🏰 QUÉBEC CITY, CANADA – The Ultimate Local’s Guide for US Travelers
Bonjour, mes amis! I’m your Québecois guide. As a US traveler, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Europe—but with maple syrup, poutine, and a strong dollar advantage (thanks to the exchange rate!). Here’s how to experience Québec City like a true local.
📅 3-Day Itinerary (The Perfect Mix of Old-World Charm & Local Secrets)
🌞 DAY 1: Old Québec & History
☕ Morning – Classic Québécois Breakfast
Paillard – Buttery croissants and chocolat chaud (hot chocolate).
🏰 Midday – Old Québec Exploration
Château Frontenac – Snap the iconic photo from Dufferin Terrace.
Rue du Petit-Champlain – Cobblestone charm (North America’s oldest shopping street).
Local Tip: Take the Funiculaire ($4) down to Lower Town instead of the stairs!
🍁 Afternoon – History & Views
Plains of Abraham – Where the British defeated the French in 1759 (now a gorgeous park).
Musée de l’Amérique francophone – Learn why Québec is so proud of its French roots.
🍷 Night – French-Inspired Dining
Le Continental – Tableside flambéed dishes (try the steak Diane).
Bar Ste-Angèle – Cozy wine bar with Quebec cheeses.
🎭 DAY 2: Culture, Food & Nightlife
🥞 Morning – Sugar Shack Flavors
Le Billig – Authentic Breton crêpes (go for the maple butter & ham).
🎨 Midday – Arts & Local Life
Musée de la civilisation – Interactive exhibits on Québec culture.
Marché du Vieux-Port – Sample local cheeses, maple products, and cretons (pork spread).
🍺 Afternoon – Microbrewery Stop
La Barberie – Rooftop patio with 8-beer tasting flights ($12).
🎶 Night – Live Music & Drinks
Le Cercle – Underground venue with indie bands.
Le Projet – Cocktail bar with a speakeasy vibe (ask for the "Smoked Maple Old Fashioned").
🏞️ DAY 3: Day Trips & Hidden Gems
🚗 Morning – Waterfall Adventure
Montmorency Falls (15-min drive) – Higher than Niagara! Walk the suspension bridge.
Local Tip: Stop at Île d’Orléans for strawberry picking (summer) or apple cider (fall).
🛍️ Afternoon – Last-Minute Souvenirs
La Petite Cabane à Sucre – Maple syrup everything (try maple butter on a stick).
Boutique de Noël – Christmas decorations year-round.
🎉 Farewell Feast
Légende – Modern Québécois tasting menu (deer tartare, smoked eel).
Chez Boulay – Nordic-inspired Québec cuisine (seal is occasionally on the menu!).
🍴 MUST-TRY QUÉBECOIS FOODS
Poutine – Fries, cheese curds, gravy. Best at Chez Ashton (local chain).
Tourtière – Meat pie, often made with venison.
Tarte au sucre – Sugar pie (gooey, sweet perfection).
Pouding chômeur – "Poor man’s pudding" (maple syrup cake).
Cretons – Pork spread on toast (breakfast staple).
🍁 Pro Tip: Tipping is 15-20% like in the US.
🎉 FESTIVALS TO PLAN FOR
February: Carnaval de Québec (Ice palace, night parades, caribou drinks).
July: Festival d’été de Québec (11-day music fest—St-Jean-Baptiste Day is wild!).
December: German Christmas Market (Mulled wine & ornaments).
⚠️ LOCAL TIPS FOR US TRAVELERS
✅ Language: French is king, but most speak English—always start with "Bonjour!"
🚶 Transport: The Old City is walkable; use Uber for longer trips.
💵 Money: Cards work everywhere, but carry $10-20 CAD for small shops.
🧥 Weather: Winters are cold (think: layers!), summers are perfect.
🌟 FINAL LOCAL’S ADVICE
"Québec City is where Europe meets North America—with better poutine. Eat like a lumberjack, drink caribou at Carnaval, and never skip the maple syrup. Vive le Québec!" – Cheap Trips Guide
Need a winter activity guide or a list of the best terrasses (patios)? Just ask! ❄️🍁
