Guidebook for Québec

Frances
Guidebook for Québec

Food Scene

Unfortunately, Toast! closed their doors last year ... Yes, it's a little more on the high end side, but when in Quebec, do as the Quebecers do! Enjoy the unique cuisine and great wine list.
Toast
17 Rue du Sault-au-Matelot
Unfortunately, Toast! closed their doors last year ... Yes, it's a little more on the high end side, but when in Quebec, do as the Quebecers do! Enjoy the unique cuisine and great wine list.
Bread, pastries and more! Worth the walk - plus you get to see the cool up and coming rue Saint-Joseph!
68 locals recommend
Le Croquembouche Boulangerie Patisserie
225 Rue Saint-Joseph E
68 locals recommend
Bread, pastries and more! Worth the walk - plus you get to see the cool up and coming rue Saint-Joseph!
My go-to for fresh bread when Le Croquembouche is closed. Plus you can grab a sandwich there too!
117 locals recommend
La Boîte à Pain
289 Rue Saint-Joseph E
117 locals recommend
My go-to for fresh bread when Le Croquembouche is closed. Plus you can grab a sandwich there too!
The market began a re-vitilization in 2019, but Covid has put a dent in re-opening plans... Not sure of the status of the market atm. Do some homework to find out what is up. [Not really a street market - but open year round with the best that Quebec has to offer!]
99 locals recommend
Market Old Port of Quebec
160 Quai Saint-André
99 locals recommend
The market began a re-vitilization in 2019, but Covid has put a dent in re-opening plans... Not sure of the status of the market atm. Do some homework to find out what is up. [Not really a street market - but open year round with the best that Quebec has to offer!]
So, as a Greek, I highly recommend this joint! Better than most of the Greek Town places on the Danforth in Toronto, Canada. And that is saying a lot! They do Greek, really good! Le Mezze used to be within walking distance in the Old Port area, but it is worth the trek up the hill to eat here! (that is what all the Greek's say ;)
6 locals recommend
Le Mezzé
6 locals recommend
So, as a Greek, I highly recommend this joint! Better than most of the Greek Town places on the Danforth in Toronto, Canada. And that is saying a lot! They do Greek, really good! Le Mezze used to be within walking distance in the Old Port area, but it is worth the trek up the hill to eat here! (that is what all the Greek's say ;)
I like Pizza. I'm not a connoisseur, but I like the simplicity of a thin crust and some cool toppings. Not cheap, but throw in a nice local beer and this "fast food" works for me! Plus you can do take out!
La Piazzetta Vieux-Port
63 Rue Saint-Paul
I like Pizza. I'm not a connoisseur, but I like the simplicity of a thin crust and some cool toppings. Not cheap, but throw in a nice local beer and this "fast food" works for me! Plus you can do take out!
At about 3 pm everyday, as I sit on the terrace at 67a rue Saint Pierre, I smell it. Garlic. Yep, they are roasting garlic next door at Matto. Chances are, that if you like garlic, then you'll like Italian. And, Matto has a great reputation. You can have your garlic, and eat/smell it too!
32 locals recommend
Matto
71 Rue Saint-Pierre
32 locals recommend
At about 3 pm everyday, as I sit on the terrace at 67a rue Saint Pierre, I smell it. Garlic. Yep, they are roasting garlic next door at Matto. Chances are, that if you like garlic, then you'll like Italian. And, Matto has a great reputation. You can have your garlic, and eat/smell it too!
Coffee and Cats. Need I say more? You should like both if you go here ...
13 locals recommend
Café Félin Ma Langue Aux Chats
307 Rue Saint-Paul
13 locals recommend
Coffee and Cats. Need I say more? You should like both if you go here ...
Just down the street from our condo is one of the affiliated group including Legende & Taniere's three amazing resto's. Simple, organic and great for multi-faceted eaters - vegans through carnivores... save room and have a frozen treat right next door at their dessert spot: Kerrmess...
17 locals recommend
Bistro L'Orygine
36 Rue Saint-Pierre
17 locals recommend
Just down the street from our condo is one of the affiliated group including Legende & Taniere's three amazing resto's. Simple, organic and great for multi-faceted eaters - vegans through carnivores... save room and have a frozen treat right next door at their dessert spot: Kerrmess...

