Best Areas to Stay in Quebec City, Canada

Vieux Quebec, known in English as Old Quebec or The Old City is the historic and cultural heart of the city. This area is famous for its distinct European atmosphere, stone buildings and winding narrow streets lined with restaurants and boutiques.

Located at the confluence of the St. Charles and St. Lawrence rivers, this district, considered the most beautiful historic quarter in North America, was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1985.

Quebec’s Old City comprises two main settlements; The Upper Town, located atop Cap Diamant and defended by the city’s famous fortifications is Quebec’s administrative and religious epicentre. Meanwhile, the Lower Town grew as a residential and commercial district around Place Royal and the Old Harbour.

Located in the Upper Town and considered the most photographed hotel in the world, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac was was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway company. Opened in 1893 and showcasing a French-inspired Châteauesque style, this heritage hotel is the most recognizable landmark in Quebec City.

Not far lies the impressive Citadelle de Québec. This fortified historic military complex, the oldest in Canada, was built from 1820 to 1850 to secure Quebec against a potential American invasion. The Citadelle is part of the Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site.

La Basilique-Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Québec, dating back to 1647 but rebuilt several times, is one of the finest examples of Neo-classic architecture in Québec and the oldest church in all Canada.

The Upper Town is linked to the Basse-Ville by numerous public stairs and the Old Quebec Funicular.

Quartier Petit Champlain, located in the Lower Town, is a quaint section of Vieux Quebec. This picturesque European-style area is home to some of the best boutiques, cafés and chocolateries in town. Place Royale, the site of the first French Settlement in North America, is flanked by numerous bistros, bars and upscale restaurants.

Further north lies Quebec City Old Port, home to charming streets, shops and the city’s cruise terminal.

The best way to move around Vieux Quebec is on foot. Its winding cobblestoned and pedestrianized streets are an open invitation to discover this quarter and get lost in its history. To reach other districts, the main boulevards and thoroughfares offer several bus stops. The city’s main railway and bus station, Gare du Palais, is located directly north of the Old City.

Saint-Jean-Baptiste, oftentimes referred to simply as “Saint Jean” is located directly west of the Parliament Building and Quebec City’s Old Town.

This laid-back historic area is known for its bohemian atmosphere, fashion boutiques, cafés, restaurants and local markets.

Its central location and reputation as a hipster-friendly hangout make Saint-Jean-Baptiste the best area to stay in Quebec City for young travellers.

Saint-Jean-Baptiste is centred around Rue St. Jean, a commercial and nightlife area offering several cafés, bars and hip restaurants.

Rue St. Jean and neighbouring Parc Saint-Matthews constitute the unofficial gay village in Quebec City.

Boulevard René-Lévesque, located in the south edge of the district is home to office towers and the Centre des congrès de Québec, making it a great area to stay in Quebec for business travellers.

The Marie-Guyart Building, the tallest building in the city, is also located here. At its rooftop, the Observatoire de la Capitale offers panoramic views of the city and the river.

Like the rest of the city’s central neighbourhoods, Saint-Jean-Baptiste is best explored on foot. Its eastern edge is close enough to the historic quarter that you can just walk there. Alternatively, Quebec City’s comprehensive bus network offers several stops along Rue St. Jean, Boulevard René-Lévesque and Rue D’Aiguillon.

Saint-Roch is a district located west of the Old City and north of Saint-Jean-Baptiste.

Traditionally a working-class neighbourhood, this historic area of Quebec (it dates back to the seventeenth century) went from being a small parish settlement to an industrial and shipbuilding district.

In the late 19th century, Saint-Roch became the primary commercial area in the city. Rue Saint-Joseph, the district’s main thoroughfare, became the most popular entertainment and shopping street, known for its theatres, department stores, and boutiques. After going through a decline in the mid-20th-century, this central district has been revitalized and brought back to its former glory.

Today, Saint-Roch is considered Quebec City’s Central Business District.

Rue Saint-Joseph is again the place to go in Quebec City for shopping and people-watching and the whole neighbourhood is experiencing a cultural rebirth.

Home to important cultural spaces like Théâtre de la Bordée and l’Impérial Bell, Saint-Roch is again the epicentre of Quebec City’s theatre scene. The area is also home to several live music venues and nightclubs.

Boulevard Charest, one of the main arteries of Quebec City, connects Saint-Roch to Gare du Palais, on the district’s eastern end.

Sainte-Foy-Sillery is a district located next to the St. Lawrence River, 7 km west of the city centre.

This largely suburban area is home to a few local sights like the Aquarium du Québec. The largest in QC, this aquarium is home to over 10,000 animals, including fish, marine mammals and amphibians.

Located in the heart of Sainte Foy, Université Laval is the oldest university in Canada and the first in North America to offer higher education in French. Its main campus features the Roger-Van den Hende Botanic Garden and the René-Bureau Museum of Geology.

Located by the river, Parc Nautique de Cap-Rouge offers the opportunity to practice several activities and adventure sports such as sailing, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing and pedal boating.

Sainte-Foy-Sillery is also home to the Jean Lesage International Airport and Sainte-Foy Station, making it a great area to stay in Quebec City for passengers in transit or a short visit.

To move from Sainte-Foy-Sillery to Vieux Québec, the area is connected by several bus lines including direct shuttle services from Sainte-Foy Station to Gare du Palais.

Lévis is an independent city located on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence River, right across from Quebec City.

This quiet bedroom community is connected to Vieux Québec by a ferry service and the Quebec and Pierre-Laporte bridges.

With a small commercial and dining area centred around Côte du Passage and a few tourist attractions of its own, Lévis is the perfect area to stay for those looking for peace and tranquillity.

Some tourist attractions in Lévis include the Lévis Forts National Historic Site, Galerie Louise-Carrier, Maison Alphonse-Desjardins and the Quai Paquet.

However, the most visited site in this riverside town is La Terrasse du Chevalier-de-Lévis. This small park located on a hill in Lévis City Centre offers the best views of Quebec City across the river.

For nature lovers, Lévis is also home of several natural preseves like Parc des Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, featuring 35-metres-high waterfalls, Parc de la rivière Etchemin and Parc Valéro Les Écarts.

There are bus services to move around the city and you can reach the Gare fluviale de Québec in Quartier Champlain in just under 12 minutes. Needless to say, the ride offers spectacular views of Vieux Québec along the way.

Les Rivières is a largely suburban Quebec City district located on the St. Charles River, north of Sainte-Foy.

This mainly industrial and residential neighbourhood is home to several expansive green parks and protected areas including Escarpement Park and Chauveau Park.

This area is also home to some of the city’s largest shopping centres including Les Galeries de la Capitale, a shopping mall featuring 280 stores and 35 restaurants.

If you’re travelling with children, Les Rivières hosts the Méga Parc amusement park, a family-friendly attraction with a roller coaster and several rides.

While Les Rivières is connected by Quebec City’s bus network, its suburban nature means that this district is best enjoyed if you travel by car.