Outside the walls of Old Quebec lie lesser-known neighborhoods just waiting to be explored, visited and seen.
In this context, Destination Québec has launched an interactive platform that allows you to explore new places in the city. As a traveler or even a resident of the national capital, you are invited to (re)discover Quebec thanks to the city’s new digital platform Destination Québec, which contributes in particular to promoting a balanced flow of tourist traffic in the region.
After completing a fun quiz tailored to your interests, you’ll be suggested personalized itineraries to neighborhoods on the edge of Old Quebec. There is also the option to access a virtual concierge, which will allow you to access other useful and interesting information.
This initiative is aimed both at those who have already strolled the streets of Old Quebec in the past and at those who want to have a more personal and authentic experience. It allows you to explore central and lesser-known neighborhoods on foot or by bike, participating in the development of responsible tourism, a key element of Destination Québec’s vision for the tourism development of the Québec region.
Although the face of tourism has changed greatly since the pandemic, Quebec City remains a hub where gastronomy, art and history meet. So without further ado, it’s time to explore new places!
5 little-known Quebec neighborhoods to explore during your visit:
1. Saint-Jean-Baptiste, the artists’ quarter
Photo credit: Chantale Gagnon
Located between two popular spots in the city, Old Quebec and Montcalm, the Saint-Jean-Baptiste district is full of good gourmet addresses. You have to walk down Rue Saint-Jean to smell the scents for which it is famous. Behind the pretty colorful facades of this neighborhood are bakeries, delicatessens, chocolate shops, refreshment bars, bistros and much more!
2. Montcalm, the arts district
Photo credit: Jeff Frenette
Located high above the city, the Montcalm district offers a spectacle from morning to night. This sector, also known as “Bobo”, proves to be the perfect balance between bohemian and bourgeois. The National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec is a must-see, located just outside the district, just steps from the famous Plains of Abraham. In both summer and winter, cultural life takes place around the festivals, cinemas, theaters and restaurants of the Grande Allée.
3. Saint-Roch, the trendy district
Photo credit: Jeff Frenette
Rue Saint-Joseph Est has long been considered the main street and today, thanks to a concerted effort, it has regained its nobility. With the opening of several restaurants, microbreweries, shops and hotels, the Saint-Roch district is definitely getting a new lease of life and is still not lacking in momentum… much to the delight of its visitors! Day and night, the city’s creative and technological heart vibrates, showcasing an exciting multicultural factory.
4. Limoilou, the family district
Photo credit: Parc de la Rivière Saint-Charles
The excitement of the Limoilou district can be tasted, heard and observed! If it’s not the young families gathering in the park for a barbecue, it’s the fans cheering enthusiastically from the arena’s stands. Between 2nd and 3rd Avenues, young and old gather to grab a bite to eat or toast the end of the softball season.
5. Saint-Sauveur, the authentic district
Photo credit: Mathieu Gagné
The Saint-Sauveur district, affectionately known as “Saint-Sô” by regular guests, is characterized by its friendliness and authenticity. Located on the outskirts of Saint-Roch, this suburb has retained its old world charm. Even in its shops, taverns and cafes you can read traces of its history that are still intact.
To discover Quebec City from a new perspective, visit the digital platform Discover Quebec Cityaccessible on mobile or at the two interactive terminals at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac and the Musée de la Civilization, or scan the QR code displayed in the windows of the tourist establishments.