Saint-Roch Neighbourhood

A couple takes a photo at the top of the Faubourg staircase with a view of the Saint-Roch district in the background.
Jeff Frenette Photography

Like Griffintown in Montreal or Williamsburg in Brooklyn, within a few years, Saint-Roch went from a working-class neighbourhood to the place to be. Food, culture, technology, fashion, nightlife: take off on a mission to discover the hippest of what Québec City's Lower Town has to offer!

Saint-Roch Neighbourhood Map

What was the most important commercial street in Québec City until the 1960s? Rue Saint-Joseph Est! The main now reclaims its title thanks to young creative entrepreneurs. To check out trendy shops, eat in the most talked-about restaurants, knock back a few in a pub or watch the latest hit show, Saint-Roch is where you go! Every weekend from mid-May to the end of summer, rue Saint-Joseph converts into a pedestrian-only street.

The area is particularly appreciated by foodies: the city's best restaurants rub shoulders with little neighbourhood joints where you get great value for your money, while microbreweries are really taking off and brewing refreshingly original beers. Don't forget to visit a gourmet grocer to take back a piece of the local products home with you!

In summer, young professionals from the web and video game industries blend in with the student crowd looking for a place to eat outside in Jardin Jean-Paul-L’Allier, a real oasis of greenery in the heart of the city.

In winter, Saint-Roch is illuminated by a 15-metre Christmas tree; simply magical!

All year round, you can tap into the neighbourhood's lively spirit both day and night thanks to the many bars and pubs where you can keep the night going after a concert or play. An amazing light path guides your steps along rue Saint-Joseph, reacting to people and movement. Brilliant!

A Bit of History

One of Québec City's oldest faubourgs (a faubourg is a district located outside city walls), tucked in between the cliff that leads up to the Upper Town and the Saint-Charles River, Saint-Roch remained a working-class district for a long time. Today, that's where tech businesses have their headquarters, where young professionals set up shop, all while preserving the social diversity that defines the area.


You'll Also Like

  • Old wings of the Monastère des Augustine and view of the exterior courtyard.
    The Best Eco-Friendly Hotels in Québec City
    Read
  • A Native American dancer performs a traditional dance inside the longhouse in Wendake, near Québec City.
    The Best Experiences to Discover the Indigenous Culture
    Read
  • Le Monastère des Augustines - Self-service at the Vivoir
    Vegetarian Restaurants in Québec City
    Read
  • Family eating at Maison Smith in place Royale
    15 Historic Places That Bring Québec City's Key Moments to Life
    Read
  • Piétons près de la porte Saint-Jean
    How to Embrace Responsible Travel in Old Québec
    Read
  • Tours Voir Québec
    Walking Tours in Québec City
    Read
  • A woman walks through the Isle de Bacchus vineyard on Île d'Orléans.
    Agritourism and Artisan Producers
    Read