Local Voices: HQ Tourism Services

Quebec City is known for its cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture, and old-world charm — but there's more to it beyond the postcard views! Quebec City is a place where history meets everyday life. There’s always something to discover around every corner, from classic French-Canadian cuisine and hidden cafés to vibrant local art, live music, and stories around the city’s rich history. This charming destination is featured in many of our trips, including Montreal and Quebec City by Train and Canadian History and Culture by Train.

Fresh Tracks Canada chatted with Émilie Pelletier, owner of HQ Tourism Services in Quebec City, to get her expert take on exploring this charming destination. From the best time to join a walking tour to what to pack, must-try Québécois bites, and insider tips, Émilie shares everything you need to make the most of your visit.

What are some tips for first time visitors to make the most of their time in Quebec City?

Émilie: The main mistake that most guests make is not planning enough time in Quebec City. People often think that 2-3 days is enough, but you need more time than that to really enjoy Quebec. 

Another tip would be to plan if you have any mobility issues. It shouldn't stop guests from booking, just plan your day a little, such as calling ahead at restaurants to see if they can accommodate your needs, if you will be taking public transportation or the funicular to the upper and lower parts of town. You can also work with a private tour guide to adapt to your rhythm and needs for your first overview of Old Quebec. 

When is the best time to take a tour and why?

Émilie: I would absolutely say at the beginning of a trip. It gives an overview of the city, and it’s a great way to help you plan more of what you want to do in your free time for the next few days while you’re visiting.

What is one thing most people don't know about your tours?

Émilie: Our philosophy is we only work with the best tour guides, not only in terms of experience or knowledge of history and culture, but on a personable level — people that will connect with our guests. Human connection is the most important part of our tours, and I think that's how we differ from other tour companies.

Can you share a memorable or unique guest experience?

Émilie: Many times, visitors forget to pack enough winter gear, and we’ll lend them winter accessories without extra charge for our walking tours. They can also choose the option of renting the full clothing kit for their whole stay. Two or three Christmases ago, we had a family of 12, who had arrived late in the evening. The airline had lost all their luggage and they had a dogsledding experience the next morning. I got their measurements, and we worked from 11 pm to 2:00 am to get them winter clothes. We delivered everything at 7:30 the next morning and everyone was so happy. That's what we call saving Christmas!

What is one thing that visitors should bring with them when doing a tour?

Émilie: Visitors should definitely bring a water bottle, snacks and a fully charged phone. It’s always a big regret when someone only has 20% of their battery left and then at the end of the tour they can't take any more photos because their phone is dead.

During the summer, I would recommend sunscreen and a hat — Many guests have arrived without these items. Even though Quebec City is known for its very cold winters, we can have warm summers and falls. Sometimes, even spring can be sunnier than usual.

What is your most popular tour and why do guests love it?

Émilie: In terms of the number of people, our classic walking tour is the most popular because it’s a quick 2-hour overview of the city and a great way to connection with someone locally at the beginning of the trip. The tour covers the lower and upper town’s history and culture.

When it comes to favourite guest experiences, the most popular tour is our Five-Course Gourmet and Historical Tour. It’s a three and a half hour tour that covers three high end restaurants and one microbrewery and includes five courses — people love it! They talk about it all the time, so much so that we came up with a new tour this year under the same concept : 5-Course Progressive Dinner on Grande-Allée and history tour, an area just outside the fortifications of Old Quebec. We are excited to have our guests discover an area rarely covered by walking tours and yet a couple minutes walking from Old Quebec.

What's a hidden gem in Quebec City that most tourists don't know about?

Émilie: My favorite gem in Quebec City is a street just below the cliff that separates the lower and upper town of Old Quebec, and it's just under the staircases: rue Sous-le-Cap. It's hidden outside of the car alleys, and it was one of the first main roads in Old Quebec. It feels so special when you walk on that street — not a lot of people know about it, but it is an official street in the city and it's beautiful.

What is one local dish or dessert everyone should try while they're in Quebec City?

Émilie: I would absolutely recommend poutine! It’s our official dish made with cheese curds, French fries and gravy. Normal poutine is only three ingredients, but all restaurants will do it in a different way. Some will add a different meat or vegetables or even change up the sauce. A lot of microbreweries will do a sauce made with beer. I always recommend tasting more than one poutine dish when visiting Quebec — if you didn't like the first one, you might find your favorite one afterwards!

For dessert, guests need to try Pouding Chômeur. It's kind of like a cake with a thick, sugary sauce, and it's very common here. My grandmother used to make it and still does all the time. It’s delicious food that’s very good for the soul!

What do you think the best Canadian souvenir is?

Émilie: I would tell guests to bring back Maple syrup! Maple syrup for me is really what defines us. It's part of our economy, our history, and our culture. It’s also a more natural way of sweetening your recipes back home, especially if you want to try making a Quebecois dessert.

Feeling inspired to explore Quebec City? Our travel experts can help you customize the perfect Eastern Canada itinerary based on your interests. For an extra special experience, you can even add a five-course gourmet food tour — perfect for discovering local flavours while taking in the city’s historic charm. Learn more about our Eastern Canada trips here.