore further afield, offering guided tours through some of the city’s most scenic routes.
By Public Transportation
The main mode of transportation in the city is the Quebec City Transit System or TEC. The RTC operates a comprehensive network of buses and shuttles covering most of the city. The RTC bus system in Quebec City is a great service offered throughout the downtown core and into the suburbs, as well as the service to the airport. Buses are the easiest way to get around the city for those with mobility needs, as they can be lowered to accommodate wheelchairs and others who need help boarding.
If you’re exploring outside the old city walls, there are 55 leBus routes to help you explore. RTC operates 60 bus routes throughout the greater metropolitan area, but to figure out which buses to rely on for all your tourist needs, check out RTC’s handy bus guide for visitors. Fares are the same for Métrobus as they are for the leBus.
By Funiculaire
The funiculaire is a great way to get from Old Quebec’s Basse-Ville (Lower Town) to Haute-Ville (Upper Ville). It is a steep walk up to the Upper Town, so this is a relaxing way to save energy and enjoy fantastic views. This cliff-side elevator travels at a 45-degree angle between the northern edge of the Quartier Petit-Champlain in Basse-Ville to Dufferin Terrace, near the entrance of the Château Frontenac in Haute-Ville. The funiculaire opens every day starting at 9 a.m. and closes at 10:30 p.m. in summer; closing times vary the rest of the year.
By Taxi
Taxis area available throughout the city and offer an economical way to get from one place to another quickly and without any hassles. You might find it easier to use the Taxi Coop smartphone app to order a ride or visit a designated cab stand. The ride-hailing app Uber also operates in Quebec City.
Quebec FAQ
Where is Quebec City?
Québec City, located in Eastern Canada, is one of the oldest cities in North America located on the banks of the Saint-Lawrence River. It’s about 2.5 hours by car (150 miles) northeast of Montreal or a 1.5-hour flight from New York or Toronto.
How do I get into Québec City by plane?
The closest major airport is the Montreal International Airport, Aéroport International Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau de Montréal, more commonly known as Montréal-Trudeau Airport. Quebeck City does have a small airport, Jean Lesage International Airport that is served by a number of major airlines. Most air traffic comes by way of Montréal, although there are some direct flights from Canadian and U.S. cities.
From the Montréal-Trudeau Airport there is an Express Bus that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and runs between the airport and the Berri-UQAM Metro station (the city’s main bus terminal). It has about stops along boulevard René-Lévesque. A trip takes about 35 minutes, and buses leave every 20 to 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the currency exchange (ICE) location on the airport’s international arrivals level, and downtown at the Berri-UQAM station and the Infotourist Centre. Some hotels offer shuttles, these are listed on the airport’s website under “Access and Parking.”
Car rentals are available at the airport and all the major companies are represented in Quebec. The minimum driving age is 16 in Quebec, but some car rental companies will only rent to people 25 and up.
What other ways can I use to get into Québec City?
Quebec is also easily accessible by, rail, and car.
By Bus: Montréal’s central bus station, Station Centrale d’Autobus (505 boul. de Maisonneuve est) that is located beneath the terminal, Berri-UQAM Station, the junction of several Métro lines. (UQAM — pronounced “Oo-kahm” — stands for Université de Québec à Montréal.) Alternatively, taxis usually line up outside the terminal building.
By Train: Montreal is a major terminus on Canada’s VIA Rail network. Its station, Gare Centrale (895 rue de la Gauchetière ouest), is centrally located downtown. The station is connected to the Métro subway system at Bonaventure Station. (Gare Windsor, which you might see on some maps, is the city’s former train station).
Québec City’s train station, Gare du Palais, is in Lower Town at 450 rue de la Gare-du-Palais. Many hotels are a short cab ride from the train station.
The U.S. train system, Amtrak, has one train per day to Montréal from New York that makes intermediate stops. Called the Adirondack, it is a slow ride, but its scenic route passes along the Hudson River’s eastern shore and west of Lake Champlain. It takes 11 hours from New York with no interference, although delays aren’t unusual.
The train ride between Montréal and Québec City takes about 3 hours.
By Car: When driving between Québec City from Montréal, there are two options: Autoroute 40, which runs along the St. Lawrence’s north shore, and Autoroute 20, on the south side. The trip takes about 3 hours.
What is the legal drinking age in Québec?
The legal drinking age in Québec is 18.
Is Québec City a safe city to visit?
Quebec City has earned a reputation for being one of the safest cities in Canada. According to recent statistics, the crime rate in Quebec City is significantly lower compared to other major cities in the country. While no place is entirely free from crime, the city’s proactive approach to safety and the presence of well-trained law enforcement contribute to its favorable safety record.
Read More
Discover further essential tips for navigating the vibrant city. Learn about must-see attractions, dining hotspots, transportation options, and cultural insights.
Can I pay/tip in US dollars?
Yes, U.S. dollars are generally accepted everywhere. The currency in Canada is the Canadian Dollar. Check the exchange rate prior to your trip. Some places may charge you an exchange rate of 2-5%.
When the exchange rate is close to par it is best not to convert your cash to Canadian. If you do not bring cash, ATM’s will give you the best exchange rate, airports and exchange kiosks close to the border give
Major credit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express, are widely used in Québec City, but they also offer different exchange rates.
In regards to tipping, the general rule is to tip around 10% of the bill. For more information about tipping visit: Tipping in Canada.
