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 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 Chateau 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.

currency

Canadian Dollar, 1 CAD = 100 cents

phone

Emergency: 911
Health Info (No emergency): 811

newspaper

Quebec Chronicle-Telegraph: www.qctonline.com
Le Soleil: www.lesoleil.com
Le Journal de Québec: www.journaldequebec.com

hours

Standard banking hours are from 10am to 3pm Monday through Friday, with extended hours on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at some locations.

Most businesses, including shopping centers, are open: Mon–Wed 9:30am–5:30pm, Thu & Fri 9am–9pm, Sat 9:30am–5pm, and Sun 10am–5pm. Business hours are usually longer in December and in tourist areas.

population

737,771 (2023)

info

Tourist information center
12 Rue Sainte-Anne, Québec
+1 514 873 2015
Opening hours: daily 9am–5pm

Quebec City skyline and St Lawrence River in autumn, Canada Vlad G/Shutterstock.com

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."

Young woman taking pictures on the busy rue Petit Champlain in Quebec City, Canada. North American, adventure, travel vacation, photography, outdoors and life style concept mervas/Shutterstock.com

Do & See

Quebec City is so picturesque that you might at some point forget it's a real city. The tiny 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.

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Quartier Petit Champlain

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St. Lawrence River

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Basse-Ville

Songquan Deng/Shutterstock.com

Montmorency Falls

Gary Blakeley/Shutterstock.com

The Citadelle of Quebec

Lan Gao/unsplash

Ghost Walks

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Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral

abdallahh/CC BY 2.0/Flickr

National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec

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Morrin Centre

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Canyon Sainte-Anne

A company of people dining in a restaurant while smiling waitress is serving them Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock.com

Dining

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 — each area has its own personality and style.

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Chez Muffy

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Matto

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Chez Boulay Bistro Boréal

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Conti

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Les Frères de la Côte

Ruslan Khmelevsky/pexels

Le Café du Monde

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Apsara

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Le Hobbit

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Ciccio Café

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Café De Paris

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Le Chic Shack

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Le Monastère des Augustines

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Soupe & Cie

Group of young people sitting at a cafe, talking and enjoying TijanaM/Shutterstock.com

Cafés

Small streets and tiny cafes: Quebec City might as well have invented the concept of coziness. Choices range widely: traditional or Americanized coffee shops, small cafes 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.

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Nektar Caféologue

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Maelstrøm Saint-Roch

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Cantook Micro Torréfaction

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Le Renard et la Chouette

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Chez Temporel

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Café Krieghoff

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Café La Maison Smith

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Tim Hortons

Quebec City skyline at dusk, Canada Vlad G/Shutterstock.com

Bars & Nightlife

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.

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La Piazz

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Ninkasi Bar & Bistro

Joshua Resnick/Shutterstock.com

Korrigane - Brasserie Artisanale

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Pub des Borgia

Joshua Resnick/Shutterstock.com

Pub Galway

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Pub St. Patrick

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Fou-Bar

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Les Voutes

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Jack Saloon

People in street of old city of Quebec aiok/Shutterstock.com

Shopping

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.

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Galeries de la Capitale & Mega Park

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Épicerie J.A. Moisan

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Atelier Les Trois Corbeaux

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Benjo

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Laurier Québec

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La Maison Simons

Cruise ship and lower town old buildings with blue sky in Quebec City. Songquan Deng/Shutterstock.com

Tourist Information

Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB)

The Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport is located about 7 miles west of the city. Bus route No. 80 offered by Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC) serves the Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport from and to the city center via the Les Saules terminus.

Taxi and car rental companies can also be found at the airport for convenient transport to the city.

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Website: www.aeroportdequebec.com/en

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Public Transport

The Réseau de Transport de la Capitale (RTC) is responsible for public transport in the region. They have buses to all parts of Quebec City. You can buy tickets in drugstores, convenience stores, and pharmacies.

An inter-city bus station, with connections to the provincial long-distance bus network, is adjacent to the train station. The services of Greyhound Canada and Orleans Express, among others.

Rail transport is operated by VIA Rail at the Gare du Palais.

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Website: www.rtcquebec.ca

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Taxi

Taxi Coop Québec
+1 418 525 5191

Taxi Québec Centre-ville
+1 418 558 9334

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Post

Stamps can be bought at post offices (Canada Post), drug stores, or convenience stores. There are post offices in several places around the city, including the one mentioned below:

Canada Post
5 Rue Du Fort, Québec
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 8am–7:30pm, Sat 9:30am–5pm, Sun closed

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Website: www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/home.page

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Pharmacy

In Quebec City, there are several major pharmacy chains. Some of the prominent ones include Jean Coutu, Uniprix, and Pharmaprix.

Pharmaprix
698 Rue Saint-Jean, Québec
+1 418 529 2171
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 8:30am–9pm, Sat & Sun 9am–8pm

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Telephone

Country code: +1

Area code: 418

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Electricity

Canada uses 110-volt electricity, and 60-cycle electric power, the same as the USA. Unless your appliance is dual voltage, you need to use a “converter” or a “transformer”. Power outlets are designed for use with a two-prong and some accept a 3 prong (with ground) plug.

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