Two weeks in Montreal and Quebec City - Where to Stay?

Quebec City: We stayed at Hôtel Palace Royal which was perfectly located 3 -4 blocks up from St. John Gate. It was close to the pedestrian zones of the old town, yet close to the restaurants and pubs of the Saint-Jean Baptiste neighborhood. If I was trying to find an Airbnb, I’d try that neighborhood. Busses are easy to figure, but I’d try to stay where the vibe is.

Montreal is really up to you about cost and vibe. We wanted to be right downtown near the historic core so we chose a business hotel, but for an Airbnb maybe le Plateau-Mont-Royal would be a good area to start your search.

Good luck

We live in the province next to Quebec and go at least once a year because we love it so much.

I think that not having a car is going to really hinder you. It's a huge province with a lot to see and do and I am not sure how much is accessible using transit.

In Montreal, I recommend heading up to Mont Tremblant and spending a night or two there if you can. Lots of condos and chalets there to rent. If you do go, I highly recommend Le Scandinave spa. Having been to quite a few, that one is my favourte.

In Quebec, I recommend: renting bikes and taking the ferry over to Levis for an afternoon; Siberia Station spa: an organized boat tour to Grosse Isle (Canada's Ellis Island), taking the train to Charlevoix; visiting Isle Aux Coudres and renting bikes there: taking a tour to Tadoussac to see the whales, ideally by kayak.

We spent a week in Saguenay last summer and it was magical. I can't imagine that Norweigan fjords and mountains could be much more beautiful. Very few tourists there and we felt like we were in Europe. We went white water rafting there and it was a blast!

Bienvenue au Canada!

My first thought for Montreal would be near Old Montreal ( Vieux Montreal). Montreal has a subway as well, though, so you can use it to get around downtown. It's been a while since I've stayed there however.

For Quebec city, you have the option of the old town within the walls) or a bit outside the walls. We stayed within and enjoyed it very much, but if the cruise ships are in etc, it will also be the most crowded section. I think prices are a bit better outside the walls, and also restaurants a bit better as they are not catering to tourists, but I could be generalizing. There is lots to see there. If you do decide to rent a car for a day a trip around Is Ile de Orleans is a lovely drive with lots of places to stop.
This article might be of help in Quebec:
https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/quebec-city/neighbourhoods#:~:text=The%20Genuine%20Neighbourhood&text=Saint-So%2C%

I would add that you definitely should take the bus out to Montmorency Falls for the day. Maybe bring a picnic and chill on the huge lawn near the falls. That would make for a really great day.

These are all really great responses to my post. Thank you all very much for your thoughts and insights.

Mike B

If the prices for accommodation in Quebec City are a concern, consider staying across the river in the pretty little suburb of Levis. We stayed there for 5 nights few years ago and took the ferry over every morning - saved us the hassle of driving, finding parking, etc., plus it's much cheaper than staying in the city and you get to add a pretty boat trip into the mix. The landing on the other side is literally right next to the old town so you can enjoy the attractions in and around the old city and then leave it behind in the afternoons for the relative peace and quiet of Levis.

We will definitely look into Levis. Thanks!