10 secret places in Quebec City you should discover

by Caroline Décoste

As a traveller, who doesn’t love visiting places mostly known only by locals? Here are 10 in Quebec City that won’t have people thinking you’re a tourist. [photo credit: iStock/Robert St-Pierre]

To begin your visit, why not start off with some coffee and a bagel at Bügel, located on 164 Crémazie Street West. Nestled in the trendy Montcalm neighbourhood, they’re open seven days a week, serving old-fashioned bagels warm from the oven starting at 7:00 AM.

If you’ve had your fill of tourist traps, head towards Limoilou, on the other side of the Saint-Charles River. There are numerous restaurants and boutiques to discover along 3rd Avenue.  Enjoy a delicious calzone or sandwich for lunch at La Boîte à Pain “Café Napoli”, topping it off with a handmade pastry or baked goodie. Excellent value for the money!

For one of the best espressos in town, head over to Cantook Micro Torréfaction in the Sainte-Jean-Baptiste neighbourhood, just beyond the ramparts. Previously known as Brûlerie de Québec, it’s every coffee lover’s dream, serving: espresso, latté, ice coffee, cold brew…as well as pastries and snacks.

Although this tea room seems to be straight out of Instagram, Le lièvre & la tortue is no less than charming! Located on 3rd Avenue in Limoilou, you can enjoy one of their many fine teas or homemade roasted coffees as you chat or partake in one of their artisan workshops. The scones are unbeatable!

It’s a secret so well-guarded even foodies will never tell you about it: one of Quebec City’s best bistros is in the suburb of Charlesbourg! Ranked among the 100 best restaurants in Canada, at IX Pour Bistro  you can savour French-inspired cuisine in an intimate setting. By reservation only.

Although bars, pubs and microbreweries abound, Bar Ste-Angèle is the place to go if you enjoy jazz and want a relaxing atmosphere. Located in Old Quebec City on a small quiet street, it goes mostly unnoticed by tourists!

As an English-language cultural centre, the Morrin Centre, formerly a prison and later a college, now houses the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec. The magnificent Victorian library alone is worth visiting. You can reserve a guided tour to learn more about the rich history of this place in the heart of the Old City.

Joggers in Quebec City are drawn to the parc linéaire de la Rivière-Saint-Charles, a pathway that closely follows the Saint-Charles river, which meanders through the downtown area and creates a natural boundary between it and the neighbourhoods of the Lower Town area.

Tucked between the neighbourhoods of Saint-Sauveur and Saint-Roch in the Lower Town area, Victoria Park is home to a children’s water play area and playground, skate park, soccer field and plenty of trees. Perfect for a picnic in the shade or a family outing!

The best way to see Quebec City is from the other side of the St. Lawrence River, on the south shore. But don’t just hop aboard the Quebec City-Lévis ferry to photograph the city, venture into Lévis! Near the ferry terminal is Barbacoa, serving up Memphis-style BBQ, as well as the Corsaire Microbrewery. Why not soak in the view from the Corsaire’s terrace, a good beer in hand!

Only ten places isn’t nearly enough to describe the European charm of Quebec City. Don’t hesitate to go beyond the fortifications of the Old City and explore!