The Latest and the Greatest of Summer 2023

Comité éditorial Destination Québec cité
Editorial Team
Published on March 7, 2023
View of the Québec City's walls
André-Olivier Lyra

*Several new features will be added to this page over the weeks, come back and visit it regularly!*

Québec City in the summertime has all the usual attractions: the historic architecture in Old Québec, the lively patios in the neighbourhoods, the street performers, and great venues to visit—not to mention the incredible forests, rivers, lakes, and other natural attractions nearby that are perfect for exploring, having fun, and getting away from it all. Québec City has everything you need for an amazing summer vacation. 

Here are all the new and exciting things you’ll want to include in your summer trip.

 

  • 1

    Our Time on Earth

    Co-produced by Musée de la civilisation and London’s Barbican Centre, Our Time on Earth is an inspiring exhibition featuring twelve newly commissioned immersive works that present solutions to climate change and share a sense of hope that we can build a better world.

    While at the museum, check out Love Me Gender, an exploration of some of the many ways people experience gender identity.

  • 2

    Musical Performances at the Citadelle

    This summer, the musicians of the Royal 22e Régiment, dressed in their red uniform and traditional bear fur cap, offer a musical performance. A spectacular experience set against the backdrop of Old Québec City, to the sound of trumpets, French horns, symbols, and drums.

    While at the Citadelle, we visit the new exhibitions To the rhythm of the music of the Royal 22e Régiment, which celebrates the 100th anniversary of the famous band, as well as Keep its powder dry!, which allows us to follow the evolution of fortifications on the site of the Citadelle during the colonial period.

  • 3

    The First Hydrogen Train in the Americas

    eco All aboard for a ride on a zero-emission sightseeing train powered by green hydrogen! Departing from the Montmorency Falls station, Train de Charlevoix takes you along the majestic St. Lawrence River all the way to Baie-Saint-Paul. The train emits only water vapour during operation, while ensuring a quieter environment for passengers and those close to tracks.

  • 4

    Blizz: Bonhomme Carnaval’s Winter Oasis

    Get a taste of winter in Québec at Blizz, a pop-up like no other at Montmorency Falls Park where visitors can experience the magic of the Québec Winter Carnival this summer. There are experiential containers with an iceberg vibe that bring the joys of winter to life, a photobooth on the Bonhomme Carnaval parade float, a huge dome with a cool-down area and lots of fun things to do, and much more!

  • 5

    River Shuttle Between Old Québec and Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

    On foot or by bike, board the new AML Cruises river shuttle between Québec City's Old Port and Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. From there, several options are available, with or without meals: self-guided tour of the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine and the surrounding area or a bus excursion to Mont-Sainte-Anne or Canyon Sainte-Anne.

  • 6

    Québec’s First Ski and Snowboard Simulator

    That’s right, folks: now you can ski and snowboard in Québec City all year long! The two simulators at Centre Préski have pitches and speeds for every level, making every month a good month to start skiing or snowboarding or perfect your technique. Set to open in May 2023.

  • 7

    Alexander McQueen: Art Meets Fashion

    This MNBAQ exhibition explores the universal nature of life, death, the natural world, and other themes central to the work of Alexander McQueen—a major figure in the fashion world from 1990 until his death in 2010.

    Pieces designed by McQueen are shown alongside works of art from different periods, providing insight into what informed and inspired British fashion’s enfant terrible.

  • 8

    Lasting Impressions

    This immersive 3D experience takes us through the history and details of the greatest Impressionist masterpieces. More than 100 works, including those of Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh and Degas, come to life in a stunning visual presentation and soundtrack.

  • 9

    The World’s First Night-Time Carousel Located on a Mountainside

    Ride the chairlift over nearly 6 km (3.7 miles) at Massif de Charlevoix and see a whole new side of the mountain on a gravity-defying journey full of light, sound, and emotion. Le Vol de l’Oiseau Mécanique (Flight of the Mechanical Bird) is the world’s first nighttime mountainside carousel.

    Opens June 2023.

Bonus Content: More New Stuff!

  • As part of the Naval Reserve of Canada Centennial, the Naval Museum has commissioned a huge historical mural. The title of the mural is Audace, and at nearly 200 metres long and 2 stories high, it’s one of the largest of its kind in Canada! The inauguration is slated for June 16.

  • Following beautification work, the Ursuline Chapel will be accessible to visitors this summer. An activity that offers rare access to this place that was normally reserved for nuns and their students.

  • A Pilgrimage in Old Québec portal makes it easy for groups and solo travellers to organize pilgrimages to religious sites in Old Québec. Walk in the footsteps of those who left everything behind to proclaim the Gospel in New France.

  • The kir royal has become a favourite tipple among cocktail aficionados, thanks in no small part to a recent cameo in Emily in Paris. We’re obsessed with the VIP version at Cassis Monna et Filles, served against the enchanting backdrop of Île d’Orléans.

  • The Laurentides Wildlife Reserve has a new option for adventurous bikers willing to haul their gear: multi-day bike camping trips through the forest. The park has a dozen itineraries that run along logging roads, for trips from two to seven days.

  • Étoile is a new tent cabin in magnificent Jacques-Cartier National Park. It offers high ceilings, ample storage, and plenty of room for six guests.


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!

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