Am I being cheap and critical?

Question

Vacation to Quebec City. Beautiful city, however I found the restaurants to be extremely overpriced. The average cost of lunch was $50-$60. Dinner was over $100.00 (and we tried several restaurants) All the menus seemed the same. There were some menus that had more gamey food then others, but Pizza seemed to be at the top of every menu. The price of a beer was $6.00 -$8.00! The residents seemed annoyed that we (tourist) were there. Unless you were at an upscale restaurant the service was crappy. It is a beautiful city and we had a very nice hotel with nice staff, but I just feel the prices are crazy for what you get. We had tour guide that was complaining about an American lady that was asking questions about the rates. We also had a bartender that said she can always spot an American that comes in. When I asked how (yes I’m an American) she said because we all act like we should be catered to. Am I being cheap and critical?

Answer 1

Cheap, I wouldn't say so, critical yes, but I don't think that's bad.

I live in Quebec City, and I would have to say you probably went to all the wrong places to eat, if you paid $50 for lunch. There are a lot of "tourist trap" restaurants, as in any touristic city. I am guessing you fell for these, as I have eaten several times in the touristic section of the city, and there are many places where you can get lunch for $15 or less, and dinner for $30 or $40.

As for people complaining about American tourists, that's not typical of Quebec City. You'll find American-hatred from pretty much anywhere, as many people tend to overgeneralize and stereotype other cultures.

Sorry you had such a bad experience. I used to work in the tourist business, and always tried to be as courteous and nice with everyone, but I know for a fact not all citizens of my city are as open-minded.

Answer 2

I'm from Quebec and now living in the west. Like all touristic areas, prices are higher and sometimes you don't get what you pay for. That's a shame. It's too bad you didn't connect with a local. That's what I used to do, personal guide, great places to see, great food, all at a great price. Oh! don't forget Quebec has a provincial tax of 8% and a federal Tax of 6% and some restaurant add 15% gratuity on top...
What best to do, walk around and shop for a place to eat.
As for the anti American slurred.....I'm sorry, that's not the majority.

Answer 3

I live in Quebec City, and I can answer both your questions.

1. Food in Vieux-Quebec, the old city, is more expensive because it is very tourist, and due to this, it costs a fortune for a restaurant to rent space in the old city. If you go outside of the city, it is less expensive. Rue St-Jean or in St-Roch are popular choices.

Another thing to consider is that lunch here generally consists of a Table d'Hôte, meaning that it is a three course lunch with salad, a main, dessert, and coffee/tea. Add a few glasses of wine, and you can easily spend upwards of $40.

When looking for a restaurant, try looking on the website for the English-speaking newspaper, le Télégraphe. Also, in just about any store, you can pick up nighlife weeklies free of charge; try Scope or Le Voir for some sugestions (Le Voir is only in French, though).

2. Quebec City speaks French. You can easily identify Americans because they look like Canadians, and don't try and speak French (most Canadians will try out their high-school French). Yes, there are plenty of Americans who think the world is theirs, but that can be said about some of the europeans we see here, too! Americans tend to be very direct when they ask a question, which is often misinterpreted as being rude.

Answer 4

In Canada, we have the freedom of speech so your comment is critical yes but is ok.

You most likely went to the wrong places. I am from Canada, I visited Québec city and all I can say is that I ate and slept there for reasonable prices and people were respectful and accessible. (I shopped hotels on internet before I went.)

I understand that when visiting another city/country.. especially when I pay for something, I expect excellent service but you have to look out for yourself and choose the reasonable restaurant and hotel. Touristic places are expensive for tenants and for tourists.

I visited the US and I found the people were different but respectful. You have to be open-minded when travelling. Don't expect to be greated like in your country.. isn't that why we travel, to see other culture, other ways of living?

What we think is rude might be normal for you and same thing the other way around.

In Canada, we love everybody.

Answer 5

I think your right about the prices, that is terrible. For myself, I would never go to Quebec. My parents have been there and said they would never go back. It is beautiful but unless you are from there or speak french you are not welcome. Try other parts of Canada. Like Newfoundland. I've heard there is NO friendlier place. As for the people who said they can always tell an American..I wouldn't doubt that. Americans seem a bit more uptight than Canadians are. I'm NOT slamming you with that. I have many friends that are American, it's just the different life styles.

Answer 6

Two things:
1) Quebec City is a tourist destinataion, just like many places in the U.S. so prices tend to be higher than usual. Think of New York, Los Angeles, Aspen, etc.
2) The U.S. dollar equals about $1.10 Canadian so prices are correspondingly higher.

Answer 7

All tourist traps are expensive. Whenever you visit any city that's popular with tourists, stay away from any restaurant, bar, etc. within a mile or two of any large hotel. Prices are always ridiculous.

Answer 8

I think americans are not widely liked in the world these days due to herr bush and his crime syndicate that seems to be doing a good job at propelling us towards world war three..

Answer 9

remind me not to go to quebec city in america junior.