Quebec City, Canada Travel Guide

Discover the magic of Quebec City, where French heritage, historic charm, and vibrant culture create an unforgettable travel experience.

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Quebec City

Quebec City, a jewel of French Canada, is a city where history and culture come alive. Nestled along the banks of the St. Lawrence River, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a unique blend of European charm and North American vibrancy. With its cobblestone streets, ancient architecture, and rich French heritage, Quebec City feels like a trip to a quaint European village without ever leaving the continent. Begin your adventure in Old Quebec, the fortified heart of the city, where you can explore iconic landmarks such as the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, a grand hotel that dominates the skyline. Wander through the narrow streets of Petit Champlain, one of North America’s oldest commercial districts, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Place Royale, a historic square that dates back to the 17th century. Beyond the old town, Quebec City is a treasure trove of cultural experiences. Visit the Musée de la civilisation to delve into the region's history and culture, or take a stroll through the Plains of Abraham, a vast urban park that was the site of a pivotal battle in 1759. No visit to Quebec City would be complete without savoring its culinary delights, from traditional French cuisine to local specialties like poutine and maple syrup treats. In winter, Quebec City transforms into a snowy wonderland, with the world-famous Winter Carnival offering ice sculptures, parades, and tobogganing. In summer, the city comes alive with festivals, outdoor concerts, and vibrant street performances. Whatever the season, Quebec City invites you to experience its rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty.

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Learn a few basic French phrases; locals appreciate the effort and it enhances your experience.
Visit during the Winter Carnival for a unique and festive experience.
Wear comfortable shoes; the cobblestone streets can be tricky to navigate.
Try the local cuisine, especially poutine and maple syrup products.
Take a guided tour to fully appreciate the history and architecture of the city.

Neighbourhoods in Quebec City

Old Quebec

Saint-Roch

Saint-Sauveur

Saint-Jean-Baptiste

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Quebec City

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

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

Best attractions in Quebec City

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

Experience the grandeur of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, a historical landmark in Québec City offering stunning views, luxury accommodations, and rich heritage.

4.7

Aquarium of Quebec

Explore the captivating underwater world at the Aquarium of Quebec, a national museum showcasing thousands of marine species in a stunning setting.

4.3

Aquarium of Quebec

Explore the wonders of the underwater world at the Aquarium of Quebec, home to thousands of marine species and interactive exhibits for all ages.

4.3

The Citadelle of Québec

Experience the rich history and stunning views at The Citadelle of Québec, a majestic fortress and a symbol of Canada's military heritage.

4.6

Best landmarks in Quebec City

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Best Landmarks

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Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

Explore the majestic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, a historic hotel and cultural landmark in the heart of Québec City, where luxury meets local heritage.

4.7

Plains of Abraham

Experience the beauty and history of the Plains of Abraham, an iconic park in Quebec City that offers a perfect blend of nature and heritage.

4.7

The Citadelle of Québec

Explore The Citadelle of Québec, a historic fortress and museum offering stunning views, military heritage, and enriching exhibits in the heart of Québec City.

4.6

Quartier Petit Champlain

Explore the enchanting Quartier Petit Champlain, a historic shopping district in Quebec City that offers unique boutiques and vibrant local culture.

4.7

Best restaurants in Quebec City

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Restaurant La Buche

Experience authentic Québécois cuisine at Restaurant La Buche - where every dish tells a story of local tradition.

4.5

Cochon Dingue Champlain

Discover Cochon Dingue Champlain: A charming French restaurant offering exquisite local cuisine in the heart of Québec City.

4.4

Ciel! Bistro-bar

Discover exquisite fine dining at Ciel! Bistro-bar in Québec City, where culinary artistry meets breathtaking views for an unforgettable experience.

4.6

Le Bureau de Poste

Discover Le Bureau de Poste: A charming restaurant in Québec City offering delicious Canadian cuisine and a warm atmosphere perfect for any occasion.

4.3

Best bars in Quebec City

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Pub St-Patrick

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Pub St-Patrick, an Irish pub in Quebec City offering hearty meals and a lively ambiance for an unforgettable experience.

4.1

Pub St-Alexandre

Discover the best of local brews and hearty meals at Pub St-Alexandre, a vibrant brewpub in the heart of Québec City.

4.1

Pub L'Oncle Antoine

Discover the charm of Pub L'Oncle Antoine, a cozy pub in Québec City offering local cuisine, craft beverages, and a warm atmosphere.

4.4

Bar Le Sacrilège

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Quebec City at Bar Le Sacrilège, a beloved pub offering an extensive drinks menu and a lively atmosphere.

4.5

Best nightclubs in Quebec City

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Le Drague Cabaret Club

Dive into the vibrant nightlife of Québec City at Le Drague Cabaret Club, where dazzling drag performances and lively entertainment await.

4.3

L'ANTI Bar & Spectacles

L'ANTI Bar & Spectacles: Discover live music, karaoke, and an electric atmosphere in the heart of Québec City's nightlife.

4.5

Dagobert

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Dagobert, Québec City's premier bar for music, dancing, and unforgettable nights out.

3.5

Bar Les Yeux Bleus

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Bar Les Yeux Bleus, a premier nightclub in Québec City featuring exquisite cocktails and dynamic DJ performances.

4.5

Best shops in Quebec City

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Best Shops

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Galeries de la Capitale

Explore Galeries de la Capitale, Québec City's premier shopping mall, offering an endless array of stores, dining, and entertainment for the whole family.

