How to plan a trip to Quebec?

Planning a trip to Quebec goes much further than preparing a list of the main points of interest; you’ll need to take into account plane tickets, accommodation, transport around the city and other practical aspects such as the currency used, the language and the documentation needed to enter the country. And if you want to make the most of the experience, you can’t forget about gastronomy and prepare a list of typical dishes and the best restaurants in the city.

This may seem overwhelming, but don’t worry because at Passporter we’ve been through this process before and we’re here to tell you how our experience was through various tips and recommendations. Join us in this post and start organising your trip to Quebec today.

1. Prepare the documentation for travelling to Quebec

For travel to Canada, requirements vary depending on your country of origin and purpose of travel. US citizens need only a valid passport to cross the border. Citizens of European, Commonwealth and some other countries must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), which is applied for online for a fee of $7 CAD and is usually approved instantly, although it can sometimes take a while. This authorisation is linked to the passport and allows stays of up to six months.

For visitors from countries that are not visa-exempt, a visa must be obtained through the Canadian embassy or consulate, or online, at a cost of approximately 100 CAD and a process that can take up to 40 days. For stays of more than six months, an interview is required to collect biometric data, and sometimes extra information such as criminal records or medical examinations.

The documents needed to apply for a visa include a valid passport, passport-style photos, proof of financial solvency, letter of invitation (if applicable), itinerary details, proof of personal relationships or marital status, and payment of the relevant fees. It is also advisable to apply for an international driver’s licence if you plan to drive in Canada, at a cost of approximately €10.

As you may have noticed, there are many requirements to enter the country, so it’s best to prepare everything well and make backup copies that you can save in the Passporter App in an organised way 😉

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Quebec

Quebec changes dramatically between summer and winter, and while it’s often recommended to travel in summer for the warm temperatures, we also find the city has its charm in the colder months.

In summer it’s true that the days are longer, it’s warmer and there’s generally more street life. During these months, the city enjoys a mild climate, with temperatures ranging between 20°C and 25°C, ideal for exploring the historic streets and parks. This period coincides with the Quebec Summer Festival, an event that fills the city with music, art and live entertainment. However, it’s high season, so prices tend to rise and tourist sites can be more crowded.

Another highlight is winter, especially in February, when the Carnival of Quebec, one of the biggest in the world, takes place. Despite the cold, which can be extreme, with temperatures often dropping below -10°C, the snow transforms the city into a fairytale landscape, perfect for activities such as skiing and sleigh rides. We had the chance to see the city in winter and loved it. Just make sure you dress warmly.

3. Find out how to get to Quebec

Quebec is one of the largest regions in Canada, as well as one of the most important. That’s why it is very well connected both nationally and internationally. Here are all the options:

• Car or motorbike: Quebec has an extensive road network that includes thirty highways and nearly 200 national and regional roads. Driver’s licences from French and English-speaking countries are accepted. If the document is in another language, an international licence is required. Remember that if you’re travelling in winter you’re likely to need chains or winter tyres.
• Bus: Companies such as Orléans Express, Intercar, Maheux and Limocar offer moderately priced intercity connections.
• Plane: The main airport and international gateway is Quebec’s Jean-Lesage International Airport, although there are also many other airports in remote areas such as Nunavik and Îles-de-la-Madeleine where you can fly with Air Canada.
• Train: VIA Rail connects major cities such as Montreal and Quebec City. It’s a great way to enjoy the scenery at your leisure.
• Bike: The Green Route and its 12,000km of cycle paths are perfect for cycle touring.
• Boat: Ferries and ferries cross the St. Lawrence River.

From Québec-Jean Lesage International Airport you can take a taxi for about $34.25 CAD or use the bus service, which costs about $3.50 CAD. Travel time by taxi is about 20 minutes, while by bus is about 45 minutes.

Public transport in Quebec is efficient and inexpensive. In Quebec City, the Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC) offers one- or two-day passes with unlimited travel, making it easy to get around.

We remind you that with the Passporter App you can book your airline tickets directly through Skyscanner. And what’s more, you can carry them in the same app at all times.

4. Find the accommodation that meets your expectations to enjoy Quebec City

The city is known for its rich French heritage and offers everything from luxurious hotels in centuries-old buildings to more affordable options such as hostels and flats. We had a hard time choosing an area to stay in because we liked them all, but in the end we settled on Saint-Roch because the price was affordable.

Best neighbourhoods to stay in Quebec City:

• Vieux Quebec: this is the historic heart of the city. Ideal for tourists who want an authentic experience and don’t mind paying a little extra to stay in a central, touristy area.
• Saint-Jean Baptiste: known for its bohemian atmosphere and nightlife. This neighbourhood is perfect for young travellers. Although the accommodation can be a little pricey, it offers a lively and worthwhile experience if you’re looking to meet people.
• Saint-Roch: This neighbourhood is popular with young professionals and students thanks to its proximity to the centre and its trendy atmosphere. Accommodation prices are moderate.
• Sainte-Foy-Sillery: this area is known for its quiet atmosphere and budget accommodation options. Ideal for families and travellers looking for a serene place to relax without spending too much.
• Les Rivières: offers a break from the hustle and bustle of the centre, ideal for those looking for peace and quiet. Although it is a more residential area and prices can be higher, it guarantees a relaxing and high quality stay.

