Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

Destination:

Canada & New England

Quebec City (French: Québec) is the capital of the Canadian province of Quebec. Located at a commanding position on cliffs overlooking the St. Lawrence Seaway, Quebec City's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only city in North America (outside Mexico and the Caribbean) with its original city walls. Quebec is a city of about 700,000 residents.

Quebec City is the capital city of the province of Quebec (though it is referred to as the National Capital in the province). Much of the business here is of the administrative and bureaucratic nature, which would normally make a city quite dull. Fortunately, the city has a remarkable history, as the fortress capital of New France since the 16th century. Although the town's day-to-day life leaves things a little yawny at times, the vibrant historical center makes for an incredible visit.

Quebec was first settled by Europeans in 1608 in an "abitation" led by Samuel de Champlain and celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2008. The generally accepted dates of Champlain's arrival in the city are July 3rd and 4th and were marked with major celebrations. The area was also inhabited by Native peoples for many centuries before the arrival of the Europeans, and their ongoing presence has been notable since then.

Founded by the French to make a claim in the New World, the name Quebec originally referred to just the city. It is an aboriginal word for "where the river narrows" as the St. Lawrence River dramatically closes in just east of the city. It is situated on 200 foot high cliffs with stunning views of the surrounding Laurentian mountains and the St. Lawrence River. Under French rule (1608-1759), the major industries were the fur and lumber trades. The French lost the city and the whole colony of New France to the British in the Battle of the

Plains of Abraham

in 1759. Much of the French nobility returned to France which resulted in British ruling over the remaining French population. Fortunately, the rulers of the colony allowed the French to retain their language and religion leaving much of the culture intact. The 1840s saw an influx of Irish immigrants during the Potato Famine. Due to cholera and typhus outbreaks, ships were quarantined at Grosse Ile to the east of the city past l'Ile d'Orleans. The bodies of those who perished on the journey and while in quarantine are buried there. The city remained under British rule until 1867 when Lower Canada (Quebec) joined Upper Canada (Ontario), New Brunswick and Nova Scotia to form the Dominion of Canada.

French is the official language of the province of Quebec though in the tourist areas of Quebec City English is widely spoken as a second language by almost all of the staff. It is also not unusual to find Spanish, German and Japanese spoken in many establishments in Vieux Quebec. Outside of the tourist areas, some knowledge of French is advisable and perhaps necessary, depending on how rural the area is you are visiting. It should be noted that while older locals will struggle when attempting to sustain a discussion in English, most people under 35 should be able to speak conversational English. Less than a third of the overall population is bilingual French/English.

In French, both the city and the province are referred to as "Québec". Which is meant is determined by context and by the convention of referring to the province with the masculine article ("le Québec or au Québec") and to the city without any article at all ("à Québec"). This may lead to confusion when following provincial road signs as the City of Quebec, (Ville de Québec) is referred to only as Québec in official signage.

Orientation

Orienting yourself in Quebec is fairly easy. Many sights of interest are in the Old Town (Vieux-Québec), which constitutes the walled city on top of the hill. Many surrounding neighborhoods, either in Haute-Ville ("Upper Town") or in Basse-Ville ("Lower Town"), are of great interest: Saint-Roch, Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Montcalm, Vieux-Port and Limoilou. Haute-Ville and Basse-Ville are connected by many staircases, all of which are unique, such as the aptly-named Escalier Casse-Cou ("Breakneck Stairs") and the more easily climbable "

Funiculaire.

"

The city spreads westward from the St. Lawrence River, for the most part extending from the original old city. The true downtown core of Quebec City is located just west of the old city. Across the river from Quebec City is the town of Lévis. Frequent ferry service connects the two sides of the river.

Source: https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/
Quebec_City

Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0

Quebec City, Quebec, Canada: Port Information

Your cruise ship will dock in the center of the Old Town.
Ross Gaudreault Cruise Terminal is accessible on foot, by public transport, taxi or car. The terminal is located near Old City.
Cruise ships can also dock at Quai Paquet. It is a short ferry ride to the port.
On busy days, your liner may dock further down river. In this case, cruise ships usually provide shuttle service.
Construction of the second cruise terminal is planned.

Get around Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

On foot

Walking is a great way to get around the Old Town, as the compact layout makes distances short. You will see beautiful old buildings and little vistas around every corner. You will get exercise. Do be careful of uneven cobblestones and narrow streets, though.

