In a new city, I love a good newsstand. Jac & Gil is a small chain that provides a nice selection…read moreof periodicals. The sell tobacco products as well which outside of empty cigar boxes, I have no interest. This Jac & Gil location was on the main street near our apartment rental and provided me with a good opportunity to purchase (over multiple visits) some Canadian issues of the Walrus, Hockey News, the Globe and Mail, and others. And yes, I stayed out of the adult section.

I came in to buy some French editions of my favorite books for my collection and had a great…read moreexperience. This shop was well organized and had the best selection. The prices were average and the service was good. I'm really happy with my purchase and I'd definitely come back in the future.

I had already been to this independent bookstore's other location in Quebec City, but was glad to…read morelearn they had a store in Old/Vieux Quebec closer to my hotel. Despite being in the midst of all the tourist action, the place was a welcome bookish refuge. I popped in to buy a new journal for my travels, but I easily got side tracked by the many French-language titles (the majority of the store). There also happened to be a book launch going on, with an author reading and bubbly beverages. Too bad I couldn't stay to listen and imbibe! The store was surprisingly large for the downtown area, with a mezzanine level accessed by stairs. They seemed to be shuffling things around, as several sections up there were partially empty. Their stationary section was a little sparse, but I found a fun notebook from a local brand that suited my needs, and the staff was very friendly as I checked out. Very glad to have discovered Librairie Pantoute!

On our visit to Quebec City we walked into this catholic store just by chance. We were in for a…read morehuge treat, as the sisters in attendance spoke fluid French, Spanish and English amongst other languages. This beautiful Catholic gift and supply store in the lower town of old quebec is run by the Nun's from the Monistary of the Magnificat. It features hand painted statues and figurines, books, rosaries, paintings, calendars, magazines, kids books and more. Most of everything is handmade by the nuns. They were very kind and took relish to show us their own printed books, hand made rosaries and hand made and painted religious icons. They had a vast collection of prayers and I was able to find the rosary of archangel st. Michael. They are a non for profit charity and this order has schools all over the world. Their works are vast and their pious deeds are depicted in their annual calendars, which is their only fundraiser. They took time to talk to my son and gifted him a medal he wished to purchase. I recommend this store to any catholic traveling through Quebec City. A true gem.