Quebec City, Canada: 15 Best Things to See and Do

Some cities make you nod and say “nice.” And then there are cities that make your jaw drop, leaving you wondering whether you’re still in North America or someone secretly teleported you to France. Quebec City, Canada is exactly the latter. When Lukáš and I first came round the bend and the silhouette of Château Frontenac emerged above the St. Lawrence River on the horizon, we both went completely silent. And trust me, that doesn’t happen often with us. 😁

Quebec City is like a European imposter hiding in Canada. Cobblestone lanes, stone houses with slate roofs, French on every corner, croissants for breakfast and poutine for dinner. You’d swear you were somewhere in Brittany — and then you spot a maple leaf flag and remember you’re still on the North American continent. And you know what’s best? National Geographic named Quebec one of its “Best of the World 2026” destinations, so now’s the perfect time to visit before absolutely everyone discovers it.

In this article, you’ll find 15 best things to see and do in Quebec City, Canada — from walking the ramparts of the only fortified city in North America, past the iconic Château Frontenac, to waterfalls taller than Niagara. I’ll tell you where to stay, what to eat (spoiler: lots of poutine), when the best time to visit is, and how much it all costs. Basically, a complete guide to Quebec City so you don’t need to google anything else. ☺️

TL;DR

• Old Town (Vieux-Québec) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only fortified city in North America north of Mexico. Walking the ramparts is free and absolutely magical.
• Château Frontenac is the most photographed hotel in the world. Even if you don’t stay there (we certainly didn’t 😅), Terrasse Dufferin right below it offers one of the best views in all of Canada.
• Quartier Petit-Champlain is the oldest commercial district in North America and looks like a scene from a French film. An absolute must-visit.
• Montmorency Falls are 30 metres taller than Niagara Falls and just 15 minutes from the city centre. Cable car, suspension bridge, zipline — there’s plenty to do.
• Île d’Orléans is a little island packed with farms, vineyards and chocolate shops. It’s nicknamed “The Garden of Quebec” and we bought so much maple syrup here that our luggage nearly got rejected at the airport.
• Best time to visit is September–October (Indian summer, stunning colours, fewer tourists) or February if you want to experience the world’s biggest winter carnival.
• For food, head to La Bûche (year-round sugar shack), Aux Anciens Canadiens (traditional Québécois cuisine) and Le Chic Shack (best poutine).
• Accommodation in the centre starts from around 130 CAD (about €90) per night; a decent room in Old Town runs about 150–200 CAD (€100–€135).
• For 4–5 days, budget roughly €1,200–€1,500 for two (excluding flights), including accommodation, restaurant meals and admission fees.
• From Montreal you can get here by car in 2.5 hours or by train in 3.5 hours. You can easily explore the city on foot, but a car is a big bonus for day trips (Île d’Orléans, Montmorency Falls).

When to visit Quebec City and how to get there

Quebec City is beautiful year-round, but each season offers a completely different atmosphere — and completely different prices. Let’s break down when it’s worth visiting, how to get to Canada, and how to reach Quebec City itself. One thing I’ll say upfront: no matter when you go, you won’t regret it. We visited in autumn and are already planning a winter return. ☺️

Best time to visit

September and October are, in our opinion, absolutely stunning. This is the so-called Indian summer, when the deciduous trees turn incredible shades of red, orange and gold. Temperatures hover around 10–18 °C, which is perfect for all-day walks around the city. There are significantly fewer tourists than in summer and accommodation prices drop. When we were in Quebec in early October, we had Petit-Champlain practically to ourselves — and that simply doesn’t happen in summer.

Summer (July–August) is peak season. Temperatures around 20–28 °C, something going on everywhere — festivals, street performers, outdoor restaurants. But be prepared for crowds and higher accommodation prices. If you’re visiting in summer, book your hotel at least 2–3 months ahead.

Winter (December–February) is for the hardy and the romantic. Quebec under snow looks like a winter fairy tale. Temperatures can drop to -20 °C (yes, minus twenty 😅), but if you dress properly, it’s absolutely magical. And if you come in February, you’ll experience Carnaval de Québec — the world’s biggest winter carnival.

