Quebec, Canada Travel Guide

Explore Quebec's historic charm and vibrant culture, from cobblestone streets and festivals to breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

Quebec, a jewel in Canada's crown, is a place where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Nestled along the banks of the St. Lawrence River, Quebec City is one of North America's oldest cities. Its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and fortified walls give it a European charm that is hard to find elsewhere on the continent. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, enchants visitors with its narrow streets, quaint shops, and centuries-old architecture. Beyond the historic allure, Quebec offers a vibrant cultural scene. The city is known for its festivals, such as the famous Winter Carnival, which features ice sculptures, parades, and traditional music. The summer months bring the Festival d'été de Québec, a massive music festival that draws international artists and thousands of music lovers. Museums, art galleries, and theaters abound, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of this unique region. Nature lovers will also find much to admire in Quebec. The scenic Montmorency Falls, higher than Niagara Falls, provide breathtaking views and outdoor adventure opportunities. The surrounding region is dotted with charming villages, lush forests, and serene lakes, making it a perfect destination for hiking, skiing, and exploring the great outdoors. Whether you're savoring the local cuisine, diving into the history, or simply soaking in the beauty of the landscape, Quebec promises a memorable and enriching experience.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Quebec.

Visit during the Winter Carnival to experience Quebec's unique winter traditions.
Try poutine, a local delicacy of fries topped with cheese curds and gravy.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the hilly streets of Old Quebec.
Take a guided tour to learn about the city's rich history and architecture.
Don't miss the views from Montmorency Falls, especially if you enjoy photography.

Top City Travel Guides in Quebec

The cities of Quebec, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Niagara Falls

Toronto

Montreal

Quebec City

Ottawa

Destinations in Quebec

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Gros Morne National Park

Prince Edward Island National Park

Fundy National Park

Forillon National Park

Explore Quebec: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Quebec

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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All Attractions

Montmorency Falls

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Montmorency Falls, a stunning natural wonder near Quebec City, offering adventure and picturesque views year-round.

4.7

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

Discover the enchanting Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, a historical landmark hotel that offers luxury and breathtaking views in the heart of Quebec City.

4.7

Aquarium of Quebec

Explore the fascinating underwater world at the Aquarium of Quebec, where marine life and conservation come to life in an interactive setting.

4.3

Plains of Abraham

Discover the historic Plains of Abraham: a beautiful park in Quebec City filled with rich history, stunning views, and vibrant cultural events.

4.7

Best landmarks in Quebec

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

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All Landmarks

Montmorency Falls

Discover the breathtaking Montmorency Falls, a stunning natural wonder near Quebec City, Canada, offering breathtaking views and thrilling adventures for all.

4.7

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

Explore the timeless elegance of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, a historic hotel and iconic landmark in the heart of Quebec City.

4.7

Plains of Abraham

Discover the historical significance and natural beauty of the Plains of Abraham, a breathtaking park in Quebec City, perfect for adventure and relaxation.

4.7

The Citadelle of Québec

Explore the Citadelle of Québec, a historic fortress and active military base with stunning views and engaging exhibits in the heart of Québec City.

4.6

Best restaurants in Quebec

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

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All Restaurants

Restaurant La Buche

Savor the rich flavors of traditional Quebec cuisine at Restaurant La Buche in the heart of historic Quebec City.

4.5

Ciel! Bistro-bar

Experience exquisite cuisine and breathtaking views at Ciel! Bistro-bar in Québec City - where fine dining meets stunning cityscapes.

4.6

Cochon Dingue Champlain

Discover the heart of French cuisine at Cochon Dingue Champlain in Quebec City—where local flavors meet culinary excellence.

4.4

Le Lapin Sauté

Discover authentic French cuisine at Le Lapin Sauté, where every dish tells a story of Quebec's rich culinary heritage.

4.6

Best bars in Quebec

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

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All Bars

Ciel! Bistro-bar

Discover the exquisite flavors and stunning views at Ciel! Bistro-bar in Québec City, where fine dining meets casual elegance.

