7 Reasons to Spend Your Summer Vacation in Québec City

This summer, many of the main streets in Old Québec and the city’s central districts will be closed to vehicles to make more room for pedestrians and all the big outdoor patios. 

You’ll also find a number of pop-up squares about town. These whimsical spaces are always a big hit and offer a different take on the city, as well as a chance to sit back and enjoy your surroundings or have a bite before your next round of exploring. 

You can also expect lots of pop-up installations and performances to enjoy the vibrant culture despite the current situation. 

Vacationing in Québec City means you don’t have to choose between nature and culture. There are plenty of city parks where you can get out and play, like the Plains of Abraham. And just a short drive outside town, you’ll find incredible parks where you can enjoy the great outdoors, safe in the knowledge that you have a comfortable bed waiting for you back in the city. Did you know that there is even a beach located five minutes from downtown Québec City?

Whether you like hiking, water sports, via ferratas, zip lines, ropes courses, golfing, canyoning, road biking, or mountain biking, you’ll find what you’re looking for in the Québec City area! 

Strolling through Old Québec, the culture and architecture will make you feel like you’ve been whisked away to Europe. Regardless of the current situation, it’s always fun to spend time perusing the shops and museums in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Check out the Picasso. Figures exhibition at Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, the Imagine Picasso immersive exhibition at the Québec City Convention Centre or the one on the Maya civilization at Musée de la civilisation. 

From the very popular Petit-Champlain to the Saint-Sauveur neighbourhood, stroll through the Passages Insolites route to discover some twenty surprising and original artworks imagined by contemporary artists from here and elsewhere. 

Discounts and special offers 
Given the current state of things, most hotels are offering discounted rates. Many also have special promos, like rates based on the length of your stay. You might also consider booking your stay directly with the hotel: it’s a small gesture that makes all the difference for the place where you’ll be staying, since it cuts out any middleman fees and makes for a more personal rapport. 

For other great packages and discounts for Québec City attractions and activities for the whole family for your next trip or vacation, stay tuned! 

Québec City has a solid reputation as a fun family destination. Watch as your kids suddenly grasp the meaning of history while exploring the streets of Old Québec. 

At the Village Vacances Valcartier outdoor waterpark, you’ll enjoy more space and shorter wait times for the 35 slides, two adventure rivers, numerous water toys, and of course, the giant wave pool. All you have to do is book your spot in advance. 

For more aquatic fun, head to Aquarium du Québec, home to 10,000 marine specimens and an awesome ocean tunnel. 

For thrill-seeking teenagers, look no further than the via ferrata at Montmorency Falls Park, the AirCANYON at Canyon Sainte-Anne, or the ropes course at Arbraska Chauveau. 

With so much to offer, it isn’t surprising that Québec City ranks as one of the world’s top travel destinations. Get even more out of your trip by combining your stay in Québec City with time in one of the gorgeous regions nearby: Charlevoix, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, or Chaudières-Appalaches. All three are very popular with international travellers, and it won’t take long for you to see why. 

Québec City is a foodie’s paradise, with a host of local artisans turning out top-tier ingredients coveted by chefs. Take a stroll through the bright and airy Grand Marché or go on a food tour to get the inside scoop on the culinary scene. 

By driving a mere 15 minutes out of town, you’ll find yourself on an island of vineyards, orchards, and ancestral homes. Welcome to Île d’Orléans! Your drive around the island will take you through picture-perfect villages full of fun places to pick up ingredients or grab a bite. Or, take the wine route and discover how local producers make liquid miracles thanks to the island’s microclimate.