Quebec City is known for its picturesque views, beautiful architecture, delicious food, and relaxing atmosphere. What makes it even better is that it’s also very affordable. For prices that are easy on the wallet, the city offers a wide range of activities from outdoor adventures to cultural events. Whether you prefer hiking or relaxation, there’s something for everyone.
Tips to plan a weekend getaway with friends to Quebec City
Planning a getaway trip with friends, whether to Quebec City or anywhere else, can be fun, exciting, stressful… and even a little crazy. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the planning process can be surprisingly easy. In this section, we explain how to plan the ultimate weekend away with friends.
Lay the foundations
The first step is deciding what type of trip you want – do you prefer relaxing vacations, a fun adventure trip, or something else entirely? Once you’ve figured out what kind of trip you’d like to take, you need to think about who you want your travel companions to be. If you want to go on vacation with friends or family, then you devote your mind to some serious travel planning.
To make sure everyone gets enough time away from home, ask your friends and family when they can take time off from work or school. You don’t want to book your travel dates too many days or weeks in advance, because you might end up having to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances. Once you know when everyone can take time off, you can narrow down your selection based on the dates and times that work best for you.
Choose where you are going
Deciding where to go on vacation isn’t always easy. If you’re looking for ideas, consider asking your friends what places they’ve been to recently or maybe you want to see what’s trending on Instagram or Twitter. Once you know where you’d like to go, it’s time to figure out how to get there.
While some trips require elaborate plans and plenty of research, others, such as smaller day trips, don’t take much effort. There are many ways to plan a trip, including booking flights, hotels, rental cars, etv. There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing a location, such as cost, accessibility, weather, and culture.
Book accommodation
If you are planning a vacation, it is crucial that you know what type of accommodation you want and that you assess the accommodation options available. Do you prefer a hotel, hostel or Airbnb? What about a holiday home, apartment, villa or cabin? Or maybe you just want to camp out somewhere. There are countless options, so how do you choose?
You need to think about the number of nights you will spend there. You don’t want to pay too much for a short period of time. On the contrary, you want to find something affordable for longer stays so make sure you check the prices for each option and compare them. Finally, consider the location. Is it close to attractions, restaurants and shops? Are you looking for a view of a beach or mountainside? Think about the weather forecast and what activities you want to participate in.
Plan your activities
Most people tend to plan their trips around what they want to see and experience rather than sticking to a strict schedule. This works great for the most part, except when it comes to maximizing your vacation time. You’ll likely spend half your time running from one place to another, trying to fit everything in. In reality, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy yourself while still managing to see some of the best sights in town. Striking the right balance between spontaneity and structure is the way to go.
What do you do with your friends on a weekend getaway in Quebec City?
With so much to do and see in Quebec City, it can be difficult to know what you should prioritize on a quick weekend getaway. If you are planning a weekend away with friends or family, it helps to know what is available in the city before you come. Below is a list of destinations that we recommend for visitors to this historic city.
Château Frontenac
The Château Frontenac is one of Quebec City’s most iconic landmarks. It was built in 1764 by merchant Jacques Viger, whose family owned much of what was then known as New France. In 1853, the Château became a luxury hotel. Today, it still offers visitors a chance to experience life during the French colonial era.
Plains of Abraham
The Plains of Abraham are located close to the center of Quebec City. They occupy part of the old port area along the Saint Lawrence River. In 1759, during the Seven Years’ War, they were the site of a decisive battle that took place between the French and British armies. The battle lasted for three hours and resulted in a victory for the British. After the battle, the Plains of Abraham became one of North America’s most important historic sites. Today, it is a major tourist attraction, and one that is well-worth visiting.
Basilica Cathedral Notre-Dame de Québec
Located in the heart of Old Quebec City, the Basilica Cathedral of Notre Dame de Québec is one of Canada’s most important religious sites. In 1635, Father Jean Talon established the first Catholic parish north of the Spanish colonies. He chose the site where he had witnessed a vision of Mary, while praying in front of her statue.
The church was built around his vision and consecrated in 1640. Created in both a French Gothic and a Renaissance Revival style, it is truly an architectural marvel, and well worth a visit on your trip to Quebec city.
