Where to Stay
Top end: Auberge Saint-Antoine in the Old Port is a beautiful retreat that’s part boutique hotel and part museum. Objects found when the original 17th-century building was renovated are presented throughout the hotel, which merges a period feel with modern touches.
Mid range: A striking mix of art deco and art nouveau, Hôtel Clarendon is a block away from the Château Frontenac and ideal for exploring the charms of the Old Town.
Budget: Located in the heart of the Old Town, the HI-Québec Hostel is a great budget option. There are dorms and private rooms.
Stay or Go
It’s certainly worth staying for a long weekend to explore both the Old Town and the newer parts of the city beyond the walls. Then you’ll want to head further afield.
A good start is Montmorency Falls, 12km north-east of the city. This vast cascade is actually higher than Niagara Falls, though not as wide. It’s also surrounded by beautiful park and woodland, and you can follow a trail to a bridge above the falls, where the
Montmorency River drops into the St Lawrence. You can then continue on to the cliffside staircase that winds down to the falls’ base; at the bottom, there’s a cable car to take you back up to the start.
A little further out is the Île d’Orléans, famous for its local produce including honey, maple syrup and wine; tours and tastings are available. Further east still lays the Charlevoix Valley, a great spot for hiking and whale watching.
