Quebec City
Quebec City holds quaint streets and stone buildings. The bend of French culture is at the heart of the city, represented not only in the language, but in the colonial architecture. The city borders the Saint Lawerence River, making for beautiful scenery when exploring.
Details
Before visiting any town or city make sure you know the basics. General details and important information.
- Emergency Services: 911
- Language: English, French
- Currency: Canadian Dollar
- Country Code: CA
- Travel Visa: eTA (click for more info)
- Population: 826,109
Risk Level
Researching various official sources, we perceive the risk to holiday makers and travellers are as follows;
Travellers Tips
Top travel advice and interesting tip bits of information from experienced travellers.
Emergencies
For the Emergency services just dial 911 from any phone.
Hospitals in Quebec City
Travelling Around
Québec City has extensive bike paths that connect throughout the city. The city’s provider for public transport is RTC, a bus network that has 145 lines. The bus services are a cheap and efficient way of exploring the city.
Airports
Train Stations
Quebec City Safety
How do I keep up with the local news?
What are some safety tips I should know?
Credit card fraud, cloning cards can be an issue be careful where you use your cards.
Non slip boots and warm clothing necessary in winter, temperatures can drop well below freezing.
Be careful if traveling after dark.
When withdrawing cash from ATM try to go inside the bank. Beware of withdrawing cash from cash points on pedestrian walkways. Try to withdraw small sums and don’t flash your cash around even in the bank. Make sure you cover your pin and be discreet about the amount of cash you withdraw.
What are the common crimes?
Beware of pickpockets as they tend to operate in tourist areas, keep your belongings secure at all times and be careful if strangers try to make conversation or distract you as it could be an attempt to steal your valuables.
Car thieves normally target expensive cars but there are some exceptional situations where rental cars have been broken in to. Park the car in well lit areas and use car park with CCTV.
Don’t leave valuables on your car seat as it could attract criminals, drive with the car door locked all times.
Are there any areas to avoid?
Take care in the city center at night and extra care around the stations as they are known hangouts for opportunists.
Improve Your Personal Safety
Knowledge – the more you have the better equipped you are.
Awareness – the more you see the safer you become.
Response – the right reaction can change a situation.
Annual Events
Annual events allow a city come together for some amazing experiences. If visiting at this time, make sure you have your accommodation booked and are always aware of your surroundings when travelling around.
Quebec City Events
The Festival d’été de Québec
1,000 artists and 300 shows over the 11 day festival. The streets of Quebec are filled with amazing performers, a must see if you are visiting the city during that time.
The SAQ France Festival
A festival that brings the history and culture of old Québec alive with many performances and parades. There is also a family of ‘giants’ to highlight the cultural identity of the city and enhance the celebrations.
Winter Festival
This festival has steadily grown to a festival complete with dog sled races, snow and winter sports and ice sculptures, its a great way to experience the fun and games that can be had during the winter.
Quebec City Highlights
What other attractions are there?
Aquarium of Quebec
Home to more than 10,000 animals, Quebec City’s aquarium is located in Sainte-Foy. As a member of the Canadian Association of Zoos, this aquarium represents more than 300 species. It is a great trip for all the family, opening at 10am every day.Plains of Abraham
This historic site is located in Battlefields Park. The site represents the Battle of the Plains of Abraham in 1759. Holding lots of history, the land is now surrounded by the city’s beauty. This is a great area to learn more about Quebec city’s history and its cultural influence.Parliament Building
Built from 1877 to 1886, this Parliament Building holds 8 floors of government assembly. Tours are available to book, showcasing the insiders’ view of government roles. It is a great insight into the French American influence. Recognised as a national historic monument, the building stands proud in the city.Where else is good to visit?
Fontaine de Tourny
Originally in France the Fountaine de Tourny now sits in front of the parliament building. The amazing figures and jets of water are very eye catching, the fountain looks its best at night when they are lit, it gives a mystical feel to the area.Old Limoilou
Known as the New York inspired neighbourhood, taking influences with numbered avenues. It also gives an opportunity to visit the Cartier-Brebeuf National Historic site which is well worth checking out.Trait-Carré Borough of Charlesbourg
Visit this star shaped district if you want to see architecture representative of both French and Quebec tradition. You can take a guided tour to fully immerse yourself in the rich heritage. Insightful and well worth doing to gain good knowledge about the city and its people.Old Quebec
With a great religious and military history this beautiful place is also a must visit for lovers of fine dining and shopping. The area gives a real sense of the city’s culture and day to day life, great place for coffee and to watch the world go by.What are the main attractions?
Observatoire de la Capitale
An amazing 360 degree panoramic view of Quebec City from over 200 meters. The viewing area also gives the opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of Quebec City. A must see for one of the best views in the city.Montmorency Falls Park
The waterfall is impressively high. A suspended bridge and cable car offer breathtaking views of the falls. For visitors it open all year round with a restaurant and gift shop to grab a bite to eat and pick up a souvenir.Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
The statue gives an insight in to the faith of Quebec city, this wonderful monument to the Grandmother of Jesus, Saint Anne gives a sense of the historical aspects of the counties beliefs and culture.