My 10 Reasons To Add Old Québec City in Canada to Your Travel List

If you’ve been planning to visit Europe but haven’t found the time, you’ll love the alternative destination suggested in today’s article. It’s a city where French is the first language, but English is also widely spoken.

The architecture borders on the medieval, it’s a culinary paradise, and it has an artsy vibe, with plenty of fun to explore and numerous natural spaces with activities galore. Of course, I’m referring to Old Québec City in Canada.

Not only is Old Québec easily accessible from the U.S., it’s also more affordable than many European destinations. Additionally, a trip to the city presents an excellent opportunity to utilize points and miles to help offset the cost of a visit.

Here are all the top reasons to add an Old Québec getaway to your travel list.

1. You Can Travel There on Points and Miles

When you realize you can be in the European ambience of Québec in just a 2-hour flight from the East Coast or Midwest, it becomes an easy choice over Europe when time is limited. Even from the West Coast, flying to Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) can take much less time than flying to Europe. And, time isn’t the only resource you’d save, as you wouldn’t be spending a fortune’s worth of points or miles to get there.

Here are ideas for traveling nonstop from the U.S. to Québec City (YQB) using points and miles.

• Redeem 7,500 Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards points to fly American Airlines nonstop one-way from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Québec City (YQB) in economy, or 15,000 miles in business class.
• Redeem 9,500 American Airlines AAdvantage miles to fly American Airlines from Dallas (DFW) to YQB one-way in economy, or 23,500 miles in business class.
• Redeem 12,500 United Airlines MileagePlus miles to fly United one-way from EWR to YQB in economy, or 27,500 in business class.
• Redeem 13,935 Air Canada Aeroplan points to fly Air Canada nonstop one-way from Newark (EWR) to YQB in economy, or 19,875 miles in business class.

These examples are random samples of award flights you can book, but they do not include any taxes or fees. The actual number of miles you need for any given flight depends on availability.

For additional information, check out our guide on how to fly to Canada using points and miles.

Transferring points earned on a travel rewards card can yield the most significant potential value. We prefer a card that earns these flexible rewards points, such as The Platinum Card^® from American Express or the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card.

Both cards offer the ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners. Additionally, the cards come with premium travel protections and benefits that can provide even greater value.

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The Platinum Card^® from American Express

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The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

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The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$695

APR

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Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

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Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel^® up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel^®.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• Enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection, with over $500 of annual value if you visit Centurion Lounges and each of our partner lounges including Delta Sky Club^® lounges when flying an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations) , select Lufthansa lounges when flying Lufthansa, Plaza Premium lounges and Escape Lounges, and enroll in Priority Pass Select. See terms.
• A Walmart+ membership can get you free shipping with no order minimum on eligible items shipped by Walmart. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) and receive one statement credit for up to $12.95 (plus applicable taxes. Plus Ups not eligible) each month. Free Shipping excludes most Marketplace items, freight & certain location surcharges. Paramount+ Essential plan only, separate registration required.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. Receive up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for your CLEAR Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the Platinum Card^®.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Use Global Dining Access by Resy to access premium dining experiences. Receive Priority Notify and unlock insider access to some of the world's most sought-after restaurants with Global Dining Access by Resy. Download the Resy iOS app or log into Resy.com and add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile to take advantage of your special benefits and discover restaurants near you.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

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• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

75,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,500

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.99% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

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Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel^SM, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
• Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel^SM
• 10% anniversary points boost – each account anniversary you’ll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Chase Ultimate Rewards

2. You Can Book Lodging With Hotel Loyalty Points

Being the popular tourist destination it is, Old Québec has plenty of extraordinary lodging options you can book with hotel loyalty points or free night certificates.

Here are just a few of the options closest to the Old Québec portion of the city.

