[2023 GUIDE] The Best Shopping Places in Quebec City | TrotterHop

Shopping in Quebec City is the perfect place to find unique and interesting items for every budget.

Quebec City offers an array of shopping options for visitors to explore. From lively shopping streets to traditional malls, there is something for everyone. On the shopping streets, visitors can find independent boutiques offering locally made souvenirs, fashion, and jewelry. Quebec City’s shopping centers provide a wide selection of retailers for those looking for familiar brands.

Not only is shopping in Quebec City a great way to find the perfect souvenir, but it is also an opportunity to mingle with locals. Pedestrianized shopping avenues are a great place to meet the locals and get a sense of the city. For those looking for the best spots to shop, our guide below provides the best places to find retail therapy in Quebec City.

The Best Shopping Places in Quebec City

1. Petit Champlain

Petit Champlain is a small historic shopping district in Lower Town, Quebec City, that dates back to the 1600s. The main attraction of the district is the charming pedestrian-only Rue du Petit-Champlain. This cobblestoned shopping street houses beautifully restored buildings that contain galleries, clothing boutiques, and arts and crafts stores. Almost all the items sold in these stores are made locally in Quebec City, ranging from silk paintings and woodcarvings to jewelry and moccasins.

Visiting this area is an enjoyable experience, even if you are just window shopping. There are several cafés, bakeries, and restaurants within the district where you can pause and refuel between shopping sprees. Petit Champlain is a unique destination that captures the culture and atmosphere of Quebec City.

2. LES GALERIES DE LA CAPITALE / MEGA PARC

Les Galeries is a shopper’s paradise, offering over 250 stores from major retailers to small independent boutiques. It also features a food court, two multi-screen cinemas, and an IMAX theater, providing plenty of entertainment. 

On top of all this, Les Galeries is home to the province of Québec’s only indoor theme park. This theme park includes rides, a miniature golf course, an ice skating rink, an arcade, and a playground under one roof. It’s a great option for a rainy day when the kids have grown tired of the hotel.

3. Rue St-Paul

Rue St-Paul is a cobbled street located one block away from the Saint-Charles River in the proximity of the Quebec City Old Port. It has a rich history, developed in 1816, and provides visitors with a charming old-world experience. This street is home to a variety of antique stores and artisanal boutiques, offering a unique selection of items. 

Whether you’re looking for books, silver, furniture, or housewares from different eras, Rue St-Paul has you covered. You can find 18th-century Quebec furniture, Edwardian silver, post–World War II housewares, and custom storage units made from vinyl records. There is also a wide selection of Art Deco accessories among the grandfather clocks and vintage candlesticks.

4. SCULPTEUR FLAMAND

Located in the heart of the unforgettable Petit Champlain, Flamand’s gallery and studio is a one-of-a-kind experience. Housed in a beautiful, white Georgian-style building, the gallery stands out among its peers in the Quartier with its owner, the city’s only wood sculptor. 

Visitors to the two-level showroom can admire the three-dimensional open work designs, statues of animals and Québecois at work and play, and even a few abstract carvings in the loft area.  These pieces combine to create a unique, unforgettable experience that is sure to be treasured for years to come.

5. Rue St-Jean

Rue St-Jean is a charming shopping street in Quebec City that offers visitors an experience reminiscent of European streets. Starting in the heart of Upper Town, the street connects the historic center and the neighborhoods west of Old Quebec. Visitors can find souvenir shops, clothing boutiques, specialty food stores, and independent stores along the street.

One of the highlights of Rue St-Jean is the St. John Gate, the imposing landmark on the street. It is one of five remaining entrances into Old Quebec and worth a photo or two. Moreover, francophones in search of French books should check out Librairie Pantoute, located within the city walls.

6. GALERIE BROUSSEAU ET BROUSSEAU

This contemporary, well-lit gallery offers a variety of regional and international art pieces. However, Eskimo and Inuit art stands out the most, with its vivid depictions of Artic and sub-Artic animals and people. Collectors, in particular, are drawn to the sculptures as they are exquisite works of craftsmanship, many of which are made of ivory. Prices at this gallery are not for the faint of heart, but it is worth it to get such unique pieces.

