Quebec City City Guide

Strong French-Canadian food with dishes like poutine, tourtière, and maple taffy. Good international variety and growing vegetarian/vegan options. Some places open late.

Nightlife clusters along Grande Allée and Saint-Roch with bars, pubs, and microbreweries. Scene is lively but not large.

Strong specialty coffee scene with many independent cafes and roasters offering quality brews.

Tipping is expected in restaurants (15-20%), taxis (10-15%), and service industries (15-20%).

SIM cards from Bell, Rogers, Telus, and others are sold in malls and retail stores. Registration requires ID. eSIM support depends on provider and device.

The city is clean, especially tourist areas, with good waste management and recycling.

Some 24/7 services like convenience stores and late pharmacies exist, but full 24/7 service is limited.

Large supermarkets like IGA, Metro, Super C, and Provigo offer local and international products. Smaller markets sell fresh produce. Hours are usually 8 AM to 9-10 PM.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted almost everywhere. Cash-only places are rare.

ATMs are common in banks, malls, and convenience stores. Expect service fees if you use an ATM outside your bank network.

Local French-language schools and Laval University are available. English and international options exist but are limited and may be private.

An emerging community with some meetups and active coworking spaces. Online groups exist but are limited.

Large parks and riverwalks offer green spaces and shaded walking areas ideal for outdoor activities.

Good running routes in parks and along the river. Safe and scenic with active running groups.

Multiple gyms offer varied facilities and classes.

Tennis courts are available in parks and sports centers throughout the city.

Padel courts are rare and mostly found at specialized clubs if any.

Several yoga studios offer various styles with drop-in and membership options.

Various schools teach Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Kickboxing, MMA, and Wing Chun. English instruction varies.

Several nearby ski resorts with trails for all levels and rental gear. Season runs November to April.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are popular in warmer months on the St. Lawrence River and nearby lakes.

Surfing is minimal due to location on the St. Lawrence River with no ocean waves.

Diving is uncommon here. Better options are farther downstream or in lakes.

High-quality healthcare with English-speaking staff in larger hospitals like CHU de Québec and Hôpital Saint-François d'Assise. Pharmacies like Jean Coutu and Pharmaprix are common and often open late.

Tap water is safe to drink throughout the city.

Many parks have playgrounds and kid-friendly cafes. Attractions like the Aquarium, Méga Parc, water parks, and museums are great for families.

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly with events, inclusive venues, and legal protections.

Many pet-friendly hotels, dog parks, and services. Pets are welcome in some outdoor restaurant areas.