A Capitol idea
Vote to visit America’s capital, with flights from Québec City to Washington, DC.
Washington welcomes visitors with a winning combination of political and cultural attractions. Whether you elect to stay close to the White House, or venture into the city’s storied suburbs, you’ll have a full docket of things to do in Washington, DC.
The National Mall is where you’ll find many of Washington, DC’s main points of interest. Packed with attractions like the United States Capitol, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial, these 59 hectares feature a dense collection of DC activities. Spend an afternoon strolling and sightseeing along the Mall’s paths, or take a few days to go in depth and go inside the institutions of “America’s front yard”.
As you mill about the Mall, keep an eye out for “The Castle”. With its stately red towers, the Smithsonian Institution Building has earned this nickname. Inside this striking structure, look for the Smithsonian Visitor Center, which can direct you towards the 19 Smithsonian Institution museums and galleries scattered throughout Washington, DC.
The Smithsonian’s collection of museums includes everything from the National Air and Space Museum to the National Museum of the American Indian. Smithsonian art galleries also vary vastly, ranging from the portraiture at the National Portrait Gallery to the arts and crafts of the Renwick Gallery. One of the institution’s biggest allures is the array of amazing animals of the Smithsonian National Zoo.
While the giant pandas are undoubtedly the stars of the National Zoo, Washington, DC has plenty of other shows for your to see. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts lights up its multiple stages with theatre, music, and dance. History is in the spotlight at the Ford’s Theater, where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865.
Even if you’re not visiting from Québec during Washington’s annual show of cherry blossoms, this city still has other intriguing green spaces to explore. From the wilds of Theodore Roosevelt Island to the cultivated horticulture of the United States Botanic Garden, there are plenty of parks to unwind in during your trip from Québec City to Washington, DC.
U Street Corridor
U Street is waiting for you
Do DC nightlife right on your trip from Québec City, with a visit to the U Street Corridor.
This subsection of the Shaw neighbourhood has a rich history. Having seen Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Miles Davis light up its stages, U Street’s nickname of “Black Broadway” was well-earned. While U Street went silent for many years after the 1968 race riots, this neighbourhood has since regained its lustre.
U Street’s performance heritage lives on in its many music venues. From classic locations like the Lincoln Theater (where Nat King Cole serenaded U Street) to newer venues, this neighbourhood still knows how to hold a note.
In U Street’s bars, live music is a mainstay. But with some bars doubling as art galleries and operating as speakeasies, this neighborhood has a varied nightlife, with something for every kind of trip from Québec City to Washington, DC.
Even though the U Street Corridor has changed a lot over the years, one thing has remained constant. Ben’s Chili Bowl opened in 1958 and continues to serve up bowl after bowl of comfort food. If you’re hungry for more U Street Corridor history, sit down for a meal in this well-aged restaurant.
For after dark fun on your trip from Québec City to Washington, DC, you can’t go wrong with the U Street Corridor.
Capitol Hill
A walk on the quiet side
Capitol Hill’s blend of federal buildings, eclectic businesses, and historic houses make this quiet neighbourhood the next must-see stop on your trip from Québec City.
While some of Washington, DC’s most popular points of interest are next door to Capitol Hill, this neighbourhood has managed to maintain a low-key vibe. As you walk along scenic row house lined streets, it’s hard to believe major DC attractions are just minutes away.
Since 1873, the Eastern Market has drawn people to this DC neighbourhood. While this public market suffered from a major fire in 2007, the structure has since been restored to its original glory. Still serving as a public market, the Eastern Market Lunch serves up a variety of delicious dishes. Get a taste of Capitol Hill, with the pancakes and crab cakes of this eatery in the market’s North Hall.
After lunch, check out some greenery from the lush United States Botanic Garden. Appealing in every season, this garden features both open-air displays and indoor greenhouse spaces. From the entertainment of the amphitheatre to the aquatic designs of the First Ladies Water Garden, there’s always something going on at this flourishing DC attraction.
Just a few minutes away is the Library of Congress, which is so large it requires three buildings to contain its collection of films, photos, and, of course, books. With a tour of this destination, you’ll learn more about the art, architecture, and history of one of Washington’s most well-read establishments.
While you won’t be able to leaf through all the volumes of the Library of Congress, Capitol Hill has plenty of opportunities to get hands-on with books. At Capitol Hill Books, volumes are stacked from floor-to-ceiling, covering almost every subject imaginable. Peruse through this fully stocked bookshop for something you’ll want to read cover-to-cover on your flight back to Québec City.
How to get to Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB)
Porter’s check-in desk is located in the departures area.
Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) is about 16 km / 10 mi from downtown Québec City.
Transportation to Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB)
Take the Réseau de Transport de la Capitale 78 bus to the airport stop. The fare is $3.50 CAD.
Please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental before your departing flight.
Taxis from downtown cost about $35 CAD. Car service costs about $85 CAD.
Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport Parking
Driving to Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport? There are options to choose from. InParq multi-level parkings cots $2.50 per 15 minutes, for a maxium of $24.50 for 24 hours or $147 for the week. ProxiParq outdoors parking has rates of $19.50 for 24 hours and $97.50 for one week.
The information and figures above are for reference only, and may not be current. Please visit each airport's website for up-to-date details.
Landing in Dulles
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is about 44 km / 28 mi from downtown Washington, DC.
Washington Dulles International Airport Transportation to Downtown
Uber and Lyft are available at Washington Dulles International Airport. Exit on the arrivals level where all ride-sharing vehicles meet travellers.
Car rental car services are available at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Take the shuttle bus from doors 2, 4, or 6 of the baggage claim area of the main terminal to get to the rental lot area.
Taxis to downtown cost about $55 USD. Car service costs about $80 USD.
The Silver Line Express shuttle bus provides service from the airport to Wiehle Avenue Metrorail Station, on the Metro Silver Line. The fare is $5 USD.
The information and figures above are for reference only, and may not be current. Please visit each airport's website for up-to-date details.