Old Port (Vieux-Port), Petit-Champlain and Place-Royale are known as Basse-Ville (Lowertown) when combined, was once one of the fifth largest ports in the world. Today Old-Port is a hub of activity in Quebec City — a popular place both with locals and tourists.
In the summer months, the port fills with cruise ships, spilling thousands of cruisers into the city every year. Starting at Côte de la Montagne, Old-Port stretches past Gare du Palais; streets filled with everything from French bistros, gourmet restaurants, antique shops, boutique hotels, outdoor patios, and galleries.
You can search for things to do, where to shop or eat or drink, just click on the appropriate tabs along the top of this neighbourhood guide.
things to see + do in old port (vieux-port)
Nestled up beside Place Royale and Petit-Champlain, and just below Old Quebec, Old-Port is known for its shopping and restaurants than its activities. That being said, there are a few activities that should not be missed: Musée de la Civilization and L’Îlot des Palais being the top choices.
While the neighbourhood is quiet during the winter months, summertime is when Vieux-Port begins to buzz with activity; welcoming large cruise ships, food and beer festivals, art installations, and more.
cyclo
bike rentals & tours • 289, rue saint-paul • cycloservices.net • 418.692.4052
This bike shop in Old-Port rents bikes for 2 hours, 4 hours, 24 hours, 1 week, and 2 weeks. Prices start at $15 (for 2 hours) for adults, $10 for kids, and $25 for a tandem bike. If you’re unable to pick-up the bike, they will deliver to your hotel, for a fee. Cyclo also offers guided bike tours; including a 2-hour bike tour of Lower Town (Petit-Champlain, Place-Royale, and Vieux-Port) for $55. book a bike tour!
excursions maritimes quebec
boat tours • 180, rue dalhousie, quai 14 • excursionsmaritimesquebec.com • 418.845.4564
Offering zodiac tours along the Saint-Lawrence River, giving visitors a unique view of Québec City, Ste-Foy, Montmorency Falls, and more. They offer 90-minute tours, as well as a 4 hour and 30-minute tours. Prices start at $55 per person. Tours operate daily from May to November and reservations are recommended at least 48 hours in advance. book an excursion!
l’îlot des palais
historic site & georallies • 8, rue vallière • ilotdespalais.ca
A newly opened (2014) historic site, L’îlot des Palais is a fascinating historical and archaeological site that dates back to the 14th century and includes a look into what was once the Jean-Talon Brewery, the intendants home, the king’s storehouse or Boswell-Dow Brewery.
Activities at L’îlot des Palais include Virtual excavations and GeoRallys (geocaching with a historic twist): Old Québec for 2 hours and 30 mins; Castle, Palaces, and Prisons for 2 hours and 30 mins; On the Beer Trail for 3 hours which includes a tasting; For the Holidays, a special geo-rally held during winter holidays for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
musée de la civilisation
museum • 85, rue dalhousie • mcq.org • admission: adults $17, students $11, youth 12-17 $6, children are free
Featuring over 125,000 artefacts, Musée de la Civilisation has interactive displays and exhibits on local culture and surrounding societies. Guided tours are available in French and English. A perfect activity for families, or on a rainy day.
musée naval de quebec
museum • 170, rue dalhousie • https://www.musees.qc.ca/fr/musees/guide/musee-naval-de-quebec • admission: free
This unique museum, with extremely awkward operating hours, tells the story of the war on the Saint Lawrence River, as well as the history of the Naval Reserve of Canada. The perfect spot for those who love naval history.
food + drink
French bistros, insanely delicious Italian food, Québécois diners; Vieux Port offers a wide range of cafés and restaurants to enjoy. On a cold winter day, we can often be found lounging in Bar Artefact and sipping decadent chocolat chaud; sitting along the bar at Matto71 and indulging in our favourite pasta dish; starting off the weekend with a greasy Québécois breakfast.
bar artefact
bar • $$ • 8, rue saint-antoine • saint-antoine.com • free wi-fi
Located in Auberge Saint-Antoine, Bar Artefact is decorated with artifacts dating back to the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries has comfortable seating, and one of the best chocolat chaud in the city.