4.4

Laurier Quebec

Discover a shopping haven at Laurier Quebec, where fashion meets fun in the heart of Quebec City, offering an extensive mix of stores and dining options.

4.4

Place Ste-Foy

Discover Place Ste-Foy, a shopping haven in Québec City, blending local charm with global brands and delightful dining options.

4.4

Le Grand Marché de Québec

Explore Le Grand Marché de Québec, a vibrant destination for fresh local produce, artisanal foods, and a taste of Québécois culture.

4.4

Explore Quebec City on the Map

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

Quebec City Essentials

Quebec City is accessible via Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB), which is located about 13 kilometers from the city center. The airport offers flights from major North American cities. Alternatively, you can reach Quebec City by train through VIA Rail, with connections from Montreal and other Canadian cities. For those driving, the city is well-connected by highways, including Highway 20 and Highway 40, which link Quebec City to Montreal and the rest of the province.
Quebec City has an efficient public transportation system operated by RTC (Réseau de transport de la Capitale), which includes buses and a free ferry service across the St. Lawrence River. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are also readily available. For those who prefer cycling, there are bike-sharing programs, and the city is quite pedestrian-friendly, especially in the Old Quebec area. Car rentals are available but may not be necessary unless you plan to explore the surrounding regions.
The official currency in Quebec City is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city for convenient cash withdrawal. Tipping is customary in Quebec City, generally 15-20% for services in restaurants, taxis, and other service industries.
Quebec City is considered one of the safest cities in Canada. However, tourists should still exercise standard precautions. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. Areas such as Limoilou and Saint-Roch, while increasingly popular for their nightlife and culture, may have higher petty crime rates, so stay vigilant.
In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire services, and medical emergencies. Quebec City has several hospitals, including the Hôtel-Dieu de Québec and the CHUL (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Laval). Pharmacies are also widely available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress in layers, especially in winter, as temperatures can drop significantly. Avoid overly casual attire in fine dining establishments. Religion: Do respect local Catholic customs when visiting churches; remove hats and keep noise to a minimum. Public Transport: Do have exact change or a pre-paid card for bus fares. Don't play loud music or talk loudly. Greetings: Do greet with a polite 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir'. A handshake is common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties such as poutine and tourtière. Don't rush meals; dining is often a leisurely activity in Quebec.
To experience Quebec City like a local, visit the farmer's markets such as Marché du Vieux-Port for fresh produce and local delicacies. Explore the city's vibrant art scene by visiting galleries and the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec. Don't miss the summer Festival d'été de Québec for live music and performances. Engage with locals in French, even basic phrases are appreciated and often lead to more engaging interactions.

When is the best time to visit Quebec City?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Quebec City

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 City. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
- GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
- YesOui
  [wee]
- NoNon
  [noh]
- Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît / De rien
  [seel voo pleh / duh ryehn]
- Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
- Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi / Désolé
  [ex-kyew-zay mwah / day-zo-lay]
- How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
- Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byehn. ay twah]
- Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
- I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh meh-nyoo, seel voo pleh]
- I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
- Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-yay, seel voo pleh]
- Help!À l'aide!
  [ah layd]
- Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay vooz ahn]
- Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah plees]
- Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh may-deh-sahn]
- I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
- I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]
- I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zah-shay]
- I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhew-stuh]
- How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
- That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
- Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-veh voo beh-say luh pree]
- What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell ur ay-teel]
- It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay tun ur]
- Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees ur ay duh-mee]
- MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
- AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray-mee-dee]
- EveningSoir
  [swahr]
- YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
- TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
- TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
- 1Un
  [uhn]
- 2Deux
  [duh]
- 3Trois
  [twah]
- 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
- 5Cinq
  [sank]
- 6Six
  [sees]
- 7Sept
  [sept]
- 8Huit
  [wheat]
- 9Neuf
  [nuff]
- 10Dix
  [dees]
- Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay]
- What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay lah-dress]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
- When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh proh-shahn (bus)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

History of Quebec City

Quebec City was founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1608, establishing it as one of the oldest European settlements in North America. The city was originally a trading post and quickly grew into a strategic military and economic hub due to its location along the Saint Lawrence River.
A pivotal moment in Quebec City's history, the Battle of the Plains of Abraham took place on September 13, 1759. This battle saw British forces under General James Wolfe defeat the French troops led by General Louis-Joseph de Montcalm. The British victory marked the beginning of British control over New France.
Following the British victory in the Seven Years' War, the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1763. This treaty ceded control of New France, including Quebec City, from France to Great Britain, fundamentally changing the political landscape of the region.
The Quebec Act of 1774 was a significant piece of legislation that redefined the governance of Quebec. It allowed the French-speaking population to maintain their language, religion, and legal system, which helped to preserve the cultural identity of the region under British rule.
The Citadelle of Quebec, a large fortress, was constructed between 1820 and 1850 to protect the city from potential American invasions. This fortress remains an important historical and military site, symbolizing the strategic importance of Quebec City in North American history.
The Quebec Conference of 1864 was a critical event in the formation of Canada. Leaders from various British North American colonies met in Quebec City to discuss the confederation of Canada, leading to the creation of the Dominion of Canada in 1867.
In 1985, the Historic District of Old Quebec was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition highlights the city's well-preserved architecture and its importance as a cultural and historical treasure, attracting tourists from around the world.