It’s hard to avoid words like “pretty,” “romantic” and “historic” when describing Quebec City, the North American destination that, when you stand in the right places and squint, feels like a chunk of France torn out of the 17th and 18th centuries. Around every corner in the historic centre of Old Quebec, which was founded in 1608, there’s a vista, a piece of architecture, a monument, gallery or bistro that will trigger an impulse to take a photo—or snack on a baguette with some local cheese.
Though it’s a provincial capital with a metro population of more than 800,000 people, Quebec City remains postcard-pretty, especially within the ramparts and fortifications that were built between 1693 and 1871, to protect the city—and to guard over the St. Lawrence River and therefore the Great Lakes. At first it was the French trying to control the “New World,” especially its lucrative fur trade, then it was the British who expanded the fortifications. It’s a destination perfect for strolling while holding hands and soaking up the atmosphere, whether during a quick cruise-ship stop, a weekend escape or longer. Though famed for its Quebec Winter Carnival (February 7 to 16, 2025), remember that winter here is cold—it’s a more relaxed visit in the summer or, even better, the fall, when the changing colour of the leaves adds to the magic.
The second biggest city in the province, Quebec City is often overshadowed by the biggest, Montreal, especially for LGBTQ2S+ travellers. (Read our insider’s guide to Montreal here.) Rainbow-festooned Montreal remains one of North America’s best-known gay party cities, its nightlife and Pride celebrations drawing queer visitors from around the world. In Quebec City, rainbow flags are a rarer sight, except during Pride celebrations. The city is less flamboyant and, as you’d imagine in a city that’s obsessed with its own history, much more traditional in its public presentation. In a government town whose aesthetic is carefully manicured to attract tourists of all demographics, rainbow flags don’t quite match the oak, iron, brick, stone and fleur-de-lis décor.
Yet Quebec as a province is exceptionally socially progressive. The formerly strong influence of the Roman Catholic church has declined since the 1960s, leaving Quebeckers with a very flexible definition of family and a very open-minded attitude toward the vagaries of love and sex. Even if Quebec City residents are too reserved themselves to wear glitter eyeshadow or make out in the streets, they not likely to judge someone who does.
We’ve found places in Quebec City where local and visiting queers can be more unbuttoned, as well as places that feel more contemporary—colourful, playful, even edgy. We’ll follow up what is queer in Quebec City with some classic stops for anyone who wants to experience the best of the destination.
Queer and colourful
Though Quebec City does not have a gay village that would be instantly noticeable to outsiders, the strip of Rue Saint-Jean west of Boulevard Honoré-Mercier, just outside the city wall, is where you’re most likely to see the LGBTQ2S+ community out and about. The area is home to many bohemian-type businesses, including the city’s two gay bars, which are just off Saint-Jean. In Parc Saint-Matthews, which is actually a graveyard, you’ll see young people with interesting haircuts drinking tallboys and smoking weed. Fewer countercultural folks tend to go to the bars and clubs on nearby Grande Allée, though Dagobert (600 Grande Allée E., Québec) is for all those who love EDM and hip hop.
Fierté de Québec (usually late August/early September). Quebec City’s Pride celebrations usually feature five days of parties and other activities, concluding with a parade that winds through Old Quebec.
Le Drague Cabaret Club (815 Rue Saint-Augustin, Québec). Since opening in 1980, this megaclub has become the epicentre of Quebec City’s gay life. The multi-room complex is home to drag shows (which you might have guessed from the name), dancing and flirting. It’s worth dropping by any day of the week, though it fills up with drag-loving allies on the weekend. The complex also contains Elli restaurant, which does evening meals and, on the weekends, drag brunches.
Bar St-Matthew’s (889 Côte Sainte-Geneviève, Québec). With pool tables and pints, this is an unpretentious pub that’s perfect for meeting up with the gang before heading over to Le Drague, or for having a quiet drink with someone you just met. Not completely quiet, though; they also host drag shows.
Fou-Bar (525 Rue Saint-Jean, Québec). Though it’s not a gay bar, this neighbourhood hangout, which has an interior that resembles a rustic cottage, has been a temple to artsy be-yourself types since it opened in 1983. A bowler hat and a fisherman’s sweater wouldn’t be out of place. There’s often live music.
Bar Le Sacrilège (447 Rue Saint-Jean, Québec). Not explicitly a queer bar, this relaxed pub, with a four-season terrace, is a popular haunt for the community.
