Old Quebec City
UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only walled city north of Mexico
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About Quebec
Quebec is a province of dramatic contrasts — a land where French is the beating heart of daily life, where Gothic-revival cathedrals overlook cobblestone streets, and where the wilderness of Boreal forests and glacial fjords lies just hours from world-class cities. Montreal is North America's second-largest French-speaking city, renowned for its festivals, food scene, underground city, and vibrant nightlife. Quebec City, the provincial capital, is the only walled city north of Mexico and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond the cities, the province's natural wonders — from the whales of the St. Lawrence to the ski slopes of Mont-Tremblant — draw millions of visitors year-round.
- Capital
- Quebec City
- Largest city
- Montreal
- Population
- 8.5 million
- Languages
- French, English
- Currency
- Canadian Dollar
- Time zone
- America/Toronto (EST/EDT)
Explore Quebec by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Quebec
The 3 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Montmorency Falls
Waterfall taller than Niagara Falls, just outside Quebec City
Notre-Dame Basilica Montreal
Spectacular Gothic Revival church in Old Montreal
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Quebec Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Quebec, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Quebec
- Days 1-2Quebec city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Quebec
- Days 1-3Quebec comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Quebec, departure
Where to stay in Quebec
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget $80
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range $180
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury $400+
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac
The world's most photographed hotel, Le Chateau Frontenac is a magnificent 618-room castle perched atop Cap Diamant overlooking the St. Lawrence River. This iconic 1893 landmark features grand architecture, elegant rooms, a full-service spa, indoor pool, and some of Quebec City's finest dining at Champlain restaurant.
Check rates on Booking.comRitz-Carlton Montreal
Montreal's legendary luxury address since 1912, the Ritz-Carlton Montreal seamlessly blends historic grandeur with contemporary elegance. Its 130 rooms and suites feature marble bathrooms and bespoke furnishings, while the celebrated Maison Boulud restaurant and famous duck pond garden set it apart.
Check rates on Booking.comAuberge Saint-Antoine
Built directly atop a 17th-century trading post archaeological site, the Auberge Saint-Antoine is one of Canada's finest boutique hotels. Artifacts discovered during construction are displayed throughout the property, and the hotel's Chez Muffy restaurant is consistently rated among Quebec City's best. Located steps from the Old Port.
Check rates on Booking.comHotel William Gray
A stunning architectural triumph that fuses two 19th-century historic buildings with a bold contemporary tower, Hotel William Gray stands in the heart of Old Montreal. The 127-room hotel features a rooftop terrace with sweeping Old Montreal views, a restaurant, spa, and indoor pool — all within steps of the Notre-Dame Basilica.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Quebec
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Au Pied de Cochon
Chef Martin Picard's legendary temple of excess and Quebec terroir is one of Canada's most celebrated restaurants. The menu is a glorious celebration of foie gras, pork, and maple syrup in unrestrained Quebec style — including the legendary poutine au foie gras. Reservations are essential and often booked weeks ahead.
Joe Beef
Co-owned by chefs David McMillan and Frederic Morin, Joe Beef is one of Montreal's most influential restaurants — a boisterous, convivial room where exceptional French-Canadian food meets a world-class wine list. Anthony Bourdain famously called it one of his favorite restaurants in the world. The lobster spaghetti and daily chalkboard menu are legendary.
Toqué!
Chef Normand Laprise's Toqué! is the godfather of the Quebec cuisine nouvelle movement that has made Montreal a world culinary capital. This landmark restaurant showcases the finest Quebec producers through a constantly evolving tasting menu. It has held its place among Canada's top restaurants for over 25 years.
Laurie Raphael
Chef Daniel Vezina's Laurie Raphael is consistently ranked among Quebec City's finest restaurants, showcasing exceptional Quebec ingredients — including wild game, local fish, and foraged products — through an artistic, technically precise tasting menu. The restaurant moved to the Hotel Pur location and now also offers a Montreal outpost.
Le Champlain
The flagship restaurant of the iconic Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, Le Champlain offers elevated French-Quebec cuisine in one of Canada's most stunning dining rooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the St. Lawrence River while chefs celebrate Quebec's finest seasonal produce.
L'Express
An institution since 1980, L'Express is Montreal's most beloved French bistro — a lively, no-reservations brasserie with zinc bar, checkered floors, and a classic French menu that never goes out of style. The steak frites, bone marrow, and fresh oysters have kept regulars coming for decades.
Getting around Quebec
Quebec has a well-developed transportation network centered on two major hubs: Montreal and Quebec City. Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) serves as the main gateway to the province, while Quebec City Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) handles regional and some international traffic. VIA Rail trains and Orleans Express buses connect major cities, while the STM metro and bus system covers Montreal and the RTC covers Quebec City.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in CAD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $35 | $120 | $250 |
| Food (per day) | $20 | $40 | $100 |
| Transportation | $10 | $20 | $50 |
| Activities | $15 | $30 | $80 |
| Daily total | $80 | $180 | $400+ |
Best time to visit Quebec
Essential travel tips
- Learn basic French phrases — locals appreciate the effort
- Book accommodations early for summer festivals (Jazz Festival, Just for Laughs)
- The OPUS card is the easiest way to use Montreal public transit
- Many Quebec museums offer free admission on specific days
Safety information
Keep valuables secure in crowded areas like Old Montreal and the Plains of Abraham
Use licensed taxis, Uber, or Lyft rather than unlicensed vehicles
In winter, dress in layers — temperatures can drop to -20°C or colder
Black ice is common on roads and sidewalks from November to March
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Quebec?
Entry requirements follow Canada rules. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in Quebec?
The currency in Quebec is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Quebec?
The main language(s) spoken in Quebec: French, English. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
What are the top attractions in Quebec?
The top attractions in Quebec include Old Quebec City (Vieux-Quebec), Chateau Frontenac, Montmorency Falls (Chutes Montmorency), Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, and Mount Royal Park (Parc du Mont-Royal). Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.