8 Best Places to Shop in Quebec City, Quebec

Founded in 1871 by Jean-Alfred Moisan, this place claims the title of the oldest continuously operating grocery store in North America. The original display cases, woodwork, and tin ceilings preserve the old-time feel. The store sells hard-to-find products from various regions of Québec, including cheeses, charcuterie, and some outstanding local ales. The original owner's upstairs home has now been turned into a classic B&B with all the trimmings.

This modern and elegant space stocks 150 different teas from China, Japan, Africa, and beyond, most of them imported by the owners themselves. You can sign up for a number of tea-tasting sessions and workshops, or just sip some tea on the premises.

La Fromagerie des Grondines is an entirely organic cheese factory in Portneuf County, not far from Quebec City, specializing in the artisanal production of organic raw milk cheeses from cows, goats, and sheep. It recently opened a tasting counter in the heart of the St-Roch district, where it sells its own cheeses as well as products from other Quebec artisans. Their 12-month Le Clos-des-Roches is an absolute delight.

Baker Patrick Nisot offers a selection of baguettes, multigrain breads (pumpernickel, rye), special flavors (olive, tomato and pesto, Sicilian), and dessert breads. Even something as common as a date square has a special and delicious twist to it. Sandwiches and salads are also available for lunch. No credit cards are accepted. Two more locations are available in Sainte-Foy and in the quaint Limoilou neighborhood.

The best place in Québec City to buy maple-flavored goods in a typical sugar shack atmosphere (think lots of wood and plenty of plaid). You'll find syrup of course, but also butters, candies, teas, vinaigrettes, chocolates, and other indulgent Québec-made gourmet goods. 

In a light-filled location on a street known for its gourmet side, the one-of-a-kind boutique in Quebec City spills the beans on more than 50 Canadian roasters, each with its own set of particularities and colorful packaging. They also aim to educate consumers on roasting methods, sourcing beans and crafting the perfect espresso. Their mission is noble, yet simple: "coffee, simply made" by democratizing specialty coffee and its various iterations, as well as by helping local roasters to share their know-how and passion. Also on sale are a wide variety of coffee accessories such as grinders, filters, and beautiful reusable cups, as well as gift boxes for the most pleasant of travel souvenirs.

Québec City's answer to Paris's Le Bon Marché, this shop is a must for gourmet-loving travelers. Expect tons of artisan-made goods, such as upscale jams, honeys, ciders, cheeses, chocolate, beers, and maple—all locally made. It's a bit farther out in the suburbs of Québec City, but there is easy and regular bus service on Route 801.

This small, but busy food and shopping mall on avenue Cartier has restaurants and shops that sell fish, flowers, pastries, breads, vegetables, fresh coffee, candies, and some excellent local cheeses, as well as a few Italian and other European specialties. There's no fast food here, but if you're looking for picnic snacks for a day-trip to the Plains of Abraham, plan to fill your basket here before you head to the park.