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Top 10 Things to Do in Quebec with Kids
- Explore the marine life at the Aquarium du Québec
- Have a blast at the Village Vacances Valcartier
- Make your way up to the Observatoire de la Capitale
- Dig into Quebec’s history at the Plains of Abraham Museum
- Hop on the Funicular
- See the Arctic wildlife at Zoo Sauvage
- Learn to ice fish on the Pêche Blanche
- Go skiing at the enchanting Mont-Sainte-Anne
- Admire the miniature world at the Ludovica Miniland
- Try hands-on activities at the Canadian Children’s Museum
Quebec, with its European charm and a pinch of North American vivacity, is a real treasure trove ready to be explored by you and your little companions. We’re quite sure that you’ll never hear the phrase “I’m bored” when you’re here.
So here’s our handpicked things to do in Quebec with your kiddos that promise a full-on fun, learning, and exciting experience all in one. Read on!
Explore the marine life at the Aquarium du Québec
Website: http://www.sepaq.com/ct/paq
Address: 1675 Av. des Hôtels, Québec, QC
Contact details: +1 418-659-5264
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
The Aquarium du Québec is right on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, and it’s home to over 10,000 marine animals. Seriously, from fish to reptiles and even polar bears—yep, you heard that right—this aquarium has it all.
One of the coolest parts of the Aquarium du Québec is their touch pools. Kids (and hey, maybe you too) will have a blast getting up close and personal with all sorts of creatures like sea stars, rays, and even sharks.
And if the adorable marine animals aren’t enough, the aquarium also has sprawling outdoor playgrounds and water games. There’s even an impressive tree-to-tree obstacle course if they’re feeling adventurous.
Local tip: If you can swing it, try to visit the aquarium in the evening, especially during the summer season. That’s when they’ve got these amazing luminescent nighttime events going on, with lights and projections throughout the park.
Have a blast at the Village Vacances Valcartier
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
During the summer, Village Vacances Valcartier is a massive outdoor water park. And we’re talking wave pools, a lazy river, and a bunch of slides that range from chill to thrilling.
There’s also a pirate ship play area for the younger ones. During winter, they have snow slides like Tornado, Everest, and the Himalayas—just a few names of the huge, exciting slides.
Local tip: Make sure you check out the Indoor Water Park. It’s called the Bora Parc, and it’s awesome.
Make your way up to the Observatoire de la Capitale
Website: http://www.observatoire-capitale.com/
Address: 1037 Rue de la Chevrotière, Québec, QC
Contact details: +1 418-644-9841
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 10 AM to 7 PM
The Observatoire is located in the Marie-Guyart Building, and to go up, you’ve got to take an elevator that whizzes you up 31 floors. Once you’re there, you can see pretty much all of Quebec’s major landmarks.
The viewing area is surrounded by informative panels that provide interesting historical insights and fun facts about the city. So not only do the kids get to see the entire city spread out beneath them, but they can also learn about the city’s rich history.
Local tip: The Observatoire is best visited during clear weather, obviously. But an extra special time to visit is at sunset.
Dig into Quebec’s history at the Plains of Abraham Museum
Website: http://www.lesplainesdabraham.ca/
Address: 835 Wilfrid-Laurier Ave, Québec City, Quebec
Contact details: +1 418-649-6157
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
The Plains of Abraham Museum has interactive exhibits and super-engaging audio-visual presentations. Recreations of those bygone days when the British and French locked horns give a crazy-real feel to the history.
And once you’re done browsing inside, feel free to explore the park. The space where the museum is located is a massive, 103-hectare urban park.
It’s perfect for picnicking, kite-flying, or even just running around.
Local tip: Check the museum’s schedule before you visit, as they often have special events and activities for kids.
Hop on the Funicular
Website: http://www.funiculaire.ca/
Address: 16 Rue du Petit Champlain, Québec, QC
Contact details: +1 418-692-1132
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 10 PM
The cool thing about the Funicular is that it connects the upper and lower parts of Quebec City. In just a minute, you’ll be transported from the historic charm of Lower Town (Basse-Ville) to the heart of Upper Town (Haute-Ville).
