Here’s what every visitor should know before traveling to Québec City
Traveling to Québec City? Here's what every traveler needs to know about the weather, parking, language issues, festival days and more.
When I first visited Québec City in 2013, I fell in love. On a series of short getaways, the city lured me in with its European-style architecture, French-speaking locals and laid-back vibe – so I rented my first apartment here in 2014.
It wasn't just the architecture and language that made Québec feel different. The Québecois use the 24-hour clock, while the rest of Canada uses am and pm. When looking at prices, locals often use a comma instead of a period to separate dollars and cents. And Québecois swear words are usually based on religion – if you hear someone say “tabarnak” they are effectively dropping the F-bomb.
For all its abundant charms, Québec's second city can take some adjusting to on your first visit. Here are some essential tips that every traveler needs to know on a trip to Québec City.
1. Québec City has a different vibe to Montréal
Québec City and Montréal are very different cities, but they complement each other nicely. Where the latter is edgy and cosmopolitan, the former is relaxed and comforting. Both cities have a thriving food scene, and a love for the outdoors. Which is better? Well, they’re only three hours apart by train, so it's easy to visit Québec's two biggest cities on the same trip and judge for yourself!
2. Give yourself time to explore Québec City
There is a lot to see and experience in Québec City, and I’d recommend spending at least three days here. Explore Vieux Québec on the first day, then branch out to such other neighborhoods as St-Roch and Montcalm on the second day. On the third day, consider a day trip to Île d’Orléans or Wendake.
3. Dress for the weather in Québec
As with most parts of Canada, Québec City is icy cold in winter. Daytime temperatures can drop to -11°C (12°F) by January and it can be colder still at night, so bring warm layers for any winter trip, and be ready for snow from December to early March.
On the plus side, the winter whiteout adds to the holiday mood in December, when the city hosts a German-style holiday market. If you come in summer, the temperature can reach 26°C (78°F) in July, but bring an umbrella or raincoat, as showers are common. 
4. Book accommodations during festivals far in advance
Finding accommodation in Québec City is generally easy, but if you’re planning to visit during one of the city's popular festivals – for example, Festival d’été de Québec in summer and Carnaval de Québec in winter – or during the Christmas break, aim to book at least six months in advance.
The longer you wait, the more expensive the rooms will be, and sometimes every room in and near Vieux Québec (the city's historic old quarter) gets completely booked out, making impulsive, last-minute trips somewhat tricky during these peak periods.
5. The cheapest transportation from the airport is also the slowest
For many years, the only way to travel from the airport to downtown Québec City was by taxi, at a price of CA$41.40 (US$28.86) for a 20-minute ride. Thankfully, a much cheaper public bus service is now available; bus lines 76 and 80 travel between the city and the airport, taking about an hour; to reach downtown Québec City, take line 80 and transfer to line 1 at Gare Fluviale. 
6. Parking in Québec City can be tricky
In Vieux Québec, metered street parking can be found on a handful of streets, but these desirable spots are in high demand. Though you can pay using on-street machines, save yourself time and download the Copilote Plus app on your phone: after you’ve added your credit card, you can pay for parking by entering the four-digit number on the blue tag by your space.
Street parking spaces are usually available for two to five hours, but overnight street parking is free from 9pm to 9 am, and until 10am on Sundays. Make sure you verify the rules locally before leaving your car overnight and move your car (or pay for parking) in plenty of time in the morning.
Alternatively, there are a couple of parking garages located in or close to Vieux Québec, including a conveniently central garage underneath the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) and a large parking garage on rue Dauphine, near the traffic lights. In Old Lower Town, there are quite a few parking lots and garages near the marina and along the St Lawrence River, so this can be an easier place to find a space.
7. Understand short-term rental descriptions
Apartment ads were the first hurdle I encountered when moving to Québec City, and descriptions touting “1½,” “2½,” “3½,” “4½” and “5½” apartments confounded me. Eventually, I learned that the numbers indicate the number of rooms, while the “½” refers to the bathroom (even if there’s more than one).
The same number system is often used for short-term rentals as well, with the most common holiday rental being a "3½" – indicating one bedroom, plus a kitchen, living room and bathroom. You can find "4½" (two-bedroom) and "5½" (three-bedroom) rentals as well.
Always read rental descriptions carefully. In some cases, landlords don’t change the size indication of an apartment even if they renovate and change the number of bedrooms. For instance, an apartment can be "5½" in size, but have only two bedrooms, so do your research to avoid disappointment.
8. Speaking French always goes down well
Many visitors assume that you have to speak French to enjoy Québec City – and that Québecois will treat you rudely if you don’t. Happily, this stereotype no longer applies – and I say this as an anglophone who is still struggling with the French language after years of living here full time.
When I first visited in 2013, finding locals who spoke some English, even in touristy Vieux Québec, was a challenge. Today, most businesses in the old city only hire staff who can also speak passable English. Nonetheless, you'll get the warmest reception if you greet everyone in French; even if you switch over to English to continue the conversation, this little courtesy is always appreciated by locals.
9. Be mindful on St-Jean-Baptiste Day
St-Jean-Baptiste Day on June 24 is the biggest holiday celebration for Québecois, a day for embracing the love and pride they have for their language, history, traditions and culture. It can be a fun day, but some unfriendly types can be curt with visitors who don't speak French during the festivities. If you want to experience the celebrations, ask hotel or hostel staff for recommendations of the best places for visitors to join in.
10. Canada Day is moving day in Québec
While tourists celebrate Canada Day on July 1 in the Vieux Québec district, many locals are more focused on moving house. Typically, leases in Québec run out on June 30, so while you’re busy exploring, you may see locals transporting their belongings through the crowds to their new places, and removals trucks can add to the traffic. 
11. Vieux Québec is not very accessible
For able-bodied people, the center of Québec City is very walkable and easy to enjoy on foot. Unfortunately, Vieux Québec is made up of narrow, cobbled streets, many set at steep inclines, which can make exploring a challenge for those who use a wheelchair.
Note that the popular funicular that connects Terrasse Dufferin in Vieux Québec with Petit-Champlain in Old Lower Town is fully accessible, and the city bus company, Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC), is in the process of introducing wheelchair-accessible buses and bus stops on all routes.
12. Language can be an issue with healthcare in Québec City
If you need medical care in Québec City, Jeffery Hale – St Brigid’s hospital caters to English-speaking patients, but it's in the Ste-Foy neighborhood, outside of the center, and it's not open 24/7. If you need immediate medical care while you’re in Vieux Québec, the closest hospital is Hôtel Dieu, but download a translation app before you arrive to make communication with staff easier.
In practice, many medical staff speak a bit of English, but all medical paperwork will be in French, and on arrival at the hospital you will be asked for insurance documentation or a credit card – or both. If you're visiting from overseas, make sure you have travel insurance; if you are a resident of Ontario and have OHIP, you will not need to pay in advance.
