Quebec is Canada's only Francophone-majority province, and that shapes the whole travel experience: you will meet Québécois French in shops, menus and conversation, and the province's cultural products — its literature, music, films, TV shows and festivals — are part of what draws visitors. It is a large province in Central Canada, bordered by Ontario to the west, Newfoundland and Labrador to the northeast, New Brunswick to the southeast, a coastal border with Nunavut, and the United States to the south.
For a visitor, the practical question is which settlement to base yourself in, because the province is vast and its cities sit far apart. The two urban anchors are Quebec City, founded in 1608 as the Habitation de Québec and the capital of New France, and Montreal, founded in 1642 as Ville-Marie. Trois-Rivières, founded in 1634, is the third of the historic towns. This guide covers where to base yourself in each, and what kind of accommodation to expect at each budget level.
Best areas to stay in Quebec
1. Quebec City
Quebec City is the province's historic core and its most concentrated visitor destination. It began as a fur trading outpost and administrative seat, and it remained the capital of New France, governed by the Sovereign Council of New France. For a first visit to the province, this is the most straightforward base: the historic settlement itself is the attraction, and you can stay within it rather than commuting in.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants history within walking distance, as well as travellers who prefer a compact, walkable base. You will find the usual range of North American accommodation here, including hostels, chain motels and high-end resort hotels, alongside the two forms particular to Quebec: the Auberge, literally "Inn", and the Gîte, a B&B-style guest house that sometimes has only a single room for rent.
2. Montreal
Montreal, founded as Ville-Marie in 1642, is the province's other major urban base and the larger of the two city stays. It is a working Francophone metropolis rather than a preserved historic site, which makes it a good base for travellers who want city life, food and the province's cultural output — its music, films, TV shows and festivals — as the centre of their trip.
It suits visitors who want a big-city stay with the full range of accommodation, and it works well for longer trips where you want variety rather than a single historic quarter. As in Quebec City, expect hostels, chain motels and high-end resort hotels, plus Auberges and Gîtes.
3. Trois-Rivières
Trois-Rivières was founded in 1634 at Samuel de Champlain's request, making it one of the province's oldest settlements and a quieter alternative to the two main cities. It suits travellers who want a smaller base between the major centres, or who are moving through the province rather than staying in one place.
Accommodation follows the provincial pattern: the standard North American range of hostels, chain motels and high-end resort hotels, with Auberges and Gîtes as the local particularity. Because it is a smaller centre, book ahead if your dates are fixed.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: hostels and chain motels are the standard low-cost options across the province. Gîtes — B&B-style guest houses, sometimes with only a single room for rent — can also be an economical choice, though the small number of rooms means they fill quickly.
- Mid-range: Auberges, literally "Inn", span a wide range, from faux-lodge style motels to more traditional inns, and sit comfortably in the middle of the market. Chain motels in the cities also fall into this bracket.
- Splurge: high-end resort hotels are available, and the upper end of the Auberge range covers travellers who want an inn rather than a resort.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself in Quebec City for a first visit. It was the capital of New France and the seat of its administration, so the historic settlement is itself the reason most visitors come, and staying inside it puts you in the place rather than at a distance from it. It also gives you the full spread of accommodation types, from hostels to high-end resort hotels, plus the Auberges and Gîtes that are particular to Quebec.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of accommodation are particular to Quebec?
Two forms stand out: the Auberge, literally "Inn", which ranges from faux-lodge style motels to more traditional inns, and the Gîte, a B&B-style guest house that sometimes has only a single room for rent. Alongside these you will find the usual North American range of hostels, chain motels and high-end resort hotels.
Which cities can I use as a base?
The province's historic urban centres are Quebec City, founded in 1608 as the Habitation de Québec, Montreal, founded in 1642 as Ville-Marie, and Trois-Rivières, founded in 1634. Each has the standard range of accommodation plus Auberges and Gîtes.
Will I need French?
Quebec is Canada's only Francophone-majority province and is home to speakers of Québécois French, so you will encounter French in daily life. The Charter of the French Language is one of the province's statutory documents, and French is the everyday language of the places you will be staying.
Do I need to book small guest houses in advance?
Gîtes can have as little as a single room for rent, so availability is limited by design. If you are set on staying in one, arrange it before you travel rather than arriving and hoping.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you commit to an area.