By Car in Québec City

By Car

Walking is the best way to see the city, and a car is necessary only if you plan to visit outlying areas.

Montréal and Québec City are linked by Autoroute 20 on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River and by Autoroute 40 on the north shore. On both highways, the ride between the two cities is about 240 km (149 mi) and takes about three hours. U.S. I-87 in New York, U.S. I-89 in Vermont, and U.S. I-91 in New Hampshire connect with Autoroute 20, as does Highway 401 from Toronto.

Driving northeast from Montréal on Autoroute 20, follow signs for Pont Pierre-Laporte (Pierre Laporte Bridge) as you approach Québec City. After you've crossed the bridge, turn right onto boulevard Laurier (Route 175), which becomes the Grande Allée.

Keep in mind that street signs are in French. It's useful to know the following terms: droit (right), gauche (left), nord (north), sud (south), est (east), and ouest (west).

The narrow streets of the Old City leave few two-hour metered parking spaces available. However, several parking garages at central locations charge about C$12 a day on weekdays or C$7 for 12 hours on weekends. Main garages are at Hôtel de Ville (City Hall), Place d'Youville, Edifice Marie-Guyart, Place Québec, Château Frontenac, rue St-Paul, and the Old Port.