What to Do in Québec City in May

Comité éditorial Destination Québec cité
Editorial Team
Updated on March 23, 2023
Vue sur le Château Frontenac avec des tulipes
Guy Lessard

The buds and leaves of May are here and we’re loving the warmer weather. To help you make the most of your stay in Québec City, here are our recommendations for activities and events in May.

Feel the Power of the Area’s Most Beautiful Falls

Some you can drive right up to, while others come as a reward after a pleasant hike. No matter which ones you decide to visit, you’ll see the waterfalls at their spectacular best in the spring. A stop at Montmorency Falls Park is always a must, but to get off the beaten path, head to Canyon Sainte-Anne (which opens May 11 this year) or to Wendake, where there’s a lovely trail to Kabir Kouba Falls.

Eat at a Snack Shack

Snack shacks are a venerable French Canadian tradition, and the Québec City area is no exception. Some stick to down-home staples like fries and poutine, while others, like Chez Mag on Île d’Orléans, are all about reinventing old favourites.

Relax in the Parks and Gardens

The parks are usually in bloom by mid-May, turning any stroll into a glorious nature bath. Admire the greenery on the Plains of Abraham or the footpath that runs along both sides of the St. Charles River. Insider tip: swing by Le Grand Marché and fill a basket with gourmet goodies for a picnic in the park.

Go for a Bike Ride

Québec City boasts an impressive 400 km of bike paths that stretch out in all directions from the city centre. By May they’re swept clean and are ready for you to roll, so get out there and enjoy! Favourites include Promenade Samuel De Champlain, which takes you along the St. Lawrence River out to the city’s twin bridges, and Corridor du Littoral, which runs all the way to Montmorency Falls. Go where the wind takes you!

Explore Alternate Realities at a Theatre Festival

Carrefour international de théâtre is an international theatre festival with innovative shows at indoor and outdoor venues. The signature event, “Où tu vas quand tu dors en marchant...?” is a series of weird and wonderful outdoor tableaux.

Mark Your Calendar

Dates

  • Motown Soul

    Motown Soul

    Read
  • Genesis Piano Project

    Genesis Piano Project

    Read
  • Dvorak : La Messe en Ré Majeur, le Te Deum

    Dvorak : La Messe en Ré Majeur, le Te Deum

    Read
  • Nature inspirante, techno inspirée

    Inspiring Nature, Inspired Technology

    Read
  • Unique en son genre

    Love Me Gender

    Read
  • Jeune fille qui apprend à jongler

    Festival Jours de Cirque

    Read
  • Carrefour international de théâtre

    Carrefour international de théâtre

    Read
  • Les Capitales de Québec

    Québec Capitales vs Evansville Otters

    Read

This Month's Suggestions

  • Tours Voir Québec - Place Royale
    Walking Tours in Québec City
    Read
  • Couple picnicking near the Pierre-Dugua-De Mons terrace while admiring the Château Frontenac and the St. Lawrence River.

    Québec City’s Best Picnic Spots

    Read
  • Bora-Boréal - In Winter

    11 Unique Stays in the Québec City Area

    Read
  • Moment Spa Le Château Frontenac - Relaxation in a bathrobe

    Best Resort Spas and Wellness Centres

    Read
  • Nouvelle Vague Expeditions inc. - descent of La Traditionnelle on the Jacques-Cartier
    The Guide to Whitewater Rafting
    Read
  • Cassis Monna & filles
    Ice Cream Spots in Québec City
    Read
  • A couple hikes on the Scotora Trail in Jacques-Cartier National Park.

    Best Hiking Around Québec City

    Read

Comité éditorial Destination Québec cité
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

  • Auberge Triangle d'été
    Wellness Tourism: 7 Ways to Embrace Self‑Care in Québec City
    Read
  • Tours Voir Québec - Place Royale
    Walking Tours in Québec City
    Read
  • Family in a kid's playground in Old Québec
    Switching to Slow Travel Mode in Québec City
    Read
  • Cyclistes en vélo de montagne dans le Vieux-Québec
    Bike Tours in Québec City
    Read
  • A couple walk on the Pierre-Dugua-De Mons terrace near Avenue Saint-Denis, looking at the Château Frontenac.
    10 Best Things to Do in Old Québec City
    Read
  • Guide qui ouvre la porte de la poudrière
    12 Historical Gems in Old Québec You Should Not Miss
    Read