Spring (April–June) is a bit of a wild card — the weather is unpredictable, sunny one day and snowing the next. But May and June are lovely, the city comes alive and prices are still reasonable.

How to get to Quebec City

There are no direct flights from the UK to Quebec City, but that shouldn’t put you off. The easiest route is to fly into Montreal (direct flights from London with Air Canada or Air Transat in season, or via connections through Paris or Frankfurt) and then continue to Quebec City from there. Return flights from London to Montreal can be found from around £350–£400 if you catch a deal. We typically search on Kiwi.com, where you can set flexible dates and find the best combinations.

From Montreal to Quebec City you’ve got several options:

• By car — 250 km along Highway 20 or 40, about a 2.5-hour drive. Easily the most comfortable option, plus you can make stops along the way. Lukáš and I have had consistently great experiences with RentalCars.com, where you can compare prices from all rental companies in one place. If you’re planning a bigger road trip, check out our road trip across Canada. Having a car also lets you do day trips outside the city (Île d’Orléans, Montmorency Falls, Charlevoix).
• By train (VIA Rail) — the journey takes about 3.5 hours, the trains are comfortable and the scenery is gorgeous (especially along the St. Lawrence River). Tickets from around 35 CAD (€23) if you book in advance.
• By bus (Orléans Express) — the cheapest option, journey takes about 3 hours. Tickets from 25 CAD (€17).

If you fly directly to Quebec City (with a connection in Toronto or Montreal), Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) is just 20 minutes from the city centre. A taxi into town costs around 35 CAD (€23). Don’t forget to grab an eSIM for mobile data in Canada so you’re online the moment you land.

Where to stay in Quebec City and how much it costs

Choosing the right accommodation in Quebec City is key, because the city is fairly compact and if you stay in the right area, you can reach most sights on foot. Price-wise, Quebec City is moderately priced by Canadian standards — for a solid double room in the centre, expect to pay between 130 and 250 CAD per night (€90–€170), which is actually quite reasonable for Canada.

Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec) — best for a first visit

If it’s your first time in Quebec City, stay in Old Town. You’ll be within walking distance of everything important and, most crucially, you’ll soak up that atmosphere in the evening after the day-trippers leave. The Old Town after dark, when the lanterns come on and the smell from the restaurants drifts through the lanes — that’s simply priceless.

Le Manoir d’Auteuil — our top accommodation pick. A historic boutique hotel with a 9.6 rating on Booking, breakfast included and gorgeous interiors. Prices start around 130 CAD (€90) per night, which is an excellent rate for Old Town. The location is perfect — just minutes from the ramparts and Petit-Champlain.

Hôtel du Vieux-Québec — another superb choice with a 9.8 (!) rating on Booking. Modern rooms in a historic building, excellent location right in the heart of Old Town. Prices from 150 CAD (€100) per night. If you’re looking for a sure bet, this is it.

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac — the iconic hotel that’s a landmark in its own right. Rooms from 350 CAD (€235) per night. We didn’t stay here (budget is budget 😅), but if you’re celebrating an anniversary or want to tick off a bucket-list dream, it’s an unforgettable experience.

Saint-Roch — for a local vibe

The Saint-Roch neighbourhood is Quebec City’s hipster quarter — full of cafés, independent shops and restaurants. It’s about 15 minutes’ walk from Old Town (downhill, that is — the walk back up is a proper calf workout 😁). Accommodation here tends to be 20–30% cheaper than in Old Quebec, so if you want to save some cash and don’t mind a bit of walking, it’s a great option.

Sainte-Foy — budget option with a car

If you have a car and want to save money, Sainte-Foy is a residential area about 15 minutes’ drive from the centre. Hotels here start from just 80 CAD (€55) per night. It’s nothing glamorous, but as a base for exploring the city and surroundings, it does the job.

For bookings we typically use Booking.com — they have a wide selection in Quebec City and often offer free cancellation, which is handy when you’re planning ahead and aren’t sure if your plans might change.

