Categories > Guides and Tips
Top 10 Things to Do in Quebec in Summer
- Visit the awe-inspiring Montmorency Falls
- Hike the scenic trails of Parc national des Grands-Jardins
- Savour local food and music at the New France Festival
- Enjoy a day of fun at the Valcartier Vacation Village
- Have an outdoor lunch at Légende
- Explore the indigenous heritage at the Huron-Wendat Museum
- Take a stroll through the Quartier Petit Champlain
- Admire local talent at the Rue du Trésor
- Soak up the sun at Baie de Beauport beach
- Wander through the historic district of Vieux-Limoilou
Quebec truly bursts with life during the summer, offering a plethora of fun activities for everyone to enjoy. It’s like it serves up an extraordinary menu of summertime experiences.
So, read on as we explore this city that charms both locals and visitors alike with its warm spirit and impressive things to do in the summer.
Visit the awe-inspiring Montmorency Falls
Website: https://www.sepaq.com/destinations/parc-chute-montmorency/
Address: 2490 Ave Royale, Québec City, QC
Contact details: +1 418-663-3330
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
Visiting Montmorency Falls is far from just a sightseeing tour. You can enjoy nature walks, take in the breathtaking views from the suspension bridge, or even get adventurous with a zipline across the falls.
The falls also boast a set of stairs, known as the panoramic staircase, with a whopping 487 steps that lead to the top of the falls. The fall’s magnificence from the top is something no picture can capture; it’s something you need to see for yourself.
Local tip: Don’t forget to pack a waterproof camera or a phone case; you wouldn’t want to miss capturing these moments because of a few water droplets.
Hike the scenic trails of Parc national des Grands-Jardins
Website: http://www.sepaq.com/pq/grj
Address: 21 QC-381, Charlevoix, QC
Contact details: +1 800-665-6527
Operating hours: Open year-round
Parc national des Grands-Jardins offers a range of trails, each one promising the thrill of adventure and views that’ll leave you breathless. And don’t forget your camera, because the vistas here are absolutely Instagram-worthy!
The park is also home to a rich variety of wildlife. So, keep your eyes peeled, and you might spot moose, black bears, or even rare bird species.
Just remember to maintain a safe distance; we’re only visitors in their home, after all.
Local tip: Always check the weather before your hike and wear layers. Quebec’s weather can be quite unpredictable, even in the summer, and it’s always better to be prepared.
Savour local food and music at the New France Festival
Website: http://www.nouvellefrance.qc.ca/
Address: 205 Boulevard des Cedres, Québec City, QC
Contact details: +1 418-694-3311
The New France Festival’s culinary delights take you on a culinary journey back to the very roots of Quebec’s cuisine. From traditional recipes to modern twists on classics, you’ll find your mouth watering from the aroma of deliciousness wafting through the air.
You’ll also be introduced to Quebec’s rich history through theatre performances, traditional dance, and re-enactments.
Local musicians rocking the streets with their tunes, bands playing period music—it’s an experience that will leave your ears ringing with joy.
Local tip: Don’t be shy; go ahead and dress up in a period costume. It just makes the whole experience even more immersive and fun!
Enjoy a day of fun at the Valcartier Vacation Village
Website: http://www.valcartier.com/
Address: 2280 Bd Valcartier, Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, QC
Contact details: +1 418-844-2200
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Valcartier Vacation Village is beyond amazing! It’s like a giant playground for people of all ages and definitely a place where summer memories are made.
From calm and relaxing floats to thrill-soaked, high-speed slides that will have you shrieking all the way down–it’s all here!
But the Village isn’t all about water; they’ve got land activities too, like zip lining and rock climbing! And if all these sound too exhausting, there are plenty of more relaxing activities like spa retreats and poolside lounging.
Local tip: Don’t forget to reserve your tickets in advance online, especially for the weekends. It’s a pretty popular place, and you wouldn’t want to be stuck in a long line in the summer heat.
Have an outdoor lunch at Légende
Website: http://restaurantlegende.com/restaurant-legende-quebec/
Address: 255 Rue Saint-Paul, Québec, QC
Contact details: +1 418-614-2555
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Légende isn’t your average eatery since the chefs here like to showcase the bounty of Quebec’s terroir. This means you’ll be devouring dishes featuring farm-fresh ingredients, responsibly sourced game, and locally gathered plants.
