When I first visited Québec City in 2013, I fell in love. After a couple of short getaways here, the city lured me in with its European-style architecture, French-speaking locals, and laid-back vibe. Consequently, I decided to rent my first apartment in 2014. As an anglophone who does not speak French well, Québec City, while a part of Canada, felt foreign to me. In other words, it was an ideal destination for a full-time traveler uncertain about living in Canada again.
It is not just the architecture and language that make Québec feel different. Québecois use the 24-hour clock, while the rest of the country uses 12. Additionally, when looking at prices, they often use a comma instead of a period to separate dollars and cents. Moreover, Québec swear words are based on religious phrases; if you hear someone say “tabarnak!” they are expressing strong frustration.
Intrigued yet? Read on for essential tips and information as you plan your visit to Québec City.
Is Québec City Better than Montréal?
Naturellement! However, both cities are distinct and complement each other nicely. While Montréal is edgy and cosmopolitan, Québec City offers a relaxed and comforting atmosphere. Both locales feature a thriving food scene and a love for the outdoors, making them unique travel destinations only three hours apart by train.
Accommodations During Major Festivals
Finding accommodations in Québec City is generally easy; however, if you’re planning to visit during one of the popular festivals (such as the Festival d’été de Québec in summer or Carnaval de Québec in winter), it’s advisable to book at least six months in advance. The longer you wait, the more expensive the rooms will be. In fact, during peak periods, every room in and near Vieux Québec can get completely booked, making last-minute trips quite challenging.
Plan for a Minimum of Three Days
There is a lot to see and experience in Québec City, and I’d recommend spending at least three days. Explore Vieux Québec on the first day, then venture out to other neighborhoods like St-Roch and Montcalm on the second day. On the third day, consider a day trip to Île d’Orléans or Wendake to enhance your experience.
Transportation from the Airport
For many years, the only way to travel from the airport to downtown Québec City was by taxi, costing approximately CA$35. Thankfully, a cheaper bus service is now available for only CA$7 (US$5.20) per ticket. Two bus lines, 76 and 80, travel to the airport; take line 80 and transfer to line 1 at Gare Fluviale to reach downtown Québec City.
Packing and Parking in Québec City
Navigating parking in Québec City can be tricky. In Vieux Québec, metered street parking is limited and in high demand. Although machines are nearby for payment, consider downloading the Copilote app to streamline the parking process. Street parking is usually permitted for two to five hours, and overnight street parking is free from 9 PM to 9 AM and until 10 AM on Sundays. Therefore, always verify local rules before leaving your car overnight.
There are a couple of parking garages located in or near Vieux Québec. The garage underneath Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) is quite small, and a larger parking facility exists on rue Dauphine, close to the traffic lights. Additionally, several parking lots and garages can be found in Old Lower Town, near the marina and along the St. Lawrence River.
Understanding Apartment Rentals
Apartment ads might initially be confusing, as descriptions often include terms like “1½,” “2½,” “3½,” and so on. The numbers indicate the total number of rooms, while the “½” denotes a bathroom (even if there’s more than one). My own first apartment was a 1½, which felt quite cramped. Common rentals also include “3½,” featuring one bedroom plus a kitchen, living room, and bathroom.
Moreover, rental descriptions should be read carefully. Landlords may not update the size indication of an apartment after renovations. For instance, a rental advertised as a 5½ (three-bedroom) may have actually been renovated to only include two bedrooms. Thus, it’s crucial to do thorough research to avoid disappointment.
Language Considerations
Many assume that to enjoy Québec City, you must speak French. Fortunately, this stereotype is largely outdated. As an anglophone still learning French after years of living here, I can attest that most businesses in the old city only hire staff who can speak some English. Nevertheless, making an effort to greet everyone in French will go a long way, as locals usually switch over if they can communicate in English.
St-Jean-Baptiste Day Precautions
St-Jean-Baptiste Day on June 24 is the biggest holiday for Québecois, celebrating their pride in language, history, traditions, and culture. While it can be a fun experience, non-French-speaking visitors should exercise caution; occasionally, some may express annoyance if approached in English. If you wish to engage in celebrations, ask locals for recommendations and heed their advice.
Canada Day and Moving Season
Canada Day, celebrated on July 1, coincides with a busy moving season in Québec. Many leases expire on June 30, so while tourists explore the city, you may encounter locals hauling furniture to their new residences.
Accessibility in Vieux Québec
For able-bodied individuals, Québec City is very walkable. However, Vieux Québec’s narrow, cobbled streets, many of which have steep inclines, can pose challenges for those using wheelchairs. Notably, the popular funicular that connects Terrasse Dufferin in Vieux Québec with Petit-Champlain in Old Lower Town is fully accessible.
In Case of Injury
If you require medical attention while in Québec City, Jeffery Hale – St Brigid’s hospital caters to English-speaking patients, although it is located in the Ste-Foy neighborhood outside the city center and is not open 24/7. For urgent care in Vieux Québec, the closest hospital is Hôpital Dieu. My personal experience in the ER highlighted the importance of downloading a translation app for easier communication with staff, although many doctors do speak some English.
Finally, note that all medical paperwork will be in French, and upon arrival at the hospital, you will need to present insurance documentation, a credit card, or both. Residents of Ontario with OHIP will not need to pay in advance.
This article was first published on June 12, 2022, and updated on February 24, 2024.