Quebec City, Canada: 15 best things to see and do

And now for the main event — let’s dive into 15 things to see and do in Quebec City. From historic ramparts and iconic hotels to waterfalls and islands full of farms. Quebec City is a place that surprises you around every corner, and I’ll do my best to convey that atmosphere. Ready? Let’s go. ☺️

1. Old Town (Vieux-Québec) — a UNESCO site that takes your breath away

This simply has to be number one. Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s the only fortified city in North America north of Mexico. The ramparts date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, stretch for nearly 4.6 kilometres, and you can walk along them freely — completely free of charge! We spent a good hour and a half on the walls, stopping at every turn for the views and photos.

Old Town is divided into two parts — Haute-Ville (Upper Town) and Basse-Ville (Lower Town), connected by steep lanes and the Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec. Upper Town is where you’ll find Château Frontenac, the Citadelle, the cathedral and most of the historic buildings. Lower Town is home to the Petit-Champlain quarter and the Old Port.

What completely won me over about Old Town is its authenticity. This isn’t some tourist set — people genuinely live here, there are flats in those historic buildings, little bakeries on the corners and laundry drying in the windows. In the evening, when the street lamps come on and French drifts through the lanes along with the scent from the bistros, you feel like you’ve been transported to another century. And yet you’re in Canada. An utterly surreal feeling.

2. Château Frontenac — the most photographed hotel in the world

Château Frontenac dominates the entire city’s skyline and, honestly, seeing it in person for the first time is one of those “wow” moments you never forget. This hotel colossus in neo-Gothic style opened in 1893 and is now part of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac chain. Since then, it’s become arguably the most photographed hotel in the world. It perches on a cliff above the St. Lawrence River and is visible from practically everywhere in the city.

We didn’t stay there (as I mentioned, budget is budget), but I definitely recommend at least popping inside for a look. The lobby is open to the public and it’s stunning — dark wood, chandeliers, plush carpets, the works. If you fancy a touch of luxury, you can grab a drink at the hotel’s 1608 bar or have brunch at Restaurant Champlain, where they serve excellent eggs Benedict with river views.

Fun fact for history nerds: during World War II, two secret conferences between Roosevelt and Churchill were held here (the Quebec Conferences of 1943 and 1944). So you’re standing on a spot where the fate of the world was decided. Not bad, eh? 😉

3. Terrasse Dufferin — a boardwalk with unforgettable views

Terrasse Dufferin is a wooden promenade stretching right beneath Château Frontenac, with views over the St. Lawrence River, Lower Town and, in the distance, the opposite shore in Lévis. It’s one of those spots where you simply have to stop, lean against the railing and just take it all in.

We came here at sunset and the river turned shades of pink and gold — Lukáš took about fifty photos and I stood there rooted to the spot, unable to move, it was so beautiful. On Terrasse Dufferin you’ll also find street performers, snack stands, and in winter they build a massive ice slide here (yes, people actually ride it!). Access to the promenade is free and it’s open 24 hours a day. Come in the morning and again in the evening — they’re two completely different experiences.

Directly beneath Terrasse Dufferin you can also visit an archaeological site — the remains of Champlain’s fort from 1620 and Château Saint-Louis. Admission is 4 CAD (€3) and it’s an interesting quick stop if you’re into history.

4. Quartier Petit-Champlain — the most charming street in Canada

If there’s a street that looks like it was drawn by a children’s book illustrator, it’s Rue du Petit-Champlain. This oldest commercial district in North America (in operation since 1608!) is full of small boutiques, galleries, cafés and restaurants, all in historic stone buildings adorned with flowers, lanterns and, in winter, thousands of twinkling lights.

From Upper Town, you can get here either on foot down the steep Escalier Casse-Cou (literally “Breakneck Stairs” — charming name, right? 😅), or by the Funiculaire cable car, which has been running since 1879 and costs 4 CAD (€3) one way. We walked down the stairs and took the funicular back up — the ideal combo, because going down is fine, but climbing back up after that lunch would have been a serious challenge.

Plan at least an hour to wander around Petit-Champlain. Pop into Galerie Rodin (they sell gorgeous local art), try the ice cream at Tutto Gelato and, above all, snap photos. Every inch of this quarter is photogenic. In winter, Petit-Champlain is even more enchanting thanks to the Christmas decorations that draw thousands of visitors.

5. Montmorency Falls — taller than Niagara (seriously!)

This is one of those tips where you’re waiting for the catch. Waterfalls taller than Niagara? In Quebec? It sounds like a marketing gimmick, but it’s the truth. Montmorency Falls stand at 83 metres — a full 30 metres taller than Niagara Falls. And they’re just 15 minutes by car from the city centre.

