Finding the right place to stay is one of the essential parts of travel planning. You want somewhere cozy, close to the main attractions, and affordable. What is the best location to stay in Quebec City? Let us give you the advantages and disadvantages of the Old Capital’s most relevant suburbs so you can make an informed choice on the best place to stay and have a great time visiting.
Sainte-Foy
Let us start with Sainte-Foy. If you travel from Montreal, it is likely the first Quebec City suburb you will encounter. It is located west of the old town.
Sainte-Foy is known for its many restaurants and stores, especially the Laurier Quebec shopping mall. There, you will find a significant number of nice hotels with parking options. If you want to visit the historical area, you can easily take your car or travel by bus. It will only take you fifteen minutes to reach the Plains of Abraham.
In sum: even if it is not located in the old town, Sainte-Foy remains one of the best places to stay in Quebec City. It might be a bit expensive, but less than in downtown. You will also have a lot of hotel choices.
Airport Area and Ancienne-Lorette
If you are coming to Quebec City by plane or want to stay close to the airport, there are plenty of accommodation options in the airport and Ancienne-Lorette suburbs.
Located a bit outside the city, the Quebec City airport and Ancienne-Lorette area have a few hotels, restaurants, and activity options, but the main attractions are approximately 20 minutes from there. It is now possible to take a bus from the airport to downtown, which also stops in this neighbourhood.
In sum: You may find accommodation near the airport less expensive than in other Quebec City suburbs, but you will likely need to take your car to get to the old town. It might be more relevant to stay there if you plan to take a flight or only want to stay a few nights.
Lebourgneuf Neighbourhood of Quebec City
Jessica, demander une photo du Mega Parc des Galeries de la Capitale
Another interesting place to stay in Quebec City is the Lebourgneuf neighbourhood. It is more of an industrial area, but its central localization makes it strategic if you want to visit different parts of the city.
There are a few hotels and restaurants in Lebourgneuf, but its main attraction remains the Galeries de la Capitale shopping centre. It is more than a big mall with many stores; it also includes an indoor amusement park with a skating rink and an IMAX Theatre—the perfect place to go with kids on a rainy day! It will take you approximately 15 minutes to get to the old city.
In sum: Lebourgneuf could be one of the best areas to stay in Quebec City if you plan to do various city activities; however, be aware that it is less historic or for tourists.
Saint-Vallier and Saint-Roch
If you want a more authentic place to stay in Quebec with more Airbnb and guest house options, the suburbs of Saint-Vallier and Saint-Roch might be the perfect location.
These neighbourhoods are close to the old town; you can get there on foot, by bus, or bike. Saint-Vallier and Saint-Roch are renowned for their many trendy bars and restaurants. From vegan restaurants to breweries and French bakeries, you will likely find something you like.
The only negative thing is that even if Quebec City is one of the safest cities in North America, Saint-Vallier and Saint-Roch might feel less secure since more homeless people are living there, but rest assured that you are safe.
In sum: Saint-Vallier and Saint-Roch could be great alternatives if you are on a budget and want to enjoy the city’s more residential and urban aspects. They are especially good if you want to avoid the more tourist areas while being close to the main attractions on foot.
The Best Place to Stay in Quebec City: The Historical Neighbourhood
Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or want to feel as if you went back in time, the Historical Neighbourhood remains the best location to stay in Quebec City. Enclosed by fortifications and the Saint Lawrence River, this suburb has everything Quebec City has best to offer.
The Old Town can be divided into two areas: the uptown and the lower town, also called Quartier Petit Champlain. Both places have several accommodation options, from small guest houses to luxurious hotels like the Château Frontenac and the Auberge Saint-Antoine.
You will also find some of the best restaurants in Canada and a lot of activities to do: Musée de la Civilisation, Terrasse Dufferin, the Plains of Abraham…
The only disadvantages of the Old Town Historical Neighbourhood are that it is expensive and it may be difficult to drive around there. With its narrow streets and hundreds of tourists, you might want to leave your car at home, in a parking lot, and visit the old town on foot. Remember to check if parking is included when booking a hotel in this area. Hotel Nomad has this, and is super well located.
In sum: if you wish to enjoy your stay in Quebec City to the fullest and have the budget, the Historical Neighbourhood is a great option. There is something wonderful and unique about wandering in this old town, especially with your loved one.
In conclusion, the best location to stay in Quebec City may depend on your needs, but you have many options! From the more urban suburb of Sainte-Foy to the trendy streets of Saint-Vallier and Saint-Roch and the timeless Old Quebec, you will find an accommodation that will make your stay enjoyable.
What to Do in Quebec City region and How to Organize Your Trip
Curious about how to spend your day in the Quebec City region? Here’s a list of the top activities to consider adding to your plans:
- Admire Quebec City’s largest waterfall and take a cable car to the top of the Montmorency Falls.
- Experience a unique walking adventure in the heart of Old Quebec and learn about its history.
- Discover the food, beverages, and vineyards of Île d’Orléans.
- Explore the wilderness near Quebec City with a hike in the Jacques-Cartier National Park.
- Introduce yourself to speed skating in Quebec City with top athletes on an inside ice ring.
- Ziplining above the Sainte-Anne canyon near Quebec City.
- Sleep comfortably at the Fairmont Château Frontenac and enjoy an incredible view of the St. Lawrence River.
- Enjoy a peaceful room at the Hilton Quebec and take a dip in the only year-round heated outdoor pool in Quebec City.
Preparing For Your Trip
When I look for things to do in my destination, I always have a look at Viator, GetYourGuide, Manawa, Civitatis and sometimes even Expedia.
It’s first off a great way to find out what there is to do, but always a quick and easy method to book cheaply and efficiently with these renowned platforms.
Need a place to sleep? I find most of my accommodations on Booking.com but I also use Hotels.com for their rewards program (11th free night) as well as Expedia. When booking smaller places in Quebec, you might not find them here and need to contact them directly.
Looking for a cheap flight to the Outaouais through Montreal? Have a look on Cheapoair or Skyscanner I use regularly.
Once you’re there, rent a car to roam free with DiscoverCars, AutoEurope or RentalCars or hop on a bus around Gatineau, Montreal, Quebec, and surrounding cities with Busbud.
For ideas and tips on visiting Quebec City, click here. Do you want to learn more about Quebec City? Take a look at our other pins!
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