'''Quebec City''' (French: ''Quebec'')
[http://www.quebecregion.com/e/] is the capital of the Canadian province of Quebec. Located at a commanding position on cliffs overlooking the St. Lawrence Seaway, Quebec City's Old Town is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only city in North America outside Mexico with its original city walls. Quebec is a city of about 700,000 residents.
Understand
Quebec City is the capital city of the province of Quebec (though it is referred to as the National Capital in the province). Much of the business here is of the administrative and bureaucratic nature, which would normally make the city quite dull. Fortunately, the city has a remarkable history, as the fortress '''capital of New France''' since the 16th century. Although the town's day-to-day life leaves things a little yawny at times, the vibrant historical center makes for an incredible visit.
First settled by Europeans in 1608 in a "habitation" led by Samuel de Champlain, Quebec City is undergoing major construction and repairs in anticipation of its 400th birthday in 2008. Be warned that most hotels are already booked solid through the summer months of 2008, but it will be a celebration that is not to be missed. The generally accepted dates of Champlain's arrival in the city are July 3rd and 4th and will be marked with major celebrations with dignitaries from around the world.
Founded by the French to make a claim in the New World, the name Quebec originally referred to just the city. It is an aboriginal word for "where the river narrows" as the St. Lawrence River dramatically closes in just east of the city. It is situated on 200 foot high cliffs with stunning views of the surrounding Laurentian mountains and the St. Lawrence River. Under French rule (1608-1759), the major industries were the fur and lumber trades. The French lost the city and its colony of New France to the British in the Battle of the Plains of Abraham in 1759. Much of the French nobility returned to France which resulted in British ruling over the remaining French population. Fortunately, the rulers of the colony allowed the French to retain their language and religion leaving much of the culture intact. The 1840s saw an influx of Irish immigrants during the Potato Famine. Due to cholera and typhus outbreaks, ships were quarantined at Grosse Ile to the east of the city past l'Ile d'Orleans. The bodies of those who perished on the journey and while in quarantine are buried there. The city remained under British rule until 1867 when Lower Canada (Quebec) joined Upper Canada (Ontario), New Brunswick and Nova Scotia to form the Dominion of Canada.
French is the official language of the province of Quebec though in the tourist areas of Quebec City English is widely spoken. It is also not unusual to find Spanish, German and Japanese spoken in many establishments in Vieux Quebec. Outside of the tourist areas, some knowledge of French is advisable, if not necessary. It should be noted that while older locals will struggle when attempting to sustain a discussion in English, most youths under 35 should be able to speak conversational English.
In French, both the city and the province are referred to as "''Quebec''". Which is meant is determined by context and by the convention of referring to the province with the masculine prepositions ("''le Quebec or au Quebec''") and to the city with the feminine construction ("''a Quebec''"), or most commonly without any article at all.
Orientation
Orienting yourself in Quebec is fairly easy. Practically all sights of interest are in the '''Old Town''' (''Vieux-Quebec''), which is divided in two: the walled city on top of the hill is known as '''Haute-Ville''' ("Upper Town"), and the neighborhood between the walled city and the river is '''Basse-Ville''' ("Lower Town"). The two are connected by the aptly-named '''Escalier Casse-Cou''' ("Breakneck Stairs") and the rather easier funicular.
The city spreads west from the St. Lawrence River, for the most part extending from the original old city. The true downtown core of Quebec City is located just west of the old city. Across the river from Quebec City is the town of Levis. A ferry traverses frequently the two sides.
Get in
By plane
'''Jean Lesage International Airport''' ({{IATA|YQB}}), in Ancienne-Lorette [http://www.aeroportdequebec.com/Html/en-ca/index.shtml]. About 20 minutes from downtown Quebec. It offers regular flights from cities such as Montreal, Toronto and New York, and also provides charters to remote areas of the province such as Kuujjuaq, Gaspe and Baie-Comeau.
Please note that there is no public transit or hotel shuttles to the airport. There is a bus RTC #78 to and from the airport only a few times a day, but it is not very useful. The taxi fare from Old Quebec to the airport is a flat fee of $32.50.
By train
A passenger train station is found at the port of Quebec, 450 rue de la Gare du Palais. The Quebec VIA Rail [http://www.viarail.ca/] station is a picturesque building, emulating the architectural style of the famed Chateau-Frontenac overlooking the station. The Quebec-Windsor corridor trains run regularly, with stopovers at Montreal and Toronto.
