Where to stay in Quebec City during Christmas (and winter)
Quebec City is one of my favourite cities in the world to visit in winter, especially at Christmas time. It’s beautiful, full of history, and has a great culinary scene. I’ve been twice in winter and there is just so much to see and do. It’s a surprisingly big place so figuring out where to stay in Quebec City during Christmas and the winter season can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time visiting!
There are several areas to stay in Quebec City, all of which are relatively safe but will offer very different experiences. I remember planning my 3-day trip to Quebec City and having no idea where to stay. I’d never been before and wasn’t sure where to stay to make the most of all of Quebec City’s amazing winter activities. I did a TON of research and found so many nice options!
Whether you’re looking for a luxury stay or an affordable base for your trip, I’m sharing the best places to stay in Quebec City during Christmas and winter. Don’t worry, this isn’t another generic hotel guide! All the accommodation suggestions in this blog post are based on personal experience or recommendations from friends who have been to Quebec City. Let’s jump in!
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Where to stay in Quebec City during Christmas and winter
Winter in Quebec City is magical. The beautiful architecture, snow-covered streets, and festive decorations make you feel like you’re in a Christmas movie. I’ve done a lot of winter getaways in North America, but not many places embrace the season the way Quebec City does! From enchanting Christmas markets to the legendary Quebec Winter Carnival, there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy in Quebec City in winter.
Deciding where to stay in Quebec City during Christmas and winter can be tricky. Ideally, you’ll want to be close to the main attractions, but accommodation can be very expensive during the festive season.
In this guide, I’ll break down the different areas to stay in Quebec City in winter and the pros and cons. I’ll also share some personal recommendations about where to stay in each area depending on your budget.
While there are plenty of other neighbourhoods you could choose, I’m focusing on the ones I’d personally recommend for a winter trip. Quebec City winters can be harsh, and getting around isn’t quite as easy as it is in summer due the snow and ice. Staying close to the main sights, restaurants, and attractions can make a big difference to your experience.
In a rush and don’t have time to read the whole guide?
My top pick would be Old Quebec. It’s a beautiful area and you can easily walk to all the main attractions. Hotels can be more expensive as you’re very central but there are deals if you book in advance or go outside the peak Christmas period. We visited in late January and it was a lot cheaper. Find hotels in Old Quebec now >
Top areas to stay in Quebec City in winter
Travel tip: If you are planning to visit during the Christmas period, make sure you book your accommodation in advance to get the best rates. Check rates now >
OLD QUEBEC
Visiting Quebec City for the first time at Christmas? I’d highly recommend staying in Old Quebec if availability and budgets allow. This is the historical heart of Quebec City and a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 400 years of history to explore.
Old Quebec is divided into two sections: Upper Town (Haute-Ville) and Lower Town (Basse-Ville), connected by the old funicular and the Breakneck Stairs. Here, you’ll find most of the city’s iconic landmarks, including Château Frontenac, Petit-Champlain (one of my favourite photo spots in Quebec City), and the Citadel of Quebec.
Why stay there?
With its cobblestone streets, historic buildings and unmistakable European charm, Old Quebec is hands down the most festive place to stay in winter. It has all the fairytale vibes! I’m so glad I decided to stay in this area on my first visit as it made the trip even more special.
During the Christmas period, Old Quebec is even more enchanting than normal. Christmas decorations line the streets, the German Christmas Market brings a real buzz (and mouth-watering smells!), and the sound of carollers singing drifts through the streets.
Many hotels are just steps away from the main sights, making it a very convenient location to base yourself in. It’s also the best area to stay in if you don’t have a car. Old Quebec is compact and easy to explore on foot, even in winter, so you don’t have to worry about navigating icy roads and public transport in the cold.
Things to keep in mind
When deciding where to stay in Quebec City during Christmas and in winter, Old Quebec is probably the most popular choice. Hotels tend to be more expensive here than in other parts of the city, especially during the Christmas period when demand is higher. Hotels can book up well in advance, so it’s worth reserving early if you’re planning to visit in December.
