Budget-Friendly Québec City Itinerary (December 23‑28, 2025)

Day 1: Arrival & Evening Stroll

Morning: Travel to Québec City and check in at the Holiday Inn Hotel, dropping off luggage and freshening up.

Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk along the historic Rue du Petit-Champlain to get your first glimpse of the charming cobblestone streets.

Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at a nearby bistro and admire the illuminated façade of the Château Frontenac from the waterfront.

Day 2: Exploring Old Québec

Morning: Start with a guided walking tour of Old Québec, covering the fortified walls, Place Royale, and the iconic Notre‑Dame de Québec Basilica.

Afternoon: Wander through the bustling Marché du Vieux-Port for affordable local snacks and souvenirs.

Evening: Relax on the Terrasse Dufferin boardwalk, watching the sunset over the St. Lawrence River.

Day 3: Christmas Day Traditions

Morning: Attend a short Christmas mass at the historic Cathedral of Notre‑Dame, then enjoy a festive brunch at a local café.

Afternoon: Stroll through the festive streets of the Old Port, admiring holiday lights and window displays.

Evening: Join the free outdoor Christmas concert at Place Royale and end the night with a warm drink at a nearby coffee shop.

Day 4: Montmorency Falls & Île d’Orléans

Morning: Take the public shuttle to Montmorency Falls, where you can walk the suspension bridge for spectacular views.

Afternoon: Continue to Île d’Orléans, exploring its picturesque farms, tasting local strawberries, and visiting the historic Parc des Anses.

Evening: Return to the city for a budget-friendly dinner at a family‑run tavern in the Saint‑Jean‑Baptiste district.

Day 5: Citadel, Plains of Abraham & Museums

Morning: Tour the historic Citadelle of Québec, catching the changing‑of‑the‑guard ceremony.

Afternoon: Picnic on the Plains of Abraham followed by a visit to the Museum of Civilization, which offers discounted student rates.

Evening: Explore the vibrant Saint‑Roch neighborhood, enjoying live music at a low‑cost bar.

Day 6: Departure

Morning: Pack belongings, check out of the Holiday Inn, and store luggage at the hotel’s free luggage‑holding service.

Afternoon: Take a final walk to the Observatoire de la Capitale for panoramic city views before heading to the airport.

Evening: Depart Québec City with memories of a festive, budget‑friendly holiday.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Holiday Inn Hotel (5 nights) – 5 nights, CAD 75/night = CAD 375
• Walking tour of Old Québec – 2 hrs, free (tip optional) = CAD 0
• Marché du Vieux-Port (meals & snacks) – 2 hrs, approx. CAD 20 = CAD 20
• Château Frontenac view (Terrasse Dufferin) – 1 hr, free = CAD 0
• Christmas mass & brunch – 3 hrs, CAD 25 = CAD 25
• Montmorency Falls shuttle & bridge – 3 hrs, CAD 15 = CAD 15
• Île d’Orléans farm visits – 4 hrs, free (optional tasting CAD 10) = CAD 10
• Citadelle tour – 2 hrs, CAD 12 = CAD 12
• Plains of Abraham picnic – 2 hrs, CAD 15 (food) = CAD 15
• Musée de la civilisation – 2 hrs, CAD 12 = CAD 12
• Saint‑Roch evening entertainment – 3 hrs, CAD 20 = CAD 20
• Observatoire de la Capitale – 1 hr, CAD 14 = CAD 14
• Transportation (local buses & shuttles) – 6 days, CAD 6/day = CAD 36
• Miscellaneous meals & drinks – 6 days, CAD 30/day = CAD 180
• Total Estimated Cost – CAD 734

Tips

If you wish to extend your stay, consider adding a day trip to the nearby Charlevoix region for scenic hikes and whale watching, which will increase costs by roughly CAD 100‑150. To shorten the itinerary, you can skip the Île d’Orléans excursion and combine the Citadelle and museum visits into a single half‑day, saving about CAD 30 on transport and entry fees.