Quebec city on a budget (UPDATED 2025-26)

There are already many websites that tell you a great insight into how to visit Quebec city on a budget. I know many people like me would never stop traveling if it was not about the budget. Don't forget that traveling can be a luxury. Not everyone in the world can afford a plane, train, or other modes of transportation. Think of yourself as a lucky person already!

I'm here to tell you a few trick and tips as a local to save money and enjoy Quebec without breaking the piggy bank.

Facebook: Buffet de l'antiquaire

Restaurant can be very pricy or not ! Quebec city on a budget

Amazing restaurants may be found all across the city. Some of them can be quite expensive.

however, you can discover great food to enjoy regardless of your budget.

One of them is le buffet de l'Antiquaire.Located close to the old port, still offers good meals at a reasonable cost. Excellent, well-known restaurant serving regional cuisine for breakfast here.

If you are on a tight budget, I suggest you to get a bit outside old Quebec and go visit Saint-Roch, Saint-Jean Baptiste or Saint-Sauveur instead. There somes option that are not very pricy . It's possible to eat like a local at (exemple) renowned snack-bar named Chez Gaston. The poutine is about 8$, hamburgers are around 5$.Not healthy but good!

Opt for the lunch table d’hôte

Even in Québec City’s pricier restaurants, you can enjoy the same dishes for less by going for a table d’hôte at lunch. It’s the smart way to try top-quality meals without stretching your budget. Many restaurant have middle day option with various price range between 15-30$ cad

Here’s a little secret for you :I don’t know how long they’ll keep this formula, but I love the idea!

Le Clan, a Michelin-recommended restaurant, pays tribute to the legendary Café de la Paix with a menu inspired by its dishes, served tapas-style. Monday to Friday, from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM.

It’s a perfect way to treat yourself without spending too much.

Even at night, when prices go up, the food, atmosphere, and warm service make it totally worth it. Whether you’re on a budget or celebrating a special occasion, I definitely recommend it!

A taste of history and Quebec in every bite!

Fun fact: You can even eat like Wayne Gretzky

In 2016, Wayne Gretzky came to see his son Trevor play for our local baseball team (Les Capitales de Québec, amazing team ), he didn't go to a fancy restaurant as you might think, but to the bureau de poste (everything is around $8-11, so it's fair enough).

Do something good

In summer time, if you have any leftovers from the restaurant, you can store them in the community fridge at Saint-Roch church's bottom (on Saint-Joseph street).It help the people in needs in the area.

Use passeport Je bois local

You like discover craft beer ?

This is a real local insight that might improve your voyage .

The craft beer community is good here and there is a lot to discover.

There an local app that you pay 45$ + tx and allow you 12 pints or 3 small tasters flight size beer! You can use it in over 100 microbrewery/Members all around Quebec. A couples are in Quebec city area.

Currently, the website and the app are only available in French, since the majority of their customers speak French. However, it isn't because they don't want other people, but rather because they are primarily aiming for us les gens de Québec :).

 I contacted them and there is no problem for you to use it! I used it myself and I think it could be interesting from a craft beer lover to another, I made this tiny tutorial. I don't earn anything of it and there no referral system. It is just a tip from a local to a traveller! If you know things like that in your country, let me know!

Important 

The app is currently in french but it is easy to use once you know how it work,1-Once you paid the passeport here , you will receive a code by email to activates your apps.

2-You can use the gps on the phone app and it will tell you where are the closest microbrewery (and let you know if it is included or not into your package).

3-Add the brewery in the passport list and get there

4-Before ordering any drink at the bar tell to the staff that you use Je bois local app and they will give you a code. Put the code in the passport and show it the the brewery staff.

I made a short video here  

Super Important 

You can't use the app to get 2 pints at 1 place. The main goal is to discover and travel.

Maybe it will turn your trip into a craft brewery quest!

Usually a pint in a brewery is about 8$ cad so you saved almost 50$.

With the money you saved you can use it to support them and maybe buy merch or a can (or few) as a souvenir! Maybe get even another pint?!

Super important the tips is not included *

Credits photo: Tony Webster

Take La bus (public transportation)

When I get in old Quebec to do my tour,I use the public transportation (or la bus as we like to say it here ) .Parking can be expensive and since public transportation has been modernized, getting to downtown has become pretty easy. There no need anymore to bother the driver to tell you where to stop.Inside every bus there a screen that tell you the next stop. Yet, it can be difficult to go outside of the city's downtown and Sainte-Foy areas. Use google map with transportation and also use the RTC website that show the next bus coming up nearby. You can also download RTC Nomade apps that tell you exactly the time when the next bus is coming! Quite convenient!

There many places to see by bus nearby the old town.

The city can be crowded sometime. If you are visiting Old Quebec for a few days, give yourself some time to explore the neighbourhood. Take a stroll down the 3e avenue or through the lovely Domaine Maizerets to experience the local ambiance in Limoilou.

The 800 bus will take you from the old town to the Montmorency waterfalls (its the last stop of Montmorency path). That would be the most cost-effective method of transportation.

How to pay and how much? Where I get the tickets?

I often get that question so many time on tour!

You can pay in the bus in cash for 4$ per ride. Make sure you put the right amount in the box at the entrance because if you put 10$, the driver won't give you change. To save yourself some trouble, you can buy a daycard for 10,25$ or an occasional card filled with ticket for 3.05$ instead of 4$ ride. If you are here for the week-end,why not take a week-end card at 16.25$ (the card will be activated from friday at 17h30 to sunday).You can buy thoses card at somes dépanneur like Jack and gil or some pharmacy.

