Getting around Quebec City

Public transport

Quebec City's public buses are run by the Réseau de Transport de la Capitale (RTC) (tel: +1 418 627 2351; www.rtcquebec.ca). Écolobus is the electric shuttle for Vieux-Québec (Old City) while Metrobus handles all other downtown locations. Those marked with the Vélobus bike logo accept bicycles.

Payment is exact change or RTC Tickets, sold at local shops. One-day, weekend, five-day and monthly passes are available. Commuters can transfer from one bus to another at no extra cost, provided a transfer slip is obtained upon boarding the first bus. You can also load fares and passes on OPUS smartcards or the Occassionnelle card; the latter is a better option for visitors, as it allows you to load a one-day pass.

During the ski season, Tours du Vieux-Québec runs a shuttle service to Mont-Sainte-Anne and Le Massif ski resorts. (tel: +1 418 664 0460; www.toursvieuxquebec.com)

Taxis

All major hotels have a taxi stand. You can also hail taxis from the street and in any area where bars and restaurants are clustered. Taxi Laurier (tel: +1 418 651 2727) and TaxiCoop Québec (tel: +1 418 525 5191) are among the main firms. A tip of 15% is customary.

Driving

Walking is the best way to see the sights, especially as motorists have to contend with narrow, twisting streets filled with pedestrians and wait while horse-drawn calèches amble along. Driving can be stressful too as locals drive fast and are intolerant of other vehicles. Motorcycles are not allowed in Old Quebec.

Parking is expensive in Old Quebec. Look for a flat fee lot such as Grand Théâtre parking on René Lévesque Boulevard. There are metered waterfront spots along Quai Saint-André and on Grande Allée and Porte St-Louis.

Car hire

You must be 21 or older to rent a car. Your national driving licence must be in French or English otherwise you need an International Driving Permit. Quebec has no-fault insurance and drivers renting cars must purchase third-party liability insurance for property damage.

Car hire companies include Avis (tel: +1 418 523 1075; www.avis.com) and Discount (tel: +1 844 562 2886; www.discountquebec.com).

Bicycle hire

As part of the province's 'Green Route' (www.routeverte.com), two long-distance cycling paths pass through Quebec City, in addition to shorter paths and commuter bike lanes. Corridor du Littoral links the Old Port with the Montmorency Falls, while Véloroute Marie-Hélène-Prémont branches leads north to the provincial park Cap Tourmente.

Cyclo Services at 289 rue Saint-Paul (tel: +1 418 692 4052; www.cycloservices.net) hires out bicycles, undertakes repairs and offers cycling tours.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

Le Manoir des Ramparts

This hotel, located in the heart of Old Québec, might not win any prizes for design, but it offers very reasonable accommodation at a very decent price, and some rooms have an exceptional view of the St Lawrence River and Laurentian Mountains. Most of the 34 bedrooms have a private bathroom, television and telephone, but eight budget rooms have shared shower and toilet facilities. Continental breakfast is included in the price.

Le Clos Saint-Louis

The lavish attention to detail in these joined mid-19th-century townhouses makes staying here a treat. Gorgeous antiques feature in the elegant parlour and dining room (where a free continental breakfast is served in low season), and they make an appearance in the 18 bedrooms as well, where area rugs soften the hardwood floors, and televisions are hidden away in armoires to preserve the romantic Victorian atmosphere. This hotel is a gem! But don't just take our word for it: thousands of travellers on the Tripadvisor website once voted it Best Hidden Gem in Canada.

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

The grandest of Quebec City's hotels is the city's chief landmark, a red-brick, mock-medieval tower topped by a steep copper roof and perched on the edge of the cliff overlooking the St Lawrence. Its 611 rooms have benefited from a multimillion dollar refurbishment project; each stately and grand in appearance if occasionally a bit small, but that's made up for by the prime location, with its gastronomic Le Champlain restaurant and Le Café de la Terrasse overlooking the scenic Dufferin Terrace promenade.

Hôtel Le Germain-Dominion

The 60 loft-like rooms in this warmly minimalist boutique hotel are full of nice touches like blown-glass basins lit from beneath, chunky wooden blinds (revealing terrific views over the St Lawrence River from the upper floors) and home comforts like down duvets and bathrobes. Breakfast (included in the price) is served at large communal tables, a reception area and two meeting rooms cater to business needs and there's a complimentary cappuccino/espresso bar. The staff provide discreet, impeccable service.

Hôtel Manoir Victoria

This comfortable 4-star hotel, just up the hill from the train station, is tucked discreetly behind the main shopping street in the Old Town and is handy for exploring the sights. Low-key lighting and thick carpets give a hushed feel and the 156 well-appointed rooms and suites, done up in earth tones, are a good size. For relaxing there is a pool, sauna, fitness room and spa treatments.

Hotel Le Cavalier du Moulin

This 19th century property in Old Québec is blessed with historic character and charm. Located just a stone's throw from many of the city's most iconic sights, some of the rooms come preserved with their original stone walls and fireplaces, and all are equipped with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

Introducing Quebec City

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