It all started in 1535, when Jacques Cartier landed here, and the first trading port was created in what is now Quebec. Since then, the city has become the province's capital and a popular destination for its sights, architecture, and food. Visit the famous Château Frontenac, the world's most photographed hotel, or one of the many national historic sites, each a sight to behold in its own right. But walking through the Old Port or the Plains of Abraham is, perhaps, the best way to feel and breathe in the historical atmosphere of the city.
Quebec City boasts a charm one could only find in one of the oldest towns in America. Imbued with history and surrounded by the only fortifications north of Mexico, it is truly a place like no other.
Walking along its cobbled streets and narrow pathways, one is surrounded by an Old France feel—a remnant of the past that has made Quebec City what it is today.
The UNESCO-protected old district and Lower City are where the heart of the province's capital beats the strongest, with tiny eateries and vibrant cafés just a few steps away from street artists. Take a stroll in the Quartier Petit Champlain for some of the best sights in the center or walk by the St. Lawrence, the river that gave Quebec City the name of "where the river narrows."
Quebec City is so picturesque that you might at some point forget it's a real city. The narrow streets and tiny houses will take you back in time and away from what you would expect of a North American city. However, if the shops, cafés, and restaurants are adorable, the streets and monuments will remind you of the historical importance of Quebec.
Old Quebec
Quartier Petit Champlain
Basse-Ville
The Citadelle of Quebec
Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral
Montmorency Falls
Ghost Walks
National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec
Morrin Centre
Canyon Sainte-Anne
Although the culinary scene in Quebec is deeply influenced by its French past, Italian food and Canadian specialties, such as the famous poutine, are ubiquitous. You can also enjoy the best of Canadian multiculturalism at the city's varied restaurants.
Chez Muffy
Matto
Chez Boulay
Conti
Le Chic Shack
Les Frères de la Côte
Soupe & Cie
Le Café du Monde
Le Hobbit
Ciccio Café
Le Monastère des Augustines
Small streets and tiny cafés: Quebec City might as well have invented the concept of coziness. Choices range widely: traditional or Americanized coffee shops, small cafés, and bakeries with a Parisian feel, trendier and inventive new places — Quebec has it all. Enjoy sunny terraces in the summer, and during the very cold winter coffee shops can be a lifesaver.
Nektar Caféologue
Maelstrøm Saint-Roch
Cantook Micro Torréfaction
Chez Temporel
Café Krieghoff
Café La Maison Smith
Tim Hortons
Quebec's nightlife is a unique blend of European charm and North American energy, making it an exciting destination for night owls and culture enthusiasts alike. Despite being smaller than its counterparts, there are enough options in Quebec for a memorable night.
Numerous pubs, wine bars, and upscale restaurants can be found within the narrow, cobblestone streets of the Old Town. For those seeking a more vibrant atmosphere, the Saint-Roch district is a hub of activity. Here, you'll find a wide variety of trendy bars, nightclubs, and live music venues. The area is known for its dynamic art scene and is a magnet for young locals and visitors alike.
Quebec also hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, some of which continue well into the evening. The Summer Festival (Festival d'été de Québec) and Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Québec) are notable examples, featuring live music performances, outdoor activities, and spectacular night parades.
La Piazz
La Korrigane - Brasserie artisanale
Pub des Borgia
Pub Galway
Fou-Bar
Pub St. Patrick
Ninkasi Bar & Bistro
Les Voûtes
Jack Saloon
Among the many picturesque streets and historical buildings, your shopping experience will be one to remember. Quebec City boasts entire streets dedicated to shopping and has nothing to envy bigger cities in that respect.
Galeries de la Capitale & Méga Parc
Épicerie J.A. Moisan
Atelier Les Trois Corbeaux
Benjo
Laurier Québec
La Maison Simons
Best Time to Visit
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.
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Passport/Visa
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.
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Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB)
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, car rentals, and ridesharing services like Uber also operate from the airport.
Address: Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport
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Website: www.aeroportdequebec.com/en
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Public Transport
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.
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Website: www.rtcquebec.ca/en
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Taxi
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.
Address: Taxi Québec Centre-ville
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Phone: +1 418 558 9334
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Post
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.
Address: Canada Post - 5 Rue du Fort, Québec
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Website: www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/home.page
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Pharmacy
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.
Address: Pharmaprix - 698 Rue Saint-Jean, Québec
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Phone: +1 418 529 2171
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Telephone
Country code: +1
Area code: 418
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Electricity
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.
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