Another train station is located in Ste-Foy, 3255 chemin de la Gare, near the Quebec and Pierre-Laporte bridges. However, public transit does not run there as often as the Quebec station and this station requires walking for a couple of minutes.
By bus
The bus station, ''Terminus Gare du Palais'' located at rue de la Gare du Palais, is also located at the old port of Quebec, next to the train station. Intercar [http://www.intercar.qc.ca/index.html] and Orleans Express [http://www.orleansexpress.com/] offer services province-wide.
Another bus station is located in Ste-Foy, 3001 chemin des Quatre-Bourgeois, which is easily accessible by city transit.
By car
Quebec City is 2.5-3 hours by car from Montreal, on either Highway 40 or 20 (north and south side of the St. Lawrence, respectively). Both routes are rather monotonous drives through endless forest dotted with farms. For a slower but more interesting tour of Quebec's heartland, drive along the ''Chemin du Roy'', which follows the north bank of the river, instead.
Get around
On foot
Walking is a great way to get around the Old Town The compact layout makes distances short.You will see beautiful old buildings and little vistas around every corner. You will get exercise. Do be careful of uneven cobblestones and narrow streets, though.
''Cote de la Montagne'' is a steep, winding street that connects Upper Town and Lower Town. If you get tired, use the '''Funiculaire''' to go between the upper and lower parts of the Old Town. $1.75 will get you from near the base of the Breakneck Stairs (''l'Escalier Casse-Cou'') back up to the front of the Chateau Frontenac. It is well worth it if you have small children or large packages.
Many intersections are set up with separate traffic signals and cycles for cars and for pedestrians. At one point in the cycle, all traffic lights turn red and all pedestrian signals turn white, meaning that you can cross the intersection in any direction. Yet when the traffic light is green and the pedestrian signal is red, you may find cars turning in front of you. Some intersections have a pedestrian button to activate the signals, and you will never get a pedestrian cycle unless you push that button.
By Bike
The Route Verte [http://www.routeverte.com/] is a system of provincial bike paths that pass through parks and local attractions. The Corridor des Cheminots [http://www.routeverte.com/fr/voyager.lasso?troncon=32&code=quebec/] is a peaceful trail that runs from the Montmorency Falls to Val-Belair, which continues on to the Jacques-Cartier park area.
Quebec's urban bike paths are not as well documented as Montreal paths but are well-marked throughout the city. They are open from April to October.
By Car
Driving in the Old Town can be tricky, since the cobblestone streets were designed for narrow 17th-century horse carts rather than 21st-century SUVs. One way streets abound throughout the Old Town, and parking is difficult to find.
Outside of the Old Town, the use of a car is recommended. Right turns on red are allowed unless otherwise indicated.
During the months of November through April, snow will definitely affect driving conditions. Snow tires are required by provincial law between December 15 and March 15 for all vehicles plated in Quebec as some roads will lack snow removal, sand or salting. Vehicles plated in the US or in other provinces are not subject to this requirement.
Public Transit
The RTC [http://www.stcuq.qc.ca/], Quebec's public transportation system, is a system of buses and express shuttles that cover the whole city. Tickets cost $2.50 each, which will earn you the right to ride one direction with a transfer valid for two hours. There are daily passes and monthly passes available. It is possible also to ride without a ticket, the fare being $2.60. Drivers do not carry money and cannot change bills so do carry exact change.
The Metrobus line is actually two bus lines (800 and 801) that both start in Ste-Foy, head toward the Old Town, and end in Beauport and Charlesbourg respectively. They can run as often as one every three minutes during rush hour along Boulevard Rene-Levesque/Boulevard Laurier/chemin des Quatre-Bourgeois.
The STL, Levis's public transit [http://www.stlevis.ca/], operates within the south shore of Quebec. There is also a shuttle from St-Augustin to Quebec. These different transit companies all pass through Quebec City, which explains the different colours of buses around town.
By Boat
A seasonal cruise [http://www.evasionplus.com/en/croisieres/croisieres-montreal-quebec.php] operates during the summer months between Quebec City and Montreal. The one-way trip takes approx. 7 hours and is slow-going, but the views make it worthwhile.
From Quebec to Levis with the ferry costs 8,75$, and takes approx 15 mintures, all year round.
