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

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.
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.

PHOTO: Old Quebec, Quebec City is seen here.
Old Quebec, Quebec City is seen here.
ABC News

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.

PHOTO: Tourists walk through the Place Jacques-Cartier in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Aug. 19, 2018.
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.

PHOTO: Poutine from Le Chic Chack in Quebec City.
Poutine from Le Chic Chack in Quebec City.
ABC News

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

PHOTO: The Montmorency Falls on the Montmorency River in Quebec, Canada, June 6, 2017.
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

PHOTO: Sugar Shack is seen here in Montreal.
Sugar Shack is seen here in Montreal.
ABC News

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.

PHOTO: Maple snow taffy at sugar shack Erabliere le Chemin du Roy.
Maple snow taffy at sugar shack Erabliere le Chemin du Roy.
ABC News

Buy the Passport Montreal for discounts on attractions

PHOTO: The Botanical Garden, view from the Olympic Centre in Montreal.
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

PHOTO: Gnocchi from Drogheria Fine in Montreal.
Gnocchi from Drogheria Fine in Montreal.
ABC News

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.

More 'GMA' Travel Picks

By clicking on these shopping links, visitors will leave Goodmorningamerica.com. These e-commerce sites are operated under different terms and privacy policies than Goodmorningamerica.com. ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Influencers may receive a commission or have business relationships with a recommended brand. SOME PRICES ARE DYNAMIC AND MAY CHANGE FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. Have questions about ordering or a purchase? Click here.

Walmart

CeraVe Hydrating Face Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 for All Skin Types, 2.5 fl oz

  • $13.97
  • Walmart
Walmart

Chunhong Pocket Picnic Blanket

  • $12.59
  • Walmart
8% off
Amazon

EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

  • $22.99
  • $24.99
  • Amazon
44% off
Walmart

Wolfang Action Camera 4K 20MP

  • $49.99
  • $89.99
  • Walmart
Walmart

Anker PowerCore Select

  • $30.47
  • Walmart
78% off
Walmart

iFanze 90000 Lumens Powerful Flashlight

  • $14.99
  • $69.99
  • Walmart
Walmart

Stens New Stens 2 1/2 Gallon Fuel Can 765-102 for No-Spill 1405

  • $33.19
  • Walmart
Walmart

iOttie Easy One Touch 5 Universal Dashboard & Windshield Car Mount and Phone Holder

  • $24.95
  • Walmart
25% off
Walmart

Anker Car Charger USB C

  • $17.95
  • $23.97
  • Walmart
REI

Kelty Litter G'tter Trash Can

  • $24.95
  • REI
Amazon

CLOUDBERG 24 Pack Blue Emesis Bags

  • $9.99
  • Amazon
15% off
Amazon

Lonely Planet Pocket Montreal & Quebec City (Pocket Guide)

  • $12.67
  • $14.99
  • Amazon