5 Best Hostels in Quebec City

The bustling Quebec City is a vacation hotspot. With a marvelous cityscape, tons of cultural attractions like museums and historical sites, as well as breathtaking natural sceneries, Quebec City deserves a spot on your travel bucket list. There’s zero doubt that this is a charming city to get lost in. That said, to fully enjoy Quebec, you have to stay in a nice place. But if you’re on a budget, this might be a bit difficult. Lucky for you, there are some hostels in Quebec City that are worth your attention, and we’ve done the work to help you look in the right direction when searching for a proper hostel in this city. Whether you’re searching for hostels in Old Quebec or downtown, we’ve got you covered! So, read on to find out which best hostel in Quebec City suits you best!

Ekcono Hostel Appatement de la belle planete backpacker

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The first hostel on this list is the Ekcono Hostel Appatement de la belle planete backpacker. Don’t let the picture fool you, as it doesn’t do this hostel justice! Thanks to its central location, you can go anywhere you want easily. This property is 12 minutes away from the beach, and countless bars and restaurants surround it. Like other hostels in Quebec City, staying in this hostel means you’ll never run out of fun things to do in Quebec City. Some of the city’s top attractions are only a few minutes away, and they’re nearer if you have a car! Speaking of which, you can park your vehicle at the hostel’s private parking area! And since the area is popular for skiing, this hostel offers ski-to-door access! Even better, ski equipment hire is available at the hostel, so you don’t have to bring your own.

Seen as the best hostel in Quebec City by some people, there are plenty of room options here, including small single rooms, budget twin rooms, dormitory rooms, and family rooms! What amazes us the most is the availability of family rooms. Each of them is big and has eight single beds! Meanwhile, the dorms are divided into two types, which are mixed and female-only dorms. No matter which room you choose, you’ll be able to sleep peacefully and access the hostel’s free Wi-Fi. While there’s no breakfast offered, there’s a shared kitchen for you to prepare your meal. After filling your stomach, you and your newfound friends can sing your hearts out in the karaoke room or have a drink at the bar. There are also many other on-site activities that you can join, like cooking class and aerobic class.

Globe-Trotter & Backpackers Hostel

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Up next is the Globe-Trotter & Backpackers Hostel! As you can see, this is the sister hostel of our previous pick, and they’re just a few steps apart! While it’s not as popular as other hostels in Quebec City, this property is still worth booking. It’s even called the best hostel in Quebec City by some. Situated in the heart of Quebec City, this hostel allows you to be within easy reach of some of the city’s top spots. The Basilique Cathedrale Notre Dame de Quebec, Englise Saint Roch, Place d Youville, Morrin Centre, and Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac are all walkable. On top of that, you can enjoy the St. Laurent River, which is a five-minute walk away! As with other best hostels in Quebec City, this property is surrounded by countless restaurants and cafes. This is nice, especially if you rarely use the hostel’s shared kitchen.

Apart from featuring express check-in and check-out, this hostel also provides spacious, non-smoking rooms. Unlike some hostels in Old Quebec, there are only two types of rooms available: budget twin rooms and mixed dormitory rooms. The twin rooms have two single beds, perfect for couples or friends traveling together. It also boasts a balcony, kitchenware, as well as coffee-making facilities. Meanwhile, the dorm rooms have six beds and come with a balcony, dishwasher, and toaster. In addition to that, there’s also a shared bathroom, which is surprisingly clean and spacious. When you’re bored, you can have a drink with other travelers at the on-site bar or karaoke! You can get them at the on-site ATM if you run out of cash. Want to have a nice conversation at a quiet place? Head to the shared lounge area!

Auberge Jeunesse La Belle Planete Backpackers Hostel

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Want to stay in downtown Quebec? Look no further than the Auberge Jeunesse La Belle Planete Backpackers Hostel! This best hostel in Quebec City is all about location. Clean and safe, this affordable hostel is only a few steps away from the bus and train station, so getting around is a breeze. On top of that, it’s surrounded by bars, hip cafes, grocery stores, cinemas and is close to the marina as well as the old port. Everything is close to hand and within easy walking distance! No wonder many people see it as one of the top hostels in Quebec City! If you love to explore the city by car, you’ll be glad to know that private parking is possible at this hostel! Even better, it offers airport drop-off and public transport tickets at an additional charge.

