Quebec Quebec Accommodations

When to Visit Quebec, Quebec

Despite its northern location and four distinct seasons, Quebec is a city that welcomes visitors year-round. Winters can get downright frigid, with lows below zero and an average of two feet of snow each month. Thanks to its many cozy cafés and warm hotels, however, Quebec is a popular wintertime destination.

In the spring Quebec begins to brighten, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s and about 175 mean monthly sunshine hours. With temperatures in the upper 70s and long, sunny days, it's no wonder that summer is high season in Quebec. Of course, the warm, colorful autumn season is also a popular time to visit this picturesque city.

Visit during some of Quebec's major events, and you'll truly see the city come alive. Just be sure to book your accommodations far in advance, since hotels tend to fill up quickly during these busy times.

Every February, the Quebec Winter Carnival draws about 1 million visitors with parades, a masquerade ball, dance parties, and a snow sculpture contest. In early July, the Quebec City Summer Festival attracts 1.5 million visitors for 11 days of fun. Music is the main draw, and performers run the gamut from rock to rap to pop. In September, the Quebec City Film Festival draws about 25,000 film buffs with over 200 films and events with directors and actors.

Best Hotel Discounts in Quebec, Quebec

If you know where to look, saving on Quebec accommodations is easy. For instance, both AAA and AARP members get low rates at the Hotel Clarendon and the Hôtel Le Germain Quebec. Check with other area hotels for group discounts, or book during a less busy time to get low rates.

Best Value Options in Quebec, Quebec

Whether you want to stay in the center of the city or in a quieter area on the edge of the action, you can take your pick from several highly rated mid-range hotels in Quebec.

Located just northeast of the Old City, the Grand Times Hotel has affordable rooms just a short drive from most of the city's attractions. Rooms include amenities like refrigerators, LCD TVs, and designer toiletries. Start your day with a complimentary breakfast, keep up your workout routine at the fitness center, and go for a swim in the indoor pool. Take advantage of the available childcare services and enjoy a romantic night out in Old Quebec.

Convenient to Artillery Park and Esplanade Park, Hotel PUR Quebec offers contemporary rooms just outside the old city. Rooms include all the modern amenities you could want, from an iPod docking station to a 32-inch flat-screen TV to free wireless internet access. Relax in the on-site whirlpool and get a restful night's sleep on a Select Comfort bed. With over 12,000 square feet of available facilities, Hotel PUR Quebec offers a modern location for conferences and a range of private events.

Choose an economy, classic, or superior room at Hotel Acadia, and you'll be just a short walk from Esplanade Park and the parliament building. Rooms include essentials like free Wi-Fi, coffee makers, and DVD players, and the hotel has a restaurant and a nightclub for guests' enjoyment. Parking is available for a surcharge, so consider leaving the car behind and exploring the city on foot to save during your stay.

Accommodations in Old Quebec aren't always easy on your wallet, but Hotel Clarendon has affordable rooms just steps from Place Royale and the Quebec Experience. Guests love the beautiful views from the rooms, which feature basics like coffee makers and complimentary wireless internet access. Have breakfast at the hotel restaurant before heading out for a day of sightseeing, and enjoy a nightcap at the lounge at the end of a fun day.

Can’t-Miss Attractions in Quebec, Quebec

Discover the magic of Quebec City with a self-guided tour of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site that's packed with history and attractions. With narrow cobblestone streets and old-fashioned boutiques and cafés at every turn, you just might feel like you've been transported directly to Europe.

In Old Quebec, the Quartier Petit-Champlain is one of the biggest draws and the continent's oldest shopping district. This is a fun place to find the perfect souvenir or have a memorable meal out on the sidewalk. The Citadel, a large British fortress, is another popular spot in Old Quebec. It's still a military site today, and it offers guided tours throughout the year.

Just west of Old Quebec, Battlefields Park, which includes the Plains of Abraham, is an important site from the French and Indian War. Learn more about it by visiting the Discovery Pavilion and touring the well-preserved grounds. Explore centuries of Quebecois history at the Museum of Civilization, which offers interactive exhibits, artifact collections, and much more.

Once you've seen the sights in Quebec, head a few miles north of the city to get a feel for the area's natural beauty. Montmorency Falls Park is a top pick, where you'll find a majestic waterfall, hiking, cable car rides, and even a zip line for adventurous travelers.

Quebec welcomes visitors all year round, so don't wait to start planning your trip to this charming city.

Quebec, QC in a nutshell

Quebec is a North American city that has strong European influence as evidenced by the architectural styles of historic edifices. It is also the only Canadian province that adopts French as its official language at the local level. It will pay you well to keep a handy English-French dictionary if all you can remember from your lessons is "Oui." Trace the footsteps of the first colonizers at the Old Quebec which is a UNESCO world heritage jewel and let the significant characters (in costume) in the history welcome you to 17th century Artillery Park and Fortifications of Quebec. Make a stop at the star-shaped Citadel to learn about the town's military heritage. It is located along the Royal 22e Régiment Museum and the official residence of Governor General of Canada which are also must-see attractions. If Europe has castles, the city has century-old churches that are definitely architectural wonders. Marvel at Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral's catacomb and visit the sepulcher that contains the remains of New France's four governors. Drop by the oldest church across North America which is built out if stone, the 17th century Notre-Dame-des-Victoires. With teeming heritage in every street corner, Quebec is a real delight for history aficionados.

