Major city · Canada
Quebec CityVille de Québec
Give it 2 nights: one full day in the walled Old Town on foot, one for the Plains of Abraham or a day trip. Skip the car inside the walls.
Quebec City is the capital of the province of Quebec and the only walled city north of Mexico. Old Town (Vieux-Québec) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, compact enough to walk end to end in about 30 minutes, split into Upper Town on the cliff and Lower Town by the river. Most visitors need 2 nights: one for the Old Town and one for the Plains of Abraham, a museum or a day trip along the St. Lawrence. French is the everyday language; English works in tourist areas.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Oct; Feb for the Winter Carnival
- avoid Nov (grey, wet, few events); Jan–Feb cold snaps below −20 °C (−4 °F)avoid Nov (grey, wet, few events); Jan–Feb cold snaps below −4 °F (−20 °C)
- Airport
- YQB
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Quebec City911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Quebec City, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyQuebec City is one of the safer big Canadian cities.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 811 Info-Santé (health advice, 24 h)
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckYQB Québec City Jean Lesage International (About 20 min from downtown; RTC bus 76 or 80, or a flat-fee taxi (check the current fare)).
- Getting aroundWalk inside the walls; the Old Town is compact but hilly, and Côte de la Montagne links Upper and Lower Town.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeC$3–6 (≈ US$3–5)
- Street or quick mealPoutine or a sandwichC$10–18 (≈ US$8–14)
- Beerdraught in a bar / can at a dépanneurC$8–10 (≈ US$6–8)C$3–5 (≈ US$3–4)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxiC$15–22 (≈ US$11–16)
- Metro or bus rideRTC bus rideC$3.10 (≈ US$3)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entryC$15–25 (≈ US$11–19)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personC$45 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, mid hotel, a night, per roomC$220 (≈ US$160)
- High-end bedDouble room, mid hotel, a night, per roomC$420 (≈ US$350)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$180 (≈ US$140) · High C$320 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YQB Québec City Jean Lesage International (About 20 min from downtown; RTC bus 76 or 80, or a flat-fee taxi (check the current fare))
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
Feb
Care
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
Mar
not flagged
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Apr
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
May
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jul
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Aug
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
Best
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Nov
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Dec
not flagged
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Best: Jun–Oct. Mixed: Feb. Avoid: Jan, Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)), coolest Jan (−17°C (1°F)1°F (−17°C) low), wettest Dec (16 rain days), driest Feb (13). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Quebec City: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
−17°C (1°F)1°F (−17°C)
15 rd
Feb
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C)
13 rd
Mar
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
13 rd
Apr
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
13 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
14 rd
Jun
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
14 rd
Jul
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
14 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
14 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
13 rd
Oct
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
14 rd
Nov
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
15 rd
Dec
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
16 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk inside the walls; the Old Town is compact but hilly, and Côte de la Montagne links Upper and Lower Town. The funicular saves the climb (small fee). RTC buses cover the wider city; buy a ticket from the driver or an app. Taxis and Uber work; the airport run is a flat fee. VIA Rail and Orléans Express buses use Gare du Palais, next to the Old Port.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Montmorency Falls
goDoor to door: About 45–60 min
RTC bus or a 15-min drive northeast of the city
Taller than Niagara; cable car and stairs, check seasonal hours.
Île d'Orléans
goDoor to door: About 30 min to the bridge
Drive over the bridge from Beauport, or bus then taxi
Farm stands, cider and chocolate; a car makes it far easier.
Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Drive or bus along Route 138
Basilica and shrine; pairs with Montmorency Falls.
Montréal
overnightDoor to door: 3.25–3.5 h by train
VIA Rail from Gare du Palais, or Orléans Express bus
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep there or stop en route.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Old Town — Upper Town (Haute-Ville)
Inside the walls, walk to everything; the priciest beds and the noisiest summer streets.
Old Town — Lower Town (Basse-Ville)
Place Royale and the port; quieter at night, but you climb to the Upper Town on stairs or the funicular.
Saint-Roch
The real downtown west of the walls; cheaper rooms, restaurants and bars, 15–20 min walk to Old Town.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste
Between the walls and Saint-Roch; local feel, cafés, still walkable to the gates.
Sainte-Foy
Suburban, near the train and bus stations; only worth it if you arrive late or leave early.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$160–260 (≈ US$120–190) excl. bed
- High
- C$300 (≈ US$250)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, mid hotel1 × 2 nights × C$220 | C$440 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × C$180 | C$720 |
| Airport taxi, flat fee, one way1 × C$35 · check | C$35 |
| RTC single bus ticket2 × C$3 · check | C$6 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$20 | C$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$124 |
| Trip total≈ C$341 per person per day, bed included | C$1,365≈ US$1,000 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | C$3–6 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Poutine or a sandwich | C$10–18 (≈ US$8–14) |
| Beer: draught in a bar / can at a dépanneur | C$8–10 (≈ US$6–8) / C$3–5 (≈ US$3–4) |
| 5 km taxi | C$15–22 (≈ US$11–16) |
| RTC bus ride | C$3.10 (≈ US$3) |
| Funicular, one way | C$5 (≈ US$4) |
| Museum entry | C$15–25 (≈ US$11–19) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Cobblestones and steep streets: wear shoes with grip, especially after rain or snow.
- Winter ice on stairs and sidewalks; the funicular and indoor routes are the fallback.
- Restaurant bills add 15% sales tax plus a 15–20% tip; the menu price is not the total.
- Summer weekends fill the Old Town; book beds and dinner ahead.
- Some Old Town bars and shops price for tourists: check the total before you pay.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Info-Santé (health advice, 24 h)
- 811
Pocket card
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Quebec CityVille de Québec
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Info-Santé (health advice, 24 h)811
Embassy
The US has a consulate general in Quebec City (check the address); most other countries: consulates or embassies in Ottawa or Montréal.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- YQB → downtown, taxi: flat fee, about C$35.10 (≈ US$30)
- YQB → downtown, RTC bus 76/80: about C$3.10 (≈ US$3), 30–45 min
- VIA Rail Québec City → Montréal: about C$50–120 (≈ US$40–90), 3.25–3.5 h
Say or show
- Bonjour — Hello / Good day (bon-ZHOOR)
- Merci — Thank you (mair-SEE)
- S'il vous plaît — Please (seel voo PLEH)
- Combien ça coûte ? — How much is it? (kom-BYEN sa KOOT)
- Puis-je payer par carte ? — Can I pay by card? (pweezh pay-YAY par KART)
- Où sont les toilettes ? — Where is the toilet? (oo son lay twa-LET)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Quebec City. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Oct; Feb for the Winter Carnival · avoid Nov (grey, wet, few events); Jan–Feb cold snaps below −20 °C · month by month →
- 1 airport and 5 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YQB: RTC bus 76/80 windows, flat-fee taxi, late-arrival rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Château Frontenac and Dufferin Terrace, Place Royale and Petit-Champlain, the Plains of Abraham and Musée national des Beaux-arts, Saint-Roch.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Citadelle, Musée de la civilisation, funicular) and eat pages with last orders.
- Winter and festival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialVille de Québec — official site
- officialQuébec City tourism
- officialQuébec City Jean Lesage International Airport
- officialRTC Québec — public transport
- officialVIA Rail Canada
- officialBonjour Québec — official tourism
- secondaryWikivoyage: Quebec City, revision 5322678 (CC BY-SA 4.0)