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.
