Welcome to Québec City, the provincial capital of Québec where French charm and friendly Canadian hospitality offer a unique landscape for visitors to explore. As the only walled city north of Mexico, Québec City holds a special place in the hearts of travelers. Its narrow cobblestone streets, stone buildings, and old-world charm offer a taste of Europe in Canada. Planning accommodation for a holiday can be tricky as everyone has their own wish list of what they are looking for. We are here to lighten your load and help you navigate the best hostels in Québec City so that you can find the hostel that fits your travel style!
HI Québec, Auberge International de Québec
If you’re on the hunt for a hostel in downtown Québec City, then you can’t go wrong with this four-star hostel. HI Québec is conveniently located in the heart of Old Québec within a 15-minute walk of many notable attractions, like the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral, La Citadelle de Québec, and St. John’s Gate. Private and family rooms are available, along with four or eight-bed male and female dorms. Guests will have access to discounted rates for nearby attractions and restaurants as well as access to fantastic on-site amenities like a games room, bar, café, and a large communal kitchen. During the warmer months, visitors can even head out to the hostel’s private balcony and pick herbs from the garden to use to cook. In the wintertime, visitors are only a 10-minute walk from the German Christmas Market, making it ideal for those who don’t want to lug around all their artisan purchases!
QBEDS Hostel
QBEDS Hostel is the best Québec City hostel for those who want a unique accommodation with amenities that rival most hotels. Located just down the street from Francophone Park, this funky hostel has a personality of its own. After exploring Old Québec, visitors can return and relax in the hammock room with a book from the library or head to the games room to play darts and foosball. This is one of the best party hostels in Québec City as the hostel offers plenty of social activities, is close to nightclubs and bars, and even boasts a charming on-site bar to mix and mingle with other guests. Tourists can opt to book a private room or a pod bunk in a mixed or all-female dorm, which ranges from four to 16 people rooms. One of the best things about this hostel is its proximity to attractions. As it’s right beside Old Québec, visitors can walk to the Plains of Abraham Museum, the Observatoire de la Capitale, and the Joan of Arc Garden in 10 minutes or less.
Auberge Jeunesse à LouLou’s Backpacker Hostel
This Québec City hostel offers all the comforts and amenities of a hotel and more but without those hotel prices! LouLou’s Backpacker Hostel offers an array of rooms, from private rooms with a private balcony to four or six-person ladies-only and mixed dorms. While the hostel is located a little further from Old Québec, it offers daily shuttles to and from the downtown area, along with bike rentals and storage, and free on-site parking. Visitors without a car can also opt to use the train to make their way around to city attractions seeing as the Charny station is located behind the hostel (less than a five-minute walk). Other fantastic amenities at this hostel in Québec City include an outdoor firepit, a communal kitchen, an outdoor patio with a barbecue, and an airport shuttle. The communal living room offers a relaxing space to borrow a book from the shelf or show off your musical skills with the guitar or piano. Complimentary coffee and tea are also offered downstairs, along with an affordable breakfast.
Auberge de la Paix Québec
Auberge de la Paix Québec is a modern hostel located in the center of Québec City. Visitors will be just steps away from some of the city’s best attractions, such as St. John’s Gate, Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica, and the Museum of Civilization. There are also plenty of restaurants, nightclubs, and bars within walking distance. Six and eight-person dorms are available as both female-only or mixed, or visitors can opt to book a private room or family room. Slippers and towels are offered at no extra charge, and each bed in the shared dorms comes with a locker. The hostel also offers luggage storage for those who would like to continue exploring the city after checkout. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi, a communal kitchen, and board games. There is a spacious backyard patio surrounded by colorful murals where tourists can socialize with other guests, which helps to make it one of the best youth hostels in Québec City.
La Belle Planete Backpackers Hostel
For those looking for a no-frills cheap hostel in Québec City, La Belle Planete Backpackers Hostel might be the place for you. Visitors can make use of the on-site amenities, such as a washer and dryer, two computers, and paid private parking. After a day of exploring the sites, visitors can return and head up to the rooftop terrace to enjoy a glass of wine while overlooking the city or whip up a meal in the communal kitchen. The hostel also offers secure bike storage for those with rentals or who plan on bringing their own. Hands-down the best thing about this hostel is its location as tourists will be only a 15-minute walk from the attractions in Old Québec and there is a plethora of restaurants and bars on the hostel’s doorstep. Visitors can opt to book a private room or stay in a four or six-person mixed dorm.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Québec Hostel
When booking a hostel, it’s crucial to consider several factors to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Firstly, research and choose hostels strategically by considering factors such as location, amenities, and reviews. A centrally located hostel can save you time and money on commuting, providing easy access to the destination’s highlights. Check online reviews from fellow travelers to gauge the hostel’s cleanliness, safety, and overall atmosphere. You should also prioritize hostels with communal kitchens to cut down on dining expenses by preparing your own meals. Pasta and stir frys are go-to easy hostel meals as they are inexpensive, filling, and don’t leave a huge mess. You can also make sandwiches to take with you while you’re out and about on the town.
When it comes to choosing a hostel, everyone will have different priorities. However, there are some basic amenities that are pluses to have in a hostel. First is the bedroom situation. You should take note of whether each bed has a personal outlet to plug your electronics in, whether there is a curtain for privacy, and inquire about any available amenities like free Wi-Fi, lockers, and communal spaces. Also take note of whether each room has its own bathroom or if you will have to share one bathroom with an entire floor. Some hostels impose a curfew and lock the doors at a certain time, so if you’re a natural night owl who will be hitting up the bar scene in Québec City, ensure you’re booking a hostel that you can get back into when you return.
One way to stretch your dollar is to book a social hostel that offers free group activities. You can take advantage of free hostel activities, walking tours, or social events to meet fellow travelers without spending extra. Additionally, consider booking directly through the hostel’s website or contacting them directly to inquire about discounts or special offers. Hostelworld.com is also a great resource to book a solo trip through as you will automatically be added to a social chat group consisting of other travelers staying at the hostel at the same time, making it easier to find new friends or join group outings before you even arrive. Finally, be flexible with your travel dates, as hostels often have fluctuating prices based on demand. By incorporating these tips, you can ensure a budget-friendly and enriching hostel stay while stretching your travel funds to the fullest.
Insider Tips for Hostel Living
To maximize your hostel experience, start by packing wisely. A pair of earplugs and a sleep mask can prove invaluable for getting a good night’s rest in a shared dormitory, where noise and varying sleep schedules are common. Alternatively, this all-in-one headband, mask, and headphones are perfect for those who need to fall asleep to white noise and don’t want to use uncomfortable earbuds. Investing in a compact padlock to secure your belongings in hostel lockers is also a priority as you’ll want to ensure all your valuables are safe. Bring a quick-drying towel and flip-flops for shared bathrooms and invest in a good power strip or portable charger to navigate the limited number of electrical outlets in dorms. A reusable water bottle, good walking shoes, and a small daypack also prove invaluable.
Adapting to communal life is key to making the most of your hostel stay. Come into hostel life with a friendly and open attitude, as hostels are ideal places for meeting fellow travelers. Participate in hostel-sponsored activities or join group outings to explore the destination with newfound friends. It’s important you are respectful of shared spaces by cleaning up after yourself and keeping noise levels down during quiet hours. By embracing the communal spirit and being mindful of your fellow travelers, you’ll not only enrich your own experience but also contribute positively to the dynamic environment of the hostel.
There you have it mes amis; the best hostels in Québec City. Regardless of what brings you to this beautiful Canadian city, we know you’ll have an amazing time. Just don’t forget to try Québec’s delicacy, poutine!
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