Marriott

The Québec City Marriott Downtown is less than a 10-minute walk from Old Québec. The property has luxury accommodations, a fine French restaurant, and private limo service from the airport (for CA$60, about $43). Reserve a room starting at 46,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Delta Hotels Québec is also within walking distance of Old Québec and is next door to the convention center. The hotel is a good choice for families (as well as for business) with a heated pool open all year and a minifridge in each room. Rooms start at 25,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Hilton

The Monsieur Jean Hotel Particulier, an SLH Hotel, is a delightful newer hotel right in the heart of Old Québec. Luxury meets funkiness in this fun, vibrant property. The colorful and art-filled surroundings make guests smile, and the service is top-notch. Walk out the door and Old Québec is yours to explore. Standard room rates are 65,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Less than a 10-minute walk to Old Québec, the Hilton Québec has all the amenities a guest could appreciate. Hilton Honors Diamond Elite members can access the executive lounge, including its panoramic view. The hotel also has a heated rooftop pool. Standard room rates start at 48,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

One of our favorite Hilton-branded cards is the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card. The card earns 12x points at Hilton properties and 6x points on everyday purchases, including U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S gas stations. Add in the 4x points at eligible online retailers and Hilton Honors points add up quickly. Once you’ve spent $15,000 on the card in a calendar year, you receive a free hotel night certificate.

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Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

An excellent high-earning Hilton credit card that comes with perks like Hilton Honors Gold status and up to $200 in Hilton credits every year.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card

An excellent high-earning Hilton credit card that comes with perks like Hilton Honors Gold status and up to $200 in Hilton credits every year.

Welcome Offer

Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.

130,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $650

Annual Fee

$150

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you’re someone who loves traveling and loves staying in Hilton hotels, adding a co-branded Hilton hotel card to your wallet is almost a no-brainer. From automatic Hilton elite status to up to $200 in Hilton credits every year, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card can be a great fit for Hilton loyalists looking to up their travel game.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 12x points per $1 at Hilton hotels
• 6x points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. restaurants
• 4x points per $1 at U.S. online retail purchases

Cons

• $150 (rates & fees)

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Card Highlights

• Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Get up to $50 in statement credits each quarter for purchases made directly with a property in the Hilton portfolio on your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card. That’s up to $200 in statement credits annually.
• Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
• Earn 6X Points for each dollar of purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
• Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases.
• Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
• Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
• Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold status with your Card. Plus, spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year. Terms and Limitations apply.
• As a Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card Member, you can enroll to receive complimentary National Car Rental^® Emerald Club Executive^® status through the link on your American Express online account. After you’re enrolled, you can reserve a rental car by calling National Car Rental directly, using your travel service, or by booking online or through the National Car Rental mobile app. Terms apply.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Hilton Honors

IHG

The Holiday Inn Express Québec Sainte-Foy is about 5.2 miles outside the city center, off highway 175. If you’re driving, the property could be a viable option, and complimentary outdoor parking is available. You can book rooms starting at 18,000 IHG One Rewards points.

Accor

If you’re an Accor fan, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac (pictured at the beginning of this article) may be on your bucket list. The 5-star hotel is the iconic symbol of Old Québec and an architectural wonder. This completely restored hotel offers modern convenience combined with Old World charm. The number of ALL – Accor Live Limitless Reward points required to book a room will depend on your status level within the program, the selected dates, and the type of room.

Hyatt

Hyatt does not have any properties in or near Old Québec.

3. Affordability

Not only is Old Québec a breeze to get to, but it won’t break the bank during your stay. The U.S. dollar holds its own quite well against the Canadian dollar, and visitors can expect about 30% or more in extra purchasing power.

Dining prices in Old Québec, for example, are equivalent to, or less than, those in major U.S. cities.

You can undoubtedly spend heavily in Old Québec, but it’s not necessary to have a good time. Here’s a sampling of approximate prices to expect (in U.S. dollars).

• 1 1/2-hour daytime river cruise: $50
• Funicular to Lower Town: $4
• Uber from the airport: $27 to $35
• City tourist bus tour: $30
• 1-hour sunset river cruise: $25
• Steak dinner: $40, salmon dinner: $30, gourmet burger and fries in a restaurant: $20, McDonald’s Big Mac: $3.50

Bottom Line:

Using points and miles to travel to Old Québec City, hotel loyalty points for lodging, the value of the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar, and comparable dining prices are all good reasons the city can be an affordable getaway.

4. Old World European Charm

One of the most intact fortified cities in North America, Old Québec is a historically magnificent site. Entering the city via its walled passageways and arriving at this UNESCO World Heritage city gives you the first clues that you’re entering another era.