Sauna Back Boys (264 Couronne St., Québec). The city’s only bathhouse for gay and bi men is a four-floor facility with wet and dry saunas, a hot tub and a fireplace. They also hold spicy weekly theme nights.
EXMURO (#27-29 Rue Notre-Dame #27, Québec). Old Quebec is full of art galleries where you can buy paintings that fit your home’s décor, even if they don’t fit into your suitcase. Surprisingly little of the stuff for sale is overtly queer. EXMURO organizes outdoor art projects that aren’t necessarily LGBTQ2S+-focused, but in their small museum they feature works with more sexuality and camp than you’ll find elsewhere.
Fuck la mode (67 et demi Rue du Petit Champlain, Québec). The historic Petit Champlain district of Old Quebec, right on the St. Lawrence River, a funicular ride or stairway walk down from Haute-Ville (Upper Town), is adorable in a way that your mom and your grandmother would also love. So when this boutique with a bad word in its name opened in 1989, it was like a splatter of red paint on a Monet. Nowadays, Fuck la mode, with its T-shirts, hoodies and socks emblazoned with its branding, brings a welcome slice of shamelessness to the surroundings.
Caméléon Designer (12 Côte de la Fabrique, Québec). If you’d prefer to wear fashion than fuck it, this woman-owned brand sells hip, casual styles from various local designers amid art and tchotchkes.
Onhwa’ Lumina (110 Rue Grand Chef Thonnakona, Wendake). There’s cool as in edgy, but there’s also cool as in awe-inspiring and wonder-filled. This after-dark experience, located on the land of the Huron-Wendat Nation, about a half-hour drive outside Old Quebec, is hard to describe, though it’s likely to touch your soul. Visitors walk along a 1.2-kilometre wooded path to explore light, sound and video projections that celebrate the land, history and culture of the Huron-Wendat Nation.
Classic Quebec
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac (1 Rue des Carrières, Québec). A castle of hospitality, the most iconic building in Quebec City—and one of the most iconic in Canada—opened in 1893 as a railway hotel. Even if you’re not staying in one of its 610 rooms, it’s worth visiting one of its restaurants and bars—1608 bar, in particular, is a moody and chic place for a cocktail. Or just walk through the lobby, find a window and look out onto the spectacular view. It’s on the Terrasse Dufferin, a place with great views where all tourists will find themselves at one point during their visit.
Auberge Saint-Antoine Relais & Châteaux (8 Rue Saint-Antoine, Québec). Each room of this historic hotel is home to at least one artifact that’s been found on the site as the hotel has been renovated and expanded. The museum-like quality is only part of its charm. Its Old Port location is perfect—it’s got style and a larger-than-you’d expect fitness centre.
Restaurant Tanière3 (36 1/2 Rue Saint-Pierre, Québec). As a province, Quebec does fine dining like no other corner of North America. Founded in 1977, Tanière3 has been on the province’s leading edge, evolving and changing with the time as it elevates local ingredients and recipes with integrity and playfulness. Chef François-Emmanuel Nicol knows how to surprise guests, as does dining room director Roxan Bourdelais, who deserves a mention just for the dramatic lighting. Book yourself the blind tasting menu and don’t ask too many questions about what’s next (or where you’ll be eating it)—it’ll be delightful.
Le Monastère des Augustines (77 Rue des Remparts, Québec). In the 17th and 18th centuries—hell, in the 19th and 20th centuries—young women didn’t have a lot of choice about their lives. There was getting married and having children at a time when having children could be dangerous to the mother. Or for women who wanted an education and preferred the company of other women, there was becoming a nun. The Augustinian Sisters founded their monastery and the first hospital in North America north of Mexico in the 17th century. Now it’s a wellness centre-hotel-museum, providing an escape from modern life for people of all beliefs, identities and sexual orientations. Come for a retreat, massage, fitness class or a silent meal in their cute restaurant.
Montmorency Falls (about a 15-minute drive east of the city). This must-see natural attraction allows you to see the dramatic water cascading during a walk, a zip-line adventure or train ride.
Musée de la civilisation (85 Rue Dalhousie, Québec). This family-friendly museum is not at all stodgy—it has a very contemporary POV on world history, particularly French colonial history.
The writer was a guest of Bonjour Québec and Destination Québec cité; the hosts of the trip did not direct or review coverage. The views expressed are the writer’s own.
