Hotel in Old Quebec City, Quebec, Quebec
Auberge Internationale de Quebec
The Auberge Internationale de Quebec is the official HI hostel in Quebec City, located inside the walls of Old Quebec just minutes from all major attractions. Clean dormitories and private rooms, a common kitchen, and a central location make it the best budget option in the old city.
Auberge Internationale de Quebec is the official Hostelling International hostel in Quebec City, situated at 19 Rue Sainte-Ursule within the fortification walls of Old Québec City's Upper Town. The location, inside the UNESCO World Heritage-designated historic district, is the hostel's defining advantage: guests are within a few minutes' walk of the Château Frontenac, the Dufferin Terrace, the fortification ramparts walk, and the main restaurant and nightlife street of Rue Saint-Jean. The surrounding heritage architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and vibrant summer festival scene are all immediately accessible on foot.
The hostel occupies a mid-19th-century building that has been thoughtfully adapted for its current use. Dormitory rooms are available in various configurations ranging from four to eight beds, and a selection of private rooms is offered for guests seeking more privacy while maintaining the budget pricing and social atmosphere of a hostel setting. All rooms are clean and regularly maintained.
Common facilities include a fully equipped kitchen for self-catering, free Wi-Fi throughout the building, laundry services, and 24-hour reception — an important feature for travellers arriving late by long-distance bus from Montreal or by overnight rail. Luggage storage is available on check-in and check-out days, providing flexibility for guests departing on late services. Communal spaces are active social areas where guests share travel tips and plan excursions.
The Old City location means that all of Quebec City's major heritage sites are accessible on foot from the hostel. The Plains of Abraham, the National Assembly, the Musée de la Civilisation in Lower Town (accessible via the funicular), and the Musée du Québec at Battlefields Park are all reachable without transit. This combination of central historic location and competitive budget pricing makes the Auberge Internationale consistently the most-booked budget option in Quebec City.
The hostel operates year-round and is extremely popular during the Quebec Winter Carnival in late January–February and through the summer from late June to August.
Amenities
- Common kitchen
- Free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Laundry
- 24-hour reception
Location
19 Rue Sainte-Ursule, Quebec City, QC G1R 4E1
46.8131, -71.2097 — View on map
Highlights
- Official HI hostel located inside the walls of UNESCO World Heritage Old Québec City
- Walking distance to the Château Frontenac, Dufferin Terrace, and the restaurants of Rue Saint-Jean
- Budget dormitory and private rooms within the historic Old City — exceptional value for the location
- 24-hour reception and fully equipped common kitchen for self-catering guests
Tips
- Book dorm beds 4–6 weeks in advance for summer (July–August) and even earlier for Quebec Winter Carnival dates (late January–early February)
- Private rooms at this hostel offer outstanding value for the Old City location — compare rates against mid-range hotels in the same district
- The funicular to Lower Town and Petit-Champlain departs near the Château Frontenac and costs around CAD $4 each way
- Rue Saint-Jean, the main dining and bar street of Old Quebec, is a short walk from the hostel and a good option for affordable evening meals
- HI membership reduces the nightly rate; non-members can still book directly and pay the standard rate without a membership card
FAQ
Is the hostel inside the walls of Old Quebec City?
Yes, Auberge Internationale de Quebec is located on Rue Sainte-Ursule inside the fortification walls of Old Quebec's Upper Town. The Château Frontenac is approximately a five-minute walk away, and all major Old City attractions are reachable on foot from the hostel.
Are private rooms available at the hostel?
Yes, private rooms for one or two guests are available alongside dormitory options. Private rooms include access to all shared hostel facilities including the common kitchen and lounge. Availability is limited and early booking is recommended, particularly for summer and Winter Carnival periods.
Is there a curfew at the hostel?
The hostel has 24-hour reception and no strict curfew, meaning guests can come and go at any hour. This is useful for travellers with varying schedules, including late arrivals from long-distance bus or rail services connecting Quebec City to Montreal.
How far is the Gare du Palais bus terminal from the hostel?
The Gare du Palais bus and rail terminal is in Lower Town, approximately 15–20 minutes on foot from the hostel in Upper Town. Taxis and rideshare options are available from the terminal, which is more practical when arriving with heavy luggage.
Accessibility
Auberge Internationale de Quebec is housed in a mid-19th-century building with staircases between floors and no elevator. The property has limited accessibility for guests with mobility impairments. The surrounding Upper Town streets include steep grades and historic stone surfaces. Travellers using wheelchairs or with significant mobility requirements will find this heritage structure presents substantial barriers.
When to visit
The hostel operates year-round. Peak demand falls during the Quebec Winter Carnival (late January–early February) and the summer festival season (July–August). Shoulder months of May and September–October offer better availability, comfortable walking conditions in the Old City, and lower nightly rates.