This hostel offers a vibrant and friendly atmosphere with French and English-speaking staff. They’re super friendly and happy to provide advice on local events and attractions when you need one. Similar to other hostels in Quebec City, this one comprises dorm rooms and private rooms. Bedsheets, pillows, and covers are provided, along with blankets and duvets. Depending on which room you book, you’ll have either an air conditioner or a fan for your comfort. Security lockers are also available in the dorms, which are a must-have! There are four shower units with hot water, and those who need to finish some work can use one of the two computers. Apart from that, you can also find a terrace on the first floor and an open rooftop terrace, the perfect places to hang out with your friends. And with no curfew, you can return when you want!

Auberge Jeunesse QBEDS Hostel

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Built back in 1899, the Auberge Jeunesse QBEDS Hostel building has been restored with taste and authenticity to highlight its numerous architectural features. Its well-positioned location, along with the quality of its architectural detail, fully explains the contemporary interest the building continues to enjoy. Like some of the best hostels in Quebec City, this hostel is set in the heart of the city. Places like Vieux Quebec Old Quebec, Plains of Abraham, Morrin Center, Terrasse Dufferin, Citadel, Musee National des Beaux-Arts, and Palais Montcalm are all within easy walking distance. You can reach them without breaking a sweat! Not to mention, there are plenty of eateries and hip cafes nearby, so you won’t ever have an empty stomach.

Furthermore, this hostel provides express check-in and check-out, which is great, so you don’t have to visit the front desk or wait for the final bill to be produced. Once you’ve arrived, connect your phone to the free Wi-Fi so you can update your socials ASAP! There are plenty of rooms available. All private and dorm rooms are allergy-free and spacious. For the dorms, there are mixed and female-only dorms. The biggest dorms can house up to eight travelers, and we’re surprised by how comfy the beds are. When it’s time to make friends, grab a drink from the vending machine and hang out in the lounge area. Or, cook a meal together with your roommate in the shared kitchen. Even better, you can also play darts here! Other notable amenities from this best hostel in Quebec City include a business center, evening entertainment, and a 24-hour front desk.

Auberge Internationale de Quebec

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Auberge Internationale de Quebec is the best hostel in Quebec City that has pleased countless travelers. It’s one of the best hostels in Quebec City, located in the heart of Old Quebec City. As with other hostels in Old Quebec, it’s inside the walls of the Old City and is within walking distance to Chateau Frontenac, Terrasse Dufferin, Plains of Abraham, Quartier du Petit Champlain, as well as numerous museums, shopping areas, and nightlife. If that’s not enough, there are plenty of restaurants and bars that you can reach in less than a three-minute walk! Location-wise, this hostel is unbeatable. And if you have your car, you can park it at the hostel’s designed parking area! Another fun fact: this is the largest hostel in Canada with 266 beds! So, it’s only fitting for this accommodation to be our number one pick, right?

Like other hostels in Quebec City, this hostel has private and dorm rooms. Whatever your travel style or budget, there’s likely something that meets your needs. The hostel is in a historic building, and every room has a different style and character. Each room has high ceilings and comfortable beds so that you can sleep peacefully. Meanwhile, private rooms include twins or doubles, and dorms sleep four or eight people! As one of the best hostels in Old Quebec, co-ed, male-only, and female-only rooms are available too. Apart from that, this hostel also has an on-site cafe and bistro where you can grab a bite to eat! If you want to cook your meals, there’s a full kitchen available, and a continental breakfast is served every morning. Finally, there’s Wi-Fi throughout the building and a nice terrace where you can even pick some fresh herbs for your home-cooked meal!

