A Travel Price Comparison for Canada Niagara Falls vs. Quebec City for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Niagara Falls or Quebec City?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Niagara Falls or Quebec City? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a iconic, breathtaking, and impressive city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Quebec City

Quebec City is a cultural, charming, and historical city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Niagara Falls and Quebec City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Niagara Falls or Quebec City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Quebec City than Niagara Falls. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Quebec City is very popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Niagara Falls attracts visitors for its hiking. Niagara Falls is more touristy than Quebec City and is known for the large volume of water that flows over it. Quebec City is famous for its charming streets and classic Old Town. It is also well known for Château Frontenac.

How is Niagara Falls different from Quebec City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Quebec City and Niagara Falls. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Niagara Falls or Quebec City?

Niagara Falls
Quebec City

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. However, Niagara Falls is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Quebec City are among the most recognizable in the world. Historic sites include La Citadelle de Québec and Quebec National Historic Site. There are many iconic buildings in town as well like the Parliament Building and Château Frontenac. Also make sure you visit the Musée de la Civilisation and the stunning Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.

While most people don't head to Niagara Falls specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The Niagara Falls History Museum is one of the best museums in the area. There are also more touristy museums and attractions that you can visit as well. There's also a butterfly conservancy that is worth checking out.


Is the Food Better in Niagara Falls or Quebec City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Niagara Falls
Quebec City

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Quebec City is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city offers a mix of Canadian favorites and French dishes with a local twist. Favorite dishes that you must try include tourtières, pâté chinois, pea soup, and fèves au lard. There are also many local desserts to sample. You'll find some of the best French Canadian cuisine in the Old Town.

Niagara Falls is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's an iconic Canadian destination so, of course, you should try all things Canadian while you're in town. Maple syrup, poutine, butter tart, and beavertail (fried dough) are all things that should be on your list. Also make sure you sample some of the local game meat.

Is Niagara Falls or Quebec City Better for Nightlife?

Niagara Falls
Quebec City

Quebec City is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Quebec City has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene consists mainly of bars and pubs that you'll find along Rue Saint-Jean and in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood. You'll also find clubs in Saint-Roch along Rue du Parvis and Avenue Saint-Joseph.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Niagara Falls. There's a decent concentration of clubs, pubs, and bars around town that keep things fun late into the evening.

Is Niagara Falls or Quebec City Better for its Old Town?

Niagara Falls
Quebec City

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Niagara Falls does not have a historic old town.

Quebec City offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The walled Old Town has fortifications that date back to the 17th century. It has a European charm with cobblestone streets, charming restaurants, beautiful squares, and historic architecture. Many visitors feel like they've stepped into old world Europe.

Niagara Falls does not have a historic old town.


Is Niagara Falls or Quebec City Better for Hiking?

Niagara Falls
Quebec City

Niagara Falls is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Quebec City is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Niagara Falls. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.

Quebec City is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Niagara Falls or Quebec City?

Niagara Falls
Quebec City

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Quebec City make it a world-class shopping destination. The Old Town has many local boutiques and artisan shops that are fun for browsing. There are many shopping streets in town like Petit-Champlain Street, Rue Saint-Joseph, and Avenue Cartier.

Niagara Falls has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find touristy souvenir shops as well as outlets and malls nearby.

Is Niagara Falls or Quebec City Better for Families?

Niagara Falls
Quebec City

Niagara Falls is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Quebec City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Niagara Falls is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The views and setting are spectacular, and kids will love the boat tours or taking a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. There's also an indoor waterpark, a butterfly conservatory, and plenty of nature to explore.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Quebec City is very family-friendly. There are tons of kid-friendly activities like visiting the Aquarium du Québec, having an adventure at Terrasse Dufferin, or exploring Chute de Montmorency.


Is Niagara Falls or Quebec City Better for Couples?

Niagara Falls
Quebec City

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Quebec City makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's one of the most European city's in North America, and it's filled with romance. Couples can enjoy exploring the Old Town by carriage or taking a boat ride on the Saint Lawrence River. For a truly romantic evening, enjoy a French meal at the famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, but for many couples, simply exploring and soaking up the city's charm offers the simple romance that they're looking for.

Niagara Falls makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The setting has long brought to mind romance, and to this day couples still honeymoon at this iconic destination. There are boat tours, nature trails, luxury hotels, and even wineries to explore.

Is Niagara Falls or Quebec City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Niagara Falls
Quebec City

Quebec City is notable for backpackers. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Quebec City is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a decent number of hostels around town and backpackers consider this a favorite destination in the area.

