Quebec Travel & Vacation Guide

Basse-Ville, often considered the most Parisian-like neighborhood in Quebec, invites you to immerse yourself in its charming atmosphere. Wander through the quaint cobblestone alleys while enjoying the sounds of street musicians, or pop into one of the many cozy bistros for a taste of local flavors. In addition to relaxing and people-watching, visitors can explore an eclectic mix of boutiques offering everything from fashion to unique souvenirs.

Climb up the canyon or go for a hike to cross suspension bridges and marvel at waterfalls and nature. Or — for something as rewarding but a lot less physically demanding — have a seat in the unique Air Canyon system, which catapults you straight over the canyon and allows you to observe the surroundings from a bird's perspective. The canyon is located on Highway 138, just 5 minutes from the Sainte-Anne Basilica, so both can be done within the same day.

Embark on a spine-tingling journey through Quebec's historic streets with a ghost walking tour that will send shivers down your spine. As night falls, you'll follow Marie as she tells the story of her life and death, and the crimes and punishment during her time in Quebec City. Along the way, several other characters will pop up and greet you.

Towering at 83 meters, Montmorency Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder just minutes from Quebec City. Surrounded by lush forests, the roaring waterfall offers visitors a serene yet exhilarating experience. You can admire the falls from various vantage points, take a cable car to the top for sweeping panoramic views, or venture along hiking trails to get up close to this magnificent waterfall. For the more adventurous, a suspension bridge spans the top of the falls, offering an unmatched perspective of the rushing waters below.

The Morrin Centre offers an interesting glimpse of the history of Quebec City. Once a prison, it later transformed into a language college. Delve into its rich history through a guided tour, where you can explore the former jail cells and the Victorian library. Among the treasures housed within are artifacts dating back to the 16th century.

Situated within the National Battlefields Park, the Musée National des Beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ) seamlessly blends aesthetics and elegance, with its exterior revealing sweeping vistas of the park's lush green landscapes, while the interior showcases a captivating collection of remarkable artworks. The building itself is already a grand work of art.

In the heart of the shopping district lies the iconic Basilique-Cathédrale, the oldest church in Canada, with architecture inspired by the large French cathedrals. As you walk inside, you're confronted with an impressive altar and its golden trimmings shining brightly in the light. Photos simply cannot capture the true beauty of this church.

Nestled along the majestic St. Lawrence River, Old Quebec stands as a living testament to Canada's rich history and European heritage. This charming district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a fascinating blend of old-world charm and modern vitality. Its cobbled streets, fortified walls, and iconic Château Frontenac evoke a sense of timeless beauty, while lively cafés, boutique shops, and cultural treasures breathe life into the city.

Sit among locals and tourists from all over the world, and let the live music lighten up your evening. At Fou-Bar, you can choose between local craft beers and other drinks, as well as some tapas or small snacks. On a busy night, you might be sitting shoulder to shoulder, but it is all about being together as one.

A unique concept, Jack Saloon is a modern Western-style resto-bar serving up delicious Tex-Mex-inspired dishes that pair perfectly with their wide selection of wines, cocktails, and beers. It's not just about the food and drinks though—on weekends, Jack Saloon transforms into a lively music hub, hosting live rock bands and DJs, making it the ideal destination for those seeking great tastes and entertainment.

La Korrigane is a small and artsy brewpub serving simple fare like burgers and organic meat plates, plus its own brand of craft beers. When the weather allows, make sure to use the patio to experience the outside atmosphere with a tasty beer in hand.

This basement bar is the perfect spot for those seeking an evening of live music and fun, with a great atmosphere every night. If you feel brave enough (or already had a few drinks) you can go on stage and take the mic yourself.

Les Voûtes is a lively bar located in the heart of Quebec City's famous nightlife district, Grande Allée. Known for its unique, historic setting—featuring stone vaults and an inviting, rustic atmosphere—this spot is popular for live entertainment, especially showcasing talented local musicians.

This vibrant, two-story watering hole is a top destination in town, known for its craft beers, fun karaoke nights, and live music events. What sets it apart is Ninkasi's huge rooftop patio, one of the best places to enjoy a drink and great views of the city. Even when the weather turns chilly, patrons can still relish the experience as the patio is entirely heated.

A true gem, this microbrewery in the heart of Quebec City offers a great selection of craft beer, but also some amazing Scotch. One of its standout offerings is its French onion soup, a house specialty that will have you coming back for more.

If you're looking to unwind with a beer and watch the busy street life of Quebec City, Pub Galway is the place to be. This Celtic-themed pub offers a relaxed atmosphere with a great selection of classic bar fare, including hearty burgers and traditional Irish stew. When the weather is chilly, step inside and enjoy the warm, cozy pub ambiance complete with wooden chairs, a dark mahogany bar, and friendly, kilt-clad staff.

