Port information & tips for Quebec
Québec City is the magnificent jewel of French Canada, captivating visitors with a unique combination of European charm and North American hospitality. The cruise port is picturesquely situated at the foot of the historic Old Town, offering spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River and the world-famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac thanks to its location. In the immediate vicinity, the picturesque Petit-Champlain district, the historic Place Royale, and the impressive city fortifications invite you to go on tours of discovery. Most ships dock at the modern Ross Gaudreault Cruise Terminal at Pointe-à-Carcy, which is located directly in the heart of the Lower Town. From here, guests can comfortably reach the cobblestone streets of the UNESCO World Heritage site in just a few minutes on foot while simultaneously enjoying immediate access to first-class restaurants and boutiques.
The Port of Québec impresses with its location directly on the Saint Lawrence River and features state-of-the-art handling facilities at the Ross Gaudreault Cruise Terminal and Wharf 30. Thanks to its proximity to the historic city center and excellent logistical infrastructure, arrival for international guests is extremely straightforward.
Airplane
Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) is located approximately 18 kilometers west of the terminals and is frequently served from Europe via the hubs of Montreal or Toronto. The journey to the port takes about 25 minutes and can be easily completed by taxi at a fixed price or via the organized transfers provided by the cruise lines.
Train
Travelers combining their cruise with a round trip can reach the central Gare du Palais station directly with VIA Rail trains from the direction of Montreal. The station is located less than one kilometer from the piers, meaning the transfer to the ship is completed in just a few minutes by taxi or a short walk.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from the DACH region, a stay at a hotel in the historic Upper or Lower Town of Québec City is highly recommended. First-class hotels near the harbor offer the ideal starting point to explore the UNESCO-listed old town before departure and to start the first day of the cruise relaxed thanks to the short distances.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
The Port of Québec impresses with its location directly on the Saint Lawrence River and features state-of-the-art handling facilities at the Ross Gaudreault Cruise Terminal and Wharf 30. Thanks to its proximity to the historic city center and excellent logistical infrastructure, arrival for international guests is extremely straightforward.
Airplane
Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) is located approximately 18 kilometers west of the terminals and is frequently served from Europe via the hubs of Montreal or Toronto. The journey to the port takes about 25 minutes and can be easily completed by taxi at a fixed price or via the organized transfers provided by the cruise lines.
Train
Travelers combining their cruise with a round trip can reach the central Gare du Palais station directly with VIA Rail trains from the direction of Montreal. The station is located less than one kilometer from the piers, meaning the transfer to the ship is completed in just a few minutes by taxi or a short walk.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from the DACH region, a stay at a hotel in the historic Upper or Lower Town of Québec City is highly recommended. First-class hotels near the harbor offer the ideal starting point to explore the UNESCO-listed old town before departure and to start the first day of the cruise relaxed thanks to the short distances.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
The Port of Quebec is ideally located and offers guests a comfortable start for exploring the historic Old Town directly on the Saint Lawrence River.
On Foot
Thanks to the immediate proximity to the city center, you can reach the picturesque Petit-Champlain district in only about five minutes. A leisurely walk leads you directly to the most important sights of the Lower Town and allows for an easy immersion into the city's French flair.
Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec
This traditional funicular railway conveniently connects the Lower Town with the Upper Town and the famous Château Frontenac. The ride saves you the steep climb on foot and also offers a fantastic view of the harbor and the passing ships.
Taxi and RTC Buses
Official taxis wait directly in front of the terminal buildings and take you quickly to destinations outside the center, such as the Montmorency Falls. In addition, the bus network of the Réseau de transport de la Capitale provides a reliable connection and complements the transport options for flexible city exploration.
Make the most of the short distances by taking a stroll through the historic Old Town and combine it with an excursion to the impressive natural wonders in the immediate vicinity.
Vieux-Québec and Petit-Champlain
This charming district delights with cobblestone streets, the world-famous Château Frontenac, as well as small boutiques and is perfectly explorable on foot thanks to its location directly at the harbor.
Montmorency Falls
The massive cascades are even higher than Niagara Falls and offer spectacular photo opportunities just a short distance from the ship, thanks to a cable car and easily accessible panoramic trails.
Baie de Beauport
This inviting sandy beach on the Saint Lawrence River is ideal for a relaxed break by the water and can be reached quickly for a short sunbath or sporting activities thanks to its good connections.
Quartier Petit Champlain
The historic Quartier Petit Champlain is located directly at the foot of the cruise terminal and is easily reachable within a few minutes' walk. This charming district is considered the heart of the Old Town and also offers a first-class infrastructure with exclusive boutiques, cozy cafés, and the famous funicular to the Château Frontenac. Thanks to the picturesque architecture and cobblestone streets, guests can experience an authentic European atmosphere including fascinating history at every turn. Ideally, plan your visit for the early morning to enjoy the idyllic setting in a relaxed manner, and return to the ship on time and stress-free in the afternoon after a short stroll along the water.
The way back to the cruise terminal in Quebec is very relaxed and safe thanks to its central location directly adjacent to the historic district. Plan a small buffer for security checks before boarding for the way to the Ross Gaudreault Terminal or Pointe-à-Carcy.
On Foot
From the picturesque Quartier Petit Champlain or Place Royale, you can easily walk back directly to the harbor basin in just a few minutes. The path leads through the well-lit lower town and is easy to find at any time thanks to the prominent visibility of the ships in the Vieux-Port.
Taxi
Central taxi stands are located at Place d'Armes directly in front of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac as well as at the Gare du Palais station. The drivers will take you quickly and directly to your ship, although for safety you should mention the name of your berth such as Pier 21, 22 or Pier 30.
Funicular and Ferry
The historic Funiculaire funicular offers a comfortable connection from the upper town down to the foot of the castle hill and saves you the steep walk over the stairs. In addition, the ferry landing from Lévis at the Gare Fluviale is located directly next to the cruise terminals, which makes returning from excursions on the other side of the river particularly easy.