Côte de la Montagne is a steep, winding street that connects Upper Town and Lower Town. If you get tired, use the Funiculaire to go between the upper and lower parts of the Old Town. It will get you from near the base of the Breakneck Stairs (l'Escalier Casse-Cou) back up to the front of the

Chateau Frontenac

. It is well worth it if you have small children or large packages.

Many intersections are set up with separate traffic signals and cycles for cars and for pedestrians. At one point in the cycle, all traffic lights turn red and all pedestrian signals turn white, meaning that you can cross the intersection in any direction. Yet when the traffic light is green and the pedestrian signal is red, you may find cars turning in front of you. Some intersections have a pedestrian button to activate the signals, and you will never get a pedestrian cycle unless you push that button.

By bike

The bicycle network of Quebec City has been growing slowly but steadily for the last decade. Although small compared to the extensive utilitarian network of Montreal, it now offers a few recreational bike paths called Corridors with complete bidirectional and segregated bike lanes beginning downtown and ending in the countryside, generally giving splendid views of the area on the way. Most of them are part of the Route Verte system of provincial bike paths.

Corridor des Cheminots is a peaceful trail that runs from the Old Port to Val-Bélair, which continues on to the Jacques-Cartier park area. Even though it can be a challenge because of its long uphill slope, it (obviously) is a breeze on the way back.

The eastern section of Corridor du Littoral leads to Chutes Montmorency. This one-hour route (2 hours both ways) runs along the St. Lawrence River, unfortunately, hidden by the Dufferin Expressway. By crossing under the expressway, you can make brief stops at the Baie de Beauport recreational park and the Battures de Beauport vista point for restrooms and views on the river. Keep some of your strength for the stairs up at Chutes Montmorency: the view is well worth it.

The western section of Corridor du Littoral leads to the award-winning Samuel-de-Champlain promenade. This time, no expressway stops you from having spectacular views on the river and you might even enjoy some nice contemporary architecture on the way. Restrooms and a cafe can be found at the end of the promenade. 1½ hour both ways.

The Parcours des Anses is in Lévis, across the river. Cross with the ferry (an experience in itself) and bike west on the south shore until you reach the Quebec Bridge and cross back on the north shore to connect with the Samuel-de-Champlain promenade and Corridor du Littoral. Crossing the Quebec Bridge is not for the faint of heart though, as it is the longest cantilever bridge in the world and the path is narrow. That said, this route is the most rewarding of all and will take you a whole afternoon to complete. Part of the route on low-traffic streets still lacks a proper bike path.

The city offers maps of its bicycle paths online.

By car

Driving in the Old Town can be tricky since the cobblestone streets were designed for narrow 17th-century horse carts rather than 21st-century SUVs. One way streets abound throughout the Old Town and parking is difficult to find. Be aware of parking signs and ask locals to ensure parking regulation is understood. Parking patrols are effective and unforgiving.

Outside of the Old Town, the use of a car is recommended. Right turns on red are allowed unless otherwise indicated.

During the months of November through April, snow will definitely affect driving conditions. Snow tires are required by provincial law between December 15 and March 15 for all vehicles plated in Quebec as some roads will lack snow removal, sand or salting. Vehicles plated in the US or in other provinces are not subject to this requirement.

If snowfall occurred recently, watch out for red flashing lights. It means snow removal is underway. Cars parked on the street will be fined and towed. Parking in an underground garage is advised.

By public transit

The RTC (Réseau de transport de la Capitale), Quebec's public transportation system, is a system of buses and express shuttles that cover the whole city. You can get a pre-paid card loaded with up to 12 trips (in bunches of 2) from licensed stores. Daily passes (2 for 1 on weekends) and monthly passes are also sold the same stores. Free for children below the age of 6. Drivers do not carry money and cannot change bills so do carry exact change - to buy your ticket you place the money in a cash drop box at the entry of the bus. Google Transit can be used to find the best itinerary.

Four of the bus lines are frequent-service lines called Metrobus. They are served by recognizable green and grey articulated buses. 800 and 801 both start in Ste-Foy, head toward the Old Town, and end in Beauport and Charlesbourg respectively. 802 starts at Beauport to Belvedere, through Limoilou and Saint-Sauveur. 803 runs along Lebourgneuf blvd and connects with the Galeries de la Capitale terminus. They can run as often as one every three minutes during rush hour.

