🌍 Overview
Québec City, the historic and culturally rich capital of the province of Québec, Canada, is a hidden gem for digital nomads. As a seasoned remote worker, I’ve had the pleasure of calling this city home, and I can attest to its unique blend of European charm, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. With a Nomad Score of 73/100, Québec City offers an excellent quality of life, rich history, and a thriving food scene that will make you feel like you’re in a European city, but with a distinctly Canadian twist. As a Québec City digital nomad, you’ll find that the city’s compact size, walkability, and friendly locals make it an ideal destination for remote workers.
Québec City’s unique blend of history, culture, and entertainment makes it an attractive destination for digital nomads. From the cobblestone streets of the Old City to the lively atmosphere of the Saint-Roch neighborhood, there’s always something to explore, discover, or experience. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, Québec City has something for everyone. As a remote worker, you’ll appreciate the city’s excellent internet infrastructure, with speeds of up to 46 Mbps, making it easy to stay connected and productive.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood to live and work in Québec City, there are several options to consider. Here are three of my favorite areas that offer a great balance of character, convenience, and affordability:
- Saint-Roch: This trendy neighborhood is located just outside the Old City walls and is known for its vibrant atmosphere, boutique shops, and eclectic restaurants. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Saint-Roch can range from $700-$1,000 CAD ($550-$780 USD) per month.
- Montcalm: This upscale neighborhood is located just north of the Old City and offers a more laid-back, residential atmosphere. Montcalm is home to several parks, cafes, and restaurants, and is within walking distance to the city center. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Montcalm can range from $800-$1,200 CAD ($620-$950 USD) per month.
- Limoilou: This charming neighborhood is located just east of the Old City and is known for its historic homes, quaint shops, and lively community events. Limoilou is a bit more off the beaten path, but offers a unique and authentic Québec City experience. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Limoilou can range from $600-$1,000 CAD ($470-$780 USD) per month.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Québec City is relatively affordable compared to other major Canadian cities. Here’s a breakdown of some typical expenses you can expect to incur as a digital nomad in Québec City:
- Rent: As mentioned earlier, rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a desirable neighborhood can range from $700-$1,200 CAD ($550-$950 USD) per month.
- Food: Eating out in Québec City can be delicious and affordable, with meals starting from around $15-$25 CAD ($12-$20 USD) per person. Groceries can be purchased at a local market or supermarket, with prices similar to those in the US.
- Transportation: Québec City has an excellent public transportation system, with a single bus fare costing around $3.50 CAD ($2.80 USD). A monthly pass can be purchased for around $90-$100 CAD ($70-$80 USD).
- Coworking: Several coworking spaces are available in Québec City, with prices starting from around $200-$300 CAD ($160-$240 USD) per month for a hot desk.
Internet & Coworking
As a digital nomad, having reliable and fast internet is essential. Fortunately, Québec City has excellent internet infrastructure, with speeds of up to 46 Mbps available in most areas. Several coworking spaces are available in the city, including:
- Le Hub: Located in the heart of the Old City, Le Hub offers a range of membership options, including hot desks, dedicated desks, and private offices. Prices start from around $200 CAD ($160 USD) per month.
- La Gare: Located in the Saint-Roch neighborhood, La Gare is a popular coworking space that offers a range of amenities, including high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and a rooftop terrace. Prices start from around $250 CAD ($200 USD) per month.
- Café-Bibliothèque: This unique coworking space is located in the Limoilou neighborhood and offers a range of membership options, including hot desks and dedicated desks. Prices start from around $150 CAD ($120 USD) per month.
Québec City has a growing community of digital nomads, with several groups and meetups available for remote workers to connect and network. Some popular groups include:
- Québec City Digital Nomads: This Facebook group is dedicated to connecting digital nomads in Québec City and organizing events and meetups.
- Remote Workers Québec: This group is dedicated to remote workers in Québec City and offers a range of resources and support for digital nomads.
- Québec City Startup Community: This group is dedicated to the startup community in Québec City and offers a range of events and meetups for entrepreneurs and remote workers.
Culture & Lifestyle
Québec City is a city that is deeply rooted in its history and culture. As a digital nomad, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the city’s unique blend of French and Canadian influences, from the delicious cuisine to the vibrant festivals and events. Some popular cultural attractions include:
- Old City: The historic heart of Québec City, the Old City is a must-visit destination for any digital nomad. With its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere, the Old City is the perfect place to explore and experience the city’s unique culture.
- Festival d’Été: This annual summer festival is a must-attend event for any digital nomad in Québec City. With its range of music, food, and cultural events, the Festival d’Été is the perfect way to experience the city’s vibrant culture and community.
- Poutine: This classic Québécois dish is a must-try for any digital nomad in Québec City. With its combination of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy, poutine is the perfect comfort food after a long day of work.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to ensure that you have the necessary visa and documentation to live and work in Québec City. Canada offers a range of visa options for remote workers, including the International Mobility Program and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. It’s recommended that you consult with the Canadian government’s website or a visa expert to determine the best option for your specific situation.
💡 Practical Tips
As a digital nomad in Québec City, here are some practical tips to keep in mind:
- SIM cards: You can purchase a SIM card from a local provider such as Rogers or Bell, with prices starting from around $30-$50 CAD ($25-$40 USD) per month.
- Transportation: Québec City has an excellent public transportation system, with a single bus fare costing around $3.50 CAD ($2.80 USD). A monthly pass can be purchased for around $90-$100 CAD ($70-$80 USD).
- Safety: Québec City is a very safe city, with a low crime rate compared to other major Canadian cities. However, as with any city, it’s always a good idea to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
- Weather: Québec City has a continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. Be sure to pack accordingly, with warm clothing and gear for the winter months.