While I absolutely loved staying in Old Quebec, I will say it is compact and can get very busy during Christmas events and winter festivals. Depending on where you book, it might be quite noisy at night if you’re there for Christmas, New Year or Carnival in February.
Places to stay in Old Quebec
Luxury: Auberge Saint-Antoine
If you’re looking for a truly iconic stay, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is hard to beat, but Auberge Saint-Antoine comes very close – in my opinion anyway! I stayed at the Auberge Saint-Antoine during my first trip and I would stay here again in a heartbeat.
This luxury boutique hotel is a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux group and has earned high accolades. But what’s even more impressive is that the hotel is built on one of the city’s richest archaeological sites! During construction, they uncovered thousands of artefacts dating back to the 1600s and rather than sending them to a museum, they’ve thoughtfully restored and integrated them into the hotel’s design. As a history nerd, I loved seeing all the historical objects displayed in the lobby, Bar Artefact and even along the corridors!
If you want to relax during your trip, Auberge Saint-Antoine has a great wellness centre. It includes a well-equipped gym, treatment rooms for massage and facials, as well as two saunas. And to top it off, there’s even a cinema room if you want an epic movie night!
Mid-Range: Hôtel Manoir Victoria
If you’re looking for somewhere comfortable and stylish without the luxury price tag, take a look at Hôtel Manoir Victoria. I was very close to booking this hotel for my first trip but ended up getting a deal on Auberge Saint-Antoine.
Hôtel Manoir Victoria is a great mid-range option in Old Quebec. It’s just a short walk from Château Frontenac and Place Royale, putting you within easy reach of the city’s best restaurants, shops and winter attractions – without breaking the bank! What I liked about this hotel was the central location. It’s very convenient, especially in winter when you don’t want to have to walk too far in the cold.
The rooms can be on the smaller side, but I think the facilities more than make up for that! They have a great spa area with a sauna, heated bathroom floors (much appreciated in winter!), and an onsite parking garage.
Budget: HI Québec City
HI Québec City is one of the nicest HI properties I’ve stayed in – and I’ve stayed in a lot of their hostels over the years! It’s a great way to keep costs down if you’re a solo traveller or you’re visiting with a group of friends as you can book 4, 6 or 8-bed dorms.
I’m now in my mid-thirties so I’m past the stage of sharing a dorm with strangers, but HI have private rooms with shared bathrooms, and queen rooms with en-suites. So don’t let the fact that it’s a hostel put you off! With its location and facilities, I think it’s one of the best-value places to stay in Quebec City during the festive season if you’re on a budget.
CENTRAL NEIGHBOURHOODS: SAINT-ROCH, SAINT-JEAN-BAPTISTE AND MONTCALM
If you’ve been to Quebec City before and want something less touristy this time, or you’re trying to keep costs down, the central neighbourhoods are a great option. Saint-Roch, Saint-Jean-Baptiste, and Montcalm are all close to Old Quebec with good public transport links, meaning you can still enjoy the winter and Christmas festivities.
Why stay there?
The central neighbourhoods are perfect if you want a more local and authentic Quebec City experience. I spent a lot of time exploring these areas on my second trip and stayed in Saint-Jean-Baptiste so here’s my take:
- Montcalm: Elegant and artsy – it’s home to the Musée national des beaux-arts and felt very residential
- Saint-Roch: Hippest area of Quebec City – it reminded me a bit of Williamsburg in Brooklyn with the vibrant cafés, microbreweries and shops. It also has some great food joints!
- Saint-Jean-Baptiste: Very laid-back and lively – there’s lots of small bistros and bakeries and it’s also great for nightlife
These neighbourhoods are packed with fantastic eateries, unique shops, and cozy cafés which are all a lot more affordable than those in Old Quebec. They’re outside the old city walls, but they’re still within walking distance of the main attractions. In winter, snow and ice can make walking around a lot harder but fortunately, there are plenty of buses and taxis you can use. I really enjoyed staying in Saint-Jean-Baptiste on my second trip as I felt like I got to see another side of Quebec City and immerse myself in the local culture.