See
Quebec City's main sight is the '''Old Town''', the upper part of which is surrounded by a stone wall built by both French and British armies. It is now a tourist district with many small boutiques and hundreds of historical and photographic points of interest. Some of the buildings are original structures, while others are built in the same style and architecture as former buildings.
Haute-Ville
'''Chateau Frontenac''', [http://www.fairmont.com/frontenac/]. Quebec City icon. Claimed to be the most photographed hotel in North America. Stay the night if you can (see ''Sleep'') and pop in for a martini if you can't (see ''Drink'').
'''Dufferin Terrace'''. Boardwalk situated alongside (east of) the Chateau Frontenac, and offers a grand view of the St. Lawrence river.
'''Musee de l'Amerique francaise''', [http://www.mcq.org/en/maf/]
'''The Citadel''', this fortification at the juncture of the Old City wall and Grand Allee holds a changing of the guard ceremony mornings at 10 am complete with funny fur hats, weather permitting.
'''Plains of Abraham Battlefield Park''', tel. 649-6157, [http://www.ccbn-nbc.gc.ca/_en/]. (Outside the Old City walls) Site of the 1759 battle that saw the British conquer Quebec, now used for public events, sports, and leisure activities.
'''Observatoire de la Capitale''', [http://www.observatoirecapitale.org/]. (Outside the Old City walls) One of the tallest buildings in Quebec, offering a panoramic view of the whole city. Admission is 5$.
Basse-Ville
'''Place-Royale''', [http://www.mcq.org/en/cipr/index.html]. The spot where Samuel de Champlain landed in 1608 and founded the first French settlement in North America, now converted into a postcard-pretty public square. Do not miss the huge '''mural''' covering the entire side of a nearby building; the figure with a hat standing at the base of the 'street' is Champlain.
'''Musee de la Civilization''', 85 rue Dalhousie, +1-418-643-2158, [http://www.mcq.org/english/index.html]. Museum devoted to the world's peoples, with a well-done if still somewhat dull permanent exhibit on the history of Quebec. Open Tue-Sun 10 AM-5 PM.$10.
Other
Parc du Bois-de-Coulonge. 215 Grande Allee. 1 418-528-0773. 1 418-528-0833. ttp://www.capitale.gouv.qc.ca/realisations/parcs-espaces-verts/parc-du-bois-de-coulonge.html. Residence of past lieutenant-governors from 1870-1966 and spread over 24 hectares, this garden features heritage buildings, wooded areas and gardens.
Do
'''Horse-drawn carriages'''. A one-hour tour of the Old City.
'''Ferry to Levis''', [http://www.traversiers.gouv.qc.ca/trav/quebec/index.asp]. Beautiful views of the Chateau Frontenac and the Lower Old Town, and the other side of the river. Quite cheap and only one ticket is required for round trip if you stay aboard. (However, don't tell that to the ticket agent; some will insist on charging you the round trip fare.)
'''AML Cruises''', [http://www.croisieresaml.com/regions.html?S=1&RegionLink=QUE&L=En]. Offers short '''three-hour cruises on the St-Lawrence river''' leaving from the docks nearby the ferry. One of the cruises leaves as the sun is setting and comes back when the sun is down for a stunning view of Quebec city by night.
'''Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on Plains of Abraham''', [http://ccbn-nbc.gc.ca/_en/index.php]. Treat yourself to nature in the city and ski free of charge in one of the most accessible, enchanting sites there is, as you enjoy a breathtaking view of the St.Laurence River.
'''Villages Vacances Valcartier''', [http://www.valcartier.com/english/index.htm]. Water park and go-carts open during the summer season. Tubing and ice skating offered in the winter.
'''Mont-Sainte-Anne''', [http://www.mont-sainte-anne.ca]. Ski and snow during the cold season. Camping, biking and hiking at summertime.
'''Station touristique Stoneham''', [http://www.stoneham.ca]. Ski and snow during the winter and an animated summer camp from June to August every summer.
'''Choco-musee Erico''', [http://www.chocomusee.com/chacc_en.html]. A small museum of chocolate, talks about the history and making of chocolate. Free admission.