Essentials

Open 7 days a week from 8 am through to 11 pm (except for holidays).
116 locals recommend
Metro Plus Mail St-Roch
860 Boulevard Charest E
116 locals recommend
Open 7 days a week from 8 am through to 11 pm (except for holidays).
We've been going to Planete Fitness since 2005. A full service gym with hours that can meet anyone's schedule and training needs. And, a great price too! Buy a day pass for $20 or a 10 pass punch card for $100!
Planet Fitness Gym
400 Bd Jean-Lesage
We've been going to Planete Fitness since 2005. A full service gym with hours that can meet anyone's schedule and training needs. And, a great price too! Buy a day pass for $20 or a 10 pass punch card for $100!
AKA the liquor store! This SAQ Selection store has everything you might need - including local wines!
94 locals recommend
SAQ Sélection
400 Bd Jean-Lesage
94 locals recommend
AKA the liquor store! This SAQ Selection store has everything you might need - including local wines!
FOU DU BIO, Epicerie Gourmand: Closest spot to pick up both essentials for a short visit - like cream/milk and yogurt and cheese, fruits and veggies, wine and beer to name a few etc... Plus you can get some specialty items too! Organic, Gourmet and even some ready-to-eat fair as well. It's worth the few steps down the street to visit this little gourmet grocery joint!
20 Rue Saint-Pierre
20 Rue Saint-Pierre
FOU DU BIO, Epicerie Gourmand: Closest spot to pick up both essentials for a short visit - like cream/milk and yogurt and cheese, fruits and veggies, wine and beer to name a few etc... Plus you can get some specialty items too! Organic, Gourmet and even some ready-to-eat fair as well. It's worth the few steps down the street to visit this little gourmet grocery joint!

Parks & Nature

It's close by, and it is a really cool set of falls and hiking trails. Accessible for most - unless you trek down (and then eventually back up again) the stairs to get you closer to the action.
356 locals recommend
Montmorency Falls
356 locals recommend
It's close by, and it is a really cool set of falls and hiking trails. Accessible for most - unless you trek down (and then eventually back up again) the stairs to get you closer to the action.
Not just a park, but an entire dedicated community showcasing the Wendake Aboriginal Community. The restaurant La Traite is a great look into traditional Canadian fare. A neat "off the beaten path" to explore while in Quebec City!
16 locals recommend
Village Des Hurons Wendake Indian Reserve No. 7a
16 locals recommend
Not just a park, but an entire dedicated community showcasing the Wendake Aboriginal Community. The restaurant La Traite is a great look into traditional Canadian fare. A neat "off the beaten path" to explore while in Quebec City!
Loads of green space, trails and opportunity to chill. Plus, the history of this space is pivotal to the history of Quebec!
521 locals recommend
Plains of Abraham
521 locals recommend
Loads of green space, trails and opportunity to chill. Plus, the history of this space is pivotal to the history of Quebec!
The views and the skiing!
102 locals recommend
Charlevoix Massif
185 Chem. du Massif
102 locals recommend
The views and the skiing!
Because you love to ski! Downhill or cross-country. Or, hike. Or, mountain bike. Something for all seasons. Seriously, some great skiing here. And, it is so very close to Quebec City!
238 locals recommend
Mont-Sainte-Anne
2000 Boulevard du Beau Pré
238 locals recommend
Because you love to ski! Downhill or cross-country. Or, hike. Or, mountain bike. Something for all seasons. Seriously, some great skiing here. And, it is so very close to Quebec City!
Ok, so if you need to get a workout in, and you don't want to trek to the gym, then get to the Cap-Blanc Stairs and go up (or down) (or up and down) the 398 stairs. You will sweat, your quads will either love you, or hate you, and you will see some cool views of the Saint Lawrence in the process! Have fun!
6 locals recommend
Cap-Blanc
6 locals recommend
Ok, so if you need to get a workout in, and you don't want to trek to the gym, then get to the Cap-Blanc Stairs and go up (or down) (or up and down) the 398 stairs. You will sweat, your quads will either love you, or hate you, and you will see some cool views of the Saint Lawrence in the process! Have fun!