Things to keep in mind
If you’re deciding where to stay in Quebec City in winter, Montcalm, Saint-Roch, and Saint-Jean-Baptiste are all great options – but there are some practical considerations to keep in mind:
- Getting around: The central neighbourhoods are a little further from some of Quebec City’s major tourist sights, so you may need to factor in the occasional taxi in winter.
- Safety: There is a homeless shelter in Saint-Roch so you will see quite a few homeless people in this area but they generally keep to themselves and don’t bother you. I spent five years living in Vancouver and one year in Ottawa where there were lots of homeless people on the streets. I personally found Quebec City very safe in comparison. I have a few friends that live in Quebec City and they said that even the “most dangerous” streets are much safer than other large North American cities. Quebec City consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in North America but as with any city, be sensible and stay vigilant.
- Location & Topography: Saint-Roch and Saint-Jean-Baptiste are in Lower Town, meaning walking to Old Quebec involves a significant hill. There is a funicular/elevator to make the climb easier, but if you’re planning to walk a lot, be ready for some uphill stretches. I would definitely pack winter boots and some ice grips. I took my Yaxtrax and I’m so glad I did because the sidewalks were like an ice rink! Montcalm, on the other hand, is in Upper Town, so it’s flatter for exploring Old Quebec, but going down to the Lower Town involves a descent.
For more tips on what to pack for Quebec City, check out my winter packing guide >
Places to stay in the central neighbourhoods
Luxury: Hôtel Maurice
While a lot of luxury hotels are in Old Quebec, there are still some lovely ones in the central neighbourhoods. My friends stayed at Hôtel Maurice during the Christmas period last year and said it was amazing. It’s a stylish, boutique hotel just steps from Grande-Allée in Saint-Jean-Baptiste.
The hotel has a very interesting history – it was the headquarters of the Union Nationale from 1937 to 1972 and became an icon of Quebec City nightlife in the 1980s. The rooms are modern and elegant with all the luxurious touches you’d expect, so it’s a great base for exploring and relaxing.
Mid-Range: Hôtel Le Concorde Québec
Hôtel Le Concorde Québec was where I stayed on my second work trip to Quebec City, and I’d happily stay here again. It’s a great mid‑range option if you want a central and convenient base. The hotel is far enough away from the most tourist‑packed streets that it feels quite peaceful, but it’s close enough that you can still walk to everything you’d want to see in winter.
The hotel sits right near Grande Allée where you’ll find a lively stretch of restaurants, bars and cafés. It’s also where the New Year Eve celebrations take place so keep that in mind if you’re planning to visit over the new year – it will be convenient but very noisy! The hotel is very close to the Plains of Abraham which is a great area for snowshoeing in winter. I’d say it’s about a 15-minute walk to Old Quebec’s historic centre and the Christmas markets. But remember that the snow and ice can slow you down so factor in a bit more time!
What I loved most about this hotel (and the main reason I booked it!) was the rooftop bar and restaurant, Ciel! Bistro-Bar. The panoramic views were amazing! I didn’t have the best weather in November when I went but on a clear day, you’d be able to see over the city and the St. Lawrence River.
Budget: Hôtel du Jardin (by Les Lofts Vieux-Québec)
My friend and I stayed here for one night at the end of our 3-day trip in January (after staying at Auberge Saint-Antoine for two nights). We needed somewhere cheap and cheerful as we had an early train to catch the next morning. I found a deal on Booking.com for Hôtel du Jardin and honestly, it was pretty decent for the price! It’s run by Les Lofts Vieux-Québec which have lots of different lofts throughout the city.
It’s located in Saint-Roch and offers simple but comfortable rooms with all the essentials (think Wi-Fi, coffee/ tea facilities, air-conditioning and heating). It was on a busy road, but we didn’t really have any issues with noise and slept well. We arrived around 8pm and thought the area seemed quite safe. There were also plenty of restaurants, shops and cafés nearby which was handy.