The Ecolobus, a short electric bus, was deemed inefficient and removed from service in January 2015.

The STLévis, Lévis's public transit, operates within the south shore of Quebec. There is also a shuttle from St-Augustin to Quebec. These different transit companies all pass through Quebec City, which explains the different colors of buses around town.

By boat

From Quebec to Lévis takes approx 15 minutes, all year round. There are departures every 20 minutes at peak hours, 30 minutes off-peak. It gives the best view in town.

What to see in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

Quebec City's main sight is the Old Town, the upper part of which is surrounded by a stone wall built by both French and British armies. It is now a tourist district with many small boutiques and hundreds of historical and photographic points of interest. Some of the buildings are original structures, while others are built in the same style and architecture as former buildings.

Haute-Ville

Chateau Frontenac. Quebec City icon. Claimed to be the most photographed hotel in North America.
Dufferin Terrace (Terrasse Dufferin). Boardwalk situated alongside (east of) the Chateau Frontenac, and offers a grand view of the St. Lawrence River.
Musée national des Beaux-arts du Québec. Located on the Battlefields park, the mission of this art museum is to promote and preserve Québec art of all periods and to ensure a place for international art through temporary exhibitions. You can also visit the old prison of Quebec City, which is now one of the two main pavilions of the Museum. An annex designed by renowned architectural firm OMA is currently being built.
Musée de l'Amérique française.
The Citadel (La Citadelle). This fortification at the juncture of the Old City wall and Grande Allée holds a changing of the guard ceremony mornings at 10 AM complete with traditional bearskin hats in the summer months, weather permitting. Still used as an active military base by the Royal 22e Régiment, an entirely French-speaking regiment in the Canadian army. Also serves as the official residence of the Governor-General of Canada when he/she visits Quebec City.
Plains of Abraham Battlefield Park (Outside the Old City walls), ☎ +1 418 649-6157. Site of the 1759 battle that saw the British conquer Quebec, now used for public events, sports, and leisure activities.
Observatoire de la Capitale (Outside the Old City walls). One of the tallest buildings in Quebec, offering a panoramic view of the whole city.

Basse-Ville

Place-Royale. The spot where Samuel de Champlain landed in 1608 and founded the first French settlement in North America, now converted into a postcard-pretty public square. Do not miss the huge mural covering the entire side of a nearby building; the figure with a hat standing at the base of the 'street' is Champlain.
Musée de la civilisation (Museum of Civilization), 85 rue Dalhousie, ☎ +1 418 643-2158. Tu-Su 10 AM-5 PM. Museum devoted to the world's peoples, with a well-done if still somewhat dull permanent exhibit on the history of Quebec.

Other

Parc du Bois-de-Coulonge, 1215 Grande Allée, ☎ +1 418-528-0773, fax: +1 418-528-0833. Residence of past lieutenant-governors from 1870-1966 and spread over 24 hectares, this garden features heritage buildings, wooded areas, and gardens.

Parliament Building (Hôtel du Parlement), 1045 Rue des Parlementaires, ☎ +1 418-643-7239, toll-free: +1-866-337-8837, e-mail: renseignements@assnat.qc.ca. The provincial legislature of Quebec, located in an impressive neoclassical-style building just outside the city walls. Tours are available in both French and English on non-sitting days, and proceedings (French only) may be watched from the public galleries when in session. You will need to show some photo ID (Canadian driver's license or passport) and go through security screening to be allowed to enter. Unlike many other legislature buildings, the parliamentary restaurant is open to the public.

What to do in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

Horse-drawn carriages. A one-hour tour of the Old City.

Ferry to Lévis. Beautiful views of the Chateau Frontenac and the Lower Old Town, and the other side of the river. Quite cheap and only one ticket is required for a round trip if you stay aboard. (However, don't tell that to the ticket agent; some will insist on charging you the round trip fare.)

AML Cruises. Offers short three-hour cruises on the St-Lawrence river leaving from the docks nearby the ferry. One of the cruises leaves as the sun is setting and comes back when the sun is down for a stunning view of Quebec city by night.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on Plains of Abraham. Treat yourself to nature in the city and ski free of charge in one of the most accessible, enchanting sites there is, as you enjoy a breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence River.