Where to Stay in Quebec City

While there are many great areas in Quebec, Old Quebec is a standout. It’s the oldest part of the city and is nested on a hill overlooking the St Laurence River. Its narrow cobbled streets and historic buildings can easily confuse you to make you believe you are in Europe. You can also walk along the fortified walls, lined with cozy little restaurants and cafés. What’s more, the hostels in Old Quebec are cheap and can be a great base for travelers!

Then, there’s Saint-Roch, a recently refurbished downtown neighborhood that has undergone plenty of change through the past 10 years. The formerly working-class neighborhood is now a stylish district where you can explore avant-garde art and murals, trendy restaurants, cafes and bars, upscale boutiques, famous Quebec City hotels, and hair salons. You can also find your best hostel in Quebec City here!

Haute-Ville (Upper Town) and Basse-Ville (Lower Town) are among the most popular tourist destinations in the city! Basse Ville is an extension of Haute Ville, and the Château Frontenac is one of its major attractions. It’s hard to miss on its fairytale-like perch upon Cap Diamant. Through this cobblestoned area, you’ll come across street performers, trendy restaurants, and side streets where people sell a range of crafts and artwork! From here, you can walk to Basse Ville, which features similar style architecture and the Museum of Civilization!

Are you looking for gay-friendly hotels in Quebec City? You’ll most probably find them in Haute Ville. The neighborhood also hosts a three-day gay pride festival every September. And for more accommodation options, check out the best hotel pools in Quebec City and the best pet-friendly hotels in Quebec City!

Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Quebec City

• Morena – At this affordable restaurant, you’ll find a wide variety of petit pots, oils, tomato sauces, and carefully selected, privately imported wines. The chef, Chef Natrella, was a former chef of the famous singer Charles Aznavour. Her playground is filled with bright colors of the Mediterranean, like cannellonis, stuffed peppers, traditional quiches, and pasta on the go. We highly recommend having a lunch on their terrace during summer, a place where locals often gather for a chat.
• Poulet Portugais – This self-serve, bring-your-own-bottle restaurant is owned and operated by Stoyan Napolenov and his family. His fascination with Portuguese tastes makes this restaurant a must-visit. When you’re here, you should try the spicy chicken leg dabbed with Stoyan’s delectable homemade hot sauce. The chicken slowly grills on a charcoal barbecue for two hours and is served with a generous portion of fries. Also, don’t ignore the deli counter filled with delectable cold cuts and sweet pastel de nata. 
• Buffet de l’Antiquaire – No, this restaurant has nothing to do with an all-you-can-eat restaurant. Instead, it serves traditional Québécois dishes like cipaille, pig’s trotter stew, meat pie, and maple syrup baked beans. Breakfast is also served all day in hearty portions! Our their breakfast potatoes that are cut in tiny squares and griddled with onion.

Recommended Activities in Quebec City

• Quebec City: Guided Visit of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac – Learn about castle life at the Château Frontenac during a guided tour of this iconic hotel located in one of the most beautiful sites in Quebec City! The visit will last between 50 to 60 minutes, and it includes an outer portion of about 15 to 20 minutes!The rest of the tour takes place inside. During the tour, you’ll see the improvements of the installations undergone in recent years. You’ll also have a guide interpreting an authentic character who once lived in the Château Frontenac during the early days!
• Aquarium du Quebec: Entry Ticket – Dive into the sea in Quebec City and meet the 10,000 marine animals that inhabit the aquarium! Fish, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and marine mammals are waiting for you! There are also exhibits showcasing Canada’s marine invertebrates from both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, including mesmerizing jellyfish and delicate seahorses.
• Quebec City: Montmorency Falls with Cable Car Ride – Enjoy a spectacular cable car journey to the top of Montmorency Falls to visit breathtaking viewpoints and trails! 100ft taller than Niagara Falls and just 15 minutes from Old Quebec, the 272-foot high waterfall dominates the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency. Once at the top, learn more about the history of the park at the interpretation center located in the Manoir Montmorency.