Old Port Quebec City Travel Guide

Québec City

Old Port Quebec City
Old Port Quebec City
Old Port Quebec City
Old Port Quebec City
Old Port Quebec City

Québec’s historic waterfront has been extensively renovated and features museums, restored buildings and a market selling fresh regional produce.

During the 19th century, Old Port Québec was one of the busiest ports in North America. Hundreds of ships were built here and timber was received, stored and shipped to Europe. Today, the marine and its surroundings are a popular tourist attraction where you can view old buildings, walk along the river, dine out in fine restaurants and sample fresh produce at a market.

Wander along the quays and among the wharves to explore the area’s maritime heritage. Start your excursion on the promenade that overlooks the St. Lawrence River. This was the landing site for European ships that brought supplies and settlers to the country. Stop to admire the beauty of the old Customs House, a two-story building with a symmetrical facade. Make your way over to the castle-like Gare du Palais to appreciate the train and bus station’s architecture.

Learn more about the port’s shipbuilding and lumber-trade past with a visit to the Old Port of Québec Interpretation Centre. This exhibition space has audio-visual presentations, hands-on activities and actors dressed in period costumes. While you are here go to the observation platform for fine views of the Old City, St. Lawrence River and the Laurentian Mountains. 

See models of ancient ships and destroyers and collections of marine artifacts at the Naval Museum of Québec. The exhibitions cover the naval history of St. Lawrence River during times of war and peace.

Sample some regional specialties at the daily produce market or buy ingredients for a family lunch in the market’s picnic area. There is a nice selection of candy, cheese, maple products and baked goods to choose from. For up-to-date information about this market, visit the official website of the Old Port Market (Marché du Vieux-Port).

Stop for refreshments in nearby Rue Saint-Paul, Québec’s antiques hub with stylish cafés, collectables shops and galleries.

The Old Port Québec is a short walk from Place-Royale and Petit-Champlain. If you are arriving by car, there is parking available for a fee along the riverfront. The nearest public transport hub, Gare du Palais, is within walking distance.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Old Port Quebec City

Auberge Saint-Antoine

Auberge Saint-Antoine

4.5 out of 5
8, rue Saint-Antoine, Québec City, QC
The price is ฿15,858 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
฿15,858
฿18,871 total
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Québec City. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,004 reviews)
"Everything was wonderful! Staff was fantastic"

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Auberge Saint-Antoine
Hotel Port Royal

Hotel Port Royal

4 out of 5
144, rue Saint-Pierre, Québec City, QC
The price is ฿41,114 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
฿41,114
฿48,925 total
20 Aug - 21 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Québec City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a marina and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,205 reviews)
Charming hotel in a great location
"We really enjoyed our stay at Hotel Port Royal. This is a small hotel in an old stone building but the interior has been renovated so it combines the charm of an older building with modern conveniences. The rooms are comfortable and quiet and the staff is terrific. They are happy to speak with you ..."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

Hotel Port Royal
Hotel 71 by Preferred Hotels & Resorts

Hotel 71 by Preferred Hotels & Resorts

4.5 out of 5
71, Saint-Pierre street, Québec City, QC
The price is ฿8,810 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
฿8,810
฿10,484 total
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Québec City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,003 reviews)
"Our stay started right from the great service from the bellman and his help with parking!"

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

Hotel 71 by Preferred Hotels & Resorts
Hôtel des Coutellier

Hôtel des Coutellier

4 out of 5
253, rue Saint-Paul, Québec City, QC
The price is ฿7,584 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
฿7,584
฿9,025 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Québec City. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,059 reviews)
"The hotel was quiet comfortable and clean. The breakfast was good, the staff very helpful and pleasant. It was located within walking distance to old Quebec city"

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Hôtel des Coutellier
Hôtel Le Germain Québec

Hôtel Le Germain Québec

4 out of 5
126 rue Saint-Pierre, Québec City, QC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿8,223 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿8,223
฿9,785 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this boutique hotel in Québec City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"Good stay. Staff were very helpful and attentive. Room was adequate although the furnishings and fixtures were very worn and tired."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Hôtel Le Germain Québec
Hôtel Plaza Québec par JARO

Hôtel Plaza Québec par JARO

4 out of 5
3031 boulevard Laurier, Québec City, QC
The price is ฿3,407 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
฿3,407
฿4,054 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Québec City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,755 reviews)
"A little dated but the service was excellent, the staff are friendly and responsive. The queen size Murphy beds are genius and high quality mattresses. Pool is heated. Great for families with young kids. Skip the gym, but otherwise great stay."

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

Hôtel Plaza Québec par JARO
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Old Port Quebec City

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Old Quebec

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Quebec Cruise Terminal to Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec – discover Old Quebec, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Old Quebec
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Vieux-Québec-Cap-Blanc-Colline Parlementaire

If you're spending some time in Vieux-Québec-Cap-Blanc-Colline Parlementaire, Quebec Cruise Terminal and Quebec City Town Hall are top sights worth seeing.

Vieux-Québec-Cap-Blanc-Colline Parlementaire
Old Quebec featuring a city, signage and street scenes

Upper Town

If you're spending some time in Upper Town, Quebec City Town Hall and Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec are top sights worth seeing.

Upper Town
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Cap-Blanc

If you're spending some time in Cap-Blanc, Plains of Abraham and Grande Allée are top sights worth seeing.

Cap-Blanc
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Saint-Roch

Saint-Roch is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Marina Saint-Roch or The Museum of L'Isle-aux-Grues.

Saint-Roch
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Saint-Jean-Baptiste

If you're spending some time in Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Grand Theatre of Quebec and Grande Allée are top sights worth seeing.

Saint-Jean-Baptiste

Old Port Quebec City Travel Guide