Niagara Falls is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's a hostel or two where you can stay for cheap and meet other travelers.

Is Niagara Falls or Quebec City Better for Students?

Niagara Falls
Quebec City

Quebec City is a popular place for students. However, Niagara Falls is not popular with students.

Quebec City is a good city to visit for students. It's a beautiful and charming city that is fun for international students.

Niagara Falls is not popular with students.


Is Niagara Falls or Quebec City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Niagara Falls
Quebec City

Both Niagara Falls and Quebec City offer nice public transit options.

Niagara Falls has a few public transit options. There is a bus system through town.

Quebec City has some public transit options. There are buses and ferries around town.

Is Niagara Falls or Quebec City a more walkable city?

Niagara Falls
Quebec City

Quebec City is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Quebec City on foot. The Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot.

Niagara Falls is a somewhat walkable city. Most of the attractions and close together by the falls, so it's relatively walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Niagara Falls Worth Visiting? and Is Quebec City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Quebec City or Niagara Falls?

How long in Niagara Falls or Quebec City?

It's fun to spend time in either Niagara Falls or Quebec City. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Quebec City due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Niagara Falls, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quebec City.

Couples should spend more time in Quebec City than Niagara Falls. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Quebec City that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Quebec City than Niagara Falls if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Quebec City.


  • How many days in Niagara Falls or Quebec City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Niagara Falls 2-3 
    Quebec City 2-4

One day in Niagara Falls or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the iconic city of Niagara Falls. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Quebec City. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.


A weekend in Niagara Falls or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the iconic destination of Niagara Falls. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Quebec City. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Niagara Falls or Quebec City?

The iconic city of Niagara Falls offers shopping and nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming destination of Quebec City. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Niagara Falls or Quebec City?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Niagara Falls. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Quebec City. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Canada, The Best Contiki Tours to Canada, The Best G Adventures Tours to Canada, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Vancouver.


Which place is cheaper, Quebec City or Niagara Falls?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Niagara Falls is $124, while the average daily cost in Quebec City is $128. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Niagara Falls and Quebec City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Niagara Falls $75
    Quebec City $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Niagara Falls $150
    Quebec City $148
Compare Hotels in Niagara Falls and Quebec City

Looking for a hotel in Niagara Falls or Quebec City? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Niagara Falls


Hotels in Quebec City


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Niagara Falls Hotel Prices and Quebec City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Niagara Falls $16
    Quebec City $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Niagara Falls

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Niagara Falls:

  • Private Departure Transfer to Buffalo Airport (BUF): $104
  • Private Transfer: Niagara Falls, ON to Pearson Int’l Airport (YYZ): $136
  • Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Arrival Private Transfer: $43
  • Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) to Buffalo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $86
  • Buffalo Niagara Airport(BUF) to Holiday Valley - Arrival Transfer: $136
  • Buffalo to Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) - Departure Private Transfer: $43
  • Departure Private Transfer: Niagara Falls to Toronto Airport YYZ in Luxury SUV: $202
  • Fixed Price :- Private Transfers Niagara falls Hotel OR Pearson Toronto Airport : $285
  • Niagara Buffalo Airport Arrival: Private Transfer to Niagara Falls Ontario: $104
  • Niagara Buffalo Airport Departure: Private Transfer to Buffalo Niagara Airport: $104
  • Niagara Falls South Airport Private Transfer to Hamilton: $360
  • Niagara Falls South Airport Private Transfer to Pearson: $1,851

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Quebec City

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Quebec City are as follows:


  • Parking in Quebec City
    $3.68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quebec City

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Quebec City:

  • Sugar Shack Shuttle Transfer: $24
  • Québec Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) to Québec city - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • Québec city to Québec Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
  • Private Transfer from Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) to Québec City: $53
  • Private Transfer from Québec City to Jean Lesage Airport (YQB): $53
  • Québec Airport (YQB) to Le Terminal Quebec Cruise Port- Arrival Private Transfer: $59
  • Québec Airport (YQB) to Le Terminal Cruise Port -Arrival Transfer: $59
  • Le Terminal Quebec Port to Québec Airport (YQB) - Departure Private Transfer: $59
  • Private Transfer from Quebec City to YQB airport: $91
  • Private Transfer from Quebec City Airport (YQB) to Saguenay Port: $96
  • Private Transfer from Quebec City Hotels to Saguenay Cruise Port: $96
  • Quebec city private transfer: $98

Is it cheaper to fly into Niagara Falls or Quebec City?

