Québec Vacation Rentals

Whether you choose a historic hotel room with classic furnishings amidst Old Québec City's cobblestoned streets, or a sleek apartment in the cosmopolitan metropolis of Montréal, you’ll find plenty of available accommodations in Québec to suit every budget. Many vacation rentals welcome pets, while others offer additional amenities such as washers and dryers, outdoor barbecue areas, and yards for your kids to play in.

Must-try Local Fare

For a true Canadian start to your day, start off by heading to the closest Tim Hortons for double-double coffee and a donut, or maybe a box of its famed Timbits. Montréal is known for its famous smoked meat sandwiches and slightly sweet wood-fired bagels. With its diverse population, the city is also home to great Portuguese, Vietnamese, and Haitian eateries, among many other cuisines. For a local classic, Dic Ann's is a popular Montréal-area burger chain. Don't let the thin burger fool you, as it's all about the spicy sauce.

Tourtière is a traditional hearty meat pie with many variations found throughout the province, while traditional French crepes come in savory and dessert versions. French fries, brown gravy, and cheese curds combine in the famous French-Canadian poutine, where the curds squeak when you eat them. Au Pied de Cochon even offers a foie gras version of poutine. Of course, a visit to Québec wouldn't be complete without sampling its delectable maple syrup, preferably on-site at a traditional cabane à sucre (sugar shack).

A Rich Arts & Culture Scene

Old Québec City is home to the iconic 19th-century Fairmont Le Château Frontenac overlooking the St. Lawrence River. The old city is home to North America's only walled settlement, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It includes the Citadelle de Québec and the Musée Naval de Québec which showcases the province’s important maritime connection to the North Atlantic Ocean.

Montréal's Notre-Dame Basilica is a prime example of Gothic Revival architecture, and the city is also home to the world-famous Cirque du Soleil and the famed Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal. With nearly 450 museums throughout Québec, the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal, Musée de la civilisation, and the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec are among the province's finest cultural institutions.

Québec is also known for its dynamic music scene, with acts like Celine Dion and Arcade Fire making their home in the province. Performances by both French and English-language performers can be seen year-round, though summer offers premier showcases like the FrancoFolies de Montréal and Festival International de Jazz de Montréal.

Exploring Québec's Vibrant Nightlife

The fun doesn't stop at night in Québec. Enjoy a romantic experience by dining at a charming restaurant on Old Québec City's meandering streets, where top-rated venues include Restaurant Taniere, Arvi and iX Pour Bistro. Check out Pub de L'Oncle Antoine, Bistrot Pape Georges, or Le Projet for a pre- or après dinner drink. Afterwards, enjoy raditional Québécois folk music performances at various venues in the old city.

After a classic French dinner at popular Restaurant Tandem, hit the dance floor at popular Montréal venues like Stereo, Club Unity, and New City Gas. Locals love going for a stroll up Mount Royal to catch night views of the glimmering skyline. Amusement 2000 Plus offers old-school arcade games until 3:00am, while the bustling Casino de Montréal is open 24 hours.

Getting Out and Around in Québec

There's so much to experience in the province of Québec, particularly with its diverse natural environment. Some of the top highlights include visiting the 83-metre-high Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, only 13km northeast of Quebec City, and Mont-Tremblant in the Laurentian Mountains for world-class skiing and hiking.

Down by the water, Lac Champlain is Canada's sixth-largest lake, while the tranquil Gaspé Peninsula is known for its picturesque Bas-Saint-Laurent to Gaspésie driving route, lighthouses, and whale watching. If you love all things wine, Île d’Orléans is a great choice, and also home to the Romanesque Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.

Popular Events & Festivals to Check Out

Québec makes the most of all its seasons. The Québec Winter Carnival is held in Québec City every February, and is one of the province’s most popular festivals. It offers tons of family fun from ice skating to ice sculptures. During January, Igloofest in Montréal is often touted as the world’s coldest music festival, while Montréal en Lumière is a fun family event that brings warmth and light to the winter nights.

Summer is when Québec truly comes alive. St. Jean Baptiste Day is a festive holiday celebrated province-wide on June 24th with parades and fireworks. July includes a full calendar of events that pack the streets, like the world-renowned Just for Laughs Comedy Festival. August's colourful International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu is one of the largest of its kind in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions