Planning Luxury Travel to Quebec City: A Guide for Advisors

Here’s your luxury guide to travelling in style through la belle province.

The Advisor’s Cheat Sheet

Region Overview

Quebec City is the capital of Quebec, the only French-speaking province in Canada. Located about three hours from Montreal, the city also has its own international airport with daily flights to major U.S. hubs, including New York, Chicago, and Charlotte. While many travelers choose to visit both French-speaking cities in one trip, an increasing number now make Quebec City their sole destination.

Known and loved for its European influences, French joie de vivre, and Francophone charm, Quebec City is steeped in history, character, and romance. Many describe it as a little slice of Europe without ever leaving North America—and it’s not a far-fetched idea. Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Petit-Champlain district is arguably one of the most picturesque pedestrian streets you’ll ever stroll through.

Best Time to Visit

Depending on what you’re looking for, Quebec City transforms beautifully with the changing seasons.

In summer, the streets come alive—people dine outdoors under the shining sun, and you can walk everywhere to enjoy the city’s vibrant festivals. The Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ) is a major highlight, featuring top international artists performing outdoors on the historic Plains of Abraham.

In winter, Quebec City becomes a true winter wonderland. With an average of 125 inches of snow each year, the city offers a storybook Christmas experience, with carolers, twinkling lights, festive decorations, and charming Christmas markets. Don’t miss the world-renowned Carnaval de Québec, one of the largest winter festivals in the world.

In fall, the city turns into a canvas of brilliant reds, oranges, and golds as the foliage peaks from mid-September to mid-October. And in spring, the trees burst into bloom, and the city awakens from its winter slumber, full of fresh energy and color.

At-a-Glance Essentials

• Visa: No visa required for U.S. travelers
• Currency: Canadian dollar, all major credit cards accepted
• Language: French, with English spoken in hospitality (not so much outside of touristic areas)
• Safety: Extremely safe, Canadians are warm and welcoming

Top Destinations & Must-Sell Experiences

Cultural & Exclusive Experiences

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Quebec is steeped in history and legend. To truly experience the city’s heritage, explore its iconic districts—Inside the Walls, Petit-Champlain, the Old Port, and Parliament Hill—each offering a unique window into the past.

Now the only fortified city in North America, Old Quebec’s fortifications encircle nearly 3 miles and stand as a proud testament to the city’s military past.

The Citadelle of Quebec, the largest British fortress in North America, has served as the official residence of Canada’s Governor General since 1872. Other remarkable sites include the Dalhousie Gate, the only original Citadelle gate to remain intact.

The vast expanse of rolling green at the heart of the city—now a federal park—was once the site of the Battle of the Plains of Abraham in 1759, where the British army defeated the French in a battle that ultimately shaped the fate of North America. Today, it’s a peaceful public space that hosts outdoor festivals and events year-round, and it’s perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Nature & Outdoor Excursions

If you want to live like a true French-Canadian, you must experience a Nordic spa just as they do. Spa culture runs deep in Quebec, where winters are long and temperatures often dip well below zero. During the colder months, it’s common for Quebecers to gather at outdoor spas and indulge in a few circuits of thermotherapy, alternating between heat, cold, and relaxation to restore balance and well-being.

Fortunately, Strøm Spa Vieux-Québec is located just a few minutes from the heart of Old Quebec, making it the perfect spot for a rejuvenating day trip. This spectacular Nordic spa—winner of the 2025 World Spa Award—was built directly on the boardwalk, overlooking the majestic Saint Lawrence River. From nearly every angle, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the water.

Guests can unwind by firepits, sway gently in hammocks, and move between dry and steam saunas, several heated pools (including a peaceful lazy river), and invigorating cold plunges. The spa also offers luxurious massage and treatment rooms for the ultimate wellness experience.

It’s considered one of the most beautiful spas in the province of Quebec—a province that certainly doesn’t lack them.

A little further north, just 20 minutes outside the city, lies the spectacular Chutes Montmorency, a breathtaking waterfall standing more than 270 feet tall, 98 feet taller than Niagara Falls. Open year-round, it offers scenic walking trails, panoramic viewpoints, and access to a beautiful national park, making it a must-see natural attraction in any season.