This will help you Here is a website for the points of sale and service counters.

Im on a boat !

On that note, ferries across the river to Lévis is terrific for taking photos of the walled city and only cost $4,15 each way. Amazing place to appreciate the view whether you go in the winter when the boat is hit by ice or in the summer when the sun sets over the river. That is essential!

Ideal for Instagram or simply unwinding without even using your phone!

Have a look at my video for it

Look out for free concerts,shows,festivals or even firework!

You dont have the budget to see a big concert...

Or maybe you just arrived and didn't knew there was something going on and you cry because it's sold out...No worry! Somes festivals showcases artists doing free concerts with amazing talent that you wouldn't know other wise! Believe me, we have a lot of big or little festivals and free events!

From printemps en musique to Mondo carnaval to the Festival d'été de Québec!

Ask local when you are here or the persons at your hotel/hostel reception. * In summertime there some nice little outdoor concerts on the fields of Abraham at le Kiosk Edwin-Belanger-Bandstand .To know more about music venue go to my blog here Be open and look out !

Don't overlook online discounts,somes actually worth it!

I have used a fantastic packages that the tourism office has offer. They were highly aggressive and huge to entice the locals to be tourists in their own city during the pandemic. They greatly aided the struggling tourism sector. Even now, post-covid, I would still advise visiting their website. The website for Québec City tourism has a wealth of informative blogs about your trip.

Personnal Note: I never sleep in a downtown hotel in my life except once.

I did once during the pandemic. In fact, I stayed at the venerable Clarendon Hotel (that I mention once a while on my tour). The primary cause was the substantial discount at the time.

My next hôtel in my bucket list would be the Château Frontenac!

But so far I can't even afford their broom closet!

If anyone has the contact of the manager I would not say no!

We have discount website similar to groupon. Sometime you can be impress by the offer.

Always read the conditions (fine print) regarding date and expiration before buying anything

Herhttp://tours.Youe is some website that you can check

Québec cite tourism office - Package and discount on the Quebec city tourism office.Great website for information regarding Québec city.

Promo rabais - Discount website with hotel deal,restaurant and activity Antidote Mobile Discount website in french (aim to us the local)

Tuango - Another discount website IF YOU Bonus:  If you plan to go to the Musée de la civilisation (Museum of civilisation) ,book it online and save up to 3$ by tickets! If you are a familly it could save you a couple of bucks! If you were planning to do a history tour of the Frontenac Castle I’ve got 10% off the tour for my clients! Just use the code SDTour10 when booking at cicerone . If you are looking for nice free Museums

You can visit the Parliament building for free in the summer; they also offer different types of tours. You can visit Érico’s tiny chocolate museum for free. If you’re an art lover, you can also visit Exmuro’s free museum/art gallery in Place Royale (and if you enjoy it, you can give whatever you want).

You are coming in wintertime? You dont have winter gear? You need to be aware that winter can be cold...But you can still enjoy it! Winter doesn’t stop life... it just gives it better scenery. If we can do it, trust me… you can do it...with a little help! I survived 35 winters (did complain a few times, but survived nonetheless!)

If you want to avoid buying an entire winter wardrobe just to survive a few days especially if you’re from a warm country and have never seen snow I’ve got a solution for you.

My friend and colleague, Émilie Pelletier from HQ Service, offers probably the most complete full winter clothing rental package and it's deliver to your hôtel for your trip. No more struggling to fit boots, and five layers into your suitcase your back will thank you. All-in-one package includes everything you need to brave the cold :

• Winter coat

• Snow pants

• Gloves or mittens

• Tubular scarf

• 2 hats: 1 light and 1 warm

• Winter boots

• Ski goggles

• Blivet phone pouch (to keep your phone warm and secure)

• Electric boot dryer

The price? Around 200$ for 1–4 days ,240$ 5-7 days including all the essentials plus even a boot heaters (because frozen toes are not part of the fun). Location vêtements d’hiver to rent it :the link 

Take one of my free walkings tour

Yeah, I know… self-promotion… wow!

…but hey, you are the one who found this website, not me!

I’m a professional, licensed tour guide with 10 years of experience and a proud local. I truly believe it’s the best job in the world (well, except during a pandemic… then it’s super boring and not recommended.)I love sharing tips and advice while on tour things to see, things to do, and the history that make the city come alive.

If you don’t take a guided tour (whether it’s mine or someone else’s), you really haven’t experienced the city fully. And I don’t say that just because I’m a tour guide it’s because there’s so much to see and do here, and you might miss important things.

As a freelance tour guide, I do not receive any funding from the city. The free walking tour is contribution-based ideas very common in many place in the world. As a result, At the end of the tour, you can give whatever you think it’s worth. That is not something I mention or force anybody to do; it is completely voluntary. Be sure, I do my best to make the tour one of the highlight of your trip! A city becomes way more alive when the streets and buildings around it have a story.

I work independently (since 10 years ) no big corporate strings, no hidden percentages taken off your tips to to someone else so every donation goes directly to supporting my tours and sharing this city with you. If you know, you know.

There’s a small booking fee of 4$ that helps improve this website and manage my system (lower the number of no-show too), and part of it goes to a local charity at the end of the year so by booking, you’re doing something good too! If you want to learn more you can click here  There also possibility (with fee) to do private tour. Over the year I did many tour for schools groups, company convention or even a bachelorette party ! Book quickly many tours fill up fast in summer. (Not just marketing talk this is actually true!)

You can book your tour here

I hope my advice helped you! See you soon! À bientôt!