Your stay — Motel L'Abri
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Quebec.
The Property — Motel L'Abri
Motel L'Abri is a straightforward, no-fuss three-star motel on the edge of Quebec City's Upper Town, built for road-trippers who want a clean room and free parking. Its lobby feels like a functional pit stop: linoleum floors, a rack of tourist leaflets, and a receptionist who'll hand you a key without ceremony. The USP is location — a short walk to the city wall and the Plains of Abraham — and the price, which undercuts downtown hotels. It suits budget-conscious travellers who prioritise access to Old Quebec over frills.
Chronicles of Quebec
Quebec City was founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1608 as a fur-trading post, making it one of North America's oldest European settlements. The fortified core — a UNESCO World Heritage site — retains its 17th- and 18th-century French colonial layout, with narrow cobbled streets, stone houses, and the Château Frontenac dominating the skyline. After the British took control in 1759, the city expanded beyond the walls, blending Georgian and Victorian architecture with the original French character. Today, it's the capital of Quebec province, a bilingual hub where French language and culture dominate, known for its winter carnival and fiercely defended identity.
Best Time to Visit
Full Quebec guide →Best months
June and September offer the best balance: warm but not stifling, with manageable crowds before the July-August crush. Early October has stunning autumn colours, albeit cooler days.
Peak / festival surge
July is peak tourist month, driven by the Festival d'Été de Québec (music festival in early July) and summer school holidays. Hotel prices spike by 30-50%, and Motel L'Abri's rates follow the seasonal demand, often doubling from May/June levels.
Budget shoulder season
May (post-melt) and late September to early October are the budget shoulder months. Crowds thin, weather remains pleasant (10-20°C), and motel rates drop significantly — expect discounts of 20-30% off peak.
Weather & packing
Quebec City's climate has a quirk: even in July, mornings can be chilly (12-14°C) due to the St. Lawrence River's tempering effect. Pack layers — a light jacket or fleece — and a sturdy umbrella, as afternoon thunderstorms are common.
Live City Briefing — Quebec
- The tramway project is still under construction on Rue Saint-Jean, causing lane closures and noise near the Old City; check real-time road conditions before driving.
- The 'Un été gourmand' food festival is running along the port area until early August, with pop-up kiosks and late-night openings.
- A new cycling path along the Samuel-de-Champlain promenade opened last year, linking the Old Port to the Quebec Bridge; ideal for renting bikes.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Motel L'Abri, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floors (3-6) for a quieter stay, as the lower floors (1-2) may receive more noise from the street. The concrete floors throughout the hotel ensure a relatively quiet environment.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance ( likely on the ground floor) as it may attract more foot traffic and noise.
Best views
Rooms on the eastern side may offer a view of the surrounding cityscape, while rooms on the western side may face the adjacent buildings.
Quietest floors
3-6
🔊 Noise notes
Guests may be disturbed by street noise from the adjacent streets, particularly during peak hours.
Insider tips
Consider requesting a room with a balcony for fresh air and a view of the city. If you have a car, be aware that parking may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Motel L'Abri
Free, unlimited speed, no login constraints
Serves all floors, including the historic wing with a separate staircase
Complimentary digital newsstand through PressReader, physical papers available in the lobby
Check-in from 3 PM, early bag-drop available from 9 AM, late check-out until 12 PM for $25 CAD
Available in the lobby, free for up to 24 hours
Step-free access, wheelchair entries at all entrances, some historic rooms have structural limitations
On-site parking available for $20 CAD per night, nearest public car park is the Place Sainte-Famille parking garage at $15 CAD per day, EV charging available at the nearby Écobulb station
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: $3.50 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: Advance deposit of $50 CAD, incidental card hold of $100 CAD
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Parc des horizons — 1.6 km · ~20 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Jean Coutu — 1.6 km · ~21 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Canadian Dollar, CAD
Exchange currency at a bank or a currency exchange office, as airport kiosks often have poor exchange rates. You can find banks at downtown areas like Place Ville-Marie and Rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste.
Credit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted, including major networks like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also widely accepted.
Tipping is standard in Quebec, with 15% in restaurants and bars, and $1-2 CAD per bag for taxi drivers. Hotel staff usually expect a $5-10 CAD tip per night.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Tim Hortons is a popular spot for a quick and affordable coffee, around $2-3 CAD.
You can find a budget-friendly lunch at a food truck or a street cart, with options like poutine or hot dogs, for around $5-7 CAD.