For winter sports enthusiasts, ski mountains are also close by: Le Massif de Charlevoix and Mont-Sainte-Anne are both less than 30 minutes from Quebec City, offering world-class slopes and stunning views of the Saint Lawrence River.

Culinary Highlights

If we go back a few months, to the fall of 2025, when the Michelin Guide arrived in Quebec, everyone expected Montreal to receive most of the accolades. But to everyone’s surprise, it was Quebec City that stole the spotlight. The only restaurant awarded two Michelin stars, Tanière³, is located in Old Quebec, and six of the province’s 10 Michelin-starred restaurants are also found here.

In recent years, Quebec City has built a reputation for exquisite cuisine, a creative dining scene, and high-end gastronomy. Food lovers will be delighted by the city’s exceptional restaurants, where local ingredients, refined techniques, and impeccable service come together to create unforgettable dining experiences—all infused with Quebec’s signature warmth and heartfelt hospitality.

Where to Stay

Not staying at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac while in Quebec City would almost be a sin. Built in 1892 by the Canadian Pacific Railway to accommodate its affluent clientele traveling across the country by train, this castle-like hotel is now the most photographed hotel in the world.

Today, it stands as both a national landmark and a symbol of timeless elegance and hospitality. After years of thoughtful renovations, the Château now features beautifully restored rooms that preserve the spirit of its storied past while offering every modern comfort discerning travelers could wish for. Its signature restaurant, Le Champlain, is spectacular, with a walk-in wine cellar, tasting room, water views, and a cozy firepit. The hotel’s cocktail bar, 1608, is also among the most impressive in the city—celebrated as much for its elegant décor as for its inventive cocktail list.

Pro tip: Book a Fairmont Gold room to enjoy exclusive access to the hotel’s refined lounge, where breakfast, snacks, drinks, and desserts are served throughout the day. In summer, don’t miss the outdoor pool deck, Éléa, where plush lounge chairs and umbrellas invite you to soak up the sun—with a glass of Champagne in hand.

For those who prefer a boutique hotel experience, L’Auberge Saint-Antoine—a Relais & Châteaux property and the only one in Quebec City—is an equally enchanting choice. With 95 uniquely decorated rooms, each inspired by a different artifact, staying here feels like opening a box of chocolates, every visit offering something new to savor. Built on an archaeological site adjacent to the Musée de la civilisation, this “museum-hotel” is steeped in history and displays artifacts uncovered during its construction throughout its halls.

The hotel also features a stylish bar-lounge, Artefact, with cozy booths and fireplaces, and Coteau, its Michelin-recommended fine-dining restaurant, offering a surprise tasting menu inspired by the freshest ingredients of the day. Guests are invited to trust the chef—the only decision they need to make is whether to enjoy five or seven courses.

Good to know: Auberge Saint-Antoine offers several rooms with balconies and private terraces—a true rarity in Quebec City. If that’s something you value, be sure to reserve one in advance.

What to Book

If you’re planning to stay only in Quebec City, a car isn’t needed or recommended. The city is compact and easily walkable, with most major attractions, restaurants, and shops located within a short distance of one another. For excursions beyond the city, such as a visit to Chutes Montmorency, organized tours are readily available.

Keep in mind that restaurants and hotels book up quickly, especially during peak seasons, so it’s wise to plan ahead. To give you an idea, Tanière³ often has a three-month waitlist for dinner reservations.

Logistics & Access

Getting There

Clients typically fly into Quebec City Airport, which is 25 minutes from the city center. Ubers and taxis are easy to find.

Getting Around

Quebec City is not the easiest destination for travelers with disabilities. Its historic charm comes with many steps, stairways, and steep hills, and much of the old town is paved with cobblestone streets. Still, because the city is largely pedestrian-friendly, the best way to get around is on foot.

Booking Intel: Seasonality, Pricing Trends & Insider Tips

• Book Early: Quebec City’s limited selection of luxury hotels often sells out quickly, so advance booking is highly recommended.
• Pricing: The off-season months—November, March, and April—offer significantly lower rates than peak months, with far better availability.
• Trends: Michelin-star dining is trending, and you will find many tables to satisfy your taste buds
• Advisor Tip: A historical tour of Old Quebec is a must to be sure to fully understand its rich history