Villages Vacances Valcartier. Water park and go-carts open during the summer season. Tubing and ice skating offered in the winter.

Mont-Sainte-Anne. Ski and snow during the cold season. Camping, biking, and hiking at summertime.

Station touristique Stoneham. Ski and snow during the winter and an animated summer camp from June to August every summer.

Choco-musee Erico. A small museum of chocolate, talks about the history and making of chocolate.

Ice Hotel (Thirty minutes west of Quebec at Station Touristique Duchesnay on Lac St-Joseph, MetroBus 801). One of only two ice hotels in the world, from January to early April the Ice Hotel is a must-see. The best time to go here is just before dark so you can see the hotel in natural lighting and then artificially lit. Each room is themed and decorated with exquisite ice sculptures. Includes an ice bar where you can get a drink served in an ice glass. For the romantics, there is a wedding chapel complete with snow pews.

Governeur's Walk. Scenic walk starting at the top of the Funiculare, continuing along the wall overlooking the old city. The many staircases lead to overlooks offering scenic views of the St. Lawrence. The walk ends at the gazebo on the Plains of Abraham.

Ice Slide at Terrasse Dufferin. During the winter you can slide down an ice slide on a toboggan, quite fast and great view. Buy the tickets from the Café at the end of the slide.

Patinoire de la place d'Youville. Ice skating rink located right in the middle of Old Quebec. Skating is free to those with their own skates, and rentals are available to those who need them. Rink is small in size but the location can't be beaten.

Dog sled. (chiens de traineaux) usually available on a smaller scale during winter events like Carnaval. Else different providers give you the opportunity for a half-day ride.

Québec is a great city for going out to dance traditional and nuevo-Argentinian Tango. You can find out about classes, practicas, milongas, and events at the local association 2 or at L'Avenue Tango.

Martin Lachance, 399 St.Joseph (E), ☎ +1 418 641-6654. 24. Québec is one of North America's most beautiful port cities. Set against the stunning backdrop of Cape Diamond, its port is the gateway to Old Québec's historic and cultural neighborhoods. Set foot ashore and walk into a world of museums, heritage homes, art galleries, craft boutiques, public markets, parks, murals, sidewalk cafés, restaurants, bistros, and more—all just a few steps or a buggy ride away! Extend your stay upon arrival or departure and enjoy a few extra days in one of the world's best destinations.

5th best city destination in North America and 10th in the world in 2010 according to Condé Nast Traveler.

Best Canadian city for culture, 4th best Canadian destination, and 7th most romantic city in the world in 2010 according to TripAdvisor.

What to eat and drink in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

Eat

All restaurants in the Old City will post menus out front in French and in English. Look for the table d'hote specials for a full course fixed price meal. On the cheaper (but very satisfying) side, have a traditional tourtière québecoise (meat pie), or a poutine (fries, gravy, and cheese curds).

The café culture is very much a part of Quebec City as in most of Europe. It should be very easy to find a quaint cafe around Marche Champlain, and around the Chateau. Food is fairly expensive in Quebec, and even a simpler café or bar may be costly.

Most Quebec City delicatessens and markets offer a large variety of Quebec cheese from farms in the surrounding countryside. Specialties of the region include brie or camembert style cheeses made with raw milk (lait cru), which endows the cheese with superior flavors and textures not usually found in North American cheeses of the same type.

As far as fast food is concerned, Chez Ashton is a local chain found only in the Quebec City area, which is popular among the locals for its reasonably priced, yet delicious poutines.

Haute-Ville

Aux Anciens Canadiens, 34 rue Saint-Louis, ☎ +1 418-692-1627. Specializes in Quebecois cooking, including dishes that feature caribou, buffalo, or wapiti. The table d'hote (the local term for prix-fixe), served until 17h45, is quite a good deal. Reservations recommended. Note that food, while good, is often heavy and that some appetizers are as large as main courses. Taking home left-overs is not allowed.

Casse-Crepe Breton, 1136 rue Saint-Jean, ☎ +1 418-692-0438. 8 AM-6 PM. Inexpensive crepes. Usually, a long line to enter, due to the fact that the restaurant is rather small. Come early.

