2 Days in Québec City in Spring

Spring is all about new beginnings, so it’s the perfect time for a closet reset! Start the day by browsing the charming boutiques of Petit-Champlain. Their selection of clothes, coats, accessories, and shoes always turns up original pieces and local creations that put us in the spirit of the season.

Local tip: Check out Atelier La Pomme for chic Québec-designed finds.
 

Le Petit Dep’s distinctive mint-green façade is hard to resist. The interior lives up to the exterior’s promise, with a host of gourmet local products, high-quality coffees, and sweet treats to enjoy on the spot or save for later. It’s the perfect spot to take a break and snap some totally Instagrammable photos.

Local tip: Try the maple lemonade and date squares.

The view from Dufferin Terrace is unquestionably one of the best in the city. From the foot of Château Frontenac, the St. Lawrence stretches out, with Île d’Orléans visible in the distance and Lévis just across the water. In the slightly chill air as the buds are just beginning to open, it’s an invitation to a peaceful moment of contemplation.

Local tip: From there, climb the steps of the Governors’ Promenade to the Plains of Abraham.

Once the scene of a famous battle, the Plains of Abraham are now a large, peaceful park where residents love to take a walk. Right in the heart of the rolling green is Smith Café, a perfect place to refuel with a meal. Salads, soups, sandwiches, and pastries washed down with a good cup of coffee? There’s nothing better. 

Local tip: The maple latte and slow-cooked beef cheek grilled cheese are musts.

From Smith Café it’s just a short walk to the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec. Take time to roam the exhibition halls and enjoy the work of local and international artists alike.

Local tip: Don’t overlook the architecture of the Pierre-Lassonde Pavilion bathed in natural light.

As soon as the weather warms up, we all start hearing the call of ice cream. Head down Avenue Cartier and kick off the season officially at Glacier Aberdeen. They’ve got gelato, sorbets, slushies, sundaes—the hardest part is choosing!

Local tip: Try the birch syrup gelato.

The legendary Grande Allée is THE place to be for patio drinks. With its wide variety of restaurants, bars, and pubs, this street offers plenty of options. Grab happy-hour drinks among the locals and stick around into dinnertime.

Local tip: Hit up L’Atelier for cocktails and Mora for fresh pasta.

One of the best parts of an off-season getaway is that many hotels offer lower rates. Those who can’t resist a deal should check out the enticing promotions available this time of year. Spring is also a great time to snag a reservation for less traditional accommodations before everything gets booked up for the summer. Yurts, domes, house boats—the possibilities are endless.

When the snow melts, waterfalls are at their peak. On Day 2, take Autoroute Dufferin-Montmorency toward Côte-de-Beaupré. The first stop is, of course, the famous Montmorency Falls, where a footbridge offers the perfect vantage point. Then, head to Jean-Larose Falls, opposite Mont-Sainte-Anne, where a trail leads to a wide staircase that descends to the base of the waterfall.

Local tip: Canyoning experiences are available starting in late May.

With the sugaring season in full swing, make the most of this day trip into Côte-de-Beaupré and stock up on maple products at the farm stands lining the 138, also known as the Route de la Nouvelle-France. Don’t miss Ferme Simard, which offers a range of delicious dark and golden maple syrups to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Local tip: Ferme Simard’s homemade maple butter is life-changing.

To round off the trip in style, nothing beats the pure relaxation of Spa des Neiges. The outdoor pools are particularly exquisite in spring, and the view of the St. Lawrence is icing on the cake. There’s even a bistro, so all guests can leave feeling full and rested after a vacation well spent.

Local tip: We love the Moroccan-inspired black soap scrub treatment.