Host City
29th International Conference on Paste, Thickened and Filtered Tailings
31 May–2 June 2027 | Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Welcome to Quebec City
We are delighted to be hosting Paste 2027 in Québec City.
Founded in 1608, Québec City sits dramatically above the St. Lawrence River, its fortified Old Town (Vieux-Québec) a living museum of cobblestone streets, 17th-century architecture, and world-class cuisine. It earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1987 and remains the cultural and political heart of French Canada.
For Paste 2027 attendees in late May, you’ll catch the city at the cusp of its best season — tulips in bloom, long evenings, and all of Old Québec’s terraces opening up for the summer.
Things to do
Old Québec divides into two distinct levels – the Upper Town (Haute-Ville) and the Lower Town (Basse-Ville) – connected by funicular, staircase, and steep cobbled lanes. You could spend several days just within the old walls.
Château Frontenac
The castle-like hotel dominating the skyline is one of the world’s most photographed buildings. Non-guests can visit the lobby bars or join a guided history tour.
Old Québec (Vieux-Québec)
The only remaining walled city north of Mexico. Wander the ramparts, explore the Citadelle, and lose yourself in the narrow lanes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Terrasse Dufferin
A sweeping wooden boardwalk below the Château offering panoramic views over the St. Lawrence. Buskers perform here in summer; guided fortification tours depart daily from mid-May.
Rue du Petit-Champlain
Widely considered the most picturesque street in Canada — a charming lane of boutiques, galleries, and cafés that feels unmistakably European. Reach it via the famous Breakneck Stairs (Escalier Casse-Cou).
Place-Royale
The birthplace of French North America, this beautifully preserved square in the Lower Town was the colony’s commercial hub in the 17th and 18th centuries. Home to the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church.
Montmorency Falls
At 83 metres, these falls are actually taller than Niagara. Ride the cable car to the top for spectacular views, or walk the suspension bridge spanning the chasm. Roaring with spring meltwater in late May.
Observatoire de la Capitale
360-degree views from the 31st floor of a government tower — on a clear day you can see the Laurentian Mountains and spot Montmorency Falls in the distance.
Old Port Market
Late May is a perfect time to visit — local produce starts filling the stalls. Pick up fresh bread, local cheese, and maple products for a riverside picnic.
Weather
Late May is a lovely time to visit Québec City. The city has emerged from winter, tulips are blooming in the gardens of Old Québec, restaurant terraces are opening, and daylight stretches past 8pm. It’s firmly spring — not yet summer heat — so pack layers.
19°C / 66°F – Average daytime high
6°C / 43°F – Average overnight low
~49% – chance of rain on any given day
Local Cuisine
Québec City is a serious food destination, with a cuisine rooted in French tradition but unmistakably its own — hearty, ingredient-led, and proudly local. Don’t leave without trying at least a few of these.
Poutine
The national dish of Québec: fries, fresh squeaky cheese curds, hot gravy. Chez Ashton is the legendary local chain.
Tourtière
A rich, spiced meat pie — a Québécois comfort food classic, especially satisfying on a cool spring evening.
Maple everything
Maple syrup, maple butter, maple candy. Québec produces the vast majority of the world’s maple syrup — it shows.
Ice cider
A Québec invention: intensely sweet, complex apple cider made from frozen apples. A perfect digestif and uniquely local gift to bring home.
Getting there
Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) is about 16 km from Old Québec — a comfortable 20–25 minutes by taxi or Uber under normal traffic conditions.
Taxis queue outside the international arrivals doors and are available 24/7. They offer a fixed flat day rate and night rate to downtown.
Uber operates at YQB. Request a car via the app on arrival. Typically cheaper than a taxi for groups of 1–2; can seat up to 4–6 depending on vehicle type.
Route 80 runs every 30 minutes, 5:58am–11:28pm, to the Saint-Roch neighbourhood with connections to Old Québec. Journey takes around 50 minutes. Exact change required.
Most taxi drivers speak some English, but having your hotel’s address saved on your phone (or written down) is always a good idea. Taxis accept Visa and Mastercard at the airport.
Getting around
Old Québec is compact and designed for walking — in fact, a car is more hindrance than help inside the old walls, where streets are narrow and parking scarce.
Walking
Wear comfortable, flat-soled shoes — cobblestones are beautiful but unforgiving on heels. The Upper Town and Lower Town are connected by the funicular (CA$3.75 each way).
Transport
Taxis and Ubers are readily available throughout the city. Taxis can be hailed on the street or called (look for the illuminated roof sign). Uber is active and reliable. For late-night returns after conference dinners, these are your best bet.
Cycling
A growing network of bike paths winds through the city. Bike rentals are available, and in late May the weather is perfect for exploring the river paths.
Language
French is the official language of Québec by law, and you’ll hear it everywhere — on signs, menus, in conversation. The Québécois are proud of their language and culture, and a little French goes a long way in earning goodwill.
That said, virtually all businesses in Old Québec that serve tourists employ staff who speak passable to fluent English.
Québécois use the 24-hour clock and write prices with a comma instead of a decimal point (so $12,50 means twelve dollars fifty). Menus and receipts follow this convention.
Tipping
Tipping is expected in Québec’s service industry — it’s a significant part of how hospitality workers, drivers etc are compensated. Generally 15% is the norm.