'''Ice Hotel''', [http://www.icehotel-canada.com]. One of only two ice hotels in the world, from January to early April the Ice Hotel is a must-see. $15 will get you full tour during the day, after 8pm access to the guest rooms is restricted to guests only. Each room is themed and decorated with exquisite ice sculptures. Rooms start at $299/night. Includes an ice bar where you can get a drink served in an ice glass. For the romantics, there is a wedding chapel complete with snow pews. The Ice Hotel is located thirty minutes west of Quebec at Station Touristique Duchesnay on Lac St-Joseph.
'''Governeur's Walk''', Scenic walk starting at the top of the Funiculare, continuing along the wall over looking the old city. The many staircases lead to overlooks offering scenic views of the St. Lawrence. The walk ends at the gazebo on the Plains of Abraham.
Quebec is a great city for going out to dance traditional and nuevo-Argentinian Tango. You can find out about classes, practicas, milongas and events at the [http://tangoquebec.org/une.htm local association] or at [http://www.avenuetango.com/ L'Avenue Tango].
Events
'''Winter Carnival''', city-wide, first week of February, [http://www.carnaval.qc.ca/]. A truly spectacular event, the Winter Carnival is a hundred-year tradition in Quebec City. Each year, a giant ice palace is built in the Place Jacques-Cartier as the headquarters of the festivities, but there's activities all during the week. The '''International Ice Sculpture Competition''' sees teams from around the world build monumental sculptures. There are 3 parades during the event in different quarters of the city, and other winter-defying competitions including a canoe race across the St. Lawrence and a group snow bath. The festival's mascot, Bonhomme Carnaval, a sashed snowman, is the city's most famous logo. $10 will get you a rubber snowman to attach to your parka for entrance into the festivities on the Plains of Abraham.
'''Saint-Jean Baptiste Celebration'''. Every year, June 23rd. Without a doubt the biggest party of the year in the entire province. Join over 200,000 Quebecois of all ages on Plaine d'Abraham while they celebrate Quebec's National Day throughout the night. Various Quebecois musical performances, bonfire, fireworks, and a lot of drinking.
'''Festival d'ete''', [http://www.infofestival.com/]. Beginning to mid-July, a lot of cheap music shows (you buy a button for $30 and it gives you access to all the shows, for the 11 days of the festival) in and around the Old Town, with international and local artists (for example in 2004, The Nits, Wyclef Jean, Berurier Noir).
'''Edwin-Belanger Bandstand''', [http://www.ccbn-nbc.gc.ca/_en/edwinbelanger]. A musical experience in the open. Jazz, blues, Worlbeat. June to August. Thursday to Sunday.
'''Festival of New France''', first weekend in August, [http://www.nouvellefrance.qc.ca].
'''Quebec City International Festival of Military Bands''' [http://www.fimmq.com/site/home.html]: Spectacular performances are offered by Military Bands from all around the world. The Festival takes place at the end of August.
Buy
Quebec City's Old Town, especially Basse-Ville, is riddled with shops for tourists. Watch for leather goods and various handmade crafts made by Canada's First Nations Peoples.
'''Marche du Vieux-Port''', 160 Quai Saint-Andre. Farmers' market just north of Basse-Ville, offering cheap and tasty local produce. Open daily 8 AM-8 PM.
'''Verrerrie La Mailloche''', by the Breakneck Stairs (''Basse-Ville''). They often have glass blowing demonstrations and will explain the craft to you.
'''Place Laurier''', '''Place de la Cite''', '''Place Ste-Foy''', 2700 boulevard Laurier. Three large shopping malls right next to each other. Place Laurier boasts being the largest shopping mall in eastern Canada.
Eat
All restaurants in the Old City will post menus out front in French and in English. Look for the ''table d'hote'' specials for a full course fixed price meal. On the cheaper (but very satisfying) side, have a traditional ''tourtiere quebecois'' (meat pie), or a ''poutine'' (fries, gravy, and cheese curds).
The cafe culture is very much a part of Quebec City as in most of Europe. It should be very easy to find a quaint cafe around Marche Champlain, and around the Chateau. Food is fairly expensive in Canada, and even a simpler cafe or bar may be costly.
Most Quebec City delicatessens and markets offer a large variety of Quebec cheese from farms in the surrounding countryside. Specialty of the region include brie or camembert style cheeses made with raw milk (lait cru), which endows the cheese with superior flavors and textures not usually found in North American cheeses of the same type.
