Top Things to Do in Québec City This Summer

Équipe édito
Editorial Team
Updated on February 26, 2025
Famille dans le Petit-Champlain
Simon Clark
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With fantastic exhibitions, colourful festivals, and car-free streets for more space, Québec City is going all out to wow you this summer —one of the best times to visit the city. Here are some of the best things to do from June to September.

Stroll Through Festive Streets

In summer, the city hosts an astounding variety of world‑class festivals and cultural events. We soak up the festive atmosphere as the streets and restaurant patios are crowded with happy festival-goers.

Every weekend this summer, some of the main neighbourhood streets are closed to car traffic, allowing pedestrians to stroll freely and enjoy all the restaurant patios. 

Explore 400 Years of History

The Old City, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an awe‑inspiring journey through a collection of architectural treasures unlike anything outside Europe. You certainly won't want to miss the top 10 attractions, but we also recommend a walking tour and entering its historical hidden gems.

Take In Amazing Exhibitions and Multimedia Experiences

Fascinating worlds unfold before us, where imagination, history, and art come to life.

Deep in the forest, the immersive multimedia experience Onhwa’ Lumina transports visitors into a magical world where nature and technology blend seamlessly, all set against the rich cultural backdrop of the Wendat Nation.

At the Musée de la civilisation, step into the heart of life aboard the legendary Titanic through an impressive collection of nearly 200 artifacts — from jewelry to clothing and everyday objects — displayed according to the passengers' social class.

Next, head to the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, where the singular universe of Franco-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle comes to life through bold and thought-provoking works.

Finally, immerse yourself in a full sensory experience inside the Dôme Hubblo, an impressive 360-degree spherical structure set up outside Le Grand Théâtre de Québec. All summer long, a varied program of immersive projections and enveloping soundscapes awaits.

Get Some Fresh Air

Want to move? Head to one of the urban parks or one of the amazing parks in the surrounding areas of Québec City for your fill of outdoor fun.

Want to enjoy nature without having to drive? Shuttles take you from downtown to beautiful parks like Jacques-Cartier National ParkMont Wright, and the Marais du Nord.

Celebrate Summer on the Most Beautiful Terraces

With its historic architecture and the majestic St. Lawrence River, Québec City offers many terraces for dining or having a drink in a breathtaking setting. Some streets in the Old Port turn into terraces and allow visitors to live the unique experience of a huge open-air restaurant. 

Have Fun with the Family

Your thrill-seeking teens will love the double zipline at Montmorency Falls Park, the AirCANYON at Canyon Sainte-Anne, and the ropes courses in the trees at Arbraska Duchesnay.

Or perhaps you’d like to dive into the marine world at Aquarium du Québec and see the Awesome Ocean Tunnel and the new immersive room.

Take a look at our recos for fun family activities. You’ll soon realize Québec City is an amazing destination for families.

Enjoy 400 km of Bike Paths

Québec City has a network of bike paths that stretch out from the city centre in every direction. If you don’t have a bike or don’t feel like bringing it with you, you can rent one at Cyclo ServicesEcho Sports Tours or Tuque & bicycle expériences and can even hire a guide to help you explore the city by bike. These shops are in the Old Port, which is a great starting-off point for many of the nicest routes.

Enjoy a Nautical Activity

When the weather gets warmer, we love to enjoy water activities and boat tours

The brand new Station de la Plage (Beach Station) is a must this summer. Its fine sandy beach, infinity swimming pool and mirror pool with water fountains will dazzle young and old alike. In the Old Port, the Oasis du Port de Québec is a free swimming site in a setting worthy of a postcard.

To appreciate the panorama of Montmorency Falls and Old Québec, climb aboard a boat of Croisières AML or a Zodiac of Excursions Maritimes Quebec. We also love paddleboard outings combined with local products in Portneuf and watching the sunset in a kayak on Île d'Orléans. In search of adrenaline? Look for a rafting descent!

Go for a Ride on Eastern Canada’s Biggest Mountain Biking Trail Network

MTBers will find plenty of places to test their skills—and their pedal power—less than an hour outside Québec City. Vallée Bras-du-Nord, Mont-Sainte-Anne, and Empire 47 all have great trails for all levels of rider, including beginners looking to try the sport, while the enduro trails at Sentiers du Moulin are the perfect place to get sendy. At Massif de Charlevoix, the impeccable downhill runs offer a breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence River.

More Summer Suggestions

  • Passagers sur la terrasse de Croisières AML
    Québec City Boat Tours
    Read
  • Photo historique
    Instagram Your Way Through 400 Years of History
    Read
  • Canoe-camping dans le Parc national de la jacques-Cartier

    Canoe-Camping in Québec City Area

    Read
  • Place de Paris

    Places to Hang Out in the Summer

    Read
  • Méga Parc amusement park
    Family Fun at the Best Amusement Centres
    Read
  • Hop on Hop off Quebec City

    Bus Tours in Québec City

    Read
  • Fille qui marche sur les plaines d'Abraham

    What to Do in Québec City in July

    Read

Major Summer Events

Dates

  • Biosphere
    Festival d'été de Québec

    Festival d'été de Québec

    Read
  • Maquette dans l'Exposition Titanic

    Titanic. The Human Story

    Read
  • Biosphere
    Grands Feux Loto-Québec
    Grands Feux Loto-Québec Fireworks
    Read
  • Gens costumés aux Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France
    New France Festival
    Read
  • Cyclists at the finish line.

    Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec

    Read

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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