5 Days of Budget-friendly Fun in Quebec City

Discover the charm of Quebec City without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Visiting Quebec City on a budget may seem daunting but it is possible to have a great time without breaking the bank. Accommodations are cheaper in the off-season and there’s plenty of free or low-cost activities to explore, such as wandering through Old Quebec’s cobblestone streets and checking out the views at the Plains of Abraham. Additionally, street food and local markets offer affordable dining options, making it easier to explore the city’s rich culinary scene.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival and Exploration

  • Check into Auberge Internationale de Quebec, a hostel with great reviews and reasonable prices
  • Walk around Old Quebec and explore landmarks like Chateau Frontenac, the Citadel and the Plains of Abraham
  • Visit the Quartier Petit Champlain, a picturesque and vibrant neighborhood known for its narrow streets, boutiques and restaurants
  • Try some local cuisine at Restaurant Le Continental, which is known for its classic French dishes and ambiance
  • Relax at the hostel’s rooftop terrace and admire the stunning views of the city
Day 2

Museums and Markets

  • Begin the day with a visit to the Musee de la Civilisation, an interactive museum that showcases the history, culture and society of Quebec
  • Walk over to the Marche du Vieux-Port, a farmer’s market that offers a huge variety of fresh, seasonal produce, baked goods and artisanal products
  • Catch a ferry to nearby Levis and enjoy the panoramic views of the city from the St. Lawrence River
  • Have lunch at Le Projet, a cozy and trendy spot that serves creative sandwiches and salads with local ingredients
  • Head to the Musee National des Beaux-Arts du Quebec, a museum that displays Quebecois and Canadian art from the 17th century to the present day
Day 3

Nature and Adventure

  • Embark on a whale watching excursion to see Belugas, Orcas and other marine mammals in their natural habitat
  • Visit Montmorency Falls, a powerful waterfall that is even higher than Niagara Falls
  • Have lunch at Casse-Crepe Breton, a charming and cozy restaurant that specializes in savory or sweet crepes
  • Try your hand at ice skating at Place D’Youville, an outdoor rink in the heart of the city
  • Enjoy a memorable dinner at Cochon Dingue, a French bistro that serves hearty meals and excellent wine
Day 4

History and Culture

  • Visit the historic district of Sainte-Foy-Sillery-Cap-Rouge, which features historic buildings, churches and small boutiques
  • Explore the Plains of Abraham, a beautiful park that is famous for its role in battles between the French and English
  • Wander around the Du Fort Street area, which has an abundance of street art and murals
  • Have lunch at Bistro Sous le Fort, which offers splendid views of the St. Lawrence River and a menu that features local food and drink
  • Go to the Grand Theater, a performing arts center that showcases theatre, music, dance and other performances
Day 5

Last Day Fun

  • Take a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood of Saint-Roch, which is filled with hipster cafes, trendy boutiques and street art
  • Visit the Morrin Center, a beautiful historic building that now houses a library, museum and cultural center
  • Have lunch at Le Chic Shack, which offers local cuisine with a modern twist in a fun and casual atmosphere
  • Shop around the Galeries de la Capitale, a massive shopping mall that has over 200 stores and an amusement park
  • Have a last celebratory dinner at Initiale, a critically acclaimed restaurant that focuses on French cuisine with global influences

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Quebec City by plane is to fly into Jean Lesage International Airport, which is located approximately 20 minutes from the heart of the city. Major airlines such as Air Canada and WestJet operate direct flights from various cities in Canada and the United States.

Car

Travellers can drive to Quebec City by taking the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 20) or the scenic Chemin du Roy (Highway 138) from Montreal, which takes approximately 2.5-3 hours depending on traffic. There are also car rental services available at Jean Lesage International Airport and in the downtown area.

Train

There are no direct train services to Quebec City, but travellers can take the VIA Rail train to Montreal and transfer to a bus from there. The train will depart from Montreal Central Station and arrive at Gare du Palais in Quebec City approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes later.

Boat

While there are no direct boat services to Quebec City, travellers can take a cruise ship to the Port of Quebec, which is located approximately 30 minutes from the downtown area. Major cruise lines such as Holland America and Norwegian Cruise Line offer packages that include stops at Quebec City as part of their itineraries.

Bus

The best way to get to Quebec City by bus is to take a service from major companies such as Greyhound, Orleans Express, and Megabus. These companies offer direct trips to Quebec City from various cities in Canada and the United States, and their buses make stops at the Gare du Palais, which is located in the heart of the city.

Destination

Quebec City

Nestled in the heart of maple syrup and poutine land, Quebec City is a charmingly bilingual city that will have you saying bonjour-hi in no time. With its stunning architecture and lively cultural scene, it's a place where you can indulge in history, food, and maybe a little bit of Canadian politeness.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

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More travel plans

Quebec City Escape: Family Fun on a Budget!

A family friendly trip to Quebec City, Canada offers a unique blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities. Explore the enchanting Old Town, with its charming cobblestone streets lined with shops and cafes, and visit iconic landmarks like the imposing Château Frontenac. Engage in fun-filled winter activities such as ice skating in Place d'Youville or take a summer stroll along the Plains of Abraham, making Quebec City an ideal destination for a memorable family vacation.

Discover Quebec City on a Shoestring Budget!

A trip to Quebec City on a limited budget can still be filled with history, cuisine, and scenery. Cheap accommodation such as hostels or Airbnbs can be found in the city, and tourists can enjoy walking through the historic Old Town for free. Local food markets, affordable restaurants, and cafes offer great cuisine to sate one's appetite when keeping costs in mind.

Quebec City in 5 Days: Adventure and Charm.

A trip to Quebec City, Canada provides a unique blend of old-world charm and modern-day amenities. Visitors can explore the impressive Chateau Frontenac, stroll through the historic neighborhoods, browse local shops and boutiques, and sample delicious French-inspired cuisine. The city also offers a variety of outdoor activities, including skiing, snowshoeing, kayaking, and biking.

Discover Quebec City's charm on a budget

Visiting Quebec City, Canada on a tight budget can be a fabulous experience. Focusing on free walking tours and public transportation can make the most of your trip. Attractions like the Old Quebec and the Plains of Abraham provide picturesque scenery and let you experience Quebec's history for free.