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We will be going to Quebec City for a few days prior to leaving on a cruise. While there, we plan on travel via city bus and taxi. What kind of currency will we need and what photo sites are not to be missed. Thanks in advance for any advice. Also, neither my or I speak French.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

First, the main place of interest in Quebec City is Old Quebec, the original city of Quebec, which is very walkable through mostly narrow old streets. Its is not a museum, but vibrant, beautiful and living throwback to an earlier time. Lots of interesting shops. There are many group walking tours available and I suggest you try one. Almost everything in the Old Quebec is, well...old, very old. While not a truly historical building the Chateau Frontenac is an imposing edifice as well as a very expensive Fairmont hotel. It is quite beautiful and can be seen from just about everywhere. There are also the Plains of Abraham where the Battle of Quebec was fought, and which is now a rolling park high above the St. Lawrence River. There are wonderful French restaurants throughout the old town. While some folks there might take US currency you should get Canadian currency, and of course you can always use charge cards. Because it is a tourist city most everyone speaks at least some English. Other than old Quebec, Quebec City is not terribly interesting, just another city.

TomC. Loc: Bel Air, MD

Quebec City is a fantastic and beautiful city. Don't worry about the language, most speak some English. (our waiter in a restaurant spoke 7 languages) You shouldn't need a bus or taxi, the town is very walkable, a bit hilly, just take your time. Guaranteed, you will love it. Check out the Hotel Frontenoc - it's stunning. Doesn't cost you anything just to walk through it. And it dominates the skyline so it's easy to find.

xt2 Loc: British Columbia, Canada

Uh? Quebec is a Province of Canada. All Canadians use Canadian currency, similar to the US where all Americans use US currency, notwithstanding what state they live in. You will enjoy the current exchange rate to your benefit as well. Quebec City is very "old world" with a very European flavour. Walking is the order of the day. English is spoken routinely. Others have made excellent suggestions regarding sites to see. It is a very unique experience, enjoy!!!

Gort55 Loc: Northern Colorado

Montmorency Falls is nearby. Others have offered good advice — you can walk all over old town and you dont need to speak French.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I've never had a problem using American currency in Ontario within 75 miles of the border. Just be aware of the exchange rate.

PhotoPhred Loc: Cheyney, Pa

I was there a long time ago, around 1965. I was with a friend's family with a "compromised" child. We went to the Cathedral at St.Anne, which is near there. I also remember a waterfall not far from there. I would love to return there now that I have a camera. Have a nice trip.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Using USD$ instead of CAD$ you're leaving the exchange rate up to the person you're handing your cash to, and it unlikely they will use a rate which will benefit you since they're going to the trouble of accepting US currency. Buying one or two things with US currency may be doable, but using it for an entire vacation would be very inconvenient, assuming it was even universally accepted.

xt2 Loc: British Columbia, Canada

Exchange your valuable USD in America before heading to Quebec for the best exchange rate...

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Quebec City is extremely tourist oriented and like many other municipalities in the Province of Quebec, folks are likely to be bilingual French/English. You will have no linguistic problems at most sites, restaurants, taverns, hotels, B&Bs, transportation facilities etc. You can convert U.S. money to Canadian Funds upon arrival and most places accept U.S.dollars. It's best to convert if possible- you money is worth more so you will receive the advantage. Banks can do the exchange for you. The dollars, quarters, dimes and nickles are in the same domination's as the U.S. money. We don't have pennies anymore! All major credit cards are honored!

The city is a photographer's dream! There are some modern and contemporary structures but many of the buildings are ancient- 400 YEARS OLD!. Some important places to photograph are: The Chateau Frontenac Hotel, Montmorency Falls, The Port area, Citadel of Quebec, Plains of Abraham, many quaint and majestic old churches and a massive cathedral, many narrow streets, artists are working and exhibiting their work on the streets. There is a horizontal elevator system that that connects the upper and lower parts of the city! Horse drawn Taxi service. If you can make you way across the river to Levis, Quebec, you can grab a great shot of the city!

The food is great! The taverns and little burger joints have great stuff. Real FRENCH CANADIAN cuisine is lumberjack food- meat pies, baked beans with pork, fried potatoes with gravy and cheeses curd (Poutine)! The CULTURE is everywhere! most of the interesting places are easily accessible from the downtown sector.

Personally, I prefer not to take the tours- I like to just explore the street and discover all the little shops and boutiques and places as well as the usual tourist spots. Bring PLENTY of memory cards!

BIENVENUE AU QUEBEC- Welcome to Quebec. Welcome to CANADA!

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Yes, some will, but I found it very rare. (At least in Ontario.)
Of all the trips in the past 20 years, which are usually a couple of weeks long, I only had one place exchange "on par" when there was a 20% rate in my favor. Most will be within a percent or three, but since I'm half Canadian, a few percent doesn't bother me.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Two years ago we spent our vacation in Quebec City and Montreal. We stayed at a old hotel just outside the old city, and were pedestrians for the time; we were both in our mid-sixties at the time, but walking was no problem for us. The old city is one large photo site.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Yep. The last time we were there was three or four years ago. We spent four nights at a small European style hotel right in the middle of old Quebec. Our car was parked up the street in an underground parking lot and we didn't touch it for the whole time we were there.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Welcome to the forum. Best exchange rate would be from your local bank before you get to Canada. However, the Canadians will take your US Dollars. Checkout the Chateau Frontenac area.

http://www.fairmont.com/frontenac-quebec/

cmoroney Loc: Pasadena, California

As everyone has said: the Old Town is the place to photograph. Be sure to wander down the side streets as you'll feel like you're back in 17th century France and get some good photos without millions of people. Don't even think about trying to drive in the Old City - just take good walking shoes and tromp all about. The few places that take American dollars will rip you off on the exchange rate so just buy some Canadian money beforehand.

And if you have the time, take an overnight in Montreal. That's one seriously awesome city. I miss it every day (except during January and February maybe ...)

Catherine