10 Things to Do in Quebec City on a Small Budget

A self-guided walking tour is the most economical way to discover Old Quebec. The narrow, cobblestoned lanes of the Upper and Lower Towns have surprises at each corner. You can easily find tour routes on the internet, letting you explore this historical district at your own pace. Note that, being a UNESCO World Heritage site and the prime tourist spot in the city, prices in restaurants and boutiques are usually higher than in surrounding districts. You nevertheless can find a few affordable places to snack and refresh yourself.

The old city center of Quebec can easily be explored on foot, but many major attractions like Montmorency Waterfall, Aquarium of Quebec and Bora Park Valcartier require a vehicle to reach. RTC – Réseau de transportation de la Capitale – runs an affordable and convenient bus network that can take you almost everywhere in Quebec City. Tickets and passes can be bought on the bus, at RTC stations and at over 150 authorized sellers throughout the city.

Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Sanctuary is a religious complex around the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre Basilica. It’s located around 19 miles northeast of Quebec City Center. Besides the splendid Romanesque Revival Basilica, the highlights of the complex include a Scala Santa, a Memorial Chapel and a Way of the Cross. Like Lourdes in France, it’s an important place of pilgrimage and prayer for the sick. Visiting the basilica is free of charge – only the museum has a modest entrance fee. Even if you’re not religious, this is a worthwhile excursion from the city.

Established on Saint-Jean Street in 1871, J.A. Moisan is known as one of North America's oldest grocery stores. Featuring charming vintage touches and atmosphere, it sells a wide range of products, from cheese to jam and from chocolate to spices. The small size of the venue, the old tunes played on the speakers and the cheerfulness of the management and staff make it a great place to shop. J.A. Moisan is also a popular bed & breakfast and a cool place for enjoying a quick snack. 

Settled in a historical building dated back to the early 18th century, Morrin Cultural Center hosts an impressive library, but is also Quebec City’s prime English-language cultural center and a historical interpretation site. This former Royal Redoubt, former prison and former college is listed as a National Historic Site of Canada and is home to the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec. Guided tours of Morrin Cultural Center are available for a modest fee, but you can visit the splendid Victorian-style library for free. Here, you’ll also find first-hand info about the interesting sites to visit in Quebec.

Place des Canotiers is a 215,000-sq-ft square between Old Quebec and the Saint Lawrence River. It features cobblestoned and green spaces, as well as street furniture offering cool people-watching spots. The square is especially popular on warm days, thanks to the refreshing atomisers and fountains. Place des Canotiers is a good spot to start your exploration of Quebec City Center. Landmarks and attractions such as Chouinard Quay, the Civilization Museum and the Old Port of Quebec are all very close by.

Quebec City is home to a good range of affordable restaurants, but you often have to get away from the most touristy places to find venues that serve delicious local dishes at low prices. Head to Poutineville on Saint-Joseph Street East if you want to sample Canada’s national dish, poutine. Less than 1 mile down the same street, you can feast on Canadian and Mexican comfort food at Le Bureau de Poste. Last but not least, go and enjoy all-day breakfast and Quebec food specialties at Buffet de l'Antiquaire on Saint-Paul Street, in the Old Port neighborhood.

Built between 1800 and 1804, the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity was the first Anglican Cathedral built outside the British Isles. Designed in a splendid neoclassic Palladian style, it’s a National Historic Site of Canada. Even if you’re not religious, it’s a great place to visit for a glimpse into the history of English society in Quebec City. You can also just sit and enjoy the serenity of the place. Go to a Sunday service at 11am and enjoy the excellent acoustics of the cathedral while the choir sing, accompanied by the 3,000-pipe organ. While guided tours are available throughout the year for a modest fee, there are free tours available between mid-May and mid-November.

Known in French as Hôtel du Parlement, Parliament Building is an impressive architectural landmark and one of the most important historical sites in Quebec City. Built in Second Empire architectural style towards the end of the 19th century, it sits just outside the walls of Old Quebec. Free guided tours take you around the legislature and the senate rooms that are now used for committee meetings. A reservation is required. Afterwards, you can lunch at the Parlementaire Restaurant, which serves genuine Quebecer cuisine at reasonable rates.

Beer brewing is taken seriously in Quebec. The capital city of the province is home to many microbreweries, at which you can sample delicious and affordable local ales. La Souche on Chemin de la Canardière, Bar l'Inox on Grande Allée East and Noctem Artisans Brasseurs on Rue du Parvis each has its own character, but they all share the pleasing warm atmosphere and cheerful spirit of the Province of Quebec.