There are several ways to reach the falls. You can hike along the trails (there are about 400 steps, so your legs will feel it 😅), take the cable car to the top (return ticket costs 19.50 CAD / €13), or — and this is my recommendation — walk across the suspension bridge directly above the waterfall. That view straight down as the massive wall of water thunders below you is simply indescribable. Lukáš, who isn’t exactly fond of heights, managed it just fine, so don’t worry.

For the adventurous types, there’s also a zipline across the waterfall (about 35 CAD / €23) and in winter the falls partially freeze to form a massive ice cone that you can climb with ice axes. Parking costs 12 CAD (€8). I’d recommend arriving either early morning or late afternoon — it gets quite crowded midday, especially in summer.

Practical tip: if you don’t have a car, bus 800 runs here from the city centre. The journey takes about 25 minutes.

6. Île d’Orléans — an island of farms, wine and chocolate

If you have a car (or rent one for the day), Île d’Orléans is a trip you absolutely cannot miss. This little island in the St. Lawrence River, about 15 minutes from downtown Quebec, is nicknamed “The Garden of Quebec” — and for good reason. You’ll find strawberry and apple farms (pick your own in season), vineyards, cideries, cheese makers and chocolate shops.

We spent an entire afternoon on the island and drove the loop road (Route 368), which is about 67 km. Essential stops include:

• Chocolaterie de l’Île d’Orléans — handmade chocolates from local cocoa and maple syrup. Tasting is free and leaving without buying something is physically impossible. 😁
• Cassis Monna & Filles — a family farm specialising in blackcurrant. They have liqueurs, ice cream, blackcurrant crème brûlée and a gorgeous terrace with views of the river and Montmorency Falls.
• Vignoble Ste-Pétronille — a vineyard with tasting and a restaurant. Their ice wine is phenomenal — and phenomenally priced, but absolutely worth it.

The island is beautiful in every season, but the best times are autumn (foliage colours + apple and pumpkin harvest) and summer (strawberries, blueberries, lavender fields). In spring you can watch maple syrup being made in real time. Quebec produces 92% of all Canadian maple syrup, and a big share comes from right here.

7. Plains of Abraham — a park steeped in history (with brilliant views)

Plains of Abraham (Plaines d’Abraham) is a vast urban park where the famous 1759 battle between the British and French took place — the battle that decided the fate of all of Canada. Today it’s one of Québécois’ favourite spots for picnics, jogging, cycling and, in winter, cross-country skiing.

The park covers over 100 hectares right in the city centre and offers gorgeous views over the St. Lawrence River. We spent a lovely afternoon here — Lukáš grabbed a sandwich from a nearby bakery, I got a coffee, and we sat on the grass with a view that would cost millions in London property terms. Here, it’s completely free. ☺️

On the edge of the park you’ll find the Musée National des Beaux-arts du Québec — an art museum with an excellent collection of Québécois and Canadian art. The permanent collection is free (!!!), while temporary exhibitions run around 22 CAD (€15). Even if you’re not big museum-goers, the building itself and the sculpture garden around it are worth a visit.

8. Citadelle de Québec — a star-shaped fortress on the hill

The Citadelle is an active military base — the largest British-built fortress in North America — and also a museum open to the public. Its star-shaped layout looks impressive even from aerial shots, but in person it’s even better. A guided tour takes about an hour and costs 20 CAD (€13).

The biggest draw is the Changing of the Guard, held daily at 10:00 (June–September). It’s very “British” — uniforms, drumming, precise marching. We felt a bit like we were in London, only with better weather. 😉 If you’re visiting outside the season, the fortress tour is still well worth it — the views from the bastions over the city and river are stunning.

Practical tip: The Citadelle is on a hill and the approach is, well, uphill (surprise 😅). Comfortable shoes are a must.

9. Basilique-Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Québec — a baroque gem

This basilica, dating from 1647, is the oldest parish church in North America, and its interior is guaranteed to blow you away — even if you’re not religious and normally skip churches. The gilded baldachin above the altar, the enormous stained-glass windows and the overall baroque splendour rival many churches in Europe.