'What cannot be tamed is meant to be stayed away from. What cannot be gotten is meant to be left alone. What cannot be had will never be had.

This is a popular proverb used by native Inuit people of Quebec to teach their children the value of humility and modesty. It distinctly tries to influence young minds into thinking that you need to respect your fortunes and not go out of your way to achieve something that's not meant to be achieved. Some people might think of this as a defeatist attitude, but look closer and you will see the adage of harmony with nature that Inuit people have always advocated. 

Like Inuit people, Quebec “ now the second largest province in Canada “ has been long inhabited by many native tribes, before it was colonized by the British and the French with many settlements and communities. History of Quebec is sharply divided, thus, into two eras “ one before the colonization and other after it. The effects of the times when these two eras collided have shaped up modern Quebec in a very curious way. At places, you can see the remnants of ancient native life of simplicity and modesty, while at other places you can see the friction for stronghold waged by the British and the French. But today, all of these factors seems to have come together to create a blend that Quebec “ as a province “ appears to have come to terms with. 

From historical and natural points of view, there's much to see here in Quebec than many people give credit for. With gorgeous mountains, long and winding rivers, magically mysterious forests and some of the most advanced cities in the world all put together create a stunning panorama of variety that we are quite sure many of our readers will appreciate upon visit. 

So, in that order, we are thrilled to present this short article that might help you get to know more about Quebec hotels and what to expect from them. 

Cheap Lodging Options in Quebec

Being a large province, there are quite a few options available in Quebec that can provide you with cheap fares and basic accommodation facilities. It all depends upon where it is that you will be heading to. Assuming that readers would be following a standard practice of just putting up at Quebec City, here is more about cheap hotels in and around Quebec City. 

Au Petit Hotel, a popular choice among travelers and backpackers, is a definite winner in this category. Cheap tariffs coupled with good location and spacious rooms with all the rudimentary facilities (breakfast, Wi Fi, parking, room service, laundry, doctor on call etc.) available mean that you will be getting good value for every dollar you pay! 

For even cheaper rates, all you have to do is head straight to Hotel Classique. It is a quintessential French property in Quebec, where the traditional colonial way of French life still prevails “ right from breakfast spread to interior decor! 

Five Star Hotels in Quebec

Moving on ahead from cheap hotels, it would only be appropriate to discuss some of the best and most luxurious five star hotels in Quebec that tourists can safely count on to get their dose of posh and lavish hospitality. 

From internationally renowned chains of resorts to Canadian luxury brands, there's a great variety here to pick from. And when it comes luxury Quebec hotels, one name that just cannot escape a mention is Fairmont Chateau Frontenac. It is the most popular luxury hotel in Quebec City where most of the visiting royalty, celebs and statesmen choose to stay. 

Auberge Saint-Antoine is another similar resort in Quebec where you can see a perfect mix of sophisticated luxury and modest lavishness. 

Top Things to Do/See in Quebec

As mentioned in passing earlier, there's a lot to be seen and experienced in Quebec “ especially Quebec City “ if you are a lover of history, nature and art. 

There are over two dozen National Parks in Quebec Province where you can get to witness the natural grandeur and variety of the region. From small-sized parks to large-sized sanctuaries, this is a sure fire treat for everyone who loves outdoor activities and intimate company of nature. 

Similarly, for those who take active interest in gardening and horticulture, Jardine de Metis is a must-visit place. It is the only gardening museum and art center in the world where you can see and learn the craft of gardening like nowhere else! 

Montmorency Falls is a collection of cascades, located just about half an hour drive out of Quebec City. The majestic sight of these cascades making thunderous noise as they descend down from an impressive height is definitely going to be the highlight of your Quebec sightseeing itinerary. 

Hotels Near Airport in Quebec

Being a large province, Quebec is serviced by more than one airports that are used by thousands of visitors each year to get into the province. Among these, only two, however, are international airports. Montreal Airport is usually used by tourists coming in from Europe and Asia, while Quebec City Airport is used by visitors from North America. 

The Quebec City airport is only a brief drive away from the city center. Despite that, it's rather difficult to find a good lodging option in the vicinity of the airport, simply because of its secluded location. 

So, the better idea is always to take a drive from the airport to Quebec City in order to find suitable hotels in Quebec. 

Local Transport in Quebec

In Quebec City, the best way to get around is either by public transport (state operated as well as private bus networks) or by renting a car for the duration of your stay. Many luxury resorts in Quebec do provide discounted car rental services with drivers to their guests. 

Getting around on bicycles can also be a viable option, if you are physically fit and you wish to explore the local culture more intimately.