The Open Road Travel

Quebec City is one of the oldest, most historic cities in all of Canada. However, as its has gradually been surpassed by other Canadian cities as a tourist destination, selecting the best areas to stay in Quebec City has become an increasingly difficult task.

This can be an issue, especially for first time visitors, as Quebec City is a destination that has multiple different sides. From historic buildings and ports to more modern shopping, dining, and entertainment districts, Quebec City is a destination with something to offer for everyone.

That is why we are now going to try and help you decide where to stay in Quebec City. We will take you through some of the best neighbourhoods, each of which has its own unique selling points, to ensure you can plan the perfect travel itinerary for your dream vacation.

With a population of more than 550,000 people, Quebec City is the 11th most populous city in Canada and 2nd most populous in the province of Quebec, behind Montreal. Its metropolitan area is also the 7th most populous in the country and is home to over 800,000 people.

Founded in 1608, Quebec City is the oldest city in the province and 2nd oldest in all of Canada, behind St. John’s.

Its name, as well as the name of the province, comes from the local Algonquian word “kébec”, which means where the river narrows and refers to the St. Lawrence River on which it sits.

The city is home to some of the oldest buildings in North America and features the only fortified city walls on the continent north of Mexico. It is also the location of an active port that was at one point among the most important in both Canada and North America.

Quebec City is the provincial capital of the province of Quebec and also served as a rotating capital of Canada, with Toronto, from 1849 to 1867, before they made Ottawa the permanent capital. As a result, it is home to the National Assembly Of Quebec, as well as a secondary royal residence.

The best time to visit Quebec City is between mid-June and late August.

As one of the warmest, driest periods the city experiences each year, it will help you to avoid the harsh, bitterly cold winters that cities in Canada are infamous for, as well as the wet springs that often follow them.

By taking your trip in our suggested window, you will be able to completely focus on enjoying the fabulous sights, sounds, and attractions that await you in Quebec City, instead of constantly worrying about keeping warm or dry.

As we move on to our list of the best areas to stay in Quebec City, I am now going to suggest a few options. Each will be ideal for some of the most common needs and wants that people have when visiting this historic city.

Old Quebec, Quebec City Old Town, Vieux Quebec, whatever name you use, this is the oldest, most historic area in Quebec City. From its beautiful buildings with their traditional French architecture to the picturesque, cobbled streets, this is the best area to stay in Quebec City for history.

Perhaps the most famous structure in the Quebec City Old Town is the Quebec Citadel.

A dominating fortress built in the early 1800s on the edge of the river, it remains an active military installation and the 2nd official residence of both the Canadian Monarch and Canadian Governor General to this day.

Notre Dame de Quebec Basilica Cathedral, the oldest church in Canada, built in 1647, is nearby. It has been renovated, restored, and expanded multiple times, providing a fabulous opportunity to see the evolving architectural styles of Quebec City in one of its most beautiful buildings.

Another of the top sights in Old Town is the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Built on the site of a former castle, it boasts stunning Chateauesque architecture and offers incredible views of the area from its strategic hilltop location.

Believed to be the most photographed hotel on Earth, it has been listed as a National Historic Site Of Canada since 1981 and has hosted some of the most famous people in history.

With a 611 guest rooms and 3 restaurants, you could even treat yourself to a truly memorable stay while in town.

The last major building of note in Old Quebec is the Morrin Centre, a former prison originally opened in 1712.

Having been converted into an arts and culture centre, you can attend an event or talk, or tour the cells, to enjoy a little taste of everything that the Quebec City Old Town is known for.

Aside from the most famous buildings themselves, Old Quebec centres around Place Royale, the site of the oldest French settlement in North America.

A cobbled plaza surrounded by historic buildings containing boutique stores and coffee shops, it is a great place to spend a day relaxing getting to grips with both Quebec City and the Old Town.

Then there is Terrasse Dufferin, a long, bustling promenade full of street performers and vendors. From its hilltop position overlooking the St Lawrence River, you can be entertained, indulge, and take in some of the best views of the city and surrounding area you will find anywhere.

Just below this there is also the Quartier Petit Champlain, a shopping area filled with independently owned and run boutiques, cafes, and galleries. Together, the two make the area a perfect part of Old Town to combine both the culture and convenience of Quebec City.

Even when you move to the larger streets of Old Quebec, you will still find plenty of style and history, only the number of bars, cafes, and restaurants begins to grow. This ensures you never need to leave the area, whether you are seeking a romantic getaway or a historic expedition.