Cafe-Boulangerie Paillard, 1097 rue Saint-Jean, ☎ +1 418-692-1221. 7:30 AM-7 PM. Good selection of Viennese pastries and gelato. Locals line up to buy inexpensive soups, sandwiches, and pizza.

Le Continental, 26 rue Saint-Louis (one block west of the Chateau Frontenac), ☎ +1 418-694-9995. Warm, cozy environment. Fantastic food--shrimp scampi that melts in your mouth, filet mignon cooked at table side, and other delectable dishes. Expensive but well worth it.

Le Petit Coin Latin, 8 1/2 rue Sainte-Ursule, ☎ +1 418-692-2022. Quiet but pleasant atmosphere, nice made-in-Quebec music, friendly staff. Serves good quality breakfast starting at 8 AM. Serves good Raclette dish.

Le Saint-Amour, 48 rue Sainte-Ursule, ☎ +1 418-694-0667. Expensive. The environment is a mish-mash of styles that do not seem to work together. The wait staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The French food is well-prepared but probably the most expensive restaurant in Quebec City and you should be aware of this fact. On the other hand, this restaurant is a must for stars visiting Quebec City, Paul McCartney had dinner at the St-Amour in 2008 the night before his concert.

Les Frères de la Côte, 1190 rue Saint-Jean, ☎ +1-418-692-5445. Filled with more locals than tourists, this small eatery serves up a good selection of European dishes including their trademark moules (mussels).

Moine Échanson, 585 rue Saint-Jean (Outside the Old City walls, about 4 blocks west of the St-Jean Gate), ☎ +1-418-524-7832. Outside the purlieu of the mechanized tourist cafeterias of the Old Town, this warm restaurant produces high-quality food and drink in small, manageable doses. They have a short but provocative nightly menu, and the food is produced by hand with the loving attention of chefs who care about their craft. Great cellar of organic wines that will surprise you with their depth.

Pizzeria La Primavera, 73 rue Saint-Louis, ☎ +1 418-694-0030. Pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven. Expensive and small portions. 10% service charge added to the bill.

L'Astral, 1225 Cours du General-De Montcalm (Sitated just outside of the city walls on Grande Allée Est, which runs alongside the Parliament Building.), ☎ +1 418-780-3602, fax: +1 418-647-4710. Located at the top of the Concorde Hotel this revolving restaurant offers unrivaled 360° views over the city and French style cuisine. Also known for its Sunday brunch.

Basse-Ville

Cochon Dingue, 46 blvd Champlain (Basse-Ville). Touristy, but in a good way — the "Crazy Pig" is cavernous but usually packed, with hefty portions from a frequently-changing menu. Lunch specials are good value.

Drink

There is a place for nearly every visitor, from the wild nightlife to the cozy corner. Drinking age is 18 though enforcement is hazy.

Quality wine and liquor can only be purchased at SAQ shops, most of which are open until 6 PM Sunday - Wednesday and 8 or 9 PM on weekends; the smaller SAQ Express outlets are open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM, but the selection is restricted to the SAQ's most popular items. Beer and a small selection of lower-quality wine are also sold at convenience stores (dépanneurs) and grocery stores (not what you would usually bring to a dinner party but sometimes drinkable - it has been imported in bulk and bottled and sometimes blended in Quebec and known as "piquette" by the locals). All retail alcohol sales stop at 11 PM and bars and clubs stop serving at 3 AM.

There is only one SAQ within the walls of the old city, a SAQ "Selection" inside the Chateau Frontenac. It has high-end wines and liquors, a small selection of other liquors and no beer. A SAQ "Classique" with better (though still small) selection is located just outside of the walls on Rue St-Jean on the south side of the street.

During the frigid Carnaval, a local specialty known as caribou is available to warm you up (did you know that those canes they sell are hollow?). Though the mixture varies with what is available, it tends to be port or red wine with a hodge-podge of liquors, normally vodka, brandy and perhaps even some sherry.

The Grande Allée has most of the city's clubs & youth-oriented bars and spots:

Le Dagobert, 600 Grande-Alle Est, ☎ +1 418 522-0393. One of Québec's biggest clubs and over 25 years old, with shows by local and international musicians. With its heart-stopping techno and enormous outdoor disco ball, you cannot miss it. Crowd tends to be young. One of the few venues that consistently asks for identification for age verification.