What is the sales taxes in Québec?
The province of Québec has two taxes: the GST (5%) and QST (9.975%) which are applied on the selling price of a good or service.
What is the weather like? When is the best time to go?
Temperatures in Québec City are typically a few degrees lower than in Montréal. Spring, brief but delightful, arrives around mid-May. Summer, lasting from mid-June to mid-September, is humid in Québec City, and other communities along the St. Lawrence River, while the inland resorts of the Laurentides and the Cantons-de-l’Est experience drier conditions. July and early August are marked by intense but short-lived heat waves, with evening temperatures rarely staying oppressive.
Fall, September and October, is as brief and variable season, with warm days and cool to chilly nights. This season showcases the vibrant colors of Canadian maples.
Winter generally starts around November and lasts until March. It is cold and snowy with temperatures often below freezing. Snow is common, and the city sees significant accumulation, making it ideal for winter sports. Average temperatures range from 0°F to 17°F.
The best time to visit is June through early September. In Québec City, the period from Christmas to New Year’s and February weekends during the big winter Carnaval are busy too. Low season is during March and April, winter sports start to die down and there are few events that take place. Late fall (October and November) are also a slow time.
I don`t speak French. Will many people speak English?
French is the official language of the province and 80% of the population are native francophones. As the capital of the province of Québec, which is predominantly French-speaking, French is the official language and is used in government, education, and daily communication. The locals actually speak more French in Quebec City than they do in Paris. Most locals you will encounter will be bilingual but always lead with French. They do not cater to English speakers. While many residents speak English, especially in the tourism industry and among younger generations, French remains the dominant language in Québec City.
We suggest you get a good English-French guidebook or app on your phone and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
The service is typically bilingual in a majority of tourist places. While most of the locals working in the tourism industry in neighborhoods like Old Quebec, Petit-Champlain, and Vieux-Port will speak English; locals in other neighborhoods may not speak English as well, or at all. However, if you are making the effort to community, they will make an effort as well.
What is the food like?
The city has a vibrant food scene that caters to every taste, from classic bistros to contemporary fine dining establishments.
What is the nightlife like in Quebec City?
There are plenty of options when it comes to nightlife in Quebec City. From chic cocktails and lively nightclubs to casual breweries and pubs, the city offers everything to suit your drinking needs.
Clubbing in Quebec City offers everything from DJs spinning house music to drag shows and karaoke. It’s good to know that the party doesn’t get going until around 10 or 11 pm as with most clubs. To get a taste of some live music in the city, be sure to check out a local “bar de chansonniers,” basically a bar, pub, or restaurant with traditional folk music. These venues offer a fun way to mingle with locals and feel like you’re getting into the spirit of the city. Pub Saint-Alexandre boasts live music every night of the week, along with pub grub and a good beer selection, while Pub Saint-Patrick offers live music from Thursday to Saturday along with hearty pub fare, and plenty more not mentioned here.
What are the highlighted festivals in Quebec City?
Quebec City is host to some sort of festival every month of the year with everything from history to food to beer to music. Live music fans will enjoy the Festival d’été de Québec which takes place over 11 days in July. This is Canada’s largest outdoor musical event and features performances day and night by both local and international artists. Or if you love beer, you’ll want to visit for the Festibière de Québec wherein 75 exhibitors from across Québec and around the world display their best brews. In the winter the city hosts one of the world’s largest winter carnivals that lasts over 10 days in the month of February. Locals and visitors alike enjoy all the outdoor winter activities, along with live music, DJs, parades, and much more. And for foodies, enjoy Québec Exquis to taste the city’s best chefs’ offerings in a special three-course menu, which is a great way to experience the city’s culinary scene.
What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?
Emergency dial 911
Most major tourist hotels have in-house doctors who can provide medical care. Hotels can also arrange appointments with local physicians.
If you have travel insurance, contact the local number you may have been given or the assistance center in Canada to ask for a referral.
If you need urgent care, the best option is often the nearest hospital.
Top Attractions
Chateau Frontenac
This iconic hotel is a symbol of Quebec City, offering breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River and the historic district from its hilltop location.
Old Quebec
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Old Quebec is renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and historic landmarks like the Place Royale and the Citadel.
Montmorency Falls
Just outside the city, Montmorency Falls is a spectacular natural attraction, taller than Niagara Falls, with options for hiking, cable car rides, and a suspension bridge.
Plains of Abraham
This historic park is the site of the 1759 Battle of Quebec and offers scenic walking trails, museums, and panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River.
Unique Experiences
.
Exploring Old Quebec is a charming journey through narrow, cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old buildings, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.
.
.
Attending the Winter Carnival in Quebec City is a festive and magical experience, featuring ice sculptures, parades, outdoor activities, and the famous Bonhomme Carnaval.
.
.
Visiting Ile d’Orleans is a scenic escape, where you can drive through picturesque countryside, sample local products at farm stands and vineyards, and admire historic homes and churches.
.
.
Taking a river cruise along the Saint Lawrence River offers scenic views of Quebec City’s skyline, historic sites, and the picturesque island of Ile d’Orleans.
.
Embarking on a food tour of Quebec City is a delicious adventure, sampling traditional Quebecois cuisine like poutine, tourtiere, and maple syrup treats at local eateries and markets.
.
What to expect while traveling