You already know that if you look in advance you’ll find more accommodation options and more choice. That’s why we encourage you to start searching and comparing today through the Passporter App, where you can access Booking and save your bookings in an organised way.

5. Choose the activities you want to do in Quebec

The historic centre of Quebec, declared a World Heritage Site, is one of the most spectacular things to see in Canada, so it’s worth spending at least three days in the city to get the most out of your trip. You’ll also need time to sample the local cuisine and stroll around its charming neighbourhoods, which we talked about in this post: Things to do and see in Quebec Canada

With the Passporter App you can organise your trip quickly and easily. Here are the must-see things to do in the city so you can start creating your itinerary today.

• Old Quebec City: this is the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s full of cobblestone streets and old buildings and is well worth wandering through.
• Montmorency Falls: located just minutes from the city, these impressive falls are taller than Niagara Falls. Park entrance fee: approximately $8.60 CAD per vehicle.
• Château Frontenac: possibly the most photographed hotel in the world for its castle-like shape and location high above Old Quebec. No entrance fee, but guided tours are available.
• La Citadelle de Québec: a former fortress that is still an active military base and where tours are conducted daily. Price: adult admission $16 CAD.
• Parliament Building: Quebec’s impressive parliament building, with tours available to discover its architecture and art. Free tours but reservations are required.
• Quartier Petit Champlain: a quaint shopping district with narrow streets and boutique shops.
• Museum of Civilization: a modern museum with exhibits on the cultural history of Quebec and the world. Price: adult admission $22 CAD.
• Aquarium du Québec: an extensive aquarium with more than 10,000 marine species. Price: adult admission $20 CAD.
• Île d’Orléans: this is a quiet island near Quebec, known for its agricultural products and picturesque views. No entrance fee, costs vary by activity.

6. Where and what to eat in Quebec?

Quebec cuisine is known for its rustic flavours and French influence. Dishes tend to be comforting, ideal for winters, and combine typical ingredients such as pork, potatoes, and legumes, with maple syrup as an essential sweet and dairy products.

These are the dishes you can’t miss:

• Poutine: French fries with cheese curds and gravy sauce.
• Tourtière: spicy meat pie, traditional at Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
• Pâté Chinois: similar to shepherd’s pie, layered with minced meat, corn and mashed potatoes.
• Tarte au Sucre (Sugar cake): a dessert made with a dough base and a filling of brown sugar and cream.
• Fèves au Lard: baked beans traditionally prepared with maple syrup.

As for drinks, Caribou, made with wine and liqueur, is a traditional Quebecois drink, especially popular during Quebec Carnival. Also, a curiosity of the region is ‘tire sur la neige’, a treat of boiled maple syrup poured over snow, which turns into a chewy candy.

7. Organise a trip with friends to Quebec

Quebec, with its European charm and lively festivals such as the Quebec Carnival, is perfect for a trip with friends. However, there is also a lot to see in the city, and each member of the group may have different preferences that can lead to conflicts. That’s why our recommendation for group travel is always to plan your trip in advance and share your expectations.

Using apps like Passporter will also help you plan your itinerary from start to finish, taking into account everyone’s opinions. Invite your friends, get inspired by the experiences of other travellers and create your ideal itinerary together. You can also share your experience with other app users through the photos you take during your trip. To help you even more, we have prepared an article with useful tips for travelling with friends: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Quebec

• Be sure to bring the local currency, the Canadian dollar, although credit and debit cards are widely accepted. We recommend using international cards.
• Check that you have all your documents in order, including your passport and, depending on your country of origin, an eTA or visa.
• Bring an adapter if your electrical devices have different specifications, as Canada uses A and B type plugs, with a voltage of 120V and frequency of 60Hz.
• Prepare for variable weather depending on the region and the season; bring cold-weather clothing if you’re travelling in winter, especially to the northernmost regions or the Rocky Mountains.
• Use efficient public transportation in major cities such as Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, and consider buying a local transit card for unlimited travel.
• Bear in mind that English and French are the official languages, with French predominating in Quebec and English in the rest of the country.
• A tip of 15-20% is customary in restaurants. Tipping is also common in taxis.
• Check if you need an international driver’s licence if you plan to rent a car.
• Buy an eSIM card for mobile internet access. Our favourite company is Holafly as they offer cards for Quebec with unlimited data.
• Book flights and accommodation in advance, especially in high season or for popular destinations such as the Rocky Mountains.
• Although Quebec is generally safe, it’s always wise to take standard precautions, especially in big cities.
• Remember that if you’re visiting a national park, you’ll have to pay a visitor’s fee. The fee is around $10 CAD per day.
• Using apps like Passporter to plan your trip to Quebec is free and helps you get inspiration from other travellers and organise your itinerary efficiently.
• Protect yourself against medical emergencies: travel insured.

9. How to prepare what to see on your trip to Quebec City

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and trip information.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you want to visit each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documents…
• Make any changes you need to make and you’re all set for your trip.
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you’ve visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your experience on how to plan your trip to Quebec.

If you have doubts about how to create your itinerary, you can consult our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.

10. Frequently asked questions about travelling to Quebec