Where to stay and eat in Quebec City

If you already know What to see and do in Quebec City, you’re ready for where to stay and eat. (Note: This originally was part of what to see and do, but because of its length, it took too long to load, so I broke it into a seperate post).

Where to stay in Quebec City

Fairmont Chateau Frontenac

You can often find good packages at the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac. The Chateau recently completed a $70 million renovation that included all rooms. Although some retain historical decor, others are more contemporary in style; some are tiny, others palatial; some have to-die-for views over the river and old city.

I didn’t stay on the Gold floor, but you might find it worth the premium rate. That includes breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres in an exclusive lounge with great views and a dedicated check-in and concierge service.

Parking is pricey. The public lot below on Dalhousie Street is far less expensive. Ditto for the garage off Cote du Palais. Still, it’s the Frontenac, and it’s humongous!

Check out the exhibits featuring artifacts from the adjacent Parks Canada site on the lowest level.

Look for the hotel’s canine ambassador lounging near the bell desk. $$$$

Le  Monastere des Augustines

I loved Le Monastere des Augustines, an especially green, nonprofit wellness hotel. The hotel is situated in the former Augustine sisters monastery within the city walls and just off St. Jean Street. First, a little history: In 1639, three Augustine sisters arrived here to open a hospital, now sited in the attached building. Over the centuries, they kept detailed written accounts, leaving an impressive legacy shared through 40,000 artifacts in the onsite museum (the hotel is also connected to a church).

Hotel guests are encouraged to unplug and disconnect. Leave your phone at the front desk, or if you must have access, tuck it into its own cozy, hand-knitted pocket at night. Choose from authentic (bare bones, shared baths, but comfy with handmade quilts topping the beds) or contemporary rooms with Hudson Bay blankets and en suite baths. All rooms have a clean, simple decor and nice bedding; none have a TV, radio, or phone.

Spa, holistic health services, yoga, and other classes are available, and specialty retreats are offered. The onsite restaurant serves northern-inspired fare emphasizing fresh organic and local ingredients for breakfast (breakfast is silent), lunch, and dinner. The multi-choice buffet is augmented with a menu with choices for all diets. So if you don’t like what’s in the buffet, you can order something more appealing (the bouillabaisse is fabulous). In addition, other fresh fare and snacks are available in the boutique. Quietude is expected, so this property is not a good choice for anyone traveling with young children. $$-$$$

Manoir Victoria

I stayed at Manoir Victoria a few years ago and liked it. It has a primo location just off Rue St. Jean in the upper section of the Old City, and B&B rates include a nice hot-and-cold buffet breakfast. It’s an excellent choice for families. The rooms are quite large; there’s an indoor pool and a small spa. Parking is available in the adjacent garage. $$$

Auberge St.-Antoine

Wow, just wow! I first stayed at the Auberge St. Antoine when researching an arts story and fell in love with it. This chic and sophisticated yet cozy boutique hotel shares 400 years of history through displays of artifacts throughout the property. Definitely a splurge—this is a Relais & Chateau property—but rates drop in the off-season, and occasionally you’ll find great deals on the discount sites. $$$$

Hotel Terrace Dufferin

I popped into the Hotel Terrace Dufferin, a B&B tucked behind the Chateau Frontenac facing the boardwalk and river, and chatted with some guests. For budget-minded travelers, this is a find. Rooms are nice but not fussy; some have kitchens. A continental breakfast is available for a small fee (but you’d do better elsewhere on that). Some rooms have balconies overlooking the river and the Terrace Dufferin boardwalk. $-$$

Hotel Manoir de l’Esplanade

On my most recent visit (February 2024), I stayed at Hotel Manoir de l’Esplanade. This cozy, family-operated B&B has a primo location just inside the St.-Louis Gate and overlooking the National Assembly. Rates include an expanded continental breakfast served from 7am-10am (don’t miss the maple pastry), with extras on weekends.The hotel offers indoor parking in a nearby garage at a discounted rate. It also exchanges money without adding a fee. Our room with two queen beds dressed in white was comfy and had a fridge, a Nespresso machine, and stone and brick walls reflecting the building’s 1845 construction. $$

Hotel Champlain

I stayed at the Hotel Champlain during a winter visit and loved it! So convenient. It’s on a quiet street in the upper section of the old city, and everything is at your fingertips. Renovated a few years ago, the hotel has a contemporary decor and offers a complimentary espresso bar and an electronic (fee) wine bar in the lobby. Make reservations through the hotel to enjoy the breakfast buffet. Parking is available for a fee (reserve in advance). Pricier rooms have views; some have fireplaces and whirlpool tubs; all rooms have a fridge. $$-$$$

Ice Hotel

Swaddle yourself in layers and chill out at the Ice Hotel, a seasonal accommodation built from snow and ice. There are rooms, suites, and even rooms with fireplaces. Guests may use a sauna and hot tubs and, of course, an ice bar. It’s an adventure and a brag-worthy one at that. $$$$+

Where to eat in Quebec City

Honestly, it’s hard to get a bad meal. Do a little research, and ask locals; everyone has recommendations. Here are places where I’ve enjoyed meals, from inexpensive to pricey. Another great way to eat and learn about local restaurants and specialty food purveyors is by taking a food tour (as noted above).

Chez Boulay — Bistro Boreal

I savored a memorable lunch at this Chez Boulay — Bistro Boreal on St. Jean Street, within the city walls. Chefs Jean-Luc Boulay and Arnaud Marchand celebrate cuisine inspired by the boreal forest. The menu frequently changes to showcase what’s fresh and locally available. Each dish is artfully presented and delicious.

L’Origin

While you can order à la carte at L’Orygin, a bistro featuring locally sourced organic fare, the Discovery Menu is the best deal and well worth the splurge ($90 Cdn as of March 2023). It features five tasting courses with options also for vegetarians and vegans. You also can opt for a wine or non-alcoholic pairing. You pick a dessert, and then the pastry chef prepares a plate featuring it. Highly recommend.

Cafe Le St. Malo

Located on Rue St. Paul, amidst the arts and antiques shops, the Bistro Le St. Malo is cozy, comfy, romantic, and tres French! It’s tiny, so you’ll likely want to make reservations during peak seasons or on weekends at his little gem. In winter, ask for a table by the fireplace. The food is hearty and delicious. Prices are moderate. New owners have promised to honor the founders’ legacy.

Buffet de L’Antiquaire

Practically next door to Cafe Le St. Malo and a budget find, the Buffet de L’Antiquaire serves humongous portions of good, hearty Quebecois fare; meat pies are a specialty. Unless you’re ravenous, consider splitting a main plate and pairing it with a soup, which comes with a plastic-wrapped roll (I’ll forgive them; this place isn’t about fine dining, it’s more of a diner). My lunch could have served a family of four. There’s seating downstairs, at a counter, and upstairs, too. Expect it to be busy; it’s a local favorite but isn’t really on the tourist radar screen. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served.

Restaurant Ophelia

We didn’t have dinner reservations on a Sunday evening during Winter Carnival, so we plodded along the Grand Allée seeking a restaurant that was open, appealing, and had seats. We hit the jackpot at Restaurant Ophelia, a sleek spot with an open kitchen and dining on two levels. I had the roasted cod (delicious!), and my friend raved about the zucchini radiatori ravioli. Service was excellent. It serves lunch and dinner.

DETAILS, DETAILS:

Everything you need to know is on Quebec City’s tourism site.