Québec City’s Best Picnic Spots
There’s nothing like sharing a meal outside with family or friends to make the most of the summer. Here’s a list of parks paired with nearby establishments where you can fill your picnic basket with everything you need for a quick bite, a pre-made meal, or some drinks and appies.
Jeff Frenette Photography
1Pierre-Dugua-De Mons Terrace
Les Trouvailles de Jules is a gourmet grocery store located just steps from Dufferin Terrace that sells products made with local Québec ingredients, including breads, cheeses, condiments, spices, and everything you need to go with your morning coffee. After you’ve stocked up, head to Pierre-Dugua-De Mons Terrace for a sweeping view of the Château Frontenac and the majestic St. Lawrence River
- Jardins de l'Hôtel-de-Ville, OTQ
2Jardins de l’Hôtel-de-Ville (City Hall Gardens)
Chez Boulay Comptoir Boréal specializes in dishes that incorporate all the unique flavours we have here up north. Whether you’re looking for lunch, a snack, or a sweet treat, the kitchen team always has plenty of dishes perfect for eating in or taking over to Jardins de l’Hôtel-de-Ville and enjoying outdoors. I love picking up a hearty breakfast croissant and a sweet clover latte.
- Ville de Québec, Robert Greffard
3Place des Canotiers
With the many park benches to admire one of the most beautiful views of the Château Frontenac, Place des Canotiers is the perfect placespot to satisfy your hunger. A stone's throw away and in the heart of Place Royale, La Maison Smith offers several choices of picnic options.
- St. Matthews Cemetery, Chantal Gagnon
4St. Matthew’s Cemetery
Ever considered picnicking in a cemetery among 314 tombstones? If that idea piques your interest, head to St. Matthew’s cemetery off rue Saint-Jean in the heart of the Saint-Jean-Baptiste district. There are a number of delicatessens in the area where you can get what you need for your picnic, but J.A. Moisan is second to none, with European-style deli meats, Québec cheeses, and what seems like every preserve under the sun. Directly in front of the cemetery, Nina Pizza Napolitaine cooks delicious authentic Italian pizzas. You can take your lunch down to the neighbourhood’s public space, Passage Olympia, and eat at one of the bistro tables there.
- Francis Fontaine
5Plains of Abraham
Québec City’s arts district has no shortage of places to stop and get provisions for a picnic on the Plains of Abraham, including the aptly named Provisions Inc. grocery store and Les Halles du Petit Cartier. But top of the list is the Morena delicatessen on Avenue Cartier for its high quality products and excellent customer service. While the restaurant serves up a menu that will make you want to lick your plate clean, the delicatessen and ready-to-eat section is full of delicious Mediterranean options—pasta, soup, arancini, salad, moussaka, risotto, antipasti, and more. It’s the perfect place to get supplies for an Italian-style aperitivo surrounded by the natural splendour of the Plains of Abraham. And don’t forget to grab some cannoli and a bottle of the good stuff!
- Ville de Québec, Benoît Renaud
6Jardin Jean-Paul-L'Allier
The Saint-Roch location of La Boîte à Pain is just a short walk from the stunning Jardin Jean-Paul-L’Allier, which is a popular spot at lunchtime. La Boîte à Pain sells quiches, salads, and sandwiches that are easy to take away and enjoy outside. They also sell coffee, pastries, and other tasty baked goods to start your morning.
Can You Drink Alcohol in Parks in Québec City?
It is permitted to drink alcohol in certain parks if it accompanies a meal. However, it’s not allowed after 8 p.m.
See the list of parks here (in French only)