Prices for flights to both Quebec City and Niagara Falls change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Niagara Falls $29
    Quebec City $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Niagara Falls

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Niagara Falls.

  • Small-Group Buffalo Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Niagara Falls Hotels: Tour with Boat, Dinner and Lights Show: $97
  • The Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Food Tour: $105
  • Walking Food Tour in Niagara Falls: $109
  • Guided Night Tour w/ Dinner & Hotel Transfer: $143
  • Food Tour with Fireworks Viewing: $143
  • Light up The Falls Small Group Tour with Fallsview Dinner: $150
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake: Sunset Wine Tour with Dinner: $166
  • Sunset Niagara-on-the-Lake Small Group Wine Tour with Dinner: $181
  • Niagara Wine Tasting and three courses Dinner: $195
  • Niagara Falls Evening Lights Tour With Skylon Tower Dinner: $195
  • Niagara Falls Day and Night Combo plus Dinner & Fireworks: $198

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quebec City

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Quebec City.

  • 3 or 5 Course Dinner Cruise with DJ & Dancing: $133
  • Old Quebec 5-Course Gourmet Food Tour: $191
  • Combo Historical and Food Tour of the Old Quebec City: $195
  • Evening Gourmet Tour 5 Course Dinner - History and Food in Old Quebec City: $195
  • Private Street Food Tour in Quebec With A Local Guide : $249

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Niagara Falls $20
    Quebec City $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Niagara Falls

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Niagara Falls are as follows:


  • Maid of the Mist
    $38

Tours and Activities in Niagara Falls

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Niagara Falls are as follows:

  • Visit Niagara Falls with bus ticket from/to Hamilton Airport: $3.67
  • Niagara Peninsula Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $6.25
  • Niagara Peninsula: a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour: $7.56
  • Niagara Legends of Adventure Admission Ticket: $11
  • Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara Adventure Theater: $11
  • Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum Admission Ticket: $12
  • Niagara Falls, Canada: Niagara SkyWheel Ticket: $12
  • Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site Admission and Guided Tour: $13
  • Niagara SkyWheel Admission Ticket: $13
  • Epic Niagara Falls Canada Driving Tour: $15
  • Seated Tasting Experience at Konzelmann Winery: $15
  • Niagara Falls, Canada: Journey Behind the Falls Entry Ticket: $16

Tours and Activities in Quebec City

Here are a few actual costs in Quebec City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Old Québec: First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.33
  • Uncover Old Quebec: Fun Walking Tour of the City with Local Guide: $4.51
  • Old Quebec Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.52
  • Private App Guided Walking Tour to Quebec City Old Town : $6.20
  • Highlights App Guided Tour with Puzzles: $6.64
  • Québec City: Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux Guided Site Tour: $8.84
  • APP Self-Guided Tours Quebec with Audioguide: $9.06
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Observatoire de la Capitale Entry Ticket: $11
  • Québec City: Sights & Highlights Walking tour: $11
  • MNBAQ National Fine Arts Museum Entry Ticket: $14
  • Québec: Fortifications of Old Québec Guided Walking Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Niagara Falls $11
    Quebec City $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Niagara Falls

Also in Niagara Falls, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Summer Sips - Private Outdoor Wine Tasting Experience: $23
  • Niagara's Decadent Sparkling and Icewine Tasting: $23
  • Public Niagara Wine Tour with Transportation: $59
  • Niagara Wine Tour and Tastings with Included Transportation : $63
  • Small Group Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tasting Tour: $97
  • 3.5 Hours NOTL E-Bike Wine Tour: $113
  • Half-Day Niagara Micro Brewery Tour: $113
  • Wine Craft Beer Cider & Distillery Tour in Niagara: $113
  • Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour - Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour: $120
  • Luxury Winery, Distillery & Craft Beer Tour in Niagara Region : $124
  • Niagara Craft Brewery Tour Niagara Falls: $125
  • Niagara All American All inclusive Boutique Wine Tour : $139

Sample the Local Flavors in Quebec City

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Quebec City:

  • Honey and Distillery Tour with Tasting: $21
  • Craft Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour: $51
  • Quebec City Craft Brewery and Beer Tasting Small-Group Tour: $61
  • Island of Orleans Wine Tour: $91
  • Wine Tasting on Ile d'Orleans: $93


When comparing the travel costs between Niagara Falls and Quebec City, we can see that Quebec City is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Niagara Falls Expensive? and Is Quebec City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Niagara Falls or Quebec City?

Quebec City has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Niagara Falls. When comparing the sizes of Niagara Falls and Quebec City, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.