The HI Quebec hostel reveals a stunning new look
Our Quebec City hostel just got a major makeover and now, it’s your ultimate base to explore the French-Canadian capital's unique culture and charming old-world vibe. Sure, we may be biased but truthfully, this upgrade is worthy of a humble brag.
Situated in the midst of heritage buildings along a cute street in the old town, HI Québec, Auberge Internationale de Québec has been hosting travel-keen backpackers from around the world for more than 50 years. While our personal history runs deep and our spot in Quebec City is a blast from the past, our interior is now chic, modern and up-to-date in a way that invites travel-weary backpackers to properly unwind.
Here are five things you can expect from the new us.
A cozy cafe corner to stay caffeinated all day
We aim to offer welcoming spaces where travellers can meet, connect, and discover the local culture, which is undoubtedly one of the richest in Canada. Since we know that where there's coffee, there's people, we now have a coffee corner near the reception where you can spend the whole day working, studying, or reading by the window. Just want to grab a coffee in the morning before heading out to explore the city? Don’t miss the hostel's delicious continental breakfast, which is included free with your stay to kickstart your day of exploration.
Plant vibes, swanky furniture and pops of colour!
Oh, and new sturdy bunk beds with curtains for privacy. With the upgrade also comes all new (all cute) furniture, comfy chairs to lounge in, leafy plants for a calming vibe, upgraded kitchen appliances, and fun pops of colour. Backpacking is as much about seeing the sights as it is about unwinding, disconnecting, and replenishing energy stores from your daily life. We get that and we got the good stuff to make it happen!
A cool bar serving local hoppy brews
For some travellers, a big part of connecting with like-minded friends is having cozy communal spaces in the hostel to do so. One thing on our hostel revamp wish list was an inviting bar where guests could feel comfortable hanging out. Sometimes at the end of a day packed with adventures (whether to Old Quebec landmarks or Montmorency Falls), you just want to chill. We hear you and we created a space for that. Did you know Quebec is a hub for artisanal beers and has ample microbreweries? Try them right here at the hostel! We’re Canada’s food and drink capital for a reason…
Details that honour our past
We’ve been around since 1971. We’ve been a part of the non-profit HI Canada since 1993. Our architecture though? That goes way back. Located in an old historic building, this home-away-from-home has the same architecture as nearby buildings. We wanted to upgrade the space while still honouring that. We’re pretty proud to have created a look that has preserved the old charm of the place. We even restored old woodwork to highlight the rich heritage of Old Quebec which gives this travel destination some of its unique personality.
Space to work, read or watch movies
Gotta work? Digital nomads and content creators, we see you. The remote working lifestyle is here to stay and we created spaces to help you balance your work-travel lifestyle. Maybe you’re here to launch a creative project, re-do your website, or edit photos. We have a large lounge for that so that you don’t have to hit a deadline from your bunk. Or just catch up on your reading with a great travel memoir! Afterwards, put your feet up for movie night or attend an event in our multipurpose theatre room. It fits up to 80 people!
Oh and btw, these renovations were financially supported by the Ministry of Tourism under the PARIT program. This project also received financial support from the Caisse d’économie solidaire Desjardins, Investissement Québec, and the Fiducie du Chantier de l’économie sociale. Big thanks to them!
