5 Days in Summer

Visitors walk the stairs at Chute-Montmorency Park in summer.
Montmorency Waterfalls Park, Jeff Frenette Photography

If you’re in town for 5 days and wondering what to see and do during your stay, here’s an itinerary that will give you the full Québec City experience. Enjoy a fully satisfying trip.

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Discover Over 400 Years of History
  • Day 1 Discover Over 400 Years of History

    1

    Guided Tour

    Start exploring with a guided tour. Old Québec is essentially an open‑air museum and touring with a guide brings all that history to life.

    0.58 km
  • 2

    Citadelle

    Visit the Citadelle, the largest British fortress in North America. Built in the shape of a star, it is part of the fortifications that encircle the historic district and is one of the reasons Old Québec is included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

    Every summer, the Royal 22nd Regiment musicians offer musical performances on the parade ground in the heart of the Citadelle. A great show not to be missed!

    0.60 km
  • 3

    Stroll through the Upper Town

    Stroll through the Upper Town and catch some of the lively street performers. Pull up a chair at one of the many restaurants and mozy on through the Old City, which always has a great vibe on summer evenings.

  • Enjoy the Scenery
  • Day 2 Enjoy the Scenery

    4

    Promenade Samuel-De Champlain

    Rent a bike and head out to Promenade Samuel-De Champlain, an urban park that runs along the banks of the St. Lawrence River. Make sure to visit the recently inaugurated Station de la Plage (Beach Station). This station is a must-see, featuring a beautiful sandy beach, an infinity swimming pool, and a reflective pool adorned with water fountains that will captivate visitors of all ages. For lunch, pick up some local fare and have a picnic in one of the best picnic spots.

    9.30 km
  • 5

    Musée de la civilisation

    Next stop: Musée de la civilisation and its interactive and innovative exhibits. This summer, there’s a fascinating exhibition about gladiators

    0.55 km
  • 6

    Shopping in Petit-Champlain

    Rue du Petit‑Champlain is one of the prettiest streets in Canada and a great place to do some shopping. It leads to the legendary Place Royale, where Québec City was founded in 1608.

    After touring the area, you can head back to the Upper Town on the funiculaire (cable car), which offers a panorama view of the St. Lawrence River and the Lower Town.

  • Discover a Majestic Waterfall and an Island Full of Treasures
  • Day 3 Discover a Majestic Waterfall and an Island Full of Treasures

    7

    Parc de la Chute-Montmorency

    Don't miss the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency to admire the majestic Montmorency Falls. They are 30 metres higher than Niagara Falls! You can also explore the falls from a different angle along the via ferrata or from the double zipline.  

    4.36 km
  • 8

    Go around Île d’Orléans

    Head over to Île d’Orléans and follow Chemin Royal all the way around the biggest historic borough in Québec. The island boasts magnificent rural landscapes, hundred‑year‑old homes, talented artisans and delicious local products.

    16.09 km
  • 9

    Go on a boat tour

    Catch a boat tour or the ferry to Lévis for a spectacular view of Québec City and Château Frontenac.

    Hungry? Traditional Québec cuisine is hearty, filling, and proudly featured at a number of local restaurants.

  • Experience Indigenous Culture
  • Day 4 Experience Indigenous Culture

    10

    Wendake

    At Wendake, you can discover the ancestral culture of the Huron‑Wendat Nation. Hear the stories and legends, visit the long house and enjoy some Huron‑Wendat cooking.

    At dusk, enter the enchanting world of Onhwa' Lumina, an immersive journey through the forest that celebrates the life and values ​​of the great Wendat Nation through the magic of light, sound and video projections.

    15.88 km
  • 11

    Go out in Saint-Roch neighbourhood

    Get off the beaten tourist path and mingle with locals. You’ll find quirky boutiques and much‑loved restaurants along rue Saint-Joseph, main street of the Saint-Roch neighbourhood. Enjoy a fine pint at one of the local craft breweries or stop into Phoenix du parvis / Midnight Blue, a nightclub that will immerse you in the atmosphere of the discotheques of yesteryear.

  • Get Into the Great Outdoors
  • Day 5 Get Into the Great Outdoors

    12

    Jacques-Cartier National Park

    If you’re a nature lover, you can hike one of Québec’s most beautiful glacial valleys at Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier. Kayaks and canoes are available there too, so you can paddle down the river. 

    In the evening, revisit the street or neighbourhood that made the biggest impression during your trip and take time to soak it all in. While you’re there, be sure to try a poutine, the craziest meal in Québec. It’s made with fries, gravy, cheese curds, and plenty of wacky toppings. 

Add to Google Maps

Add the places mentioned in this article to your Google Maps so you'll have them handy during your trip.

Add

Équipe édito
Editorial Team

As proud ambassadors of our beloved city, we’re delighted to be sharing the things and places we love most in the Québec City area. What a joy for us to help you discover everything this vibrant and welcoming city has to offer!

You'll Also Like

  • Ice rink
    10 Best Things to Do in Old Québec City
    Read
  • Couple dans un spa
    Switching to Slow Travel Mode in Québec City
    Read
  • Fatbike dans le Vieux-Québec
    Bike Tours in Québec City
    Read
  • A Native American dancer performs a traditional dance inside the longhouse in Wendake, near Québec City.
    The Best Experiences to Discover the Indigenous Culture
    Read
  • Vue de la porte Saint-Jean en hiver
    12 Historical Gems in Old Québec You Should Not Miss
    Read
  • Fortifications of Québec

    How to Spend a Sustainable Weekend in Québec City

    Read
  • Pedestrian street in Old Québec
    2 Days in Québec City: A Self-Guided Walking Tour
    Read