There’s nothing like breaking bread (or, in this case, maybe digging into venison tartare) outside, under the clear, blue Quebec summer sky.
The staff also know their stuff and are eager to guide you through the unique menu, turning your outdoor lunch into an educational journey of Quebec’s culinary scene.
Local tip: Make sure to make a reservation beforehand; they can get quite busy, and it’s always disappointing to have to turn back because there’s no table available.
Explore the indigenous heritage at the Huron-Wendat Museum
Website: http://www.museehuronwendat.ca/
Address: 15 Pl. de la Rencontre, Wendake, QC
Contact details: +1 418-847-2260
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
The Huron-Wendat Museum showcases the history and culture of the Wendat people, their indigenous communities, and their traditions.
Here’s your chance to explore fantastic displays ranging from historical artefacts to traditional customs, languages, and cultures.
You can also witness an authentic reconstruction of the Wendat longhouse or visit the sacred ‘ashes to ashes’ burial ground.
Guided tours are even provided by experienced Wendat guides who offer fascinating stories about their ancestral customs and traditions.
Local tip: Be sure to check out their gift shop, which has an assortment of Wendat-made arts and crafts.
Take a stroll through the Quartier Petit Champlain
Website: http://www.quartierpetitchamplain.com/
Address: 61 Rue du Petit Champlain, Québec, QC
Contact details: +1 418-692-2613
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Thursday and Friday – 9:30 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9:30 AM to 5 PM
Petit Champlain is packed with vibrant boutiques offering unique souvenirs, locally made handicrafts, and just about anything your heart desires. Just remember to pace yourself—we all know how easy it is to lose track of time when we’re having fun!
If all the charm and history have stirred up an appetite, take a break in one of the district’s cosy restaurants or cafes. Sit back and soak in the lovely atmosphere as you indulge in mouth-watering dishes while watching the world go by.
Local tip: While you’re in the area, keep an eye out for the famous “Escalier Casse-Cou”, Quebec’s oldest stairway. It’s a steep climb, but you’ll thank me later.
Admire local talent at the Rue du Trésor
Website: https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/rue-du-tresor
Rue du Trésor is filled with talented local artists displaying their incredible art for all to admire. Whether you’re into pastel watercolours, vivid oil paintings, or intricate sketches, you’re bound to find something that strikes your fancy.
What’s really special about Rue du Trésor is how interactive it is. It’s not just about looking at art; it’s about meeting the brilliant minds behind the creations.
Many of the artists are more than happy to chat, discuss their inspirations, and share their stories. What better way to appreciate a piece of art than to learn about its journey from the artist’s mind to the canvas?
Local tip: Don’t forget to have some cash handy. While some artists may accept cards, others are strictly cash-only.
Soak up the sun at Baie de Beauport beach
Website: http://www.baiedebeauport.com/
Address: 1 Chemin de la Baie-de-Beauport, Québec City
Contact details: +1 418-266-0722
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 8:30 PM
Baie de Beauport is a sprawling 5-kilometre sandy haven with plenty of space for everyone, perfect for working on that lovely summer tan.
And if you’re more about moving than relaxing, there’s a whole smorgasbord of activities to choose from, including volleyball, soccer, and even paddleboarding!
The beach also has you covered with their scrumptious on-site food truck, which whips up an array of delectable snacks to fuel your fun in the sun. We dare you to resist their yummy fare while you’re lounging on those warm sands!
Local tip: If you’re visiting on a weekend, come early! Baie de Beauport can fill up fast, and you wouldn’t want to miss out on nabbing prime beach real estate.
Wander through the historic district of Vieux-Limoilou
Vieux-Limoilou is a charming district with a history spanning over a century. Walking through this neighbourhood is a treat for the eyes, with an abundance of architectural details that tell the story of the city’s past.
What better way to end your Limoilou adventure than by relaxing in one of its inviting parks?
Take a breather in Cartier-Brébeuf Park, a tranquil oasis along the Saint-Charles River, where you can enjoy watching canoers and kayakers glide smoothly through the water.
Local tip: Don’t miss the chance to visit the vibrant Limoilou Public Market, where local producers flaunt their finest fruit, vegetables, and artisanal creations.