Wandering the cobblestone streets of Old Québec, it’s challenging to believe you’re not in France. Of course, the city was founded as a French settlement in 1608 and has preserved its European ambience. The architecture of the town especially resonates with European old-world charm. From the Fairmont Château Frontenac and the Place Royal to La Maison Jacquet, you’re among buildings that date back to the early 17th century.

Additionally, French is the sole official language of Québec. Although locals speak English, French is the first language you hear throughout your visit.

There are few places in North America where you can experience Old World charm, but Old Québec is among the short list of cities where it is possible.

5. Green Spaces

You might think an old city with such a compact footprint would be short on green spaces, but that is not the case in Old Québec.

Old Québec is a vibrant area that can easily keep you busy, but it’s always good to take a break and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Fortunately, Old Québec offers ample space for relaxation, outdoor exploration, and the opportunity to learn more about the history of the spaces:

• The Plains of Abraham, a colonial battle site overlooking the St. Lawrence River, is a 250-acre field of meadows and trees. It is the most impressive and historically significant park in Old Québec, and the former site of a 1759 battle between the French and the British. You should not miss visiting.
• Victoria Park is a grand area with sports facilities and even a splash pad in the summer.

• Bois-de-Coulonge Park has lush, whimsical gardens, an arboretum, footpaths, and a playground.
• Pointe-aux-Lièvres Park is a haven for winter activities, but its spacious greens attract a summer crowd as well.

6. Art and Architecture

Old Québec is visually stunning and a delight to explore at leisure. However, with minimal effort, you can delve deeper to appreciate its art and learn more about its history.

Throughout the city, there are more than a dozen grand murals worthy of a treasure hunt, including the one pictured above. Finding them all makes for a natural walking tour of the city, and you can keep an eye out for other urban art during the process.

Don’t miss the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, with over 42,000 works displayed across 4 buildings. It’s the place to view a diverse range of art, including Inuit, contemporary, and traditional pieces. View the incredible Jean-Paul Riopelle fresco and make it a photographic moment.

Here is a list of additional art museums in and around Old Québec.

The architecture of Old Québec is reason alone to visit. As one of North America’s oldest cities, it’s home to a mix of styles, including French colonial, English neoclassical, and art deco. A simple walking tour works well for viewing the city’s most iconic buildings and learning the history behind each one.

7. St. Lawrence River Connection

Because the city sits on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, the waterway is an integral part of the city’s identity. It’s possible to take a short sightseeing cruise or even an extended cruise out to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, to the Atlantic Ocean, or beyond.

Cruise ships leave from the Ross Gaudreault Cruise Terminal, which is within walking distance of Old Québec City. Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Cunard are examples of cruise lines that depart from the city.

It’s common for cruise passengers to arrive a couple of days early to explore Québec City before their cruise or add some time on the return.

The St. Lawrence River and the Louise Basin at the old port offer water sports opportunities, including windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddling, kite surfing, and swimming (in the basin).

There are also green spaces overlooking the river, perfect for biking or enjoying a picnic. A walk along the Promenade Samuel-De Champlain or Dufferin Terrace (the walkway around Château Frontenac) is ideal for enjoying river views.

8. Activities

We’ve covered key reasons to visit Old Québec City, but there’s so much more to see and do.

Here is just a sampling of activities to add to your itinerary when visiting the city:

• Tour the Fairmont Château Frontenac, the city’s most prominent structure. You learn about the history of the property, said to be one of the world’s most photographed hotels, as well as the city’s past.
• Stroll along Dufferin Terrace, the walkway surrounding Château Frontenac. It’s a beautiful pedestrian promenade that overlooks the lower town and the river. Below the terrace, you can explore the remnants of Saint-Louis Forts and the Châteaux National Historic Site.
• If it’s a clear day, a river cruise on the M/V Louis Jolliet is a fantastic way to see the city from the water and visit Montmorency Falls and Cap Diamant. The cruise lasts approximately an hour and a half, and there is a bistro and bar on board. Dinner and cocktail cruises are also available.
• Explore Montmorency Falls, a 275-foot waterfall just outside the city. You can view the falls during a river cruise or enjoy a close-up visit via a bus tour. Renting a car is also a good way to visit the falls. At the falls, there’s a gondola cable car, footpaths, adjacent stairs, zip-lining, and a bridge across.