The old, fortified city walls that surround Old Quebec signify the area that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, while also making it the only walled city in North America north of Mexico.

Taking roughly an hour to walk the entire perimeter of the walls, you will encounter gates, towers, and various other ancient structures and historic buildings, making it an incredibly insightful stroll. Those who don’t want to miss out on anything could even do it as part of a guided tour.

Stay In Old Quebec If:

• Exploring the Old Town is your main priority
• You are a history buff
• You want everything within walking distance
• You enjoy beautiful architecture, stunning views, and quaint stores and coffee      shops
• You aren’t too worried about money

Perhaps the most famous building in all of Quebec City, there simply isn’t a better option to stay in Old Quebec than the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. A 5 star hotel in a legendary heritage building, perfectly situated and overlooking the river, it truly offers the complete package.

All of the spacious, air conditioned rooms boast a traditional European style and include amenities like a cable TV, coffee maker, and ironing facilities. Most rooms feature stunning views, while all are pet friendly and offer access to Wi-Fi for an additional fee.

In the communal areas, you then have an indoor hot tub, pool, and steam room, a spa offering a range of treatments, business and fitness centres, a bar, and a choice of restaurants serving both local and international cuisine, as well as access to concierge services and private parking.

Saint Jean Baptiste may be the best location in all of Quebec City when it comes to balancing both historic and modern attractions. This makes it the best area to stay in Quebec city without a car, as you should have everything you need within walking distance.

The location of Quebec City’s Central Business District, Saint Jean Baptiste is filled with nightlife and hospitality opportunities boasting a trendy atmosphere that are designed to cater to the workers and travelling businessmen and women that stay in the area.

Saint Jean Baptiste is also where you will find Rue Saint John, one of the city’s main roads and biggest hubs of dining, shopping, and entertainment establishments.

The bars, cafes, and restaurants are of particular note, as foodies will find everything from fresh French pastries and desserts to gourmet cuisine and cocktails.

The area is even home to a museum called the Musée du Chocolat. Here you can sample divine chocolates, learn about the evolution of chocolate production methods, and even witness stunning sculptures made entirely from chocolate.

Saint Jean Baptiste is also the home of Quebec City’s theatre scene.

It features various theatres of all sizes and styles, but the most prominent is undoubtedly the Grand Theatre de Quebec. An incredible glass building, it hosts many of the top shows, plays, dance recitals, and concerts in the city.

In the area’s more historic side, Saint Jean Baptiste is home to the Quebec City Parliament Building.

Erected in the late 1800s, it is a grand building that is home to the local government. Self-guided tours are allowed of the grounds, while interior guided tours will give you the complete experience.

You also have the Marie-Guyart Building, the tallest building in all of Quebec City. With its 31st floor Observatoire de la Capitale, a short elevator ride will give you access to some of the most stunning, panoramic views you will find anywhere in Quebec city.

Beyond this, there are plenty of other historic locations to be discovered, while the Old Town is just a short walk away, giving you easy access to all the attractions located there as well.

Finally, Saint Jean Baptiste’s is also home to Quebec City’s ‘Gay Village.’ This makes it a perfect option for any members of the LGBTQ community looking for some dedicated safe spaces or entertainment, especially of an evening.

Stay In Saint Jean Baptiste If:

• You are travelling without a car
• You want a combination of history and modern convenience
• You are a member of the LGBT community
• You consider yourself a “foodie”
• You want to see some of the best views of the city on offer

Located right on the edge of the Old Town, just a short walk from Rue Saint John, Hilton Quebec is a beautiful, 4 star hotel that is perfectly situated to help you enjoy the best of both neighbourhoods. It even provides guided tours of the area to help you get settled in and see the sights.

All of the rooms are beautifully styled and provide facilities including a coffee maker, flat screen cable TV, and mp3 docking station. They also feature Wi-Fi and air conditioning, as well as views of either Old Town, the St. Lawrence River, or the Laurentiain Mountains.

In the communal areas, luxuries like a heated outdoor pool, bar, business and fitness centres, and a restaurant serving international cuisine and themed buffets will make your stay a dream from start to finish. Parking is also available for all guests.

Another historic district, Vieux Port lies immediately to the north of Old Quebec, on the bend in the St Lawrence River. Not only does this allow the “Old Port” to provide some incredible views but it also offers easy access back to the attractions of Old Town.

The aesthetic of Vieux Port is incredibly similar to its neighbour, with cobbled streets flanked by historic buildings that house independent antique stores, boutiques, and cafes. Two are even home to a pair of wonderful museums as well.

