Quebec

Cruise vessels disembark passengers in the heart of Quebec City's historic district, placing guests and crew close to Old Quebec City's main attractions. These include Place Royale, Musée de la Civilisation, Château Frontenac and the Petit Champlain district, together with countless pavement cafés, antique shops, galleries and street artists that enliven the City's picturesque roads.

Ross Gaudreault Cruise Terminal lies near the old city beside the Petit Champlain neighbourhood and is readily reached by car, on foot or using public transport.

As increasing numbers of cruise ships visit, Quai Paquet provides a relatively new facility operated by the Québec Port Authority within port territory. A short ferry crossing separates it from the Port of Québec proper. Features include Canada's largest jet fountain and views of iconic Chateau Frontenac.

Quebec's Old City occupies two levels: Lower Town beside the Port and Upper Town, a quick walk from the cruise terminal.

The funicular to Upper Town stands beside Place Royale, opposite the dock.

The airport is about 16 km away; travel by taxi.

Québec City began a project to build a second Port cruise terminal at Berth 30. Completed in 2020, the terminal allows the Port to receive vessels carrying more than 4,000 passengers.

Quebec City's cruise terminal is conveniently close to its centre. The Port of Quebec is approximately 1 kilometre (0.6 miles) from downtown Old Quebec, a brief 10-15 minute walk.

Take along a printable map.

Check the cruise calendar for this port and the berth being used. Note that Docks 102, 103 and 104 are farther away, so shuttles will operate.

Château Frontenac is generally recognised as the world's most photographed hotel, largely because it dominates the Quebec City skyline. Although several city buildings are taller, this landmark occupies a high cape above the Saint Lawrence River, providing a spectacular view for several kilometres.

Part of the Place-Royale historic site, Maison Chevalier was restored in 1959 and actually comprises three separate properties: Chesnay house, Frérot house and Chevalier house. Fire walls, tall fireplaces and arched cellars make them especially important examples of Quebec architectural heritage. A permanent Maison Chevalier exhibition recreates domestic scenes from earlier times.

Basilique Notre-Dame-de-Québec in Upper Town contains North America's oldest parish, dating to 1647. Its sombre, elaborate interior has a canopy dais above the episcopal throne, a painted-cloud ceiling with gold leaf, richly coloured stained-glass windows and a chancel lamp presented by Louis XIV.

The large, celebrated crypt was Québec City's first burial ground. More than 900 bodies are interred there, including 20 bishops and four governors of New France. Samuel de Champlain may rest near the basilica, and archaeologists have searched for his tomb since 1950. Information panels explain the church's history, or visitors may join a guided tour.

Quebec is made for walking.

A funicular connects Rue du Petit Champlain in Lower Town with Hotel Chateau Frontenac in Upper Town.

Within less than thirty minutes of downtown, visitors can experience Ile d'Orléans, the Beaupré Coast and magnificent Montmorency Falls. The Basilica of Ste-Anne de Beaupré is a renowned pilgrimage site drawing many people every year. These and further attractions make Quebec City a unique destination in North America.

Old Quebec City, particularly Basse-Ville, is packed with visitor-oriented shops. Look for leather products and various handmade crafts created by Canada's First Nations Peoples.

Every Old City restaurant displays menus outside in French and English. Seek out table d'hote offers for a fixed-price full-course meal. For an inexpensive but highly satisfying alternative, try traditional tourtière quebecois, a meat pie, or poutine made with chips, gravy and cheese curds.

A restaurant tip of 10-15% is considered normal. Bell hops, concierges, room cleaners, taxi drivers, hairdressers and hotel attendants also usually receive tips, as do bar staff from knowledgeable drinkers.

• Verrerrie La Mailloche, beside the Breakneck Stairs in Basse-Ville, frequently presents glass-blowing demonstrations and staff will explain the craft.
• Place Laurier, Place de la Cité and Place Ste-Foy stand at 2700 boulevard Laurier. These three large shopping centres sit beside one another, with Place Laurier claiming to be eastern Canada's largest. Reach them by bus 800 or 801 from Place D'Youville at the end of Rue St Jean.

Local currency: Canadian dollar.

ATMs are available in many supermarkets, shopping centres, airports and elsewhere, with most connected to international networks, the most common being Cirrus, Plus, Star and Maestro. A major credit card can also withdraw cash from an ATM, although this is normally more expensive because interest starts immediately in addition to a service charge.

Free WiFi is available in the cruise terminal.

French is spoken and English is understood.