Car in Quebec City?
 

My parents are planning a trip from Montreal to Quebec City this summer and they are wondering if they really need a car in QC? Is it more of a hassle to have one or is it a good idea? They are over 65 years old.

What does being 65 have to do with. I am 72 and hardly a senile old idiot who cannot drive.

I suggest the car because getting around by bus did not hit me as being all that easy. I don't speak the language!!

I guess you could load these poor old decripit people on a tour bus.

Hate to sound petulent, but can YOU walk 4 mph and keep that pace for 2 miles?
Or do 5 to 6 miles over a mountain trail with a pack?

In answer to the questions, they do not NEED a car in Quebec City. Vieux Québec is quite compact, with much to explore in its confines and immediate surroundings. Even Sillery and Parc Bois de Coulonge, a few kms from the Haute Ville, are easily accessible by bus. I've never rented a car once in my many visits there. If however one wishes to explore in-depth the surrounding countryside (let's say Charlevoix region), I suspect a car would be necessary.

Bob sorry if I offended but my father has some trouble walking long distances.

The question is related to good access to public transportation and how many sites are short walks.

My parents are clearly not even near senile and in fact love to travel. The fact is, sometimes a car is more of a hassle in a city. As an example, there's no need for a car in the French Quarter of New Orleans.

You certainly won't need (or want) a car to see the major sights of QC. Much like Europe, downtown driving can be very frustrating. It's small enough to walk, unless you are very limited in your walking capacity. If you do come in with a car, there is a large underground parking garage in the heart of the old city, so you can park it and forget it.

I believe your parents would be fine without a car ... Easy city to explore by foot .