4.6

Pub St-Patrick

Discover the vibrant atmosphere and authentic Irish cuisine at Pub St-Patrick, a must-visit pub in the heart of Québec City.

4.1

D'Orsay

Discover the vibrant flavors of Québec at D'Orsay, a charming pub and restaurant with a menu brimming with local delicacies and refreshing cocktails.

4.4

L'Atelier

Indulge in exquisite cuisine and handcrafted cocktails at L'Atelier, a culinary gem in the heart of Québec City.

4.3

Best nightclubs in Quebec

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

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All Nightclubs

Le Drague Cabaret Club

Discover the lively atmosphere and captivating performances at Le Drague Cabaret Club, a must-visit nightlife hotspot in Québec City.

4.3

Dagobert

Discover the pulsating nightlife of Dagobert, a hotspot in Quebec City known for its vibrant music, lively dance floor, and unforgettable weekends.

3.5

Bar Ste-Angèle

Discover the enchanting vibes of jazz at Bar Ste-Angèle, a premier nightlife destination in Quebec City, perfect for music lovers and nightlife enthusiasts.

4.7

La Piazz

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Quebec City at La Piazz, where live music and great company create unforgettable memories.

4.7

Best shops in Quebec

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

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All Shops

Galeries de la Capitale

Explore Galeries de la Capitale: Quebec City's ultimate shopping, dining, and entertainment destination for all ages.

4.4

Quartier Petit Champlain

Explore Quartier Petit Champlain, a historic shopping district in Québec City filled with unique boutiques, delightful cafes, and stunning architecture.

4.7

Place Ste-Foy

Discover the ultimate shopping experience at Place Ste-Foy, Québec City’s premier destination for fashion, dining, and entertainment.

4.4

Place Ste-Foy

Explore Place Ste-Foy, a top shopping destination in Québec City, featuring a diverse range of stores and delicious dining options for everyone.

4.4

Explore Quebec on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Quebec, mapped for you.

Quebec Essentials

Quebec City is accessible via Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB), which offers flights from major Canadian and international cities. Alternatively, Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is approximately 250 km away, with regular bus and train services connecting to Quebec City. If you prefer a scenic route, VIA Rail offers train services from various Canadian cities to Quebec City and Montreal. For those driving, Quebec is well-connected by highways from neighboring provinces and the United States.
Quebec City and Montreal both have efficient public transportation systems. Quebec City's RTC (Réseau de Transport de la Capitale) operates buses throughout the city, while Montreal has an extensive metro and bus system run by STM (Société de transport de Montréal). Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are widely available. For exploring rural areas, renting a car is recommended. Bicycles can also be rented in both cities, with numerous bike lanes and trails available for a more leisurely exploration.
The official currency in Quebec is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in rural areas. ATMs are readily available in cities and towns. Currency exchange services can be found at airports, banks, and some hotels. Tipping is customary, with 15-20% being standard in restaurants and for other services.
Quebec is generally safe for tourists. However, as with any destination, it's wise to take precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep your belongings secure in crowded places. Some neighborhoods in larger cities like Montreal, such as certain parts of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve and downtown late at night, may have higher crime rates. Always stay aware of your surroundings and follow local advice.
In case of emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Hospitals and medical facilities in Quebec are of high standard, but it's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. For lost or stolen property, contact the local police station. Keep emergency contact numbers handy and know the location of the nearest embassy or consulate.
Fashion: Do dress in layers during winter as temperatures can drop significantly. In summer, casual wear is common but avoid overly revealing clothing in more conservative settings. Religion: Do respect religious customs, especially in churches. Remove hats and speak softly. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers and avoid loud conversations. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Bonjour' and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine such as poutine and maple syrup products. Don't forget to tip your server.
To experience Quebec like a local, visit the Marché du Vieux-Port in Quebec City or Jean-Talon Market in Montreal for fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with locals in both French and English, as bilingualism is common. Take a stroll through the historic districts of Old Quebec and Old Montreal to fully appreciate the architecture and history. For a unique experience, attend a local festival such as the Quebec Winter Carnival or Montreal's Jazz Festival.

