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! With a little planning, and the right travel tips, your dream trip doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
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Where to Stay in Québec City on a Budget
HI-QUEBEC
Discover the promotions and packages available for your stay in the region. Don't miss out on these hotel deals and book directly with the lodging for the best rates. Keep an eye on the offers!
Staying in a hostel can also be a very affordable option. In addition to having a lot of character, some hostels are located in the heart of Old Québec.
Avoiding high season also helps to get better rates for accommodation. January, March, April and November are often the cheapest time to visit Québec City.
What Can You Do in Québec City for Free (or Cheap)
Take advantage of several savings thanks to the discounts offered by the attractions in the region. Here are free and cheap things to see and do.
Street performers and free festivals
When summer arrives, the streets are bustling with street artists of all kinds. Additionally, the city hosts a variety of festivals and cultural events, many of which are free.
Among the free events not to be missed:
- Festival d'été de Québec: The shows presented on the Place D'Youville stage and the Place de l'Assemblée-Nationale stage do not require passes.
- Grands Feux Loto-Québec Fireworks: The 8 themed evenings are presented for free.
- Rendez-vous naval: A gathering of military and civilian ships from Canada and various countries, some of which can sometimes be visited.
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, the Promenade des Gouverneurs, Pierre-Dugua-De-Mons Terrace (stellar views of Château Frontenac and the St. Lawrence River from there) and Place des Canotiers.
Tour the Parliament building
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.
Go to the beach
In summer, relax at the Station de la Plage (free) or at Baie de Beauport. These two sites are located just a few minutes from downtown by car and are accessible by bike via a bike path starting from the Old Port.
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.
Looking for a sweeter experience? Visit the chocolate museum at Érico Chocolaterie free of charge and discover the history of cacao, from the Maya civilization to the present day, through more than 200 objects from Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe. You can even watch the master chocolatiers at work before treating yourself to a few delicious chocolate creations.
Admire historic churches in Old Québec
What if you explored Québec City through its religious and architectural heritage? An original way to discover its history, on a budget.
Head to the Basilica-Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Québec, considered one of the oldest religious buildings in North America. Admission is free, and the site is open year-round during opening hours, with guides available in the summer season.
Then make your way to the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, the first Anglican cathedral built outside the British Isles in Canada. Admission is $3 per person, a suggested contribution supporting the site preservation. Individual guided tours are then offered at a cost of $8 per person, depending on opening hours.
Not far from there stands the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church, recognized as oe of the oldest stone church in the country to have preserved its original walls. Access to the site is free, with voluntary donations welcome. Activities requiring a guide-interpreter (museum, crypt, and guided tours) are subject to a fee. A must-do: stop for a photo in front of this iconic Old Québec landmark!
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 #3361 - Royale. From here, it’s a 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).
Discover public art
Public artworks adorn the walls, parks, and various urban spaces, while murals transform Québec City into an open-air museum. Art enthusiasts will also enjoy a visit to EXMURO's Aire publique, a creative and free space dedicated to art for everyone, located in Place Royale.
Cheap Ways to Get Around the City
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 $6.
- 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 about $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 can rent one of the e-bikes at different stations in Québec City’s central neighbourhoods thanks to the bike-sharing service called àVélo. A handy green alternative for getting around town! Make sure to bring your bike helmet if you plan to use this option.
Eating on a Budget
Grand Marché de Québec, Étienne Dionne
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 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.
- Snack Shacks - See our selection of snack shacks for the best fries, poutines, club sandwiches, and other meals on the go.
- Best Affordable Restaurants - Everyone likes to make a great bargain, the following restaurants are the best bang for your buck you’ll find in Québec City.
