Itinerary Summary
Fly into Montreal (YUL). Days: Old Montreal, Notre-Dame Basilica and Mount Royal, a 3.5-hour VIA Rail to Quebec City for the UNESCO-listed Old Quebec, Petit Champlain and the Plains of Abraham, then a…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Montreal arrival and an evening in Old Montreal
14:00
2h
Arrival at Montreal Trudeau and the 747 bus
The 747 bus runs from YUL to downtown in about 45 minutes on a single transit fare. Buy a 24-hour pass from the machine in arrivals, as the bus driver does not take cash.
📍 Montreal Trudeau (YUL)
17:00
2h
Old Montreal lanes and Place Jacques-Cartier
Walk from Place d'Armes down to Place Jacques-Cartier and on to the waterfront. The cobbles are uneven after rain, and the descent to the quay takes about 20 minutes at a stroll.
📍 Old Montreal
19:30
2h
Dinner along Rue Saint-Paul
Rue Saint-Paul has the densest run of restaurants in the old town. Book ahead for Friday and Saturday nights, and expect French menus with English spoken almost everywhere.
📍 Rue Saint-Paul
💡 Pro Tip: Montreal is on Eastern Time (UTC-5 in winter, UTC-4 in summer). Entry rules depend on your passport, so check the Canada visa section. French is the first language in Quebec, and a greeting in French before switching to English is appreciated. Tipping is 15 to 20 percent on sit-down meals.
Days 2-5 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$73035%
Old-town hotels, 4 nights
Food & DiningUS$42020%
Poutine, smoked meat and bagels
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak French to visit Montreal and Quebec City?+
French is the first language in Quebec, but most people in Montreal and central Quebec City switch to English readily. Learning a few basics such as bonjour and merci is appreciated. Menus and signs are in French, and some smaller shops outside the tourist core are French-only. A translation app covers the gaps.
How do I get from Montreal to Quebec City without a car?+
VIA Rail runs several trains a day between Montreal and Quebec City in about 3.5 hours, arriving at Gare du Palais near Old Quebec. Book online ahead for the best fares; seats sell out around festivals and the winter carnival. Buses take longer but are cheaper. Once there, both cities are walkable, so no rental car is needed.
What is the best month to visit Old Quebec and Montreal?+
May through October is the easiest window, with festivals, terraces and pleasant walking weather. September and early October bring fall colour to the Plains of Abraham and Mount Royal. February's Quebec Winter Carnival is the standout winter event, but expect -10 to -25 C. Book hotels early for festival weekends in both cities.
How much does a 5-day Quebec city break cost, and how much should I tip?+
This Comfort itinerary is priced at roughly $1,790-2,390 or EUR 1,560-2,080 per person, excluding flights, covering mid-range hotels, VIA Rail and main sights. Tipping 15 percent is standard in restaurants and bars, and sales tax is added on top of menu prices. Montreal and Old Quebec hotels cost more during summer festival season.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 5 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $1,790–2,390 (≈ €1,560–2,080), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: easy
- Best for: City Explorers
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