Travel

Bucket list on a budget: Where to eat, sight see and stay in Quebec City and Montreal

Plus, check out some expert curated travel items to take along.

May 14, 2024, 7:46 AM

The Montmorency Falls on the Montmorency River in Quebec, Canada, June 6, 2017.
Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images

If you're still sorting out summer vacation plans and looking to enjoy a taste of Europe without breaking the bank, then brush up on your French phrases and say bonjour to Canada.

"Good Morning America" continued the Bucket List on a Budget series by visiting two historic Canadian cities—Quebec City and Montreal—to show travelers how to plan an epic vacation without crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

Plus, the current exchange rate for $1 U.S. dollar is 1.37 Canadian dollars, which will help keep cash in your pocket.

Old Quebec, Quebec City is seen here.
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Check out the best tips to save from flights to food below.

Flight deals for Canada summer vacations

For this multi-city trip, Air Canada flights can be found for as low as $123 one way from Philadelphia to Quebec City. And to get back from Montreal, fares are around $200.

Travel experts regularly recommend checking Google Flights and setting alerts to help find the lowest fares, especially if you can be flexible with your dates of travel to snag the best deals.

Tourists walk through the Place Jacques-Cartier in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Aug. 19, 2018.
Brent Lewin/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Find hotels with incentives for freebies

Hilton Quebec City offers visitors who stay for two or more nights free public transportation on the RTC bus. That means an unlimited three day pass to help explore the city free of an additional charge.

Budget friendly food and bites

PHOTO: Croissant in Montreal. — STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images

Start the day the French way with a croissant and a café au lait for under $6.

Another local iconic Canadian comfort food dish that's a must-try in Quebec City is poutine.

Poutine from Le Chic Chack in Quebec City.
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The fried potatoes smothered in gravy and cheese curds is a classic go-to and at Le Chic Shack, it only costs $8.05.

Stroll through sights with a walking tour

When you're ready to explore the scene, check out a free walking tour with local guide Samuel Dubois.

"I share my passion with the traveler from all across the world," he said of his small business. "And if they like it, they can [pay] me what they want."

Visit Montmorency Falls

The Montmorency Falls on the Montmorency River in Quebec, Canada, June 6, 2017.
Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images

Check out this natural wonder, which is free for visitors 17 and under, that stands 272-feet tall -- 98 feet higher than Niagara Falls.

Motor over to Montreal

When renting a car, be sure to look for deals on airplane partner sites for additional savings.

"If you are a mileage plus member on United, you can save up to 35% off Avis or Budget when booking a car through United. Plus, you'll earn up to 1,250 miles," a spokesperson and travel expert for The Points Guy told "GMA." "If you’re not a mileage plus member, it's a free program, so sign up and save."

Sweet maple treats to try in Canada

Sugar Shack is seen here in Montreal.
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Sugar shacks like Érablière le Chemin du Roy are part of the quebecois culture where they offer tours and serve up sweets like maple taffy on snow for just under $10 for adults and $5 for kids.

Maple snow taffy at sugar shack Erabliere le Chemin du Roy.
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Buy the Passport Montreal for discounts on attractions

The Botanical Garden, view from the Olympic Centre in Montreal.
Erhard Nerger/Imagebroker via Shutterstock

For just $35 USD, the city pass gets visitors tickets to three participating attractions including the 185 acre Montreal Botanical Gardens.

Plus, it can also be used to try your hand at a local cooking class.

Free Night-seeing

Take in the sights and some history for free in the evenings at Cité Mémoire in Old Montreal with massive art projections on display all across the city.

Mile End food tour on a budget

Gnocchi from Drogheria Fine in Montreal.
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The Mile End neighborhood is similar to that of Brooklyn in New York City or Shoreditch in London, where exotic eateries and vintage shops line the area and offer bites like gnocchi at Drogheria Fine for under $4.

Or check out Wilensky's Light Lunch Inc, a local family-operated soda fountain and Jewish deli that's been around since 1932, and serves up classics like their famous Wilensky special with cheddar cheese for $4.21.

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