How to Visit Québec City on a Budget

Looking for activities and travel opportunities that won’t cost you a lot while in Québec City? The city is filled with experiences that are affordable (and sometimes free!). Keep reading to learn how to experience the best of Québec City’s history, food and culture without going broke – and still have the time of your life!

Where to Stay in Québec City on a Budget

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What Can You Do in Québec City for Free (or Cheap)

There’s a terrific summer program of free artistic and cultural installations and pop-up performances. Here are free and cheap things to see and do:

• Festivals, events and more! - In summer, the streets of Québec City are filled with street performers and artists. It is also one of the best seasons for festivals and events, many of them are free! 
• Spend time in a park - There are several parks in the city that are worth a visit. Our top picks are the Plains of Abraham, Pierre-Dugua-De-Mons Terrace (stellar views of Château Frontenac and the St. Lawrence River from there) and Place des Canotiers.
• Tour the Parliament - Did you know you can do a free walking tour of the Parliament building in Québec City? You totally can and it is gorgeous (and interesting). A great option on days that are overcast. 
• Ride the ferry - On a nice day, take time to ride the ferry from Québec City to Lévis and back. The ride costs about $8 round trip. A delightful little ride with spectacular views of Québec City’s skyline.
• Visit a museum - Museums are a perfect way to learn about the history and culture of Québec. If you’re looking for a free museum to visit, check out the Naval Museum of Québec. Musée du Fort, while not free, is a fabulous little museum and admission is less than $9. Good to know: many museums are free on the first Sunday of each month.

• Art installations and pop-ups - Each year, art installations appear throughout Québec City, as well as urban pop up spaces. All of which are free!
• Take a bus to Montmorency Falls - Tours to Montmorency Falls can be expensive, but that doesn’t mean you need to skip it. Instead, take bus #800 towards Beauport and get off at stop #3473 des Rapides. From here it is a short walk to the falls. Spend an afternoon exploring the trails and admiring these beautiful waterfalls from every angle possible. It is truly mesmerizing.
• Explore 400+ years of history - Walk along the old city walls and take in views of the old city, check out the details on the canons along the wall (there is a German one in there somewhere).

Cheap Ways to Get Around the City

Mention de source Jeff Frenette Photography

• On foot: Old Québec is the perfect place to explore on foot. Walk down streets and alleyways to discover the history and beauty of the old city. If you don’t want to tackle the big hill between Petit-Champlain/Place-Royale and Upper Town you can opt to ride the Funiculaire for about $4.
• City bus: If you’re thinking about visiting neighbourhoods outside the tourist areas, consider skipping the taxi and taking a city bus instead. A day pass costs less than $10 and a weekend pass is less than $20. A great deal if you are planning to explore a couple of neighbourhoods – I suggest Limoilou, Saint-Roch and Montcalm to start.
• Self-Serve e-Bikes: In summer, locals and visitors will be able to rent one of the e-bikes at forty different stations in Québec City’s central neighbourhoods thanks to a new bike-sharing service called àVélo. A handy green alternative for getting around town!  

Eating on a Budget

Mention de source Lorraine Richard Nolin

There are so many restaurants and épiceries (small food shops) in Québec City, it can sometimes be hard to choose where to go. And if you’re on a budget, things can be a little confusing at times. Here are a couple of suggestions to help stretch your dollar and give you a yummy foodie experience.

• Shop for Québec terroir & have a picnic - Pop by J.A. Moisan in Saint-Jean-Baptiste or by Québec City's Grand Marché (public market) to buy local products for a picnic. Pick up cheese, charcuteries, and baguette. Pack them all into a basket or soft cooler and head over to Pierre-Dugua-De-Mons Terrace for a picnic with views of the old city and the St. Lawrence River or pop down to Promenade Samuel-De Champlain and go for a walk along the river afterwards.
• Eat poutine - If you have not enjoyed the gooey hot goodness of poutine, then get on it! There are several places to enjoy poutine in the city, and it is generally cheap to eat.
• Best Value Restaurants - Everyone likes to make a great bargain, the following restaurants are the best bang for your buck you’ll find in Québec City.