Admission is free (they welcome voluntary donations), and if you’re lucky, you might catch an organ concert. We ducked in almost by accident when it started raining, and ended up spending half an hour just staring at the ceiling. Sometimes the best experiences are the unplanned ones.

The basilica sits right on the main square, Place d’Armes, so you can hardly miss it. Next door stands the Séminaire de Québec with a beautiful courtyard that’s also open to the public.

10. Quartier Saint-Jean-Baptiste — local life off the tourist trail

If you want to see how Quebec lives beyond the tourist buzz, head to Saint-Jean-Baptiste. This neighbourhood is about 10 minutes’ walk from Old Town and it’s a completely different world — full of independent shops, vintage stores, bookshops, and above all, fantastic restaurants and bars where the locals go.

The main artery is Rue Saint-Jean, where you’ll find everything from Lebanese food and Japanese ramen to Québécois craft beer pubs. We had an excellent brunch at Café Clocher Penché (I recommend the eggs Benedict with smoked salmon), then wandered the side streets and stumbled upon a charming antique shop where Lukáš bought an old map of Quebec that now hangs in our hallway. 😁

It’s a neighbourhood where students, artists and young families mingle. No tacky souvenir shops trying to lure you in — just authentic city life. Definitely make your way here at least for dinner.

11. Promenade Champlain and the Old Port

Vieux-Port (Old Port) has undergone a major revitalisation in recent years and is now a lovely spot for a stroll along the river. Here you’ll find the Promenade Samuel-De Champlain — an elegant waterfront walkway where you can rent a bike, have a picnic or simply watch the boats on the St. Lawrence.

At the port you’ll also find the Marché du Vieux-Port — a market selling fresh local produce. Cheeses, charcuterie, maple syrup, fresh fruit, baked goods — we stocked up here for a picnic in Plains of Abraham and saved ourselves the cost of a restaurant lunch. The market is open year-round, but it’s at its best in summer and autumn when the selection is widest.

From the port you can also take the ferry to Lévis (3.75 CAD / €2.50 one way), which offers arguably the best panoramic view of the entire city. The crossing takes 12 minutes and that view of Château Frontenac and Old Town from the river is simply unforgettable.

12. Rue du Trésor — an open-air art gallery

This tiny lane connecting Rue Sainte-Anne with Rue Buade is one of the most photogenic corners of Quebec City. Local artists display and sell their paintings, prints and drawings here — mostly views of Quebec, landscapes and portraits. The outdoor art market has been running since the 1960s and it’s a lovely tradition.

Prices range from 20 CAD for a small print to hundreds of dollars for original oil paintings. We came away with a small watercolour of a winter view of Château Frontenac for 45 CAD (€30) — I can’t imagine a better souvenir. The lane is accessible anytime, but the artists are mainly here from spring through autumn.

13. Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Québec) — if you visit in February

If Quebec City tempts you in winter, plan your trip for February, when the Carnaval de Québec takes place — the world’s biggest winter carnival. The tradition dates back to 1894 and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The mascot is Bonhomme — a smiling snowman in a red hat and sash who you’ll see absolutely everywhere.

What can you expect at the carnival? Giant ice sculptures, night parades, dog sledding, an ice palace, polar bear plunges in the snow, and of course plenty of caribou — a traditional Québécois drink made from red wine, hard liquor and maple syrup. It’s… drinkable. Just about. 😅

Admission to the carnival is sold as an “effigie” (a plastic Bonhomme figurine) for about 20 CAD (€13), which serves as your ticket to most events. If you’re heading here for the carnival, book accommodation as early as possible — hotels in Old Town sell out months in advance.

14. Escalier Casse-Cou and the funicular — two ways to conquer Quebec’s hill

Quebec is a city built on a hill — let’s not pretend otherwise. The elevation difference between Upper Town and Lower Town is about 60 metres, and there are two iconic ways to bridge it. Escalier Casse-Cou (Breakneck Stairs) is the oldest staircase in the city, plunging steeply from Haute-Ville down to Petit-Champlain. It’s about 60 steps and the name is a slight exaggeration (slight), but do watch your step on icy days in winter.

The Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec is a cable car that has been running since 1879, covering the elevation difference in about 2 minutes. A ticket costs 4 CAD (€3) one way. We combined the two — stairs down, funicular up — and it was the perfect combo. The funicular also gives you lovely views over the rooftops of Lower Town.

15. La Promenade des Gouverneurs — the stairway with the best views

If you enjoy a bit of physical effort with a reward of jaw-dropping views, La Promenade des Gouverneurs is made for you. It’s a wooden staircase and pathway that runs from Terrasse Dufferin along the cliff face all the way up to Plains of Abraham. That’s about 310 steps and an elevation gain of around 70 metres.

Along the way you stop at lookout platforms with views over the St. Lawrence River, Château Frontenac and all of Lower Town. The climb takes about 20–30 minutes (depending on your fitness and the number of photo stops). We stopped roughly every 50 steps, “to photograph the view” — though in reality we were catching our breath. 😅

The trail is open from May to October (closed in winter due to ice) and is completely free. I recommend going up in the late afternoon — the sunset views from here are among the best we saw in all of Quebec City.

What to eat and drink in Quebec City: a foodie guide

If there’s one thing Quebec City takes seriously, it’s food. A French foundation, North American portions and local produce — this combination creates a cuisine that’s truly one of a kind. Quebec City is a place where you can have poutine on a bench by the river and a few hours later be sitting in a fine dining restaurant with a tasting menu for a couple of hundred. And both will be fantastic. Let’s look at where to go and what to try.

Poutine — a mandatory stop (possibly more than once)

Let’s start with the essentials: poutine. Chips, squeaky cheese curds and brown gravy. It sounds simple, but when it’s done right, it’s addictive. Quebec is the birthplace of poutine and they do it better here than anywhere else in Canada.

Le Chic Shack — our favourite. A restaurant right on Place d’Armes with a view of Château Frontenac (so you’re paying for the location too, but it’s worth it). Their poutine with duck confit is absolutely divine. Expect around 15–20 CAD (€10–€13) per serving.

Chez Gaston — if you’re a night owl, Chez Gaston is open until 4 am and serves enormous portions of classic poutine. Perfect after an evening stroll or a night out. A serving costs 12–16 CAD (€8–€11) and it’s so huge that the two of us struggled to finish one.

Frites Alors! — a chain specialising solely in poutine with dozens of variations. If you want to experiment with flavours (poutine with merguez sausage? Why not!), this is your spot.

Maple syrup and sugar shacks

Quebec produces 92% of all Canadian maple syrup, and you’ll find the stuff in literally everything here — in coffee, in whisky, on pancakes, in sauces, in sweets and even on ham. If you want to experience a traditional sugar shack (cabane à sucre) without leaving the city, head to La Bûche.

La Bûche is a restaurant that recreates the year-round cabane à sucre experience — the traditional Québécois cabin where people gather in spring to celebrate the maple syrup harvest. They serve classic Québécois dishes: tourtière (meat pie), baked beans with maple syrup, thick ham drenched in syrup, and of course tire d’érable — hot maple syrup poured onto snow and rolled onto a stick. You can’t compare this experience to anything else. A meal runs about 30–40 CAD (€20–€27) per person. The atmosphere inside is rustic and noisy — like a village party. 😁

Traditional Québécois and French cuisine

Aux Anciens Canadiens — if you want to sample traditional Québécois cooking in an extraordinary setting, this is the place. The restaurant is housed in Maison Jacquet, built in 1675 (!!!) — one of the oldest buildings in all of Canada. They serve caribou steak, tourtière, ragout de pattes (pigs’ trotter ragout) and other classics. Mains around 35–50 CAD (€23–€34). I’d recommend booking, especially in peak season.

Chez Boulay Bistro Boréal — this one surprised us with its concept of “Nordic cuisine with Québécois ingredients.” Chef Jean-Luc Boulay works with local produce — wild mushrooms, Arctic seafood, game. The tasting menu is around 80 CAD (€55) per person. It’s a bit pricier, but it’s one of those meals you remember months later.

