Quebec City Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Quebec City.
Healthcare System
Quebec operates under Canada's public healthcare system, but this primarily serves residents. Tourists will need to pay for medical services and should have travel insurance. The healthcare system is modern, professional, and provides excellent quality care.
Hospitals
The main hospitals serving tourists are CHU de Québec (multiple locations including Hôtel-Dieu de Québec near Old Town) and Jeffery Hale Hospital (English-language services). Emergency rooms are available 24/7 but can have long wait times for non-urgent cases. Tourists will be treated regardless of insurance status but must pay for services.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (pharmacies/drugstores) are widely available throughout the city, with chains like Jean Coutu, Pharmaprix, and Uniprix. Many are open late, and some offer 24-hour service. Pharmacists can provide advice and some medications without prescriptions. Bring copies of prescriptions for any medications you need.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended and essentially mandatory. Medical costs for tourists can be very high (emergency room visits start at $500-1000+, hospital stays can cost thousands per day). Most travel insurance policies will cover you, but verify coverage before traveling.
Healthcare Tips
- Keep all receipts and medical documentation for insurance claims
- Bring sufficient quantities of prescription medications in original containers with labels
- The 811 health line can help you determine if you need emergency care or can wait for a clinic
- Walk-in clinics (cliniques sans rendez-vous) are available for non-emergency issues and are less expensive than emergency rooms
- Dental emergencies are not covered by public healthcare; ensure your travel insurance includes dental coverage
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and theft from bags occur occasionally in crowded tourist areas, particularly during summer months. Theft from parked cars is more common than street theft.
Extreme cold (temperatures can reach -20°C to -30°C with windchill), icy sidewalks, heavy snowfall, and frostbite risks are serious concerns. The city's steep streets and staircases become particularly hazardous when icy.
Quebec City's historic cobblestone streets, steep staircases, and uneven surfaces pose fall risks year-round, significantly increased in winter. These are among the most common tourist injuries.
Theft from parked vehicles is the most common property crime affecting tourists, particularly rental cars which are easily identifiable.
Increasing popularity of bike-sharing and e-scooters has led to accidents, particularly among tourists unfamiliar with routes and traffic patterns.
While most emergency services and healthcare providers speak English, some situations may involve French-only speakers, potentially causing communication difficulties.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some taxi drivers may take longer routes, claim the meter is broken, or quote inflated flat rates to tourists unfamiliar with the city, particularly from the airport or cruise terminal.
Some tourist-area restaurants may add items you didn't order, charge for bread or water that should be complimentary, or add service charges beyond the standard taxes.
Scammers place fake parking tickets on cars in tourist areas, hoping victims will pay the 'fine' through fake websites or phone numbers before realizing it's fraudulent.
Fake vacation rental listings or hotel booking websites offer attractive rates but the property doesn't exist or is already booked, and your payment disappears.
Individuals approach tourists claiming to collect for charities, often with clipboards or badges, but the money goes to scammers rather than legitimate causes.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance, credit cards) separate from originals
- Register with your embassy if staying for an extended period
- Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas
- Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, remove yourself from the situation
- Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone
- Let someone know your daily itinerary if traveling alone
Winter Safety
- Invest in quality winter boots with ice grips (Yaktrax or similar) for walking on ice
- Layer clothing: base layer, insulating layer, waterproof outer layer
- Cover all exposed skin in extreme cold—frostbite can occur in minutes
- Take your time on stairs and hills; rushing increases fall risk
- Warm up periodically in cafes, shops, or museums
- Keep your phone charged as batteries drain faster in cold weather
- Consider booking accommodations in or near Old Quebec to minimize outdoor walking
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours when possible
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave extra cash and cards in hotel safe
- Use credit cards with chip technology and notify your bank of travel plans
- Keep some small bills for tips and small purchases
- Be discreet when handling money in public
- Photograph your credit cards (both sides) in case you need to report them stolen
Transportation Safety
- Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps; avoid unmarked vehicles
- If driving, be prepared for winter driving conditions or consider not renting a car
- Park only in designated, well-lit areas
- The city is very walkable; walking is often safer and more enjoyable than driving
- Public transit (RTC buses) is safe and reliable
- Be extra cautious when crossing streets in winter as stopping distances increase
Accommodation Safety
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuable items
- Verify the identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening your door
- Know the location of emergency exits in your hotel
- Keep your room number private; don't announce it in public
- If staying in a vacation rental, ensure it has working smoke detectors and locks
- Read reviews carefully before booking any accommodation
Food and Drink Safety
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Quebec City
- Food safety standards are high; food poisoning is rare
- Be cautious with alcohol consumption, especially in winter when cold affects judgment
- Never leave drinks unattended in bars or restaurants
- Check bills carefully but know that service charges are not typically included
- If you have food allergies, carry a card explaining them in French
Digital Safety
- Use VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi
- Don't conduct financial transactions on public Wi-Fi
- Be cautious about sharing your location on social media in real-time
- Keep your phone charged and consider a portable charger
- Back up photos and important information regularly
- Be aware that cell service is generally excellent throughout the city
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Quebec City is very safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. Canada has strong gender equality, and women traveling alone are common and unremarkable. Harassment is rare, and local culture is respectful. Women should feel comfortable dining alone, exploring independently, and staying in hotels or hostels. The main precautions are the same as for any traveler: standard urban awareness and winter weather preparation.
- Solo dining is completely normal; you won't receive unwanted attention for eating alone
- Walking alone during the day is very safe throughout tourist areas
- At night, stick to well-lit, populated areas and consider using taxis or ride-shares for longer distances
- Hotel staff are professional and helpful; don't hesitate to ask for assistance or recommendations
- Trust your instincts—if someone makes you uncomfortable, remove yourself from the situation
- Consider staying in hotels rather than isolated vacation rentals if you're concerned about safety
- The emergency number (911) works throughout Canada and operators speak English
- Join group tours or activities if you want to meet other travelers
- Dress as you would in any North American city; there are no special dress codes or restrictions
- Winter walking can be challenging; don't feel pressured to tackle steep, icy stairs alone—take taxis when needed
- Quebec City has excellent women's healthcare facilities if needed
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Canada has comprehensive legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. Same-sex marriage has been legal nationwide since 2005. Quebec was the first province to add sexual orientation to its human rights charter (1977) and has strong anti-discrimination laws covering gender identity and expression.
- Same-sex couples can book double beds and show affection publicly without concern
- The main LGBTQ+ venues are in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood along Rue Saint-Jean
- Le Drague Cabaret Club is Quebec City's main LGBTQ+ bar and nightclub
- While acceptance is high, Quebec City is more conservative than Montreal; most LGBTQ+ nightlife is concentrated in specific venues
- Staff at major hotels and tourist attractions are trained in LGBTQ+ inclusivity
- Gender-neutral bathrooms are increasingly common in newer establishments
- Healthcare providers are professional and non-discriminatory
- If you experience discrimination, you can report it to the Quebec Human Rights Commission
- Trans travelers should have no issues with ID that matches their gender identity; if ID doesn't match presentation, carry supporting documentation
- The general population is supportive, though older residents may be less familiar with LGBTQ+ terminology
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Quebec City. While Canada has excellent healthcare, it's not free for tourists, and medical costs can be extremely high. A simple emergency room visit can cost $1,000+, and hospital stays can run thousands of dollars per day. Additionally, winter travel increases risks of weather-related delays, cancellations, and injuries from slips and falls. Trip cancellation due to winter storms is a real possibility.