Access to Québec City

Located 16 km (10 miles) from downtown,  Jean Lesage International Airport serves the Québec City region. However, many overseas and US flights land at Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport or Toronto Pearson International Airport. Connecting flights are available between these two airports and Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport.

If you wish to travel by bus from Montréal to Québec City, regularly scheduled buses leave Montréal-Pierre-Elliott Trudeau International Airport for Station Centrale in downtown Montréal (505, De Maisonneuve Est). From there, Orléans Express offers hourly service to Québec City. The bus trip takes approximately two hours and fifty minutes.

Alternatively, Via Rail Canada offers from its Montréal station (895, De la Gauchetière Ouest) a few daily train connections to Québec City. Whether travelling by bus or by train, get off at the Québec terminal (Gare du Palais) and there you can take a taxi to the Loews Le Concorde Hotel.

If you wish to rent a car, you may do so at the airport, in downtown Montréal or Québec City.

Climate

August temperature (Min/Max) : 12/30 °C      54/86°F

Weather report: Daily 24 hours: (418) 640-2736.
For detailed local forecasts and long-term trends, visit The Weather Network's Web site.

Electricity

The electric current is 110 volts/60 cycles, as it is throughout North America. Because the outlets cannot accommodate European plugs, you’d best bring or buy an adaptor.

Customs and immigration

From the United States: you must carry a proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, as well as a piece of photo ID. A passport is still the ideal document, but it isn’t mandatory. If you are a permanent resident of the U.S., you should bring your Permanent Resident Card (i.e. green card) with you.

From the United Kingdom and all other countries: you must be carrying a valid passport. Visas are also required for visitors from certain countries. For more information, visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada's Web site or contact the Canadian embassy or consulate in your country.

Currency and exchange office

Canadian and American dollars are not at par. American currency is accepted in most establishments at a variable exchange rate. Legal tender is the Canadian dollar which divides into 100 cents. Bills come in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars. The coins in use are of the following denominations: 1, 5, 10 and 25 cents, as well as one and two dollars.

The leading credit cards are accepted everywhere, namely Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Traveler’s cheques are generally accepted in large hotels, some restaurants and major stores. Otherwise, they must be cashed at an exchange office or bank.

There is an exchange office near the hotel (5-10 minutes walk). Airport also offer exchange services.

For more information: www.bankofcanada.ca

Health and Insurance

Foreign travelers must cover their own medical expenses. Consequently, it is important that you take out an insurance policy prior to your departure.

Taxes

Two taxes, the federal goods and services tax (GST) and the Québec sales tax (QST), are added to the selling price of most goods and services (approx. 13%).