Tips for Visiting Quebec on a Budget

There are many reasons why you should consider visiting Quebec. It is the preferred choice for individuals who want to unwind, and the perfect destination for honeymooners looking for a unique experience. One of the most asked questions is always: ‘Is Quebec expensive?’ Well, the simple answer is yes. Quebec can be quite expensive, and taxes are on the high side compared to other places in Canada. But that does not mean that you cannot have a budget-friendly travel experience in Quebec. You can reduce your budget and use less money if you master a handful of tips and tricks that will make your visit or stay in Quebec considerably less expensive. Doing things like travelling during the fall or spring, when there are much fewer tourists, can help you save money, while remaining vigilant for discounts can also help ensure that you do not spend too much.

Travelling to Quebec on a Budget

Using the train is one of the best ways to travel on a budget in Canada. There are always discounts, especially for those who make their bookings well in advance. If you are taking flights, consider downloading apps such as Skyscanner, which compares and contrasts prices to different locations and alerts you to the best deals. Another way to cut on travel costs is to avoid direct flights to Quebec. Rather, you should consider taking a flight to Montreal, and then taking a train or renting a car to Quebec, which should take less than three hours. While in Quebec, you can use the Levis Ferry, which charges less than $5 per trip. If you know where you are going, public transport is also a cheap option.

Finding Cheap Accommodations

Where you stay can make or break your entire experience. While accommodations can be expensive in Quebec, especially during peak seasons (like summer), you can get yourself a good deal if you take time to do research about your available options. It also helps to book your accommodations early so that you are not affected by the price hikes that kick in whenever there is a surge of tourists. You should also try using apps such as Airbnb, which can come in very handy when you are travelling in a group. Also, always make sure to read the reviews of whatever accommodation you are considering before booking.

Eating on a Budget

Luckily, there are many places in Quebec where you can eat on a budget. If your accommodation allows you to cook for yourself, you can do some basic grocery shopping and prepare your own meals. There are also guided tours across Quebec City on which you can eat up to seven meals at a very low rate (and can sample food from a range of different cuisines). This is one of the many activities that tourists like to pursue when visiting Quebec. Instead of opting for exotic meals, you should try to eat what the locals eat. One of the most common foods among Quebeckers is poutine, which basically consists of French fries, gravy, and cheese.

Entertainment on a Budget

There are many entertainment venues in Quebec that you can visit without having to spend too much money. You can go to places like Battlefield Park, which charges a modest fee for entrance, or you can visit Montmorency Falls, where you only have to pay for parking after which you can enjoy the area’s scenic views. Quebec has an interesting mix of British and French culture, so you should consider interacting with locals to get a better grasp of the culture. You can also rent bicycles, which you can ride up and down the Lawrence River.

Shopping on a Budget

If you love shopping, you can save a decent amount of money by going to the city’s old district and getting yourself some beautiful pieces of artwork made by local artists. For food and basic groceries, you can go to the Rue St. Jean to find great sales and discounts. Avenue Maguire, meanwhile, has some nice little boutique shops as well.