Observe the time-honored art of glassmaking in action and explore this fascinating shop, offering a wide range of products from wine glasses to jewelry. Discover an exhibition space where you can witness skilled artists crafting their creations, and don't miss the chance to bring home exquisite glass souvenirs from the store.

Benjo is a unique toy store in the inner city of Quebec offering all kinds of toys, games, and stuffed animals, but also fun activities. You cannot miss the entrance, carefully guarded by a giant green frog standing outside. Whatever your kids (or your inner child) may want, they most probably have it in stock.

Founded in 1871, J.A. Moisan is more than just a deli and gourmet grocery store; it's a journey back in time. As you step inside, you'll be transported to the past, exploring the aisles of the oldest grocery store in North America. This historic gem offers a delightful array of Canadian specialties, inviting you to discover the flavors and traditions that have endured for over a century.

Galeries de la Capitale is the largest shopping complex in Quebec and the busiest in the region. The center has many shops and restaurants, the largest Cineplex IMAX cinemas in the country, and a full indoor amusement park: Méga Parc featuring 18 rides, such as an Olympic skating rink, a roller coaster, a Ferris wheel, a carousel, a climbing wall, miniature golf, and much more.

Right in the heart of town, across from the city hall, shoppers can find the Canadian clothing brand Maison Simons. Although this store is not the biggest one in Quebec (for this, go to Montreal), it still offers enough variety of men's and women's designer clothing, shoes, accessories, plus home decor.

Laurier Québec is one of the largest shopping malls in Quebec City and part of a major retail hub, located alongside two other nearby malls—making it a true shopping destination or a shopping trap depending on how you look at it. With over 300 stores, it offers a wide variety of shopping options, from high-end brands to everyday essentials. The mall also features a diverse range of dining choices, from fast food to sit-down restaurants, making it an ideal spot to relax and recharge between shopping sprees.

The best times to visit Quebec City are summer and winter. Summer (June to September) offers pleasant weather, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 65°F to 77°F (18°C to 25°C), making it ideal for exploring the city's historic sites, outdoor cafés, and the famous Festival d’été de Québec in July. Winter (December to February) transforms the city into a magical winter wonderland, with snow-covered streets and festivities like the Quebec Winter Carnival. With that said, be prepared for freezing conditions, with temperatures often ranging from 14°F to 24°F (-10°C to -4°C), though during cold snaps they can drop even lower, sometimes reaching -13°F (-25°C) or colder, especially in January and February.

Citizens from countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many European nations can visit Canada for short stays without a visa; however, they must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if arriving by air. In contrast, U.S. citizens do not need an eTA and only require a valid passport for entry. On the other hand, travelers from countries such as Brazil, China, and India require a visa to enter Canada. To apply for a visa, individuals can do so online or through a Canadian embassy or consulate in their home country. For the most up-to-date and detailed entry requirements, be sure to check the official Government of Canada website.

Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport is located approximately 16 kilometers from downtown Québec City, which translates to a travel time of about 20-30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Travelers have several options to reach the city center. Public transportation is available via the RTC (Réseau de transport de la Capitale) buses, with routes 76 and 80 providing direct service to different parts of the city. Taxis and ridesharing services like Uber also operate from the airport.

Public transport in Quebec City is primarily provided by the Réseau de Transport de la Capitale (RTC), which operates an extensive bus network. The RTC includes express routes and frequent service buses connecting key areas like Old Quebec, downtown, and popular tourist spots. Travelers can benefit from the OPUS card, a rechargeable smart card that allows easy payment for transit fares across the RTC network. For shorter stays, an Occasional Card can be used, offering non-rechargeable options for one-day or weekend passes. These cards can be purchased at many retail outlets or through the RTC's app. For information on fares, routes, and timetables, visit Réseau de Transport de la Capitale's official website.

Finding a taxi in Quebec City is relatively easy, as they are readily available throughout the city and can be hailed from the street or booked by phone. In addition to traditional taxis, ride-sharing services like Uber also operate in the city, providing travelers with convenient options for transportation.

In Quebec, as well as the rest of Canada, the standard voltage is 120 volts with a frequency of 60 hertz. The electrical plugs used are of Type A and Type B. Type A plugs have two flat parallel pins, while Type B plugs have two flat parallel pins plus a grounding pin.

In Quebec City, the main pharmacy chains include Jean Coutu, Pharmaprix, Familiprix, Uniprix, and Brunet. These chains offer a wide range of services, including prescription fulfillment, over-the-counter medications, beauty products, health essentials, and even basic grocery items.

In Quebec City, post offices generally operate from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, and Saturday from 9am to noon. They provide a wide range of services, including sending and receiving letters and packages, selling stamps and postal supplies, and offering financial services like money orders.