Cruises from Quebec City

Quebec City is one of the most atmospheric places to start or end a cruise in North America: the terminals are at the foot of the old walled city, a short walk from the Petit-Champlain district and the Chateau Frontenac. Many Canada and New England itineraries call here for a day, and a good number also begin or end here on one-way voyages to or from Boston and New York.

Holland America, Viking, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Azamara and Oceania all run voyages through Quebec City, and larger ships from lines such as Celebrity, Princess, Norwegian and Cunard visit as well. Itineraries often include the Saguenay Fjord, the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Atlantic Canada ports such as Halifax and Charlottetown before reaching New England.

Like Montreal, Quebec City is strictly seasonal, with departures from late spring into late October and a strong peak in September and October for fall color. The port built Cruise Terminal 30 in 2020 specifically for embarkation and disembarkation, so turnaround days are better organized than the old-city setting might suggest.

Where cruises from Quebec City go

• Canada & New England Lobster towns, lighthouses and fall foliage from Boston and New York to Nova Scotia and Quebec.

Cruise lines sailing from Quebec City

• Holland America Line Mid-size ships, classic service and long, port-rich voyages, with deep roots in Alaska.
• Viking Small, adults-only ocean ships with Scandinavian calm and a culture-first, mostly inclusive fare.
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises All-suite luxury where shore excursions, drinks and tips are built into the fare.
• Silversea Cruises Ultra-luxury small ships with butlers in every suite and expedition voyages to the ends of the earth.
• Azamara Small ships, long port days and drinks and tips included, for travelers who cruise to see places.
• Oceania Cruises Food-first, mid-size ships on port-rich itineraries, with specialty dining included.

Line schedules change by season. We confirm which ships sail from Quebec City on your dates when we quote.

Cruise terminals

Getting there

The port says the airport is about 20 minutes away by car. Both terminals are about a 15-minute walk from Gare du Palais, the VIA Rail station with daily trains from Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto. Arrive at the wharf at least two hours before departure, as the port recommends.

• YQB Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport: about 11 miles

Parking

The Port of Quebec's Louise Basin lot offers long-term parking about a 15-minute walk from Terminal 84 and 12 minutes from Wharf 30, with multi-day rates sold only through the port's mobile app. At Terminal 84, drop-off is free for the first 10 minutes.

Where to stay the night before

Hotels in Old Quebec (both the Upper Town inside the walls and the Lower Town by the port) are walking distance from the terminals, though the hills are steep with luggage. Hotels near Gare du Palais are convenient if you arrive by train.

Season: Seasonal, roughly late spring through late October, with the peak in September and October.

Embarkation-day tips

• Bring a passport; you need one to fly into Canada, and one-way cruises between Canada and the U.S. make it essential.
• Old Quebec's streets are steep and cobbled, so take a taxi to the terminal if you have heavy bags.
• If you have time before boarding, the port offers a luggage check service so you can sightsee without your suitcases.
• Book fall sailings early; September and October are the busiest months.