bistro st-malo
french & mediterranean • $$-$$$ • 75, rue saint-paul
Located near Place de la FAO, Café le Saint-Malo is a European-style bistro that serves traditional French cuisine. Bouillabaisse and the duck confit are highly recommended. A charming bistro with exposed brick walls, antiques, crisp white linens, and a terrace during the summer months.
buffet de l’antiquaire
québécois • $ • 95, rue saint-paul • https://lebuffetdelantiquaire.com/
A delightful little diner-style bistro serving Québec cuisine that tastes as though you’re sitting in the kitchen of a local grandmother. The menu offers a variety of Québec dishes as well as burgers, poutine, and sandwiches. Weekend brunch is very busy, so be prepared to wait in line to get a table.
café du monde
french • $$-$$$ • 84, rue dalhousie • lecafedumonde.com • 418.692.4455
A Parisian-style bistro at the cruise ship port in Vieux-Port, Café du Monde is known for its Sunday brunch. The regular menu features classic French dishes like beef or salmon tartar, boudin noir, and duck — among other delights.
charbon steakhouse
steak • $$-$$$ • 450, rue de la gare du palais • charbonsteakhouse.com • 418.522.0133
Located in Gare du Palais, Charbon is a steakhouse with a modern design. The menu is a mixture of steak, as well as a collection of classic French dishes.
chez rioux & pettigrew
french • $$ • 160, rue saint-paul • chezriouxetpettigrew.com
Formally known as Le Quai 19, Chez Rioux & Pettigrew is a gourmet bistro that is a mixture of rustic charm and gourmet dining. Enjoy dishes like Boudin Noir, Salmon Tartar, and Oysters. A lovely brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays.
chez victor
burgers • $ • 300, rue saint-paul, #104 • chezvictorburger.com
A bistro specializing in gourmet burgers and poutines, Chez Victor also features gourmet vegetarian burgers and a small selection of salads. The bistro is across the street from Gare du Palais, making it a good choice for a quick meal before catching a train.
don vegan
vegan/vegetarian • $$ • 97, rue du sault-au-matelot • https://donresto.com/ • 418-800-9663
A new edition to the neighbourhood, Don Vegan is located on the corner of Sault-au-Matelot and rue Saint-Paul. The dining room is funky, the menu is gourmet, and the outdoor patio in summer is perfect for relaxing and enjoying Place FAO. One of the BEST vegan restaurants in Quebec City.
laurie raphaël
canadian • $$$-$$$$ • 117, rue dalhousie • laurieraphael.com • 418.692.4555
Created by famed chef, Daniel Vézina, Laurie Raphaël is now headed by his son, Raphaël. The menu features gourmet Canadian dishes created with modern techniques. A unique dining experience you will want to do over, and over again.
légende pa la tanière
québécois • $$-$$$ • 255, rue saint-paul • restaurantlegende.com
Voted one of the best new restaurants in Canada in 2014 by enRoute magazine, Légende’s menu is inspired by the Québec’s culinary history, from the time when the land belonged to the First Nations people to today. A gourmet French-Canadian bistro that is sure to delight your taste buds.
matto 71
italian • $$-$$$ • 71, rue saint-pierre • ilmatto.ca
Located within Hôtel 71 on rue Saint-Pierre, Matto 71 is one of the more busy Italian restaurants in Québec, and for good reason: the ambiance is energetic, the staff and friendly and knowledgeable, they have a solid base of local customers, and they serve pasta that takes like it came from an Italian grandma’s kitchen — and some of it has! Voted, by us, as one of the best Italian restaurants in Québec City.
mille et une pizzas
pizza • $-$$$ • 363, rue saint-paul • 1001pizzas.ca
A popular gourmet pizzeria in Vieux-Port with more pizza selections than anyone could possibly imagine; as well as a salad and a small selection of sandwiches. A very popular restaurant, all year round.
pizzaio
pizza • $-$$ • 319, rue saint-paul • lapizzaio.com
This popular small Italian bistro has been in business for 25+ years. The menu features pasta and pizza, as well as a small selection of salads and sandwiches. Simply delicious.
