Québec City: Travel Abroad Without Leaving North America

As the birthplace of French North America, Québec City takes great pride in preserving and celebrating the French language. Our culture is deeply rooted, and we love when visitors practice the French words they know –whether it’s a simple Bonjour or more advanced sentences.

The architecture of Old Québec is a mixture of French and English styles dating back to the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Similar to Europe, we use a comma instead of a period in our prices (3,99 not 3.99), and opt for the 24-hour clock. Art and music are an essential part of life, with ephemeral art installations, captivating performing arts programs, and vibrant music festivals throughout the year.

Québec City is a vibe shift, in the best possible way. In summer, we plan our work around pulsating music festivals like Festival d’été de Québec and take the time to enjoy wine and picnic meals in parks with friends. We rent a self-service e-bike to get around the city, and we also venture outside to Île d’Orléans for fresh juicy strawberries, wine, and pretty countryside landscapes.

Québec City may be the capital of the province of Québec, but in many ways it feels like it’s a big village where neighbours wave as they pass by. Visit a restaurant or pub more than once, and there is a good chance you’ll be remembered and welcomed back like an old friend.

Québec City charms visitors with a compact, walkable historic centre and easy access to nearby natural escapes. The streets of Old Québec beg to be explored and are easily navigable on foot. Quaint cafes tucked into quiet corners are ideal for relaxing with a coffee and a fresh buttery croissant. North American standards meet a unique cultural twist, making every discovery effortless. 

Beyond the city, you can hike near Montmorency Falls or enjoy a kayaking experience in Jacques-Cartier National Park. We recommend chatting up locals in cafes, bars or on the street whenever possible, and venturing into local neighbourhoods like Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Saint-Roch, and Limoilou for a deeper understanding of the city.

Meals are a time to relax, enjoy good company, savour food, and imbibe in a cocktail, local beer, or glass of wine. We love going to places like Verre Pickl’ or Kebec Club Privé where we can sit at a communal table and meet a mix of locals and visitors over dinner. These curated dining experiences are perfect for transformative cultural exchanges.

The food scene in Québec City is a scrumptious mix of culinary influences, with many restaurants relying on local producers, artisans, brewers, and winemakers for seasonal ingredients. Their full-bodied menus are a true love letter to Québec, whether it's elevated Indigenous cuisine at La Traite or comforting Québécois diner food at Buffet de l’Antiquaire.

Québec City is a little slice of old-world Europe in the heart of Canada, a perfect destination for an enriching French cultural experience filled with history, French culture, delicious food, and outdoor adventures. It’s time to indulge in an unforgettable escape to Canada’s oldest French city, Québec.