Quebec City Etiquette Tips
Language and greetings
Quebec City is more French-dominant than Montreal, a product of Bill 96, though the tourist core inside and around Old Quebec is bilingual and English gets you through most interactions without trouble. A simple “bonjour” on walking in and “merci” on the way out goes a long way and reads as basic courtesy rather than a language test. Don’t expect the bilingual “bonjour-hi” greeting reliably once you’re outside the main tourist streets.
Dining etiquette
Lunch typically runs 11:30am to 1:30pm and dinner from about 5:30 to 8pm; showing up well outside those windows can mean a limited kitchen. Tipping is 15-20%, calculated on the pre-tax subtotal, not the total after Quebec’s roughly 14.975% sales tax is added, so check your bill before doing the math.
Around historic sites
The Citadelle is an active military installation, home to the Royal 22e Regiment, so treat the changing-of-the-guard ceremony and the grounds with the same respect you’d give any working military site, including following posted photo restrictions. Inside the Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral, keep voices low and dress modestly, standard etiquette for an active place of worship rather than a museum.
Talking about Quebec
Quebecois culture and identity stand on their own, distinct from France, so it’s worth avoiding direct comparisons to French culture or assuming Quebec French and Metropolitan French are interchangeable. Locals are generally happy to talk about the province’s history and traditions if you show genuine interest rather than making assumptions.
Winter-specific etiquette and safety
If you’re visiting between December and March, dress in real layers. Temperatures of -10 to -25°C and ice on the Old Quebec hills and stairs aren’t exaggerated for tourist copy, they’re the actual conditions, so proper boots and a good coat matter more here than in most cities you might have visited in winter.
A few practical courtesies
Cards and tap payment are near-universal, but it’s still worth carrying a bit of cash for smaller vendors, especially at outdoor markets. Address people formally, “monsieur” or “madame,” until you’re invited to do otherwise, and be patient with yourself if your French is rusty. Most Quebecers appreciate the effort far more than they mind the mistakes.
Read more: see the Quebec City travel tips guide for logistics and money matters, or check the full Quebec City travel guide for an overview of the city.