Getting Around

These guys do bike rentals really well! Plus, if you are a cyclist, they offer a full service shop and sales too!
23 locals recommend
Cyclo Services
289 Rue Saint-Paul
23 locals recommend
These guys do bike rentals really well! Plus, if you are a cyclist, they offer a full service shop and sales too!
Who doesn't like a horse and buggy ride? Essential to orient you to Quebec City like no other way - with knowledgeable and friendly drivers who are keen to share both the history and unique story of Quebec.
Calèches Québec
42 Rue D'Auteuil
Who doesn't like a horse and buggy ride? Essential to orient you to Quebec City like no other way - with knowledgeable and friendly drivers who are keen to share both the history and unique story of Quebec.
So you don't want to do the hike up Cote de la Montagne road more than once, so don't do it! Instead, take a stroll into Place Royale, and up to 16 Petite Champlain Street to find the entrance of the funicular in the historic House Louis Jolliet and hop in! This "train" links the Upper and Lower Towns on a 45 degree incline track that offers great views, and less effort on your part! Operates between 7:30 am and 11:30 pm (midnight in the summer). Cost is $2.50 one way, per person.
44 locals recommend
Old Quebec Funicular
16 Rue du Petit Champlain
44 locals recommend
So you don't want to do the hike up Cote de la Montagne road more than once, so don't do it! Instead, take a stroll into Place Royale, and up to 16 Petite Champlain Street to find the entrance of the funicular in the historic House Louis Jolliet and hop in! This "train" links the Upper and Lower Towns on a 45 degree incline track that offers great views, and less effort on your part! Operates between 7:30 am and 11:30 pm (midnight in the summer). Cost is $2.50 one way, per person.

Arts & Culture

Why not stop in to check out the exhibits of interest? This comprehensive museum houses various collections, multimedia exhibits and more, including the reference exhibition 'This is our story': a discovery of today's aboriginal cultures, their diversity and world views. It's literally across the street! Open 10 am to 5 pm every day through to Labour Day and then Tuesdays through Sundays after that. If you are keen on museums, then be sure to check out the three museum pass that allows you to access other museums in the city too!
461 locals recommend
Museum of Civilization
85 Rue Dalhousie
461 locals recommend
Why not stop in to check out the exhibits of interest? This comprehensive museum houses various collections, multimedia exhibits and more, including the reference exhibition 'This is our story': a discovery of today's aboriginal cultures, their diversity and world views. It's literally across the street! Open 10 am to 5 pm every day through to Labour Day and then Tuesdays through Sundays after that. If you are keen on museums, then be sure to check out the three museum pass that allows you to access other museums in the city too!

