Free Quebec City Travel Guide & Mobile App

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

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.
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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.

When is the best time to visit Quebec City?

Best: June–August · 24–27°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January-646
February-533
March238
April1150
May1878
June (best)24102
July (best)27108
August (best)2498
September1990
October1075
November463
December-154

Getting to and around Quebec City

How to get there

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.

Transportation

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.

Best attractions in Quebec City

Quebec City offers visitors a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. From exploring the historic streets of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to admiring the stunning architecture of the Chateau Frontenac, there is no shortage of cultural experiences to be had. Visitors can immerse themselves in Quebec's rich history at the Plains of Abraham, or take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Promenade des Gouverneurs. For those seeking adventure, a visit to Montmorency Falls or a day trip to the nearby Mont Sainte-Anne ski resort provides plenty of excitement. With its vibrant arts scene, delicious cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere, Quebec City is a must-visit destination for any traveler.

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Best landmarks in Quebec City

Quebec City offers visitors a captivating blend of history, culture, and charm. From the iconic Château Frontenac perched atop Old Quebec, to the picturesque cobblestone streets of Petit Champlain, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich French heritage of the city. Explore the historic walls of the Old City, visit the stunning Montmorency Falls, and take a leisurely stroll along the Dufferin Terrace for breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River. With its vibrant festivals, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals, Quebec City is a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking a unique and unforgettable experience.

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Explore Quebec City on the map

Plan your Quebec City trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Neighbourhoods in Quebec City

Best restaurants in Quebec City

Quebec City offers a delectable dining scene that perfectly blends French and Canadian cuisines, creating a unique culinary experience for visitors. From charming bistros serving classic French dishes to cozy cafes offering delicious pastries and coffee, there is something for every palate. Don't miss out on trying traditional Quebecois specialties like poutine and tourtière, or indulge in fine dining at one of the city's upscale restaurants with stunning views of the historic streets. With an abundance of farm-to-table eateries, food markets, and food festivals, Quebec City is a food lover's paradise waiting to be explored.

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Best bars in Quebec City

Quebec City offers a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene that caters to visitors of all tastes. From bustling bars and trendy nightclubs in the historic Old Town to cozy pubs and live music venues in the trendy Saint-Roch district, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're looking to dance the night away, sip on craft cocktails, or simply relax with a pint of locally brewed beer, Quebec City has it all. With its unique blend of French and Canadian influences, the nightlife in Quebec City is a must-see for any traveler looking to experience the city's rich cultural heritage after dark.

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Best nightclubs in Quebec City

Quebec City offers a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene that caters to visitors of all tastes. From bustling bars and trendy nightclubs in the historic Old Town to cozy pubs and live music venues in the trendy Saint-Roch district, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're looking to dance the night away, sip on craft cocktails, or simply relax with a pint of locally brewed beer, Quebec City has it all. With its unique blend of French and Canadian influences, the nightlife in Quebec City is a must-see for any traveler looking to experience the city's rich cultural heritage after dark.

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Best shops in Quebec City

Quebec City offers a unique and charming shopping experience for visitors, with its quaint cobblestone streets lined with a mix of modern boutiques and traditional artisan shops. From trendy fashion stores to local craft markets, there is something for every shopper's taste. Don't miss exploring the historic Old Quebec district, where you can find one-of-a-kind souvenirs and delicious local delicacies at the bustling outdoor markets. And be sure to wander down Rue Saint-Jean and Rue du Petit-Champlain for a true taste of Quebecois shopping culture.

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Quebec City essentials

Currency and Payment
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.
Safety
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.
Emergency Situations
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.
Do's and Don'ts
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.
Local Tips
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.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
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

Founding of Quebec City (1608)

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.

The Battle of the Plains of Abraham (1759)

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.

The Treaty of Paris (1763)

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 (1774)

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.

Construction of the Citadelle of Quebec (1820-1850)

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 (1864)

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.

UNESCO World Heritage Site (1985)

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.

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Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Quebec City

Discover Quebec City with Evendo, your 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Plan, book, and explore seamlessly.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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More about the Evendo app

Make the most of your trip to Quebec City with Evendo, the free travel guide app that covers attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Plan, book, and explore with ease.

  • History of Quebec City
  • Essential travel information
  • Local advice to maximize your visit
  • User-friendly navigation through the app and the city
  • 'Near Me' feature to discover nearby attractions
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Quebec City with Evendo, your ultimate travel companion. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Evendo ensures you experience the best this charming city has to offer. From the iconic Château Frontenac to the historic Plains of Abraham, our app provides detailed information on all the must-see landmarks and attractions. Savor the culinary delights at renowned restaurants like Le Continental and explore the vibrant nightlife at bars and nightclubs scattered throughout the city.

Evendo offers a comprehensive guide to Quebec City's top attractions, including the picturesque Old Quebec, the bustling Quartier Petit Champlain, and the serene Montmorency Falls. Each location comes with rich descriptions, stunning images, insider tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy for you to plan and navigate your trip. No more endless searches for what to see, do, or experience; Evendo has it all in one place.

Our app also lets you book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly, saving you time and hassle. With features like the 'Near Me' function, you can effortlessly discover what's around you, no matter where you are in the city. Curated local tips ensure you experience Quebec City like a true local, and our easy-to-use interface guarantees a seamless experience from start to finish.

And the best part? Evendo is completely free to use. There are no in-app purchases or hidden costs, so you can focus on enjoying your trip without any worries. Download Evendo today and unlock the wonders of Quebec City and beyond.

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