Québec: North America’s European City

Lodging and Dining 

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Québec City’s best hotel is also its most iconic landmark. As romantic as your dreams, the Château also caters to a child’s every whim, with cookies-and-milk turndown, daily drawing contests, lively tours by costumed guides impersonating characters from the hotel’s history, and even a big friendly dog to pat and take for walks. The concierge will find you a reliable baby sitter for an evening out au deux. Our 7-year-old loved the afternoon tea for kids, where she got a chance to put on her frilly dress and Mary-Janes and told us she’d learned “how ladies behave at a proper tea party.” We liked the fact that all kids under 18 years stay free, under 6 years dine free, and ages 6-12 dine at 50% off. 1 Rue des Carrières, tel. 418-692-3861, www.fairmont.com/frontenac

Auberge Louis Hebert. Less pricey and very cozy, this boutique hotel is near the Plains of Abraham, the city’s largest park. The location is especially good during the Winter Carnival, handy to the outdoor festivities when small children need an afternoon warm-up or nap. The bright dining room is a good place to take teens who are ready for a little taste of class, but a menu that’s not overwhelming. 668 Grande-Allée East, tel. 418-525-6449, www.louishebert.com

Auberge Le Vincent. This small and modern hotel in the old city is family-friendly and welcoming. Its central location is convenient to transportation and historic sites. 295 Rue Saint-Vallier East, tel. 418-523-5000, www.auberglevincent.com

Auberge Saint-Antoine. Nearly as old as the city itself, this luxurious boutique hotel is a good choice if you’re sans enfants and looking for a romantic getaway. 10 Rue Saint-Antoine, Address, tel. 418-692-2211, www.saint-antoine.com  

• Québec's famous steep roofs.
• David Paul Ohmer

Food is close to the heart of Québec residents, and you’ll find them mingling with the tourists in all the restaurants and cafés in the old town.

With small children, try the very informal bistro, Le Cochon Dingue in the Quartier Petit Champlain. The hot chocolate is outstanding and it’s noisy enough that no one will notice if little kids don’t speak in hushed tones. The sugar pie is a sure kid-pleaser. 46 Blvd. Champlain, tel. 418-692-2013, www.cochondingue.com

Mid-aged children old enough to appreciate its old-time feel will be comfortable in
Aux Anciens Canadiens, inside the walls. It’s a chance to try some authentic dishes with flavors they won’t find too exotic—meat pie is a good bet. 34 Rue Saint-Louis, tel. 418-692-1627, www.auxancienscanadiens.qc.ca/Homeang.html

• Québec City is one of the few remaining walled cities in North America.
• David Paul Ohmer

Teens ready for a little taste of class will be well-fed in the bright dining room at Auberge Louis Hebert. 

For more family-friendly dining, please read our Québec dining article.

Getting There and Around 

Québec City is about a two-hour drive from the northern borders of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, and connected by frequent flights on Air Canada, Northwest, Continental and Delta. Jean-Lesage International Airport is a $30 cab ride from the city center, or an easy drive on Route 40. Most of the sights are within walking distance, and the best way to enjoy the city is on foot.