Haute-Ville
'''Aux Anciens Canadiens''', 45 rue Saint-Louis, 418-692-1627, [http://www.auxancienscanadiens.qc.ca/]. Specializes in Quebecois cooking, including dishes that feature caribou, buffalo, or moose(!). The ''table d'hote'' (the local term for ''prix-fixe''), served until 17h45, is quite a good deal at $14.95. Reservations recommended.
'''Casse-Crepe Breton''', 1136 rue Saint-Jean, 418-692-0438. 8AM-6PM. Inexpensive crepes, starting at about $5CAD. Usually a long line to enter, due to the fact that the restaurant is rather small. Come early.
'''Cafe-Boulangerie Paillard''', 1097 rue Saint-Jean, 418-692-1221. 7:30AM-7PM. Good selection of Viennese pastries and gelato. Locals line up to buy inexpensive soups, sandwiches, and pizza.
'''Le Continental''', 26 rue Saint-Louis, ''one block west of the Chateau Frontenac'', 418-694-9995. Warm, cozy environment. Fantastic food--shrimp scampi that melts in your mouth, filet mignon cooked at table side, and other delectable dishes. Expensive but well worth it.
'''Le Petit Coin Latin''', 8 1/2 rue Sainte-Ursule, 418-692-2022. Wonderful atmosphere, friendly staff. Serves delicious breakfast for $6.25 starting at 8AM.
'''Le Saint-Amour''', 48 rue Sainte-Ursule, 418-694-0667. Expensive. The environment is a mish-mash of styles that do not seem to work together. The wait staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The French food is well-prepared but not worth the expense.
'''L'Elysee Mandarin''', 65 rue d'Auteuil (near rue Saint-Louis), 418-692-0909. Very good to excellent Chinese food served in an elegant setting, echoing a mandarin's Chinese garden. Don't judge the restaurant by its traditional 19th century exterior; it is elegant Chinese inside. Outstanding crispy chicken with ginger. Dishes run about $13 each and up.
'''Les Freres de la Cote''', 1190 rue Saint-Jean, tel. +1-418-692-5445. Filled with more locals than tourists, this small eatery serves up a good selection of European dishes including their trademark ''moules'' (mussels). $30CAD
Moine Echanson. 85 rue Saint-Jean. utside the Old City walls, about 4 blocks west of the St-Jean Gate. 1-418-524-7832 . 15. ntree. Outside the purlieu of the mechanized tourist cafeterias of the Old Town, this warm restaurant produces high-quality food and drink in small, manageable doses. They have a short but provocative nightly menu, and the food is produced by hand with the loving attention of chefs who care about their craft. Great cellar of organic wines that will surprise you with their depth.
'''Pizzeria La Primavera''', 73 rue Saint-Louis, 418-694-0030. Pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven. Expensive and small portions. Our pizza was partially burned too. Surcharge of $3.25 per pizza to cut them into two. 10% service charge added to the bill.
'''Samurai Restaurant Japonais''', 780 rue Saint-Jean, 418-522-3989. (Outside the Old City walls, about 2 blocks west of the St-Jean Gate and one block north of the Convention Center) Good Japanese food in a small comfortable setting. Midi-Express (lunch) starting at $9.95 is a good deal and includes soup or salad, main course, and coffee or dessert.
Basse-Ville
'''Cochon Dingue''', 46 blvd Champlain (''Basse-Ville''), [http://www.cochondingue.com/]. Touristy, but in a good way — the "Crazy Pig" is cavernous but usually packed, with hefty portions from a frequently-changing menu. Lunch specials are good value at $10-15, including starter and coffee.
Drink
There is a place for nearly every visitor, from the wild nightlife to the cozy corner. Drinking age is 18 though enforcement is hazy.
Quality wine and liquor can only be purchased at SAQ shops, most of which are open until 6PM Sunday - Wednesday and 8 or 9PM on weekends; the smaller SAQ Express outlets are open daily from 11AM to 10PM, but the selection is restricted to the SAQ's most popular items. Beer and a small selection of lower-quality wine are also sold at convenience stores (depanneurs) and grocery stores (not what youwould usually bring to a dinner party but sometimes drinkable-?it has been imported in bulk and bottled and sometimes blended in Quebec and known as "piquette" by the locals). All retail alcohol sales stop at 11pm and bars and clubs stop serving at 3am.