pizzeria no. 900
pizza • $-$$ • 71, rue saint-paul • no900.com • 581-491-4900
One of three locations in Quebec City, this Quebec pizza chain serves up delicious Neapolitan style pizza, complete with wood-fired dough that is perfectly chewy. The restaurant can be a little tight, but it has that trendy bistro feel. Delivery offered through UberEats.
restaurant l’échuade
french • $$-$$$ • 73, rue du sault-au-matelot • echaude.com • 418.692.1299
A bistro serving contemporary French cuisine: tartar, steak frites, duck, and so on. The dining room is bright and crisp with a small bar. In summer there is a large patio. l’Échuade also features a brunch menu.
shopping
OLD-Port is the go-to neighbourhood for antique aficionados and art lovers; wander along rue Saint-Paul to shop for antique treasures, then over to rue Saint-Pierre for antiques and art and artisanal products made in Quebec.
galerie michel guimont
art gallery • 273, rue saint-paul • galeriemichelguimont.com • 418.692.1188
An art gallery showcasing contemporary pieces by Québec and Canadian artists. The gallery also features a selection of modern pieces.
la novelle france antiquités
antique shop • 225, rue saint-paul • https://la-nouvelle-france-antiquites.business.site/ • 418.694.1807
One of many antique shops in Vieux-Port, this particular shop specializes in pine furniture, as well as 19th-century collectibles, and folk art.
schwarz collections europeennes
fashion • 191, rue saint-paul • 418.781.0835
A boutique selling fine clothing for women, Schwarz Collection Europeennes has a fabulous selection of clothing from Canada, as well as clothing imported from Europe. A favourite boutique among both locals and tourists.
where to sleep
auberge saint-antoine
9.6/10 on Booking.com
4-star hotel
8, rue saint-antoine
418-692-2211
Auberge Saint-Antoine by Relais & Châteaux is locally owned and operated, and one of the best boutique hotels in Québec City. The hotel is known for its displays of historical artefacts, which were discovered during its construction. The hotel features newly decorated rooms, an amazing restaurant, Chez Muffy, as well as a fitness center and spa.
book a room: booking.com
hôtel le germain quebec
9.6/10 on Booking.com
4-star hotel
126, rue saint-pierre
418.692.2224
Owned by the Germain family, Hôtel Le Germain Québec is the heart of the family’s hotel business. The rooms are modern contemporary in design, with insanely comfortable beds. A fitness center is available for guests, and the lounge is warm and classical and a wonderful spot for relaxing or meeting with friends.
book a room: booking.com
hôtel 71
9.3/10 on Booking.com
4-star hotel
71, rue saint-pierre
418.692.1171
A beautiful boutique hotel on rue Saint-Pierre, Hôtel 71 is located across from the Musée de Civilisation, inside what was once the National Bank of Canada’s head office. The hotel has contemporary-style rooms, fitness center, and bikes for rent.
book a room: booking.com
hôtel des coutellier
9.3/10 on Booking.com
3-star hotel
253, rue saint-paul
418.692.9696
Located on rue Saint-Paul, not far from Marché du Vieux-Port, Hôtel des Coutellier has comfortable rooms, many with exposed brick walls, and offers guests a continental breakfast which is delivered to their room each morning. The hotel is also home to a gourmet restaurant, Légende.
book a room: booking.com
le saint pierre, auberge distinctive
9.1/10 on Booking.com
4-star hotel
79, rue saint-pierre
418.694.7981
An elegant hotel on rue Saint-Pierre, the rooms at Le Saint-Pierre, Auberge Distinctive have a contemporary country feel with grey sofas and pale yellow country-style wood furniture. The hotel has a small dining room, a library with a fireplace, a spa, and a fitness center.
book a room: booking.com
hôtel port royal
8.5/10 on Booking.com
4-star hotel
144, rue saint-pierre
418.692.2777
A hotel with rustic-contemporary designs, Hôtel Port Royal is also home to Le Pub. Among the hotel’s amenities, guests will find a 24-hour gym, laundry/dry cleaning, and massage therapy.
book a room: booking.com
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