Quebec City

Quebec City sits on a high bluff over the Saint Lawrence River. Old Quebec divides sharply into Haute-Ville on the cliff and Basse-Ville along the water. Steep staircases and a funicular link the two levels. You can easily walk the entire historic core in a single day.

Quebec City food reflects French techniques applied to cold-climate ingredients. Cheese curds, duck, game meats, and maple syrup appear across local menus. Traditional dishes like tourtière meat pie share table space with natural wine bars.

• Lunch Menus

  Midday table d'hôte menus offer three courses for half the price of dinner. Look for these specials along Rue Saint-Jean.

• Terrace Dining

  Grande Allée patio seating opens in May. Standard service tax and tip are added separately to every restaurant bill.

Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec City in 1608 as a French fur-trading post. British forces captured the stronghold after the Battle of the Plains of Abraham in 1759. The city maintained its French language and civil law despite British control. Today it serves as the capital of the province of Quebec.

1. 1608

   City Founded

   Samuel de Champlain establishes a permanent trading post at Place Royale.

2. 1759

   Battle of the Plains of Abraham

   British forces defeat the French garrison in a 15-minute battle outside the walls.

3. 1985

   UNESCO Listing

   Old Quebec earns UNESCO World Heritage status for its historic defenses.

Choose your neighbourhood based on hills and crowd levels. Haute-Ville keeps you next to major sights but costs more. Basse-Ville offers charm right at water level. Saint-Roch puts you among local restaurants on flat ground.

• First-time visitorsHaute-Ville — Walk everywhere in the historic walled core without taking taxis.
• Boutique seekersBasse-Ville — Stay in restored 18th-century stone buildings near the port.
• Budget travellersSaint-Roch — Lower room rates with easy access to modern craft breweries.
• Longer staysSaint-Jean-Baptiste — Live among neighborhood bakeries and grocery shops like a local.

Old Quebec is best navigated on foot. The public transit network RTC operates buses across the entire city. No subway or light rail system exists in Quebec City.

• Exact cash is required if paying on board bus routes. Buying tickets via the RTC Nomade app avoids cash hassles.

• The funicular links Dufferin Terrace to Lower Town. Tickets cost $5.00 CAD per ride in cash only.

• àVélo electric bikes operate from May to October. You unlock them using a mobile app at docked stations.

Quebec City prices reflect Canadian urban standards. Combined sales tax adds 14.975% to published prices at checkout. Tipping is standard practice across restaurants and services.

• Poutine at casse-croûte: $9–14 CAD

  A standard portion of fries, curds, and gravy at local diners.

• RTC Day Pass: $9.25 CAD

  Unlimited travel on all RTC city buses for 24 hours.

• Bistro dinner main: $28–45 CAD

  Main courses at mid-range French bistros in Haute-Ville.

• Funicular single ride: $5.00 CAD

  One-way ticket between Upper and Lower Town.

• Language Basics

  French is the official language. Opening with 'Bonjour' before switching to English is polite and expected.

• Store Hours

  Shops close early on Sunday evenings, usually around 17:00. Plan grocery and retail runs accordingly.

• Card Acceptance

  Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. Small food stalls and the funicular require cash.

• Winter Footwear

  Pack insulated boots with rubber treads. Icy cobblestone hills require reliable grip in winter.

• River Winds

  Temperatures feel colder near the water due to Saint Lawrence River winds. Dress in layers year-round.