There is only one SAQ within the walls of the old city, a SAQ "Selection" inside the Chateau Frontenac. It has high-end wines and liquors, a small selection of other liquors and no beer. A SAQ "Classique" with better (though still small) selection is located just outside of the walls on Rue St-Jean on the south side of the street.
During the frigid Carnaval, a local specialty known as '''caribou''' is available to warm you up (did you know that those canes they sell are hollow?). Though the mixture varies with what is available, it tends to be port or red wine with a hodge-podge of liquors, normally vodka, brandy and perhaps even some sherry.
The '''Grande Allee''' has most of the city's clubs & youth-oriented bars and spots:
'''Le Dagobert'''. One of Quebec's biggest clubs and over 25 years old, with shows by local and international musicians. With its heart-stopping techno and enormous outdoor disco ball, you cannot miss it. Crowd tends to be young. One of the few venues that consistently asks for identification for age verification. Free admission.
'''L'Ozone'''. Offers great music and atmosphere. ~$5/pint.
'''Chez Maurice'''. Upscale with a crowd in the mid-to-late 20s playing dance. Has a dress code for the second floor.
'''La Rue St. Jean''', beyond the city walls on the west end, is where travelers will find the best pubs in Quebec, as well as some smaller dance clubs:
The '''St. Patrick''' is an excellent bar with multiple indoor levels, in addition to its outdoor terrace at the heart of Old Quebec. It serves typical bar food, but come for the live music, of the folk and Irish variety, that fills the atmosphere multiple nights a week. Try the draft cider, at about ~$9/pint.
The '''St. Alexandre''' is another great bar/restaurant that specializes in imports, but charges a price for them. A 16 oz Belgian import can be $9-12.
The '''Casablanca''' is a small, upstairs, tucked-away club that plays heavy rosta-beats and has room to dance. It's a good place to bring your own party, with a unique ambiance.
'''Le Sacrilege''' is ideal for a relaxed atmosphere with good friends.
'''La Ninkasi''' is the best place to have a large choice of Quebeckers beers and see a variety of shows.
Spread throughout Old Quebec are many upscale bars and jazz clubs. Search out the hotels, as they typically have the best venues for jazz and music at night.
'''Bar Chateau Frontenac''', 1 rue des Carrieres (''in Chateau Frontenac Hotel''). Famous for their perfectly mixed and generously sized martinis, available in numerous versions including half-a-dozen named after famous visitors ranging from Winston Churchill to Rene Levesque. Try to score a window seat for great views across the St. Lawrence. The ''ice wine'' martini is a great treat. $13/16 for a martini with house/premium vodka.
Pub Nelligans . 89 Cote Ste Genevieve. 18 529 7817. A real irish owned pub in the heart of the St.jean Baptiste neighborhood. Famous for its year round Tuesday night traditional musique jams. A great place to meet people with a friendly ambiance and sorroundings, no better place to go and have a great pint of Guinness at 6.75$ a pint.
Sleep
Budget
'''Auberge Internationale de Quebec''', 19, rue Saint-Ursule, Quebec City (near St-Dauphine), 418-694-0755, [http://www.aubergeinternationaledequebec.com]. Student and family friendly hostel. Offers many types of bedrooms/suites to suit your budget travel needs. Some rooms offer ceilings fans while others do not, so ask first. Huge kitchen and dining area with cookware and utensils for common use. Offers laundry, game/pool room, Internet (including free WiFi), lockers and other services. On the northwestern edge of Haute-Ville, it is a short walk to the rest of Vieux-Quebec. Online bookings offered. $28/night for a bed in a dorm. Offers HI member discounts.
'''Auberge de Jeunesse de la Paix''', 31, rue Couillard, Quebec City (Old Quebec near Cathedral) [http://www.aubergedelapaix.com/accueil.html]. 60 beds. $20/pers. breakfast incl. Kitchen. Very clean. Smaller than the other one.
'''Residences - Universite Laval'''(May-Aug only), Campus - Pavillon Alphonse-Marie Parent(''2 miles from downtown, lots of buses''), [http://www.sres.ulaval.ca/]. Linen & cookware not incl.; kitchen, TV, etc.; $11/pers. IF you stay 4 weeks & more Ideal place for long stay (best price in town). Price goes up for shorter stays (roughly $30/day for a week; $44/day for a day). Reservation form on the web site.