Old Québec City
Old Québec City is one of those places where you just feel like you’ve stepped into another era. Through its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, quaint cafes, boutiques, and vibrant nightlife scene, it exudes elegance and sophistication. The most popular way to explore Québec City is on foot. A self-guided walking tour is easy, convenient, and allows visitors to see the highlights of the old town without getting lost.
Where to eat or drink in Quebec City
When it comes to food and drink, there are few places that match Quebec City. With over 200 years of history behind it, the city offers visitors a unique blend of culture, heritage and modernity. From the bustling downtown core to the picturesque Old Town, there are many great dining options to explore. This guide contains some of the best restaurant and bar recommendations in Quebec City.
NouVo Cuisine and Mixology
Sometimes, all you want after a long day of exploring a new city is food and drinks that are innovative and delicious. This is exactly what NouVo Cuisine and Mixologie offers you. The restaurant is located in the Best Western Plus in downtown Quebec City so it’s ideal for visitors staying over for the weekend.
With Italian-inspired flavors, the menu pairs perfectly with the exclusive cocktail menu. The chef and owner, Peter Schulke, offers an Italian bar where guests can customize their dishes. If it’s not the intimate atmosphere, the tasty cocktails or the personalized menu, it’s the service that will charm you. Come live the Nouvo experience!
Chez Boulay
Chez Boulay offers visitors a taste of Quebec City’s rich culinary heritage. Located in the heart of Old Quebec, this bistro features a menu inspired by French Canadian recipes and traditions. The chefs use local products such as maple syrup, berries, vegetables, herbs, and spices to create innovative dishes that are both healthy and indulgent.
Arvi
Located in a former bakery, the restaurant Arvi in Quebec City has an extremely authentic and traditional feel. This Limoilou favorite defies all conventions to fulfill its desire to showcase the human culinary experience, while respecting the environment and natural resources.
Louise Taverne & Bar à Vin
Louise Taverne & Bar à Vin has everything that there is to love about Parisian brasseries, plus some super friendly, attentive service. A little gem, it serves traditional French dishes with a contemporary twist. Do not miss its delicious fish and chips served with delicate matchstick fries; it’s the best option on the menu.
Tips for the perfect weekend getaway in Quebec City
Visiting Quebec City is just like visiting any major city in North America. There are must-see attractions and hidden gems. However, it can be easy to go completely off-budget during a weekend trip. To help you get the most out of your trip to Quebec City, we created this expert guide about everything you need to know for the perfect weekend getaway to Quebec City.
The best time to visit
Quebec City is completely transformed every season so the ideal time for you to visit depends on what your needs are, on whether you’re looking for an active, relaxing, romantic, or family vacation. Each season brings a unique atmosphere, a specific set of events, and a whole new range of activities.
Come in springtime if you wish to avoid the tourist crowds, or visit during the summer months if you’re looking for a refreshing escape from the city. In winter, Old Quebec comes alive with Christmas lights, ice sculptures, and holiday festivities. Whatever time of year you choose, one thing remains certain: Quebec City is a great getaway.
Transport in the city
You don’t need a car in Quebec City as the public transit system runs buses throughout the day and night. There are no subway stations in Quebec City because it doesn’t have a population dense enough to justify building subways. Instead, there are five different bus routes that run through the city. These buses run every 15 minutes during peak hours, and every 30 minutes off-peak. If you’d rather travel by car, you can rent a car or use Uber. You can also utilize public transport to explore nearby destinations surrounding Quebec City.
7 Exciting Day Trips from Quebec City
Save money
There are plenty of activities to partake of in Quebec City that won’t max out your credit card. For example, you can go on a free walking tour to explore the Old Port. Similarly, many museums offer free entry. The city also offers affordable food-and-drink options. For example, you can get your fix of poutine for under $10.
Where to stay for a weekend getaway in Quebec City
Whether you are heading out on a road trip to Quebec City or you and a travel buddy are planning a long vacation to this amazing city, you will need somewhere to stay. Preferably, a hotel that is luxurious as well as conveniently located. The Best Western Plus in down Quebec City seeks to ensure that your trip to Quebec City ranks among the best travel experiences in your lifetime.
Each of our 177 rooms is spacious and comfortable. Our rooms are divided into three categories: traditional, business and executive. Our hotel also offers a delicious breakfast and hosts an innovative restaurant and cocktail bar, perfect for you and your travel partners to set yourselves up for a big day of exploring or wind down at the end of the day.