L'Ozone, 570 Grande-Allée Est, ☎ +1 418-529-7932, e-mail: info@pubozone.com. Offers great music and atmosphere.

Chez Maurice, 575 Grande-Allée Est, ☎ +1 418 647-2000. Upscale with a crowd in the mid-to-late 20s playing dance. Has a dress code for the second floor.

Les Voutes de Napoléon, 680 Grande Allée Est, ☎ +1 418 640-9388. Great chansonnier bar located in the vaults of a restaurant. Live music every day. Gets packed on weekend especially Saturday night. Festive atmosphere.

La Rue St. Jean, beyond the city walls on the west end, is where travelers will find the best pubs in Québec, as well as some smaller dance clubs:

St Patrick, 1200 rue Saint-Jean, ☎ +1 418-694-0618. An excellent bar with multiple indoor levels, in addition to its outdoor terrace at the heart of Old Québec. It serves typical bar food, but come for the live music, of the folk and Irish variety, that fills the atmosphere multiple nights a week. Try the draft cider.
Pub St. Alexandre, 1087 Rue St.-Jean, ☎ +1 418-694-0015. Another great bar/restaurant that specializes in imports, but charges a price for them.
Casablanca, 1169 Rue Saint-Jean, ☎ +1 418 692-4301. A small, upstairs, tucked-away club that plays heavy rosta-beats and has room to dance. It's a good place to bring your own party, with a unique ambiance.
Sacrilege, 47 Rue Saint-Jean, ☎ +1 418 649-1985. Darkly lit beer bar with an open air patio. Ideal for a relaxed atmosphere with good friends.
Ninkasi, 811 rue Saint-Jean, ☎ +1 418 529-8538. The best place to have a large choice of Quebeckers beers and see a variety of shows.
L'Oncle Antoine, 29 Rue St. Pierre, ☎ +1 418 694-9176. Located in the touristy part of town, it's one of the city's oldest bars. Cozy atmosphere with a great selection of local brews. Also offers an open-air patio.

Spread throughout Old Québec are many upscale bars and jazz clubs. Search out the hotels, as they typically have the best venues for jazz and music at night.

Bar Château Frontenac, 1 rue des Carrieres (in Chateau Frontenac Hotel). Famous for their perfectly mixed and generously sized martinis, available in numerous versions including half-a-dozen named after famous visitors ranging from Winston Churchill to René Lévesque. Try to score a window seat for great views across the St. Lawrence. The ice wine martini is a great treat.
Pub Nelligans, 789 Cote Ste Genevieve, ☎ +1 418 529-7817. A real Irish owned pub in the heart of the St.jean Baptiste neighborhood. Famous for its year-round Tuesday night traditional musique jams. A great place to meet people with a friendly ambiance and surroundings, no better place to go and have a great pint of Guinness.

Shopping in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

Quebec City's Old Town, especially Basse-Ville, is riddled with shops for tourists. Watch for leather goods and various handmade crafts made by Canada's First Nations Peoples.

Marché du Vieux-Port, 160 Quai Saint-André. Open daily 8 AM-8 PM. Farmers' market just north of Basse-Ville, offering cheap and tasty local produce.

Place Laurier, Place de la Cité, Place Ste-Foy, 2700 boulevard Laurier (located in the Ste-Foy district, to the west of the downtown). Three large shopping malls right next to each other. Place Laurier boasts being the largest shopping mall in eastern Canada.

Galeries de la Capitale, 5401, boulevard des Galeries (Located in the Lebourgneuf neighborhood of Les Rivieres borough). Large shopping mall towards the north of the city which boasts 280 stores and 35 restaurants. Also contains an IMAX theater and an indoor amusement park which includes a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster and a skating rink for hockey games.
La Vie Sportive, 600 rue Bouvier, ☎ +1 418-623-8368, toll-free: +1-888-347-7678, e-mail: contact@viesportive.com. 09:30-17:30. Technical clothing and sport equipment store since 35 years.

Safety in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

The level of violent crime and homicides in Quebec is far lower than almost all other large cities in Canada or the USA.

During the day, you should have no fear about traveling around the city, but at night, there might be the usual drunk bar patrons and those who prey on people unfamiliar with where they are. Take the usual precautions to protect yourself and you should be fine. However, the city is very safe for solitary female travelers.

