What budget for activities and outings Québec?
The adult rate is usually between $10 and $25 CAN for an adult admission. Discounts are almost always offered to children, students and seniors, and even free of charge. For example, access to national parks and national historic sites is still free for those under 18 years of age. Several points of interest are also entirely free of charge, some of which require a voluntary contribution.
There are ways to stretch your legs without paying a cent. Town and village councils provide a variety of sports facilities, from swimming pools to baseball fields. Access is usually free or for a small fee. There is also a network of free multi-purpose trails for cyclists, hikers and cross-country skiers. However, a few dollars are required in national parks and some nature reserves. However, if you want to go on adventures such as canyoning, rafting or snowmobiling, you will need to budget accordingly.
The cost of living is lower in Quebec than in Europe. On the other hand, some products are more expensive, particularly in the gourmet sector (cheese, alcohol, etc.). While the posted price may seem appealing, keep in mind that sales taxes are never included, unless otherwise specified. Therefore, 14.975% tax must be added on his purchases (some products benefit from partial or total tax exemption such as printed books, unprocessed food, etc.). Payments by debit or credit card are generally accepted everywhere, even in more remote areas. It should be noted that there has not been a visitor tax rebate program in place for many years.
La Vitrine offers special deals and discounted rates on pre-sales for all kinds of shows and events in Quebec (lavitrine.com). For movies, discounts are available for matinees and on the weekly discount day (usually Tuesday).
Remember that the prices listed are generally exclusive of taxes. Not only must taxes (14.975%) be added, but also the 15% service charge when applicable. All methods of payment are accepted, but it may happen that the bar in a theatre, for example, only accepts cash and/or debit cards.
What budget to eat Québec?
You can easily eat on the go for less than $10-15 CDN. The minimum charge is $20.00 CDN for lunch and $30.00 CDN for dinner. The daily lunch menu and the table d'hôte in the evening allow you to save some money and include the starter, main course, dessert and coffee. More upscale restaurants also often offer a multi-course tasting menu. The cost can range from $60 to $150 CDN or more, and a pairing with selected wines is offered in addition.
All methods of payment are accepted, but smaller restaurants sometimes limit themselves to cash and/or debit card.
In Quebec, you can also take home the rest of your meal or bring your own bottle of wine - or beer - to the restaurant. The "Bring your own wine" concept is indeed quite common, especially since there is no corkage fee to pay.
Prices for gourmet breaks and alcoholic beverages are relatively similar to those in Europe, although a bit more expensive even with the exchange rate. To save money, there are passports sold at low prices that allow you to visit a predetermined number of participating establishments in Quebec and get a free tasting or a free drink (tip not included). This is the case with the Je bois local passport (jeboislocal.ca) for microbreweries and craft breweries and the Circuit des vignobles passport (circuitdesvignobles.com) for vineyards, cider houses and distilleries.
It is important to remember that the prices listed are generally exclusive of taxes. Not only do you have to add taxes (14.975%) but also the 15% service charge. All methods of payment are accepted, but small businesses sometimes limit themselves to cash and/or debit card.
What is the budget for accommodation Québec?
Of course, prices vary greatly depending on the type of accommodation chosen. For example, a dormitory bed in a youth hostel will not cost the same as a suite in a 5-star hotel. In the low season, a nice room in a hostel or hotel can be found in a price range of $80 to $150 CDN, which almost doubles in the high season or during major events.
It is important to remember that the prices quoted are generally exclusive of taxes. In addition to sales tax (14.975%), there is also a lodging tax of 3.5% of the nightly rate ($3.50 CAD per night when renting to/through an intermediary). All forms of payment are accepted, but smaller hotels may limit themselves to cash, traveller's cheques and/or debit cards.
Travel budget Québec and cost of living
To help you plan your daily budget while you are there, here are three examples to suit everyone's financial means.
Small budget: $80 CAD per day per person (camping/hostel accommodation, meals on the run or groceries, public transportation or carpooling, free activities or less than $10 CAD).
Medium budget: $200 CAN per day per person (B&B or hotel accommodation, good food, public transportation or car, paid or package activities).
Large budget: from $400 CAN per day per person (accommodation in a more luxurious hotel or condo/chalet, good food, transportation by car, package activities/expeditions).
It isalso important to remember that most consumer goods and services are subject to a 9.975% provincial tax (QST) and a 5% national tax (GST), which are generally not included in the listed price. Also, the 15% tip must be added to the bill in restaurants and bars. Tipping cab drivers, hotel cleaners and hairdressers is also recommended (but may be less than 15%). No tips in cinemas and theaters.
As forhaggling , it is not a common practice in the country. Prices are fixed and generally non-negotiable. However, shopkeepers will sometimes be generous and offer you something if you buy items from them for a significant amount. In the same way, and although it is strictly forbidden, small shops sometimes accept not to charge you taxes if you pay your purchases in cash and without possibility of return...