Pamela MacNaughtanLast Updated on March 5, 2024 by Pamela MacNaughtan
Picking a hostel in Quebec City is not nearly as challenging as picking a hotel – mostly because there are only a handful of hostels in Quebec City. That being said, not all hostels are created equal, and there are definitely a couple that we would avoid.
This, however, is not an article on which hostels to avoid, but rather, where to stay in Quebec City if you’re on a budget and looking to connect with like-minded travellers.
Let’s break down the top choices for hostels in Quebec City!
hi quebec city (auberge internationale de quebec)
Located on a quiet street in Old Quebec City, HI Quebec is the largest hostel in Quebec City. Choose from small or large dorm rooms, as well as private rooms. The beds are comfortable, for a hostel, and the staff are quite friendly.
Common/public rooms can be found on the main floor and a large self-serve kitchen and dining area is located in the basement. As with many HI’s (Hostelling International), a variety of activities are offered to guests, including walking tours and pub crawls.
Marché D’Emma is located across the street, which is an ideal choice for picking up fresh baguettes (best to grab these in the mornings), frozen meals, as well as non-perishables like pasta, sauces, etc. The épicerie also offers a variety of Quebec craft beers and a small selection of wines.
lgbtqia2s+ safe space • address: 19, rue sainte-ursule
book a bed: hostelworld • booking.com
auberge de la paix
Tucked away on rue Couillard, Auberge de la Paix is close to the action on rue Saint-Jean and the rest of Old Quebec City. Established in 1972, this is the oldest hostel in Quebec City. Don’t fret though, the hostel doesn’t look like it’s stuck in the 1970s!
Each bed comes with a locker and linens are included. A self-serve kitchen is available for those who wish to save a little money and cook for themselves. Épicerie Couillard is located a few doors down the street. It’s quite small, but they sell fresh baguette sandwiches, Quebec craft beer and some snacks. The hostel has a courtyard patio which is lovely in summer when the sun is shining.
address: 31, rue couillard
book a bed: hostelworld
planning a quebec city vacation?
Planning a trip to Quebec City can be quite fun, and honestly, there is a chance you’ll want to travel sooner rather than later. From our vibrant festivals to our intriguing history and culture, scrumptious food and friendly locals, it is easy to see why you’re planning a trip to Quebec City (and perhaps other areas of the province as well).
Here are some trip planning resources and recommended reads to help you plan a memorable Quebec City vacation!
planning & inspiration
Kindle Unlimited Membership: Many of the guides and books recommended on this website are available on Kindle. Whether you have a Kindle, or use the Kindle app on your iPhone or tablet, and this membership can be quite useful.
Quebec City Tourism: Honestly, the Quebec City tourism website is one of the best tourism board websites in Canada. It is hella helpful and informative.
French Gluten-Free Translation Card: An essential tool for celiacs who want to eat safely when they travel! Free guides here
Driving to Quebec City: In this post we cover the various driving routes from Eastern Canada and the United States, as well as road rules, crossing the border into Canada and more.
Best Time to Visit Quebec City: When is the best time to visit Quebec City? Honestly, this city is gorgeous all year round, but we put together a post cover the various seasons to help you decide.
Quebec Province Road Map: If you’re planning some Quebec road trips, this English/French map will come it handy. Sure, you can use Google, but paper maps are retro fun that you can enjoy!
Quebec: A Photographic Road Trip Through Canada’s Beautiful Province by Mathieu Dupuis: An absolutely stunning book on the province of Quebec. This is probably one of our favourite coffee table books and has inspired many explorations within the province of Quebec.
guidebooks
Kindle Unlimited Membership: The guidebooks recommended on this website are available on Kindle. Whether you have a Kindle, or use the Kindle app on your iPhone or tablet, and this membership can be quite useful.
Michelin Green Guide to Montreal and Quebec City: Highlighting history and culture, the Michelin Green Guides are terrific for travellers who plan to road trip in Quebec, or planning city stops with a focus on history and culture. [2020 edition]
Fodor’s Montreal and Quebec City: Fodor’s is known for their local expert advice and offerings for all budgets. An ideal guide for just about any type of travel in Montreal, Quebec City, and their surrounding areas.[2020 edition]
Lonely Planet: Montreal and Quebec City: If you’re a budget traveller, then Lonely Planet is one of the best guidebooks you can buy. That being said, this guidebook was last updated in 2015, so some things may be closed. [2020 edition]
history & culture
Kindle Unlimited Membership: Many of the guides and books recommended on this website are available on Kindle. Whether you have a Kindle or use the Kindle app on your iPhone or tablet, and this membership can be quite useful.
Champlain’s Dream by David Hackett Fischer: This tome digs into the life of Samuel de Champlain, the founder of New France (now Quebec City). Read of his life in France, as well as his foray into cartography and establishing the colony of New France.
Hélène’s World: Hélène Desportes of Seventeenth-Century Quebec by Susan McNelley: There are not many books on the women of New France. Hélène Desportes was the first child (of French parents) in the colony of New France. An interesting read on her life in the colony.
Quebec Under Siege: French Eye-Witness Accounts from the Campaign of 1759: One of the few books interesting books on the 1759 siege of Quebec, from a French perspective. Learn about the siege from the viewpoint of an artillery captain, nun and more.
