Where is the best croissant in Québec City?
Croissant, a Québec Thing?
During my tours, a lot of visitors ask me where they can find the best croissant in town. Before I answer this question (I’m French: of course I’m going to answer it!), I have to confess something to you: the croissant is not a Québécois thing. Yes, some locals buy a croissant from time to time as a treat, but it’s not a big thing like in France.
Why? Well, the short answer is: we’re not in France.
Just a Tiny Bit of History!
Long answer? Let me take you back to when the croissant was invented. And you know what? The croissant is actually not French: it’s Austrian. It traces its origins to Vienna, with its ancestor kipferl that was popularised at the end of the 1600s in Vienna. Historians think croissants were introduced to France in 1839, when two Austrians, August Zang and Ernest Schwarzer, opened a bakery in Paris. It then became popular among French bakers, the recipe evolved slightly, and it was quickly adopted by Parisians. As for its introduction to Canada, and particularly to the province of Québec, historians believe it was gradually brought over by French chefs who immigrated to La Belle Province in between the 1900s and 1960s.
So, if what you’re after is a local sweet treat, I’d suggest you try pouding chômeur, tarte au sucre, pet de sœur, or even grand-père au sirop. Those are real Québécois pastries, and they’ll be the subject of another blog article!
Where to Find the Best Croissants, then?
That said, croissants are delicious, and you can find some very good ones in Québec City! Here are my favourite places (and you can trust me, I’m a croissant fan!).
Épicerie Québécoise - Chez Boulay
In my opinion, Épicerie Chez Boulay has the best croissant in town. It’s buttery, flaky, gigantic, and delicious. Plus, I love their boutique that celebrates local food and terroir products. While you’re there, get their cream fudge (sucre à la crème) with a touch of boreal spice and put it inside your croissant. YUMMMMMMM!
Epi’Fanny
Located in my favourite neighbourhood, Saint-Jean-Baptiste (where I live!), Epi’Fanny uses local flour from the Charlevoix region and offers most of the typical pastries you’ll find in France. This is not surprising, as the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighbourhood has quite a large French population, much like the Plateau in Montréal. This is my second favourite choice after Chez Boulay.
Le Croquembouche
Located in the “trendy hipster” neighbourhood of Saint-Roch, Boulangerie Pâtisserie Le Croquembouche is a great spot for anyone craving next-level croissants with a stylish coffee. They also offer some fancier versions of the classic croissant, with almonds, chocolate etc.!
Borderon et Fils
While Borderon et Fils is mainly known for its delicious fresh breads made with organic products, their croissants are also worth the visit! Crisp on the outside, tender inside, made with serious technique and local butter… It’s the kind of place where you can taste family tradition and authenticity in every bite.
Pascal le Boulanger
I’ll finish with Pascal le Boulanger because it’s not located in Québec City but in Stoneham: the perfect stop on your way to Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier to fuel up before a hike. Or maybe you want to treat yourself after a relaxing experience at Sibéria Spa? Or you’re craving comfort food after a dog-sledding ride at Aventure Nord-Bec that left you happy but a bit cold? Either way, the croissant is worth the trip!