When is the best time to visit Quebec?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Quebec

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Quebec. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloSalut
  [sah-lu]
- GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
- YesOui
  [wee]
- NoNon
  [noh]
- Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/deh ree-ehn]
- Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
- Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ehk-skew-zay mwah/deh-zoh-lay]
- How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mahn sah vah]
- Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byehn. eh twa]
- Do you speak English?Parles-tu anglais?
  [parl tu ahn-glay]
- I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kom-prahn pah]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJ'aimerais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhem-ray vwar luh meh-nu, seel voo pleh]
- I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah deh vyahnd]
- Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]
- Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-koor]
- Go away!Va-t'en!
  [vah-tahn]
- Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
- Call a doctor!Appelez un docteur!
  [ah-peh-lay uhn doh-teur]
- I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
- I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]
- I'd like to buy...J'aimerais acheter...
  [zhem-ray ah-sheh-tay]
- I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh reh-gard zhuhst]
- How much is it?C'est combien?
  [seh kohm-byen]
- That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [seh troh shair]
- Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo beh-say luh pree]
- What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kel uhr eh-teel]
- It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel eh tun uhr]
- Half past (10)Dix et demi
  [dees eh duh-mee]
- MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
- AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-preh mee-dee]
- EveningSoir
  [swahr]
- YesterdayHier
  [ee-ehr]
- TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
- TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
- 1Un
  [uhn]
- 2Deux
  [duh]
- 3Trois
  [trwah]
- 4Quatre
  [katr]
- 5Cinq
  [sank]
- 6Six
  [sees]
- 7Sept
  [set]
- 8Huit
  [weet]
- 9Neuf
  [nuhf]
- 10Dix
  [dees]
- Where's a/the...?Où est un/une...?
  [oo eh uhn/oon]
- What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kel eh la-dress]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (sur lah kart)]
- When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (autobus)?
  [kahn eh luh pro-shen (oh-toh-boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor....)]

History of Quebec

In 1608, French explorer Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec City, establishing it as the cradle of French civilization in North America. Champlain’s settlement served as a fur trading post and became the administrative center of New France. The city's strategic location along the St. Lawrence River made it a key point for trade and military operations.
Fought on September 13, 1759, the Battle of the Plains of Abraham was a pivotal moment in the Seven Years' War. British forces under General James Wolfe defeated the French troops led by General Louis-Joseph de Montcalm. This battle led to the British conquest of Quebec, ultimately influencing the future of North American geopolitics.
The Quebec Act was a significant piece of legislation passed by the British Parliament. It allowed the practice of the Roman Catholic faith and restored the use of French civil law for property and private matters. The act expanded the boundaries of Quebec and recognized the cultural and legal traditions of its French-speaking inhabitants, which helped to maintain peace in the region.
The Rebellions of 1837-1838 were a series of armed uprisings in Lower Canada (now Quebec) and Upper Canada (now Ontario). The French-speaking population of Lower Canada, led by Louis-Joseph Papineau, sought greater political autonomy and the protection of their cultural identity. Although the rebellions were suppressed, they led to significant political reforms and the eventual unification of Canada.
The Quiet Revolution was a period of intense socio-political and cultural change in Quebec during the 1960s. Initiated by the Liberal government of Jean Lesage, this era saw the secularization of society, the nationalization of key industries, and significant reforms in education and healthcare. The Quiet Revolution laid the groundwork for modern Quebec's identity and its quest for greater autonomy within Canada.
On October 30, 1995, Quebec held a referendum on whether to secede from Canada and become an independent country. The referendum followed years of political debate and rising nationalist sentiment. The result was extremely close, with 50.58% voting 'No' to independence and 49.42% voting 'Yes'. The narrow margin highlighted deep divisions within Quebec society and remains a significant moment in Canadian history.