Language spoken in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

Canada is officially bilingual on the federal level, meaning that most federal government official documents, signs, and tourist information will be presented in both French and English. Staff at retail shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions will often speak English, especially in Montreal. Smaller establishments, especially outside Montreal, may not offer services in English but try their best to accommodate travelers. About 8% of the province's residents speak English as a mother tongue, and an additional 31% consider that they can get by speaking it.

The official language of Quebec, however, is French. Provincial government signs (highway signs, government buildings, hospitals, etc.) are generally posted in French only. Tourist information is offered in English and other languages. The visibility of commercial signs and billboards in English and other languages is restricted by law (except for English-language media and cultural venues such as theaters, cinemas, and bookstores). Most businesses will not have signs in English except in tourist areas and localities with a large English-speaking population. Language is a very sensitive subject politically, particularly in Montreal. If you cannot read a sign in a store or restaurant, most sales people will be sympathetic and help you find your way. Most restaurants in tourist areas will supply English menus if asked.

82% of Quebec’s population is francophone, but English is also commonly spoken, particularly in the province’s major cities such as Montréal where the percentage is 24%. For French-speaking people from elsewhere, the French spoken in Quebec is often difficult to understand for French people. Books have been published on Quebec expressions, and these may be worth consulting if you are planning to stay in Quebec for any length of time.

Isolated from France for centuries, and unaffected by that country's 19th-century language standardization, Quebec has developed its own accent of French similar to the one in France in the 16th century, a kind of time capsule. The continental variety--called "international French" or français international here--is well-understood, and something closely approximating it is spoken by broadcasters and many businesspeople. While Quebecers usually understand European French, European tourists may feel lost until they grow accustomed to the local accent(s).

There are a few main differences between Quebecois French and continental French-from-France. One is that in Quebec it's relatively common to tutoyer (use the familiar tu second-person pronoun instead of vous when saying you) for all, regardless of age or status (though there are common exceptions to this in the workplace and the classroom). In France, it would be considered impolite. The unrelated interrogative particle -tu is used to form yes-or-no questions, as in On y va-tu? "Shall we go?" Finally, there are a number of vocabulary words that differ, particularly in very informal contexts (for example, un char for a car, rather than une voiture or une auto), and some common expressions (C'est beau [literally It's nice] for "OK" or "fine"). Overall, however, pronunciation marks the most significant difference between Quebec and European French. For example, the word pas is pronounced "paw", the word fête is pronounced "fight" etc.

Probably the most puzzling difference in Quebec's French is that one will often sacrer (blaspheme or swear) rather than using scatological or sexual curse words. Terms like baptême (baptism) or viarge (deformation of vierge, virgin) have become slangy and taboo over the centuries in this once fervently Catholic culture. Hostie de tabarnac! ("communion wafer of the tabernacle!") or just tabarnak! is one of the most obscene things to say, and more polite versions like tabarnouche or tabarouette are equivalent to "darn" or "fudge!"

Although sacre may seem funny, be assured that Quebeckers, particularly the older generation, do take it seriously. Don't sacre any time you don't really mean it! But be sure that younger Quebeckers may be fond of teaching you a little sacrage lesson if you ask them.

English-speaking Quebeckers are generally bilingual and reside mostly in the Montreal area, where 25% of the population speaks English at home. Aside from the occasional borrowing of local French terms ("dépanneur" as opposed to corner store or convenience store), their English differs little from standard Canadian English, including the occasional "eh" at the end of the sentence; accents are influenced heavily by ethnicity, with distinct Irish, Italian, Jewish, and Greek inflections heard in Montreal neighborhoods. Conversations between anglophones and francophones often slip unconsciously between English and French as a mutual show of respect. This can be confusing if you're not bilingual, and a look of puzzlement will generally signal a switch back to a language everyone can understand.

Although English-speakers will usually greet strangers in French, it is considered pretentious and overzealous for a native English-speaker to continue a conversation in French with other English speakers (though two francophones will easily converse together in English when in a room of anglophones). Local English-speakers may also refer to street names by their English names as oppose to the posted French names, but this is getting rarer (for example, Mountain Street for rue de la Montagne, Pine Avenue for avenue des Pins).

Some French-language radio stations, including those with classic rock formats, may play English language music.