Holidays to Quebec
Quebec highlights
Breathtaking architecture
You can’t throw a stone in Quebec City without hitting architectural wonders such as the Chateau Frontenac. Opened in 1893, it’s reportedly the most photographed hotel in the world. The best way to soak it all in? Stroll around the Old Quebec’s cobblestone streets, and remember to look up. Quebec City’s skyline is filled with 19th-century towers, domes and spires.
Nature nearby
One of the best things about a holiday to Quebec City is the nature right on your doorstep. There’s ziplining at the mighty Montmorency Falls, while in Jacques-Cartier National Park you could spend days hiking and canoeing the glacial valley. Keep your eyes peeled for beavers, deer and moose. In winter, the park is a hotspot for snowshoeing.
Gourmet treats
Quebec City is jammed with artisan producers of all kinds. You’ll find tasty local treats such as cider, maple syrup and smoked meats during your short break in Quebec City. The capital is also home to a handful of outstanding bakeries selling fresh bread, pastries and the most heavenly croissants in Canada.
Quebec: Know before you go
| Language | French, English |
|---|---|
| Currency | Canadian dollar ($) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) and UTC-5 (CDT) |
| High season | July – August |
| Low season | January – March |
Find the best time to go to Quebec
Weather in Quebec
March – May: Early spring is maple syrup season, when the sap rises with the thaw. But warm weather can be slow to arrive. Even well into April, snow is not unheard of.
June – August: Summers are pleasantly warm with occasional rainstorms. The mild temperatures are perfect for enjoying the city’s outdoor cafes. Evenings can cool off significantly, so keep a light jacket handy.
September – November: Like spring, autumn can be unpredictable. It may be mild and sunny one day and snowy the next.
December – February: Winters are cold and snowy in Quebec City. Average temperatures dip below freezing in December and can stay there until mid-March. It’s a good time to check out the museums.
Events in Quebec
Quebec Winter Carnival (February): The city welcomes all things winter at this outdoor festival, featuring parades, ice sculptures and musical shows. Keep an eye out for the Carnival’s beloved mascot Bonhomme, a friendly snowman wearing a cheery red cap.
Festival d'été de Quebec (July): Canada’s second-biggest music festival takes over Quebec City for 11 days of outdoor performances. Catch global stars at major venues and intimate block parties alike.
German Christmas Market (November to December): Sip mulled wine and hot chocolate while you browse market stalls in Old Quebec City. The month-long festivities feature parades and German traditions like visits from Saint Nicholas and Krampus.
The best neighbourhoods in Quebec
Old Quebec
If you love history, then inside the hallowed walls of this neighbourhood is where to stay in Quebec City. The entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and easy to navigate on foot. Wander around the ramparts and stop by the ancient Citadelle de Quebec and Old Port before making your ascent to Chateau Frontenac, one of the city’s most beloved landmarks.
Good for: History, architecture, landmarks
Saint-Jean-Baptiste
If you were to mix New York’s West Village with San Francisco’s hills, you’d get something like Saint-Jean-Baptiste. It’s one of the trendiest and best areas to stay in Quebec City, loved for its cosy bistros and buzzing nightlife. Stroll the main street, Rue Saint-Jean, and browse the boutiques and cafes. For picnic supplies, pick up fine cheeses and cold cuts at JA Moisan, the oldest grocery store in North America.
Good for: Bistros, shopping, nightlife
Montcalm
Want to inject some culture into your Quebec City holiday? Point your compass south from Saint-Jean-Baptiste and you’ll reach Montcalm. Here, you’ll find the Musee National des Beaux-Arts du Quebec, along with many other top galleries, concert halls and bookstores. In July, world-famous bands descend on the area for the Festival d'ete de Quebec.
Good for: Museums, bookstores, festivals
Things to do in Quebec
Shopping
From gourmet food shops to chic homeware boutiques, there are lots of shopping options in Quebec City. The village-like streets of Petit Champlain brim with pretty storefronts that burst to life with Christmas lights every winter. Looking for high-street labels and avant-garde fashion? Head to Rue Saint-Joseph in the Saint-Roch neighbourhood.
Family-friendly things to do
If you’re travelling with kids, take them to gaze at the massive Montmorency Falls. From December to March, head to Dufferin Terrace to ride ‘Les Glissades de la Terrasse’ (The Terrace Slides), one of the world’s oldest toboggan runs. And in summer, don’t miss the high-flying water slides at Village Vacances Valcartier, a short drive outside the city.
Take in the culture
Be prepared to bone up on history at the museums in Quebec City, the birthplace of French North America. Musee de la Civilisation and Musee National des Beaux-Arts du Quebec are a must. For something a bit different, check out the Monastere des Augustines. Once an ancient monastery, then a hospital, today it’s a hotel with an on-site museum filled with fascinating medical artefacts.
Beaches
Weather permitting, a trip to Quebec City isn’t complete without some time at the beach. Baie de Beauport is a kilometre of sand on the shores of the St Lawrence River. It’s the perfect place to sunbathe, play beach volleyball or try various water sports. Plus, it’s only five minutes from downtown. Less than an hour from the city, Lac-Saint-Joseph Beach gives you even more sand to play on.
Places to eat
Quebec may be most famous for ‘poutine’ (chips and cheese topped with gravy) but don’t forget to check out all the other amazing food here. The best restaurants in Quebec City specialise in traditional Quebecois dishes like ‘ragout de boulettes’ (meatball stew) and pea soup. If your sweet tooth is calling, hit up one of the city’s many ‘sugar shacks’ for local maple taffy.
Nightlife
A good time after dark in Quebec City often means meeting up at one of the city’s standout craft breweries. The city has over 30, and you’ll find a couple on Grand Allee in downtown. This is also the place to go for bars, nightclubs and a raucous street-party vibe. The Saint-Jean-Baptiste and Saint-Roch neighbourhoods are also nightlife hubs.
Get ready for Quebec
Budget
The best way to enjoy a cheap holiday in Quebec City is to focus your time wandering the streets admiring buildings like the Chateau Frontenac. An inexpensive meal costs around 22 Canadian dollars ($), while a cappuccino at an outdoor cafe is around $6. A short taxi ride usually runs about $16.
Day Trips from Quebec
On the St Lawrence River, tranquil Île d'Orléans boasts dozens of farm stands, village shops and local treats. Stop by Montmorency Falls, just outside the city, to admire the view or zipline over the falls. An hour up the north shore of the St Lawrence, charming Baie-Saint-Paul is packed with galleries and restaurants.
Getting Around Quebec
Quebec City is relatively small and easy to navigate. In Old Quebec, you’re best off walking between attractions. When exploring the neighbourhoods, the RTC bus system will be your best friend — locals rely on it. Buy a bus pass ahead of time or an unlimited weekend pass. There’s also a bus route that goes to and from the airport.
