My husband & I and our 2 dogs enjoyed our stay in the St. Roch quarter of Quebec City. The apartment had what we needed, and was close to parking garages, food markets, restaurants & a gym. It was also close to a beautiful linear park along the St. Charles river - perfect for walking dogs! This is a gentrifying neighborhood, and there were quite a few homeless individuals, but we did not feel unsafe. If you are okay with the reality of what you might encounter in any city, you will be fine. Getting to the old city on foot was anywhere from 15 -30 min. one way, and by car it was 5-10 min. There is also a beautiful spa right on the south shore of the St. Lawrence river that has a superb thermal experience. See and do as much as you can!