While you’re aboard this steeply inclined elevator, you get a cracking view of the city. I’m talking about unobstructed views of the St. Lawrence River, the Old Port, and the Petit-Champlain district.
Plus, it’s much easier than hiking up the steep stairs, especially with the kids in tow.
Local tip: Try to take the Funicular during different parts of the day. Each ride gives you a unique scene, from a beautiful sunrise casting long shadows to twinkling city lights under the night sky.
See the Arctic wildlife at Zoo Sauvage
Website: https://zoosauvage.org/
Address: 2230 Bd du Jardin, Saint-Félicien, QC
Contact details: +1 418-679-0543
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
In Zoo Sauvage, you will board a caged train that travels through a huge, open environment where you can see wildlife roaming free in their natural habitat. We’re talking moose, black bears, caribou, and even the star attraction—the polar bears!
Besides the cool wildlife experience, there’s also a farm area where kids can pet and feed the animals. And there’s a pretty interesting exhibition, too.
Local tip: Don’t forget to check out the unique nocturnal tour they offer during the summer months.
Learn to ice fish on the Pêche Blanche
Website: http://www.pecheblanchequebec.com/
Address: 5550 Bd Sainte-Anne, Boischatel, QC
Contact details: +1 418-525-7748
Located on a beautiful snowy expanse right on the St. Lawrence River, Pêche Blanche transforms into a charming little ice fishing village in winter. They’ve got these cute, colourful ice fishing huts that look hypnotic, and surely kids will absolutely love them!
The kids will have thrills and spills trying to catch their own fish through a hole in the ice. It’s a far cry from your typical day out, but trust me, it’s something they won’t forget.
Local tip: Make sure you bring a thermos filled with hot cocoa! Yeah, they’ve got heaters in those huts, but nothing beats a warm drink to make your ice fishing experience even cosier.
Go skiing at the enchanting Mont-Sainte-Anne
Website: https://mont-sainte-anne.com/
Address: 2000 Bd du Beau Pré, Beaupré, QC
Contact details: +1 418-827-4561
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Mont-Sainte-Anne is a dream come true, especially if your kids are budding ski enthusiasts. With an impressive 71 trails spread across three faces of the mountain, there’s always a perfect slope for everyone, be it a newbie or a seasoned skier.
There’s also an area for snowboarders, cross-country ski trails, and—get this—a snowshoeing space! Even off the slopes, the resort is buzzing with lots of fun activities for the entire family, like ice skating and sledding.
Local tip: Make sure to take a break and hop aboard the gondola for a casual ride up the mountain. The views are absolutely breathtaking!
Admire the miniature world at the Ludovica Miniland
Website: https://www.ludovicaminiland.com/
Address: 2700 Bd Laurier, Québec, QC
Contact details: +1 581-982-4130
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM
Stepping into Ludovica Miniland is like stepping into Gulliver’s Travels. It’s not just about teeny-tiny buildings, although there are plenty of those, but it’s like a miniature universe complete with lights, sounds, and even moving vehicles!
You can spend an afternoon spotting tiny versions of famous landmarks. One minute, you’re wandering the streets of downtown Quebec, and the next minute, you’re in Times Square!
Local tip: Be sure to catch the nighttime simulation at the displays. It’s crazy cool how all the little buildings and streets light up to mimic the evening.
Try hands-on activities at the Canadian Children’s Museum
Website: https://www.historymuseum.ca/visit/childrens-museum/
Address: 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau, QC
Contact details: +1 819-776-7000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Prices:
- Adult (18 to 64 years old) – $22
- Senior (65 above) – $20
- Student (13 to 17 years old) – $17
- Child (2 to 12 years old) – $15
- Family (Maximum of 2 adults) – $55
The Children’s Museum lovingly hands the world over to your children to explore and experience, disguised as pure fun!
They can venture aboard an elaborately decorated Pakistani bus, step inside a pyramid inspired by those in Egypt, or zoom down a slide that replicates the Great Wall of China.
The entire place is designed to entice young imaginations, curiosity, and play. From the small details like colourful world maps to a marketplace where they can pretend to shop and trade, the Canadian Children’s Museum is a haven of hands-on learning.
Local tip: Plan your visit to coincide with one of the museum’s special events or workshops.
