If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Europe without leaving North America, Québec City is your ideal destination. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to many charms, including a truly unique hotel in Québec City: Le Monastère des Augustines. Once a cloister for Augustinian nuns, this historic monastery offers a remarkable lodging experience.
With a prestigious 5 Green Keys distinction, Le Monastère is one of the few Canadian hotels recognized for its commitment to regenerative tourism, which emphasizes the preservation of cultural heritage (with a museum on-premises), sustainability (having minimal beauty products and recyclable containers), and wellness initiatives, including reduced-rate accommodations for caregivers and healthcare workers.
Location
Situated within the ramparts of Old Town Québec, Le Monastère des Augustines is built on the site of North America’s first hospital, established in 1695. It primarily served the needs of patients at Hôtel-Dieu de Québec (hospital). Completed renovated and re-opened as a hotel in 2015, this beautiful boutique hotel is ideally situated close to downtown.
Québec City is conveniently located for travelers from major U.S. cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago, with direct flights readily available. New York City is just a short flight away, about 1.5 hours, while Boston is approximately an hour away. Chicago is slightly farther, with direct flights taking around 2 hours.
This accessibility makes Québec City an attractive destination for weekend getaways or extended trips. Visitors can experience its rich history, French Canadian culture, and stunning architecture without the hassle of extended travel times. From the Eastern seaboard or the Midwest, reaching this charming city is quick and easy.
Room Features
Le Monastère offers two types of accommodations: Authentic and Contemporary Rooms.
- Authentic Rooms provide a monastic experience. They have one or two single beds, a sink and mirror, a desk, and a wardrobe. The bathrooms are communal but private, and seven are available for guests.
- Contemporary Rooms feature king, queen, or twin beds and come with private bathrooms, desks, and wardrobes. These larger rooms boast beautiful windows overlooking Old Town.
All rooms have ultra-comfortable bedding, towels, bathrobes, air conditioning, and a smoke-free environment.
Amenities
Check-in is at 4 PM, and check-out is at noon. Guests can enjoy communal areas such as the courtyard, garden, and the Augustinian choir. Meals are served in Le Vivoir for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
For a peaceful atmosphere, the rooms do not have phones or televisions, but complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. While mini-fridges are not provided in individual rooms, a small refrigerator for medical use is accessible in the lower lobby. Limited parking is available for $25 per day.
Special Features
Breakfast at Le Monastère is served in silence, honoring the site’s historical vocation and allowing for a serene start to your day. You can enhance your experience with a meditation walk at 9 AM for $12 CDN ($9 USD) or participate in daily one-hour yoga classes at 5 PM for $18 CDN ($14 USD); these classes are available to the public with limited spaces—sign up at reception upon check-in.
A variety of massage treatments, including Signature, Aroma, and Thai Yoga, are offered, along with online classes for at-home use. Consult the calendar for unique programs that include concerts, meditation, and other cultural and wellness activities
Located on the second floor, the museum at Le Monastère is small yet provides valuable insight into the life and work of the Augustinian order throughout the years. It houses over 40,000 artifacts, with a selected few on display highlighting the order’s rich history.
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Visitors can explore fascinating medical instruments, religious artifacts, and period furniture collected from the 12 hospitals administered by the Augustinians. These exhibits are important educational and historical references, enriching your experience at this unique hotel and its heritage.
Dining Options
Le Vivoir offers a takeout counter menu with vegetarian, vegan, fish, and meat options. Lunch can be enjoyed either in the dining room or outside in the courtyard. Dinner is buffet-style by reservation, featuring traditional Québécois cuisine at a price range of $25-50 per person. Gluten-free and lactose-free options are available upon request. Nearby dining alternatives include:
Other options include:
- La Buche – traditional Quebecois cuisine with a modern twist, decorated in familiar French Canadian artifacts
- Don Vegane – “Le Don” is a vegan pioneer in lower Old Town, moody with a great bar
- Chez Paillard – Chez Paillardi s a chain bakery with great pastries and coffee
- Frits Alors! – No visit to Québec is complete without ‘poutine’ French Fries, squeaky cheese curds, and gravy – yum, yum – trust me!
Why Visit Quebec City
Old Town Québec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases stunning 17th-century architecture and vibrant French Canadian charm. As you stroll through the cobblestone streets, you’ll encounter historic landmarks like the iconic Château Frontenac and the picturesque Place Royale. The Plains of Abraham, a significant battle site, offers a lovely park where you can delve into the city’s military history and enjoy beautiful views.
Art lovers will appreciate the Musée National des Beaux-arts du Québec, which features an impressive collection of Canadian indigenous and international art. If you visit in winter, experience the world-renowned Carnaval de Québec, a lively festival filled with ice sculptures, parades, and winter activities. The Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ) brings musical artists to the streets in the summer for an 11-day festival. Past headliners include Post Malone, The Weeknd, Metallica, and Sting. With its rich history and cultural vibrancy, Old Town Québec City is an essential destination year-round.
Room Rates
Room rates vary by season, with Monastic single rooms starting at $142 USD in winter and reaching $306 USD in summer. Contemporary Rooms range from $166 to $314 USD. All accommodations include a silent breakfast at Le Vivoir and access to the Museum. Overall, these rates are very reasonable for a hotel in Quebec City.
Check the latest rates online at Booking.com, Hotels.com, or Expedia.
Overall Experience of this Hotel in Québec City
What sets Le Monastère apart is the opportunity to unplug and embrace a peaceful, rejuvenating stay. This reasonably priced hotel, conveniently located in the heart of Old Town, provides easy access to historic sites, restaurants, bars, and shopping.
I highly recommend this boutique hotel in Quebec City, where you can stay for a few nights and indulge in wellness programs like massages, yoga, and meditation walks. This unique and historically significant accommodation offers an enriching cultural and spiritual journey in French Canada.
As part of a press trip to Quebec City, I participated in a yoga class and visited the Le Monastère des Augustines museum. All the opinions and images for this article are my own.
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