Mid-range
'''Relais Charles-Alexandre''', 1 Grande-Allee Est, tel. +1-418-523-1220, [http://www.quebecweb.com/rca/]. Squeaky-clean small hotel in a new building built to look like an old one, a 10-minute walk from the Old Town. Rooms are small, but equipped with en-suite bathrooms, and a tasty breakfast made to order is included. Note that children are not allowed. Rooms from $89/119 low/high season.
'''L'Hotel du Vieux Quebec''', 1190, rue Saint-Jean, tel. 1-800-361-7787 [http://www.hvq.com]. Centrally located in historic Old Quebec, this family-owned hotel is within several blocks of restaurants, and attractions. Starting at $94 to $214 during low season and from $144 to $264 during high season.
'''La Maison Sainte-Ursule''', 40, rue Ste-Ursule, tel. 418-694-9794 [http://www.quebecweb.com/maisonste-ursule/introang.html] A wonderful small hotel in the old town.
'''Hotel Chateau Laurier''', tel. 1-800-463-4453, 1220 Place George-V Ouest, [http://www.vieux-quebec.com/fr/laurier/], next to the Quebec parliament buildings. $144-$259 high season, $99-$209 low season.
'''Auberge Quatre-Temps''', tel. 418-849-4486, 160, chemin Tour-du-Lac, Lac-Beauport [http://www.aubergequatretemps.qc.ca/] A bit far from the city itself (15 minutes by car) but offers more than lodging with a health center (spa & massages) and a 4-diamond restaurant, le Lake.
Hotel Maison du Fort. 1, ave Ste-Genevieve. 1-(418) 692-4375; toll free: +1-888-203-4375. 1-(418) 692-5257. ttp://www.hotelmaisondufort.com/. 2Noon. 129.00 - $189.00. A great location close to the Citadel, and highly rated by traveller reviews. Free wireless internet. Tea, Coffee, and muffins included.
Hotel Manoir d'Auteil. 9, rue d'Auteil. ust inside the walls near Porte St. Louis. 1-418-694-1173. eservation@manoirdauteuil.com. 1-418-694-0081. ttp://manoirdauteuil.com. PM. 1AM. 119-299/night, a bit less in low season. Friendly, bilingual staff in an 1835-vintage building. A great location in the Old City, near the National Assembly building. High-speed wireless internet. Breakfast included; served 8AM-10:30AM.
Splurge
'''Le Chateau Frontenac''', 1 rue des Carrieres, tel. +1-418-692-3861, [http://www.fairmont.com/frontenac/]. One of Canadian Pacific Railway's grand old hotels, this castle-like building dominates the Quebec skyline and claims, with some justification, to be the most photographed hotel in North America. The location right next to the funicular connecting Haute-Ville and Basse-Ville is as convenient as it gets, but expect tour groups marching through the lobby at five-minute intervals. $300+, but offers AAA discounts.
'''Loews Le Concorde Hotel''' 1225 Cours Du General De Montcalm, 418-647-2222, [http://www.loewshotels.com/hotels/quebec]. $200-$300.
Contact
The organization ZAP Quebec [http://www.zapquebec.org] provides free wireless Internet in cafes and other locations throughout the city.
Stay Safe
This small city does not suffer from a high crime rate. During the day, you should have no fear about traveling around the city; but at night, there might be the usual drunk bar patrons and those who prey on people unfamiliar with where they are. Take the usual precautions to protect yourself and you should be fine; keep in mind that between November 1st 2006 and July 14th 2008, Quebec had reported no homicide.
Get out
Basilica of Saint Anne de Beaupre. asilique de Sainte-Anne de Beaupre. 0018 Avenue Royale, Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre. 1 418-827-3781. 1 418-827-8771. ttp://www.ssadb.qc.ca/en/index.htm. an enormous church which is reputed to have healing powers similar to those of Lourdes.
Montmorency Falls. hute Montmorency. ake Route 440 east out of Quebec City. Watch for the exit to the falls and the parking lot.. ttp://www.sepaq.com/chutemontmorency. At 83 meters, it stands 30 meters taller than Niagara Falls. Hosts the Loto-Quebec Fireworks Competition [http://www.lesgrandsfeux.com/] in the summer. Nice spot to visit if you are driving outside the city.
Ile d'Orleans. ttp://www.iledorleans.com/. Beautiful biking or driving excursions. Many pick-your-own strawberry farms. Visit a '''sugar shack''' (''cabane a sucre''). The maple season typically runs from March to April.