Québec is the capital of the province of the same name, the only French-speaking region in Canada and the second most populous in the country after the province of Ontario. Arriving here is like living on a different planet, with a landscape and a series of customs typical American but lived with the European spirit that has never abandoned this place. Also known as Ville de Québec, it is a sort of “little Paris” transferred overseas. The beauty of this capital is definitely worth the visit.
When to go
While summer is always the best time to visit Canada, for Québec we suggest booking your trip during the “shoulder seasons.” Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) in this region are an absolute feast of incredible colors and unique scents and flavours. Also consider the events that take place during this time.
Travel documents
When you must enter Canada, in addition to a passport valid for up to 6 months from the entry visa, you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA, in English) closely linked to the paper passport.
With a valid ETA, you can travel to Canada as often as you want for short stays, during the 5 years of validity of the document. However, upon arrival you will still have to go through customs to ensure that you do not come from an “undesirable” country. Find out about your possibility of obtaining an ETA at Canadian consulates and embassies.
What to pack for your trip to Québec
Since the best times to visit Quebec are autumn/fall or spring, it is advisable to pack warm, winter-like clothing, because temperatures in Canada remain cold for many months of the year. Sweaters, heavy jackets, k-ways, boots and hiking shoes are a must. Don’t give up on swimsuits because even in autumn, in Quebec, you can find heated pools and spa treatments.
Important: bring adapters for electrical plugs and consider purchasing Canadian phone cards, because not all foreign mobile companies have agreements with those of Quebec.
How to get to Québec
The region and city of Québec are both served by a very modern airport. Québec-Lesage Airport (YQB) was built in the 1930s, first as a military airport and later as a passenger stopover. It began operating as an international and intercontinental airport in 1967. It has 2 runways and a single terminal. Inside the terminal, travelers will enjoy useful and immediate services: from free Wi-Fi throughout the airport to a variety of dining and shopping options, passengers can indulge in last-minute gifts or savor a taste of the local cuisine.
The airport is easily accessible via multiple transportation options, including taxis, public means, private vehicles and car rentals. Québec city and its territory are also served by modern highways that connect it to other Canadian provinces and the northern part of the USA.
How to move through Québec
In Québec, metro and extensive bus network, along with Québec City’s RTC buses, offer affordable connectivity to and from the capital city. You can easily book a rented vehicle or a taxi, but you might also enjoy using bikes (Québec has got an extensive networks of dedicated cycling paths) and boats along St Lawrence River.
For a touch of luxury or group travel, consider a chauffeur or shuttle service by booking these services at our company. Transfeero is, in fact, your best reference as for easy and efficient private transfers.
What to see
Old Québec is the main tourist attraction of Québec City, together with the lovely St Lawrence river. Locals call it The Citadel. You can walk through the oldest quarter of the capital and admire iconic the Château Frontenac, typical French architectures, traditional bistros, art galleries and museums. Also worth the visit in Québec: Notre-Dame cathedral, Saint-Gédéon, Sainte-Anne de Beaupré, Terrasse Dufferin, Island d’Orléans.
St. Lawrence river – both inside and outside the city – offers wonderful panoramas. Nature lovers will love to travel along this river, or to hike the nearby Laurentian mountains especially during the wonderful and colourful leaf-peeping in autumn. Do not miss the Montmorency Waterfalls.
What to do and NOT to do in Québec
Enjoy your visit to Québec as you would enjoy a visit to a European capital. You can walk a lot, explore a lot, taste very good food and drinks, admire wonderful architectures and museums. You shall visit Québec at your own rhythm, at “slow pace”, forgetting all troubles and stress.
Never do in Québec: speak English, not respect speed limits and road signs, drink too much, protest with policemen, walk at night through St-Pie X and Limoilou neighbourhoods.