Welcome to Quebec City
Here you will find all of the necessary information to make the best of your time in Quebec City. From arrival and departure information, daily tour pick up times, and general information about the city.
Search By:
About Quebec City, Quebec
Quebec City, dating back to 1608 is one of the oldest European settlements in North America. The European feel is still present today in Old Quebec with its old architecture and French-Canadian culture. Quebec City is the only fortified city in North America still standing north of Mexico with a wall spanning 4.6 kilometres along the city’s west-side which was key to holding off the American invasion of Canada during the war of 1812.
Population – 800,000
Arrival Information:
Quebec City Arrival by Air
If you arrive to Quebec City by air your best option to go to your hotel is by taxi. Taxis are available at the arrivals terminal exit. The taxi rates from the airport to downtown Quebec city range from CAD $35 - $40.
If we have arranged your hotel private transfer, you will find your driver holding a sign with your name right at the passenger exit.
If you are a visitor to Canada and you are not a citizen of the USA, you may be required to purchase an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This document can be purchased for CAD $7.00 and most applications are approved within minutes of applying. Please visit the following government site for information and to purchase this eTA: Electronic Travel Authorization.
Quebec City Arrival by Train
If you arrive by Corridor train, the Quebec City train station (Gare du Palais) is a short taxi ride to your downtown hotel. Right outside the Gare du Palais exit you will find a taxi stand.
If you arrive by Ocean train, you will disembark the train at Saint-Foy and a transfer to Gare du Palais will be included from there.
Departure Information:
Quebec City Departure by Air
If you depart from Quebec City by air your best option to go to the airport is by taxi. Simply ask your hotel’s front desk staff to arrange a taxi for you and they will be happy to do so. Taxi rates from Quebec City to the airport range from CAD $35 - $40.
If we have arranged your airport private transfer, you will find your driver waiting for you at the hotel lobby at the scheduled time.
Quebec City Departure by Train
If you depart by VIA Rail Corridor train, the Quebec City station (Gare du Palais) is located a short taxi ride from your downtown hotel. Simply ask your hotel’s front desk staff to arrange a taxi for you and they will be happy to do so.
If you depart by VIA Rail Ocean train, the train departs from the Sainte-Foy is the station. You will need to go to Gare du Palais as VIA will have a short shuttle ride from there to connect with your train at Sainte-Foy.
Restaurant Recommendations:
The Old Quebec area near the downtown hotels offers a wide variety of international and domestic top-notch cuisine. Quebec City is also a great place to try some well-known Canadian dishes such as poutine, Montreal smoked meats, or maple syrup-based foods as Quebec is responsible for 85% of the world’s maple syrup production. Here are a few of our recommendations:
Aux Anciens Canadiens ~ In Old Quebec, close walk to the Fairmont. A very upscale restaurant in Quebec’s oldest house (1675). Very expensive French cuisine.
Address ~ 34 rue Saint-Louis
La Buche ~ In Old Quebec, close walk to the Fairmont. I’d highly recommend it. It’s a fun, lively, traditional Quebecois cuisine served in an older building. Attire: casual.
Address: 49 rue Saint-Louis
Fairmont Chateau Frontenac ~ You can’t go wrong with any restaurant in a Fairmont hotel. Nice setting, great views along the windows. Always great service.
Address: 1 rue des Carrieres
Chez Rioux & Pettigrew ~ French Canadian creative cuisine with a touch of old times, a locals favourite. Attire: smart casual
Address: 160 rue Saint-Paul
Sightseeing Recommendations:
Hop On, Hop Off Bus Tour
The Hop-on Hop-off Bus tour in Quebec City provides passengers with a bird's eye view of Canada's most beautiful city including stops at popular tourist attractions in Old Quebec and beyond. If this has not been included in your tour package and you have free time in Quebec City, you will be able to purchase tickets directly by following the link above. These tickets will also be available through your hotel concierge.
Old Quebec
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, Old Québec is the most intact fortified town north of Mexico, retaining its colonial architecture for over 400 years. It is the historic and cultural heart of Québec City, and the birthplace of French North America.
Wander through Petit-Champlain, one of the oldest shopping streets in North America, and discover the historic gems found inside the walls, including the fortified walls and ramparts. Explore the shops and marina of Old Port, and soak in the atmosphere of the Plains of Abraham and Parliament Hill.
Dinner Cruise
The Quebec City Dinner Cruise is a delicious way to visit Quebec City from the river! Discover the cuisine of an executive chef with this 5-course dinner aboard a boat offering a unique experience to see the city from the water and see the Château Frontenac light up before your eyes!
Historical Walking Tour of Quebec City
Led by a professional local, English-speaking guide, this Historical Walking Tour will take you through the streets of Quebec City for approximately 2 hours. You will enjoy a leisurely descending path, passing by the important sites of Old Quebec. The detailed and comprehensive information provided by the guide will spark interest in anyone who’s eager to learn about Quebec’s past. This tour speaks both to locals and travellers as it teaches and reminds us all of our history but also helps you get your bearings as you discover the city.