7. Rue du Trésor

Rue du Trésor is a narrow alleyway in the heart of Old Quebec, near Place d’Armes. For over 50 years, this quaint shopping street has been filled with local artists displaying their unique works of art. Visitors can find anything from etchings and silkscreens to watercolors and paintings. 

This open-air gallery began in the 1960s when two artists decided to take a different approach to sell their artwork. Instead of relying on galleries, they exhibited and sold their pieces directly to the public. Despite the weather, the artists stay dedicated to their work, setting up their artwork and chatting with passersby. 

One thing to remember is that many vendors do not accept credit cards. Therefore, if you find something you love, bring some cash.

8. Avenue Cartier

Avenue Cartier, located 2 km from the old city walls, is in the Art District of Montcalm. Locals favor this area as it tends to be less packed with tourists compared to other areas of Old Quebec, especially in summer. Visitors may find a variety of trendy fashion boutiques, upscale specialty stores, and gourmet food shops to explore.

The avenue is also known for its vibrant dining and nightlife scenes. Thus, there are ample opportunities to take a break from all the shopping, browsing, and people-watching with various restaurants and bars.

9. GALERIE D’ART BEAUCHAMP

The Beauchamp family has been among Québec’s most respected purveyors of new artwork since 1993. Their exclusive Place Royale gallery is a well-lit space where visitors can find original works from various artists. Acrylics by Algerian Abdullah Khaled and Italian Jose Salvagio, pastels by Josée Lord, and oils by Frenchman James Gaubert and Québecois Aline Brochu are all on display. 

This gallery is not meant for casual tourists looking to purchase postcards and run-of-the-mill prints of Old Québec. Instead, they boast world-class original art ranging from $1000 to $1500. 

10. Rue Saint Joseph

Rue St-Joseph is a top shopping destination in Québec City’s Saint-Roch district. This former industrial area has been transformed into a trendy neighborhood, with old buildings now housing art galleries, modern stores, and independent boutiques. You can find a variety of items such as toys, clothes, and household items. 

In addition to shopping, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the area. Café, microbreweries, theatres, and video arcades can all be found on Rue St-Joseph. After a couple of hours of shopping, visitors can relax in the nearby Jean-Paul-L’Allier Garden. Finally, visit the beautiful 20th-century L’eglise St. Roche cathedral, the largest church in Québec City.

11. Place Laurier

Place Laurier is a premier shopping destination 8.5 km south of Old Quebec City. It is home to over 300 stores and 30 restaurants, offering a variety of shopping experiences. Major department stores such as Sears, La Baie, and Future Shop are located in the mall. Additionally, visitors can find bookshops, fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, and electronics stores.

Getting to Place Laurier is easy. The mall is accessible by car or public transport. Those traveling by bus can take route no. 800 or 801 on the green line from D’Youville, and get off at Station Laurier Quebec.

12. Place Sainte-Foy

If you are in search of the latest fashion trends, Place Sainte-Foy is the perfect spot. Located in Quebec City, this upmarket mall has over 130 stores, including high-end brands such as Zara, Simons, Banana Republic, Michael Kors, and Lululemon Athletica. In addition to fashion, the mall also offers Apple, Birks, Sephora, and Swarovski stores.

For those who want more than just fashion, Place Sainte-Foy is an ideal destination for all your shopping needs. You can find everything from everyday items to luxurious cosmetics and gifts in the mall. Plus, you have the added convenience of two more malls, Place Laurier and Place de la Cité, located right next door.

13. Le Grand Marché

Le Grand Marché is a foodie paradise located just minutes from Old Quebec. With over 100 local farmers and artisans offering a variety of freshly prepared food and drinks, it’s worth a visit. It’s best to arrive hungry and take your time exploring each stall – you’ll find warm doughnuts, homemade beer, fresh pasta, and rich, creamy cheese.

Getting to the market is straightforward. You can rent a bike in Old Quebec and leave it at the Family Zone at the market. Alternatively, you can take metro-bus routes 801 or 802, or bus routes 3 or 4.