What to Wear in Quebec City: Cobblestone Shoes in Summer & -15°C Thermal Layers in Winter

Packing for Quebec City depends completely on whether you are visiting during the warm, terrace-filled months of May to October or the snow-draped winter season of late November to March. One item, however, is non-negotiable all 12 months of the year: shoes with thick, grippy rubber soles.

1. Packing for Spring, Summer & Autumn (May to October)

1. Cushioned Walking Trainers or Rubber-Soled Flat Boots/Sandals (No Stiletto Heels): Old Quebec is built on the steep slopes of Cap Diamant; walking from Lower Town to Upper Town via Côte de la Montagne or climbing the Ramparts and Citadelle involves uneven 300-year-old cobblestones, flagstone alleys and hundreds of stairs. Leave thin soles and narrow heels at home.
2. A Light Waterproof Windbreaker (For Montmorency Falls & The Lévis Ferry): walking across the suspension bridge or descending the 487 cliff steps at Montmorency Falls surrounds you in refreshing waterfall spray, and standing on the top deck of the Lévis Ferry at sunset is breezy even after a 25°C July afternoon.
3. Smart-Casual Evening Attire: Québécois locals have a stylish, European sense of dress; pack a nice jumper, blazer or dress for evening dinners on Rue Saint-Jean or in the Old Port.

2. The 5-Point Survival Kit for a Quebec City Winter (December to March: -5°C to -20°C)

Avoid wearing cotton jeans or canvas trainers in a Quebec winter. Follow the local Québécois layering formula and you can stay outdoors for hours at the Christmas Market or Winter Carnaval:

• 1. Merino Wool Base Layers (Top & Bottom Thermal Leggings under lined trousers).
• 2. A Mid-Thigh or Knee-Length Windproof Down Parka with an Insulated Hood.
• 3. Insulated Waterproof Winter Boots + Clip-On 'Ice Cleats / Crampons': the steep streets of Old Quebec get packed with snow and ice; slip a pair of rubber-stud ice cleats (crampons) over your boots outside and pop them off when stepping into shops.
• 4. Mittens (Warmer Than Gloves), A Fleece Neck Gaiter, Tuque & Pocket Hand-Warmers (HotHands) to keep your phone battery and fingers warm. Check seasonal weather.