It’s not a full-service hotel – there’s no on-site restaurant or bar – and the rooms can feel very basic but they’re clean and affordable. If you’re looking at where to stay in Quebec City on a budget, Hôtel du Jardin is a good choice.
OUTSIDE THE CITY CENTRE: SAINTE-FOY, SILLERY AND CAP-ROUGE
While I’d highly recommend staying somewhere central, if you’re looking at where to stay in Quebec City on a budget, there are some good options outside the city centre.
Staying in neighbourhoods like Sainte-Foy, Sillery and Cap-Rouge can be a great way to save on accommodation over the Christmas period, when downtown hotels often charge a premium. If you have a car or you’re willing to rent one for your trip, these neighbourhoods offer much more affordable accommodation options.
Sainte-Foy is a large, established area with plenty of amenities, shopping, and services, making it ideal for families or for those wanting longer stays. Sillery is leafy and very safe, with elegant homes, parks, and quiet streets. Cap-Rouge, further west, is perfect if you want stunning river views and historic charm.
Why stay there?
I haven’t personally stayed in these areas, but friends of mine with children have and said they were a much more affordable option if you’re travelling as a family. Accommodation in these areas is cheaper than the city centre and usually more spacious, which is great if you have children. If you’re travelling by car, there is convenient parking and it’s easy to get to the surrounding attractions.
These neighbourhoods are packed with things to do such as shopping (you’re very close to the big malls), the Quebec aquarium, and the Centre de Glaces ice rink. If you enjoy being outdoors, you’ve got Samuel-De Champlain Promenade, Bois-de-Coulonge Park, and Parc de la Plage-Jacques-Cartier.
It’s a much calmer and more peaceful area away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. But you’re still well connected by public transport and you’re close to the airport.
Things to keep in mind
When thinking about where to stay in Quebec City during Christmas (and in winter in general), Old Quebec and the central neighbourhoods are definitely my top choices. Neighbourhoods like Sainte-Foy, Sillery and Cap-Rouge are great alternatives, but they are further out. You really need to have your own vehicle and be prepared to drive into the city centre and pay for parking. The highways and roads are well-maintained all-year round; however, winter weather can result in closures and delays. Always check Quebec 511 for the latest information before setting off.
Places to stay in outside the city centre
Luxury: Hôtel Le Bonne Entente
One of my friends splurged and booked Hôtel Le Bonne Entente as a romantic getaway for her wedding anniversary last year and said it was fabulous. It’s located in Sainte-Foy and is a 15-minute drive from the city centre. The hotel has lovely on-site spa facilities, so it’s a great option if you want to relax after a busy day of sightseeing without the downtown price tag. It has a pool and jacuzzi, a health and beaty centre, and lovely restaurant options.
Mid-Range: Hôtel Quartier
Hôtel Quartier is a great mid-range option located between Sainte-Foy and Sillery. A friend of mine stayed here on a recent work trip and said the rooms had been renovated and were very spacious. There is also an indoor pool, 24-hour gym, free outdoor parking, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is near Boulevard Laurier so there are lots of buses that go directly to the city centre.
Budget: Hôtel Classique
There are lots of budget options in this area (the upside of being further out) but one of my colleagues recommended Hôtel Classique. She stayed there last year for a work conference and said it was clean and comfortable. It’s in the Sainte-Foy district across from Laurier Québec shopping mall and near major highways, so it’s a great base to get around in winter.
Final thoughts on where to stay in Quebec City during Christmas and winter
If you end up visiting Quebec City in winter, I hope this blog post helps you find your ideal hotel and you have the best time. If you stayed somewhere not listed above, let me know in the comments below as it’s always great to get new recommendations!
Don’t plan your winter trip to Quebec City without reading these guides first:
- The ultimate 3-day Quebec City winter itinerary
- The very best things to do in Quebec City in winter
- A Guide to Quebec City’s Most Festive Christmas Experiences
- What to pack for your winter trip to Quebec City
- A photographer’s guide to the best photo spots in Quebec City
Love from Steph
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