Fine dining for special occasions

La Tanière — if you’re after a fine dining experience on a Michelin-star level (Michelin hasn’t reached Quebec City yet, but these restaurants would absolutely deserve stars), La Tanière is the number one choice. Chef François-Emmanuel Nicol works exclusively with local ingredients and the tasting menu is a work of art. Expect around 150–200 CAD (€100–€135) per person for the full tasting menu with wine pairings. Book weeks in advance.

Practical tips and advice

Quebec City is thankfully quite easy to organise — it’s compact, safe and well-signposted. But a few practical bits of information always come in handy, so let’s get into it. Here’s everything we wish we’d known before we went. ☺️

How much does a trip to Quebec City cost (budget for two, 4–5 days)

Quebec City isn’t the cheapest destination, but compared to Toronto or Vancouver it’s noticeably more affordable. Here’s a rough budget for two people over 4–5 days (excluding flights):

• Accommodation: 4 nights × 170 CAD = 680 CAD (€460) — mid-range in Old Quebec
• Food: 5 days × 100 CAD = 500 CAD (€340) — lunch in bistros, dinner in restaurants, occasional street food
• Admission & activities: approx. 150 CAD (€100) — Montmorency Falls, Citadelle, museums, funicular
• Transport (car + parking): approx. 200 CAD (€135) — if you rent a car for 2 days for trips outside the city
• Miscellaneous (coffees, souvenirs, maple syrup): approx. 100 CAD (€70)

Total: roughly 1,630 CAD, or about €1,100 for two. If you add fine dining or a night at Château Frontenac, budget more like €1,200–€1,500. We came in at around €1,300 for two including a dinner at Chez Boulay and a day trip to Île d’Orléans.

Getting around the city

Quebec City’s centre is brilliantly walkable — Old Town, Petit-Champlain, Plains of Abraham, Saint-Jean-Baptiste — it’s all within walking distance. The only catch is the hills. Quebec is a city on a hill and you’ll easily clock up 15–20 thousand steps a day, often on steep inclines. Comfortable shoes are an absolute must.

Public transport (RTC bus) works well for further-flung spots. A single ride costs 3.75 CAD (€2.50). For day trips to Montmorency Falls, bus 800 runs directly from the centre.

A car is ideal for excursions outside the city — Île d’Orléans, Montmorency Falls, Charlevoix. Within the city itself, a car is more of a hindrance due to parking (paid almost everywhere, €1.50–€3/hour in the centre). But if you’re driving from Montreal, it definitely comes in handy.

What to pack

• Comfortable shoes — I cannot stress this enough. Cobblestone streets + hills + 20 km a day = your feet will either thank you or curse you.
• Layers — the weather in Quebec changes fast. Even in summer it can be 12 °C in the morning and 28 °C by the afternoon.
• In winter: a seriously warm jacket, scarf, gloves, hat, insulated boots. And I mean seriously warm. -20 °C is no joke.
• Rain jacket/umbrella — rain comes often and without warning.
• A charged power bank — you’ll be snapping photos non-stop, trust me. And check out our tips on how to pack in carry-on luggage only.

Where to find flights

For cheap flights to Montreal (and from there onward to Quebec City), we typically search on Kiwi.com. We like that you can set flexible dates, combine different airlines and get the best price. Return flights from London to Montreal can be found from around £350 (on sale), but realistically budget £400–£550.

Renting a car

For car hire we use the comparison site RentalCars.com. Lukáš and I have had consistently great experiences with RentalCars, which we use all over the world. In Quebec City (or at Montreal airport) you can get a car from about 40 CAD (€27) per day. I’d recommend full insurance — roads in Canada are excellent, but winter can be treacherous.

Booking accommodation

We typically book accommodation in Quebec City through Booking.com — they have a wide selection here, from budget hotels to luxury boutique stays. The main advantage is free cancellation on most listings, which is handy when you’re planning ahead. During peak season (July–August and February during the carnival), book at least 2–3 months in advance.

Don’t forget travel insurance

Canada has one of the most expensive healthcare systems in the world — an A&E visit can cost you thousands of dollars. Travel insurance is an absolute must. Have a read of our travel insurance review. For shorter trips we often go with a standard UK-based insurer, and for longer journeys we use True Traveller. Make sure your policy covers adventure activities if you’re planning the zipline at Montmorency Falls or ice climbing in winter.

Frequently asked questions about Quebec City