Sightseeing

An active military installation and the residence of Canada's Governor General. It's worth taking the official tour of the facility which offers great insight and fabulous views of the city. And, regardless if you are a fan of military museums, or not, this recently re-designed space is worth a walk through. Various tour exist, including night tours, religious tours, the changing of the guard and the noon-day gun salute. May to October 9-5 pm, November to April 10-4 pm.
155 locals recommend
La Citadelle de Quebec
Côte de la Citadelle
155 locals recommend
An active military installation and the residence of Canada's Governor General. It's worth taking the official tour of the facility which offers great insight and fabulous views of the city. And, regardless if you are a fan of military museums, or not, this recently re-designed space is worth a walk through. Various tour exist, including night tours, religious tours, the changing of the guard and the noon-day gun salute. May to October 9-5 pm, November to April 10-4 pm.
Yes, it's likely true. The Chateau Frontenac is perhaps the most photographed hotel in the world. But, don't take my word for it. The hundreds if not thousands of people walking the promenade, listening to buskers or taking in various Parks Canada tours set the stage for your view of both this magnificent architectural building and the equally majestic view of the Saint Lawrence River.
449 locals recommend
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
1 Rue des Carrières
449 locals recommend
Yes, it's likely true. The Chateau Frontenac is perhaps the most photographed hotel in the world. But, don't take my word for it. The hundreds if not thousands of people walking the promenade, listening to buskers or taking in various Parks Canada tours set the stage for your view of both this magnificent architectural building and the equally majestic view of the Saint Lawrence River.
Stand where Samuel de Champlain stood in 1608 and feel the birth of Quebec happen right beneath your feet! Ok, ok, perhaps a bit melodramatic, but the reality is, that this is where it all went down! A neat spot to sit, have a coffee, pop in the church or shop. You can't come to QC and NOT come here!
13 locals recommend
Place Royale
13 locals recommend
Stand where Samuel de Champlain stood in 1608 and feel the birth of Quebec happen right beneath your feet! Ok, ok, perhaps a bit melodramatic, but the reality is, that this is where it all went down! A neat spot to sit, have a coffee, pop in the church or shop. You can't come to QC and NOT come here!
Both scenic, very scenic (in both summer and winter ) oh, heck, during every season this street has such an incredible fairy tale feel. You've just got to walk it, sit along it and take it all in every which way you can!
247 locals recommend
Quartier Petit Champlain
61 Rue du Petit Champlain
247 locals recommend
Both scenic, very scenic (in both summer and winter ) oh, heck, during every season this street has such an incredible fairy tale feel. You've just got to walk it, sit along it and take it all in every which way you can!
4.6 km of walls and imposing gates to explore! Very cool. And a neat way to orient yourself to the intricacies of the Upper and Lower Town, the Old Port and how the city has developed around it.
11 locals recommend
Artillery Park
2 Rue D'Auteuil
11 locals recommend
4.6 km of walls and imposing gates to explore! Very cool. And a neat way to orient yourself to the intricacies of the Upper and Lower Town, the Old Port and how the city has developed around it.
One of two frescoes not to be missed. You've got to see it for yourself!
Fresque du Petit-Champlain
102 Rue du Petit Champlain
One of two frescoes not to be missed. You've got to see it for yourself!
Join the masses of people walking this street and you will find everything from places to eat, shops to buy "stuff" and more. Walk it in both directions - up toward the Saint-Jean gate (and Place d'Youville where there is always something going on in that square - including the famous ice rink (with skate rentals and maple syrup on snow in the wintertime) and walk it back again!
136 locals recommend
Rue Saint-Jean
Rue Saint-Jean
136 locals recommend
Join the masses of people walking this street and you will find everything from places to eat, shops to buy "stuff" and more. Walk it in both directions - up toward the Saint-Jean gate (and Place d'Youville where there is always something going on in that square - including the famous ice rink (with skate rentals and maple syrup on snow in the wintertime) and walk it back again!
A landmark building and area to walk around, take photos and more. The gardens are ever evolving. If you are a walker, then be sure to head up in the direction of the Parliament Buildings and enjoy this architecture!
53 locals recommend
Parliament Building
1045 Rue des Parlementaires
53 locals recommend
A landmark building and area to walk around, take photos and more. The gardens are ever evolving. If you are a walker, then be sure to head up in the direction of the Parliament Buildings and enjoy this architecture!
Yes, it's a church. Some call it a shrine. It might be of interest to you!
106 locals recommend
Sanctuaire Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
10018 Ave Royale
106 locals recommend
Yes, it's a church. Some call it a shrine. It might be of interest to you!
Open from January 4, 2017 through to March 26, 2017 from 10 am through Midnight. And yes, you can grab a drink in the Ice Bar, and even grab a room for an overnight stay on an Ice Bed! Or, if you want, plan your wedding to take place in the Ice Chapel!
51 locals recommend
Hôtel de Glace
2280 Bd Valcartier
51 locals recommend
Open from January 4, 2017 through to March 26, 2017 from 10 am through Midnight. And yes, you can grab a drink in the Ice Bar, and even grab a room for an overnight stay on an Ice Bed! Or, if you want, plan your wedding to take place in the Ice Chapel!

Drinks & Nightlife

DJ's, Drag Shows and Karaoke. Self-described as boisterous, but, I will let you be the judge. Safe and fun space in QC for all.
35 locals recommend
Le Drague Cabaret Club
815 Rue Saint-Augustin
35 locals recommend
DJ's, Drag Shows and Karaoke. Self-described as boisterous, but, I will let you be the judge. Safe and fun space in QC for all.