17 Best Places to Shop in Outside the Old City, Quebec City

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.

Lovers of fashion with a penchant for retro, the two friendly owners of this boho-chic boutique, Sylvie and Josiane, curate each season a selection of women's outfits from more than 60 trendy brands. You can also find all kinds of accessories, jewelry, bags, and even vegan body products.

Apikol combines a honey house, mead house, distillery, and tasting room all under one roof. This innovative microenterprise is equipped to reduce its environmental footprint by practicing zero waste and sustainable beekeeping, respecting the colonies' way of life, conserving resources, and protecting biodiversity. On-site, you'll find gin, mead, and even vodka; you can even participate in a personalized gin-making workshop and tour of the facilities (in English).

Whimsy runs wild at Benjo. This store features games and toys, kids' clothes, a large café with thrones for little princes and princesses, an ample bookstore filled with French storybooks (and some English), and even an electric train you can ride around the store.

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.

Thirty-five restaurants, some 280 shops, an IMAX theater, and an adjacent indoor amusement park make this recently and extensively renovated mall ideal for a whole day of family retail therapy.

The mother-daughter duo at the helm of this charming boutique selects the trendiest clothing pieces from both local and international brands, in addition to second-hand accessories, jewelry from local artisans, delicate undergarments, leather bags, and even candles.

Part of the historic Hudson's Bay Company chain, La Baie carries clothing for the entire family, as well as household wares and cosmetics.

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.

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.

Latulippe is an outdoor equipment and clothing store, a true institution in Québec City operated by the same family since 1940. Visitors will find quality winter coats, boots, and various accessories from the most trusted brands (including a few local ones), just in case they've seriously underpacked and came underprepared for the harsh, sometimes unpredictable Québec climate. The store is slightly outside the core downtown area; hailing a cab is the best way to get there and back.

There are more than 300 stores in Québec City's busiest mall, with everything from fashion and electronics to children's toys and books. Easily accessible by bus or (from some downtown hotels) shuttle, it's next door to Place de la Cité and Place Ste-Foy. Together, the three malls form the largest stretch of shopping in the city.

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.

Design-oriented, whimsical yet practical objects abound in this popular store, which features tons of modern décor, tableware, and accessories for the home and office. From the latest cooking implement to lovely decorative objects and fancy clocks, there's something for just about everyone.