Quebec City
Quebec City
The Fodor's Five
The five things you need to know before traveling to Quebec City
Brush up on your French.
French is Quebec’s official language, and, according to law, that’s the language you’ll find on retail and road signs. Quebecois are proud of their native tongue, and it’s always appreciated to say bonjour (hello) and merci (thank you). If you’ve studied France-based French, you may pick up on a slightly different intonation and accent; some words and expressions are different, too (le souper in Quebec is dinner, not le dîner, as in France; and le dîner in Quebec is lunch). Although most Quebecois speak at least some English, especially in the tourism realm, an effort to speak even a little bit of French goes a long way.
Forget the car.
Think twice about bringing a car into Old Quebec. The ancient streets are narrow and crowded, and parking spots few and far between. The best choice is to walk. Most of Old Quebec’s major sites are within walking distance, including the Plains of Abraham, where French and British troops faced off in 1756; the Citadelle, North America’s biggest British fortress; Musée National des Beaux-Arts, the city’s fine arts museum; Château Frontenac, the palatial luxury hotel; and shopping- and restaurant-lined Rue Petit-Champlain, the city’s oldest street, accessible via funicular from the Upper Town. And by walking, you can check out plaques, architectural flourishes, and other interesting tidbits in corners, alleys, and doorways that are impossible to see from inside a car.
Expand your dining encounters beyond poutine.
Chez Ashton is Quebec City’s go-to place for poutine—the messy dish of French fries and cheese curds smothered in brown gravy that was invented in the province (exactly where is a debate that rages on). But don’t stop there. Quebec City has a thriving gastronomic scene ranging from cozy bistros serving French-Canadian dishes to innovative venues based on the region’s international and historical influences. Whatever the case, everything relies on the region’s natural bounty—on display daily at the Grand Marché de Québec.
Embrace the winter.
Yes, it’s freezing cold in winter—as chilly as -30ºC (-22ºF) or more—but the Quebecois embrace it! They skate on the St. Lawrence River and outdoor ice rinks; cross-country ski on the Fields of Abraham; ice fish in the river; and play hockey. And, of course, there’s the rollicking Quebec Winter Carnival, a 10-day-long outdoor extravaganza of ice sculptures, musical performances, and the arrival of Bonhomme, the friendly, seven-foot-tall snowman who loves to dance. Not to mention, Quebec City transforms every winter into a snowy wonderland, with fairyland lights adorning European architecture and restaurants whipping up belly-warming comfort foods, all in the shadow of majestic Château Frontenac.
Don’t forget the neighborhoods.
Sure, the Upper and Lower Towns are major draws with their historic sites and museums. But Quebec City is a vibrant city that thrives beyond its central core. A collection of neighborhoods, each with its own vibe, is worth a peek. Among them, steep-sloped Saint-Jean-Baptiste is a foodie’s paradise, with bakeries, restaurants, and bistros mixed in among its bookshops and boutiques. Nearby, Saint-Roch is trendy, multicultural, and fun, with poppy restaurants, show venues, and furniture and décor stores. Families gather in Limoilou, full of tree-shaded parks, bistros, and an old church that’s been converted into a circus school. And Saint-Sauveur—aka Saint-Sô—is an emerging working-class neighborhood, with neighborhood restaurants, independent shops, and handcraft boutiques.
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Need to Know
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Language
English, FrenchNearby Airports
YQBElectrical Outlets
110v/60 cycles; electrical plugs have two flat prongs (the same as in the U.S.).Currency
Canadian dollarLanguage
English, FrenchElectrical Outlets
110v/60 cycles; electrical plugs have two flat prongs (the same as in the U.S.).Currency
Canadian dollarNearby Airports
YQBNeighborhood Guides
Discover the best neighborhoods in Quebec City with curated recommendations from our editors.
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Neighborhood Guides
Discover the best neighborhoods in Quebec City with curated recommendations from our editors.
Local Weather
Neighborhood Guides
Discover the best neighborhoods in Quebec City with curated recommendations from our editors.
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