Discover Québec City: Your Affordable French Escape

Québec City’s affordability plus the favourable USD to CAD exchange rate makes it a perfect choice for an exciting French escape.  

 As of April 2, 2024, $1 U.S. dollar represents 1.36 Canadian dollars.

We love to think of money gained by favourable exchange rates as our travel slush fund. We can use it to add extra activities to our itinerary or for splurging on gourmet meals. Hotel prices are more affordable too, and room upgrades add a slice of luxury that won’t break the travel budget.  
 

From its cobblestone streets and fortified walls to its French and British architecture, Old Québec City, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure, is the best place to experience its history and culture. It is the only fortified city north of Mexico, and walking along the ramparts offers unique views of the city.  

Québec City has a rich history filled with firsts. Notre-Dame de Québec was the first Catholic parish north of the Spanish colonies in 1664 and is the first (and only) location outside of Europe with a Holy Door. Cathedral of the Holy Trinity is the first Anglican church built outside of the British Isles. The Augustinian Sisters established the first North American hospital north of Mexico and rue du Petit-Champlain is home to one of the oldest shopping streets in Canada.  

The are tons of cheap and free activities to enjoy it all and a trivia of historic sites to visit without breaking the bank. Think of Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site, the Parliament Building, religious sites and affordable walking tours. 

Located only 6 hours from Boston and 8 hours from New York City by car, Québec City is a perfect North American road trip destination. It’s the heart of Québécois culture, and in summer the city is filled with ephemeral art installations, street artists, and performing arts events.  

Thousands of music lovers come for Festival d’été de Québec while festivals like Les Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France delve into the traditions, history and culture of Québec. This summer will mark the return of the Transat Québec St-Malo, a legendary race that brings together dozens of the fastest sailboats in the world. 

We also recommend going to Musée national des beaux-arts de Québec to see the Rembrandt exhibit and the Gladiators exhibit at Musée de la civilisation.

Learning Québécois slang and catchphrases at local craft breweries is a fun way to connect with locals. Make sure to plan an evening in a bar de chansonniers, a pub with live folk music.  

Stretching travel dollars with a picnic or prix fixe lunch are delicious ways to experience Québec terroir and leaves more room for evening meals at award-winning restaurants. The best Québécois cuisine is found in Québec City, and several restaurants work closely with local farmers and producers to offer unparalleled dining experiences.  

We suggest trying authentic traditional Québécois dishes, as well as Indigenous cuisine. Snacking on Québec cheeses, pastries, charcuterie and of course, poutine is always a yummy idea! Some cabanes à sucre (sugar shacks) are open year-round as well. 

Enjoying nature encompasses everything from strolls through city parks to hiking, and adventure sports. In Québec City, we love to rent e-Bikes to get around the city or enjoy rides along the St. Lawrence River. On a hot day, we head to a beach or outdoor pool to relax and cool off. Nordic spas also add a little outdoor luxury and wellness to our day.  

A short distance from Québec City are beautiful parks with boreal forests, mountains, calming rivers and lakes. Montmorency Falls are easily reached by bus and a shuttle departs from Old Québec to Jacques-Cartier National Park – our favourite place for hiking, canoeing and kayaking.  

In the low season, the streets of Québec City are relaxed. Making reservations for popular restaurants is easier, and special events are still abundant. Hotel prices are always lower, and many have promotions to entice travellers to stay longer. It’s also easier to get around the city and parking is much easier. Low season is truly the best time to experience what sets Québec apart, its joie de vivre.  

Perfect for couples, foodies, families, history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts, Québec City is a French escape that won’t break the bank.