The Museum of Civilization sits inland and is dedicated to the First Nations and the evolution of New France into modern day Quebec. Meanwhile, The Naval Museum of Québec lies on the coast and exhibits artefacts and relics detailing the history of the port.

You also have a number of old warehouses that have been turned into dining and events venues, giving you something a little bit different to do of an evening.

Similarly, the waterfront location also makes dining by the river or taking a cruise down it a pair of delightful options as well. Various tour companies provide tours along the water, regaling you with information about Quebec City and nearby Lévis while you relax and enjoy the trip.

A much quieter destination than its neighbour, particularly at night, Vieux Port is a great option for those who want to see the sights but still have the ability to escape to somewhere a little more peaceful as well.

This combination also makes Vieux Port the best area to stay in Quebec City with family. You can visit all of the top attractions without having to drag the kids all over the city, then can settle down in a relaxing atmosphere at the end of every day.

Depending on when you visit, you may even get to enjoy one of the many festivals Quebec City hosts each year.

From culture and street food festivals to circuses, boat shows, or firework displays, there are countless reasons to stay in Vieux Port, just be sure to check the schedule before you pick a date.

Stay In Vieux Port If:

• You are travelling as a family, especially if you have children
• You want to be by the waterfront
• You prefer a quieter type of nightlife
• You want easy access to the attractions but also the ability to escape the crowds
• You are attending one of the festivals
• You enjoy museums and historic stylings

Perfectly situated near the waterfront, the Hotel Port-Royal is a fabulous, 4 star hotel, which sits within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions. A restaurant, bar, ATM, and on-site parking are all available to all guests to offer maximum comfort and convenience.

The rooms all feature Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a cable TV, while the suites include either a kitchen or kitchenette. Pets are allowed in all rooms and breakfast can be served to your room on request.

Saint Roch is a modern, residential neighbourhood to the west of Old Quebec. While close enough that you can be back in the heart of the city in a short walk of just 20 minutes, it also offers lower prices, easy access to the outer city, and may be the best area to stay in Quebec City with a car.

Throughout Saint Roch you will find conveniences like prime shopping districts, chic galleries, fabulous museums, and countless nightlife hotspots.

However, with fewer tourists around, you will get to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere and experience life in Quebec City among the locals. Saint Roch is also a hipster’s paradise.

A hub of local micro-roasteries, cosy coffeeshops, and sublime craft beer breweries, you will always be able to find a beer or coffee to your liking. There are even companies offering guided drinking tours, for anyone who is worried about missing the best stops.

It isn’t all modern convenience in Saint Roch though, as it has a number of historic attractions of its own to offer.

Perhaps most notably is the stunning Église Saint-Roch. The largest cathedral in Quebec City, it boasts exquisite Gothic architecture, created using dark grey, exposed bricks.

You then also have Saint Roch’s Martello Tower. Also called Martello Tower Four, this compact stone fortress began life in the late 1700s and remains in almost perfect condition.

Visitors can climb its walkways, appreciate its construction, and soak in stunning views of the area. It is also one of only three such structures left in the entire province of Quebec.

You even have the Jean-Paul L’Allier Garden within walking distance from the tower as well.

Boasting fabulous gardens full of flowers and fountains, the Jean-Paul L’Allier Garden is a great place to relax, take a stroll, enjoy a picnic, and embrace the great outdoors and Quebec City landscape.

Stay In Saint Roch If:

• You plan to rent a car
• You want to experience the more local side of Quebec City
• You are a fan of craft beer or coffee
• You want reasonably priced accommodation
• You want to be near the city centre but not in it

The Hotel Quebec Best Western is a 4 star hotel in the middle of Saint Roch, offering easy access to both the city center, Old Town, and further reaches of the city. It also offers private parking, making it a great choice for anyone travelling with a car.

The spacious rooms all include comfortable furnishings and stylish décor, as well as amenities like a coffee maker, high definition TV, work desk, and private bathroom with marble surfaces, as well as access to free Wi-Fi. They are all also pet friendly.

Communal facilities including a bar, restaurant, indoor pool, and ATM should then keep you relaxed and occupied during your time in the property. A fabulous breakfast is also served on site each morning, for an additional fee.

By this point, you will hopefully have a good idea of the best areas to stay in Quebec City to meet your own personal wants and needs. Whether you are after stunning views, rich history, or true Canadian culture, Quebec City has an area for you.

So, now you know where to stay in Quebec City, you can start looking at the best attractions the city has to offer and plan your dream travel itinerary. That way, you can get everything booked and begin getting ready to experience it all for yourself.