Things to Do on the May Long Weekend in Québec City

Équipe édito
Editorial Team
Updated on February 26, 2024
Femme qui marche dans le Vieux-Québec au printemps
Guy Lessard

The Victoria Day long weekend (or National Patriots' Day) can’t come soon enough! Spring is in full swing, the Québec City area is gorgeous, and there are fun things to do everywhere you turn. Here are our tips for activities the whole family will love.

  • 1

    Take a Guided Tour of Old Québec

    Every year, thousands of visitors from all over the world flock to Old Québec. Crack the code on its fascinating history and learn the secrets surrounding the sites with the help of a local tour guide.

  • 2

    Explore Heritage Sites with a Soundtrack

    As part of the city’s “Printemps de la musique” (Musical Spring) event, Old Québec  comes alive with musical routes leading to a number of heritage sites.

     

  • 3

    Discover the Brand New Exhibitions

    Be among the first to visit the new exhibitions at the two major museums.

  • 4

    Cross the Holy Door

    The Holy Door is currently open on the occasion of the 350th anniversary of the Diocese of Québec. It is a unique spiritual experience not to be missed.

  • 5

    Dig Into a Good Ice Cream Cone

    The lineups in front of Tutto Gelato on Rue Saint-Jean are a sure sign that spring has arrived! Dish or cone? Whatever your style, these ice cream shops are sure to hit the spot.

  • 6

    Catch Some Early Summer Vibes in Baie de Beauport

    The beach in Baie de Beauport opens in mid-May, with weekend equipment rentals for watersports of all kinds. Of course, you could always just hang out and enjoy a little sun and sand.

  • 7

    Go Whizzing Down a Giant Zipline

    Waiting for the trails to dry? Head up to the treeline and go flying along a series of 7 mega ziplines, including 4 that span the Saint Charles River. It’s a thrilling spring activity just 15 minutes outside the city, at Arbraska Chauveau.

  • 8

    Go Paddling on the Saint Charles

    Rent a canoe or kayak from Canots Légaré and get out on the calm waters of the Saint Charles River. Pro tip: Bring a picnic! At the halfway mark, you’ll come to a little sandbar that’s perfect for a break and a well-deserved bite.

  • 9

    Try Mountain Biking

    At Empire 47, you’ll find bike guides and plenty of trails for beginners, along with an extensive collection of rental bikes, making it a great place to try this highly popular sport.

  • 10

    Experience a Nighttime World of Wonder in Wendake

    Produced in collaboration with Montréal’s internationally acclaimed Moment Factory, Onhwa’ Lumina takes visitors on a magical journey full of nature and technology as they explore the rich history of the Huron-Wendat Nation. 

  • 11

    Go Whitewater Rafting

    Rivers rise as snow melts, making spring the best time to experience the speed and excitement of whitewater rafting. Starting in early May, you can slip into a neoprene wetsuit and shoot the rapids safely with the experienced rafting guides.

    Unless you want to go solo aboard a Rivière Concept packraft, a hybrid watercraft between kayaking and rafting that is lightweight, stable, and unsinkable.

  • 12

    Eat at a Snack Shack

    The Québec City area is a snack shack mecca, full of unassuming roadside stands and diners that serve up a mean hamburger and fries. For foodies, snack shacks like Chez Mag on l’Île d’Orléans offer a tantalizing new take on old favourites. Bet you can’t try just one!

  • 13

    Go Hiking

    Québec City has some incredible parks and trails nearby, including the Escarpée trail, a gradual ascent at Mont-Sainte-Anne that takes you all the way to the top of a mountain overlooking the mighty St. Lawrence River.

  • 14

    Treat Yourself to a Spa Day

    The May long weekend is perfect for relaxing at one of the many Nordic spas and wellness centres in the area. Spring for a massage, wrap, or esthetic treatment and treat your body and soul to a little TLC!


Équipe édito
Editorial Team

As proud residents of our beloved city, we’re delighted to be sharing our tips about the things and places we love most in the Québec City area. Always on the lookout for what's new, we have decades of experience for Québec City's official tourist guide. What a joy for us to help you discover everything this vibrant and welcoming city has to offer!

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