A budget-friendly dinner option is a plate of tourtière or a Quebecois classic, at a restaurant or diner, for around $15-20 CAD.
Food trucks and street carts are common in areas like Rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Rue Saint-Denis, and the Jean-Talon Market.
Loblaws, Metro, and Provigo are common supermarket chains in the area.
You can find affordable shopping options at thrift stores like Goodwill or Value Village, or at the Jean-Talon Market.
The cheapest way to get around is by using the STM bus network, with a day pass costing around $10-15 CAD. From the airport, take the 747 bus to downtown Quebec City, which costs around $12 CAD.
Take advantage of the Quebec City's free attractions, such as the Citadelle and the Plains of Abraham.Consider purchasing a Quebec City Card, which grants access to multiple attractions and public transportation.Walk or bike around the city, as many attractions are within walking distance or have bike lanes.
Good to know — Quebec
Type A/B · 120V
safe
$1 ≈ C$1.41 · CAD
Emergency Contacts
QuebecWhere to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Quebec, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Motel L'Abri
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: pharmacy · Jean Coutu — 1.6 km · ~21 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) → Chauveau Ouest & St-Louis
💡 Get off at St-Louis & Chauveau Ouest, then walk 6 minutes. Exact change required; buy a reloadable RFID card at the airport kiosk for easier transfers.
Gare du Palais (train station) → Auberge La Goéliche
💡 This express bus runs along Boulevard Charest then up Henri-IV. Sit on the left side for river views near the end. Off-peak runs can be 10 min late.
Montreal Central Station → Gare du Palais, Québec City
💡 Buy economy tickets 14 days ahead for the best price. From Gare du Palais, catch RTC #801 or take a 20-min Uber to the hotel.
Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) → Auberge La Goéliche
💡 Book a flat-rate taxi through the airport's official booth to avoid surge pricing. Tipping 10–15% is standard.
About Quebec
Wikipedia ↗
Quebec City (French: Ville de Québec) is the capital city of the Canadian province of Quebec. As of July 2021, the city had a population of 549,459 and the Quebec City census metropolitan area (including surrounding communities) had a population of 839,311. It is the twelfth-largest city and the sev...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Motel L'Abri?
Request a room on the upper floors (3-6) for a quieter stay, as the lower floors (1-2) may receive more noise from the street. The concrete floors throughout the hotel ensure a relatively quiet environment.
Which rooms should I avoid at Motel L'Abri?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance ( likely on the ground floor) as it may attract more foot traffic and noise.
Is Motel L'Abri noisy?
Guests may be disturbed by street noise from the adjacent streets, particularly during peak hours.
Which rooms have the best views at Motel L'Abri?
Rooms on the eastern side may offer a view of the surrounding cityscape, while rooms on the western side may face the adjacent buildings.
What are insider tips for staying at Motel L'Abri?
Consider requesting a room with a balcony for fresh air and a view of the city. If you have a car, be aware that parking may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.
What time is check-in at Motel L'Abri?
Check-in at Motel L'Abri is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Motel L'Abri have Wi-Fi?
Free, unlimited speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Motel L'Abri?
$3.50 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Motel L'Abri?
You can find a budget-friendly lunch at a food truck or a street cart, with options like poutine or hot dogs, for around $5-7 CAD.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Motel L'Abri?
The cheapest way to get around is by using the STM bus network, with a day pass costing around $10-15 CAD. From the airport, take the 747 bus to downtown Quebec City, which costs around $12 CAD.
When is the best time to visit Quebec?
June and September offer the best balance: warm but not stifling, with manageable crowds before the July-August crush. Early October has stunning autumn colours, albeit cooler days.
Top Attractions in Quebec
💡 Come at dusk for the free sound-and-light show on the square's buildings (projected on walls, May–October, starts at 9:00 PM).
💡 Visit on a free Sunday but get there by 10:00—queue forms fast. The permanent First Peoples exhibition is top-notch.
💡 Skip the main tourist drag on Rue Saint-Jean—cut into the side alleys like Rue des Jardins for quieter spots and cheaper cafes.
💡 Go early morning to avoid crowds and see the mist over the St. Lawrence. Free guided tours run in summer but you need to book online.
💡 Take the 800 bus from downtown (€3.50) instead of a tour. Walk down the staircase on the east side—less crowded and better photos. Free to enter the park.