Hotel in Old Quebec City, Quebec, Quebec
Auberge de la Paix
The most popular hostel in Quebec City, Auberge de la Paix occupies a charming Victorian house a short walk from the Chateau Frontenac. Private and dormitory rooms are clean and well-maintained, and the social atmosphere makes it easy to meet fellow travelers. A free common kitchen and lounge area are available.
Auberge de la Paix is Quebec City's most popular and long-established independent hostel, located at 31 Rue Couillard in the Upper Town of Old Québec City. The property occupies a charming Victorian-era house a few blocks from the Château Frontenac and within the UNESCO World Heritage-designated historic district. Founded in 1972, the auberge has been welcoming budget travellers for over five decades and has built a reputation as one of the best-run independent hostels in Eastern Canada.
The building's residential character sets it apart from purpose-built hostel facilities: the front entrance and common areas retain the intimate atmosphere of a heritage Quebec City home. Dormitory rooms range from four to eight beds and are consistently maintained to a clean standard. Private rooms for couples and solo travellers are also available, offering exceptional value given the Old City location. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the building.
A fully equipped common kitchen allows guests to prepare their own meals — a significant cost advantage for budget-conscious travellers. The common lounge area serves as a social hub where travellers exchange information and plan sightseeing. The 24-hour reception ensures flexibility for guests arriving on early flights or late buses. Luggage storage is available both before check-in and after check-out.
The location in Upper Town places guests within short walking distance of the Château Frontenac, the Plains of Abraham, the fortification walls and ramparts walk, the Musée du Québec at Battlefields Park, and the main restaurant and nightlife street of Rue Saint-Jean. The funicular to Lower Town and Petit-Champlain is also accessible on foot. As one of the few budget accommodation options situated within the Old City walls, Auberge de la Paix fills quickly — particularly in summer and during the Quebec Winter Carnival. Early booking is strongly advised for the months of July and August and the last week of January through the first week of February. The hostel is operated independently and does not belong to a hostel chain, which contributes to its locally rooted and community-oriented atmosphere.
Amenities
- Free WiFi
- Common kitchen
- Lounge
- Luggage storage
- 24-hour reception
Visit / Book / Contact
Location
31 Rue Couillard, Quebec City, QC G1R 3T4
46.8138, -71.2075 — View on map
Highlights
- One of Eastern Canada's best-regarded independent hostels, operating inside Old Quebec City's historic district since 1972
- Prime Upper Town location within walking distance of the Château Frontenac and the Plains of Abraham
- Affordable dormitory and private rooms in a charming Victorian house in the heart of the old city
- Common kitchen, 24-hour reception, and social lounge ideal for solo and budget travellers
Tips
- Book dorm beds 4–6 weeks in advance for July and August — the hostel fills consistently during the summer festival season
- Reserve even earlier for Quebec Winter Carnival (late January–early February), the single most competitive booking period of the year
- Private rooms represent exceptional value for the Old City location and are worth considering for travellers who prefer more privacy
- The common kitchen is fully equipped; buying groceries at the nearby IGA supermarket on Rue Saint-Jean substantially reduces daily food costs
- Rue Couillard is quiet at night — lighter sleepers in dorm rooms should bring earplugs to manage noise from fellow guests rather than street noise
FAQ
Is Auberge de la Paix inside the walled city of Old Quebec?
Yes, the hostel is located in the Upper Town of Old Quebec City, inside the historic fortification walls. The Château Frontenac is approximately a five-minute walk away, and most major Old City attractions are reachable on foot from the hostel.
Are private rooms available, or only dormitories?
Both dormitory and private rooms are available at Auberge de la Paix. Private rooms accommodate one or two guests and include access to all shared hostel facilities. Booking a private room in advance is recommended, as availability is more limited than dorm beds.
Is there luggage storage for early arrivals and late departures?
Yes, the hostel provides luggage storage for guests before check-in and after check-out, allowing travellers to continue sightseeing without carrying bags. The 24-hour reception makes this convenient for guests with early or late transportation connections.
What is the minimum age requirement?
Auberge de la Paix welcomes travellers of all ages, though the social atmosphere is primarily oriented toward young adult and backpacker travellers. Families with young children should inquire directly about room configurations and suitability.
Accessibility
Auberge de la Paix is housed in a Victorian-era residential building with staircases between floors and no elevator. The property is not wheelchair accessible. The surrounding Old City streets in Upper Town include steep hills and uneven stone surfaces. Travellers with mobility requirements will find the building's heritage structure presents significant barriers.
When to visit
The hostel operates year-round. Peak demand runs from late June through August and during the Quebec Winter Carnival in late January–early February. Shoulder seasons of May and September–October offer better availability and comfortable conditions for exploring Old Quebec.