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Quebec City in late April

My husband and I are traveling to Quebec City in late April for 5 nights. I'm curious as to what the weather might be like that time of year and if anyone has any suggestions as to what to pack? We will only have a carryon and personal item and are flying Air Canada from Windsor (we live in Michigan). Also any great restaurants or food recommendations, besides poutine? The trip is to celebrate our 45th wedding anniversary so one special dinner is planned. Also I am hoping to practice my French while we're there too. Staying at Hotel Champlain in Old Quebec so walking everywhere, except to and from the airport LOL. Planning on either Uber or a taxi to our hotel. It will be my 2nd time to QC and my husband's first time. Thanks for any advice you might have.

Posted by
4524 posts

Congratulations on your many years together. That time of year can be a bit iffy....and who knows what the weather will be given this terrible winter. However, 'they' say Spring will rush in early. I know that Quebec is cooler than Montreal and Ottawa as it has larger water mass with ocean involvement, but I was surprised just how cool it is at that time of year. I like Wunderground for historical weather data as it gives temps and precipitation. Here is a link to weather in April 2015...you can check other years as well. I look at the past 3-4 years when I am researching a new travel location.
https://www.wunderground.com/calendar/ca/quebec-city/CYQB/date/2015-4
Layers, for sure, waterproof coat, gloves and something short sleeved if you have a heat wave day.
I stayed at Hotel Champlain 2 years ago. Hope you have a room with seating area, fireplace and jacuzzi tub. It is a family run place and when I was there, there was no 24 hour desk, so you get an old fashioned key for late re-entry. Keep that in mind with your arrival time. It also means if you have an early departure, you need to complete your bill the night before. It had an okay breakfast, but it is a nice sunny conservatory type space. It offers a self serve wine bar (a different key and charge to your room).
Remember there are a lot of one way streets so fares may go up as things need to be approached indirectly - that or get off at a more central location and walk to the hotel.
I found it a good location for a lot of activities. I think the staging area for the horse drawn carriages is just at the top of the street.
I was there on conference, so my budget went beyond poutine ;-) I really liked Chez Jules which is opposite Chateau Frontenac and I think it has heated outdoor dining....or at least provides blankets. There were several restaurants in that proximity that were recommended.

Posted by
3776 posts

We went to Quebec City in April 2016. It was cold, colder then we thought it would be. Much colder, especially as soon as the sun went down. Bring a hat, scarf and gloves. The good part is that the city was pretty empty. We took a fabulous evening walking tour with Les Promenades Fantomes. It is a historical “ghost” tour which gives you the history of New France when it was first settled. We are going to Quebec in August and will take one of their tours again. Think a French Nightwatchman tour. The best pastry we ate was at Paillard on rue Saint-Jean. My husband said it was the best Napoleon he ever ate, I loved the croissants. There are great museums and the Citidel is interesting. We are going again this summer because i want to see the city with flowers blooming and when it is a bit warmer. If you have any questions, PM me. Just a side note, many activities don’t start up till May. April is their off-season.

Posted by
702 posts

Thanks for the info. I'll definitely keep an eye on the forecasts before a final pack occurs. My daughter and I loved Paillards and went almost every day for a little treat. Miam miam. Any other places to eat worth mentioning? Merci beaucoup.

Posted by
2281 posts

hey diana
congratulations on your anniversary and going to quebec city. you'll love it (my opinion) we stayed 6 days before a fall color cruise. don't know the weather, probably chilly.
we walked all over, hills to climb, stopped at outdoor cafes for a snack and glass of vino, walked thru the chateau frontenac, gorgeous hotel, took the funicular down to old port and walked thru the area and along the river.
we also rented a car for the day, went to ile de orleans island (loved this place), sainte anne beaupre church, montemorency falls, st anne's canyon (what an experience). returned car that night.
toursvieuxquebec.com
salondesvinsdequebec.com
quebecbustour.com
can't give you name of restaurants, we just stopped along the way, ate poutines, ate crepes at casse-crepe breton.
have a fabulous time and enjoy.
aloha