Hot Tip:

The Québec City Ferry is an excellent alternative to a river cruise and an inexpensive way to view the city from the water. Fares are less than $3 each way, and the journey to Lévis takes about 12 minutes. Cars, bikes, and motorcycles are extra. Once in Lévis, you can rent a bike for a ride along the water, have lunch, drive to the fort, or take the return ferry and enjoy spectacular views of Québec City.

• The Notre Dame Basilica Cathedral is a 17th-century wonder and not to be missed.
• The funicular that connects Upper Town and Lower Town can save you significant steps and is a fun thing to do.
• Walk the fortified walls that surround the city. The fortified walls encase all of Old Québec and protected the city from enemies. Guided tours are available for those who want to learn more about the history of the walls, but enjoying the unique beauty of each section as you come across it organically also has its value.

• Wander the gardens of the Parliament Building and take a free guided tour of its halls and public areas. You can enjoy a special lunch of locally sourced food served in the Parliament’s dining room, so time your visit to have a special lunch.
• The Citadelle de Québec has been home to the Royal Regiment since 1920. At noon, a cannon is fired off each day at this British fortress, making it the perfect time to visit. If you’re into military history, take the guided tour and visit the museum. The fortress also hosts musical performances.
• A visit to the Old Port can include swimming during the day, watching the grain silos illuminate at night, and a potential visit to the Museum of Civilization. The port also offers lovely views of the city and is home to the beautiful Gare du Palais train station.

Visit Old Québec’s tourism site for more information on what there is to see and do there.

9. Shopping

Old Québec is perfect for picking up a few souvenirs, purchasing a fashion classic, or discovering locally made treasures. You’ll find plenty of unique venues where you can spend a few dollars in Old Québec.

Petit Champlain Street is one of the oldest commercial areas in North America and a shopper’s dream. The quaint and charming pedestrian street is filled with artisan shops, including boutique clothing stores, jewelers, artisanal food makers, home goods, bistros, and more.

In Upper Town, La Maison Simons department store is a Canadian classic dating back to 1840. While the chain has modern stores throughout the country, the Old Québec store is the original and provides a unique shopping experience in architecturally rich surroundings.

While you can find all the traditional souvenirs in Old Québec, including key chains, T-shirts, magnets, and assorted tchotchkes, local treasures could be more rewarding.

Here are local products to consider purchasing:

• Maple syrup and candy
• Hand-knit wool and winter accessories
• Historical books, maps, and stamps
• Inuit sculptures, carvings, and paintings
• Handcrafted leather, copper, or wooden items

A good place to shop for local goods is Artisans Canada.

If you’re looking for artwork to purchase or appreciate, don’t miss Rue du Tresor. About 3 dozen artists line the pedestrian street displaying their work, which includes etchings, pen and ink, watercolors, oils, acrylics, and photographs. This “treasure street” has been around for over 6 decades, offering a venue for artists to display and sell their work from wooden booths that can be closed at night and in case of bad weather.

Near the Cathedral of St. Trinity, you’ll find the Artisan’s Cathedral market. Look for the colorful wooden booths, meet the artists, hear their stories, and find a unique creation.

10. It’s a Winter Wonderland

Old Québec is not only a city to visit in the spring, summer, and fall — it’s also a fantasy world in the winter.

Whether you enjoy the holiday lights, a toboggan run, a winter festival, or window shopping during a gentle snowfall, Old Québec is a desirable winter destination.

November and December are busy months for markets and events, including the German Christmas Market, the Grande Marche, the winter festival, and winter sports activities.

And don’t miss the holiday festivities at the Fairmont Château Frontenac, even if you’re not staying at the hotel.

Final Thoughts

There are numerous reasons to visit Old Québec, but we do have an important piece of advice for visitors: Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, as the city is very hilly and features numerous steps to climb. The effort is more than worth it, though, as it is an extraordinary city.

If you can leverage points and miles to travel and secure lodging, visiting Old Québec will be an affordable getaway rich in experiences.