Top Things to Do in Québec City This Summer

With fantastic exhibitions, colourful festivals, and car-free streets for more space, Québec City is going all out to wow you this summer. Here are some of the best things to do from July to September.
Explore 400 Years of History
- Jeff Frenette
The Old City 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
This summer, we dive into the colourful universe of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo through a unique immersive combination of digital art, historical photographs, projections and installations accompanied by virtual reality experiences.
The immersive multimedia experience Onhwa’ Lumina takes us to a magical world combining nature and technology with, as a backdrop, the rich history of the Huron-Wendat Nation.
The Alexander McQueen: Art Meets Fashion exhibition is on display at Musée national des beaux-arts.
Over at Musée de la civilisation, there’s a challenging exhibition about climate issues and solutions.
Tickets to these blockbuster exhibitions go fast, so consider booking in advance online.
Get Some Fresh Air in City and Surrounding Area Parks
- Sépaq - Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
Want to move? Head to one of the urban parks or one of the amazing parks in the Québec City area for your fill of outdoor fun.
Celebrate Summer on the Most Beautiful Terraces
- Pierre-Nic Lessard
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.
Discover New Places to Visit
- Train de Charlevoix
Are you a regular visitor to the area? We bet we'll surprise you with our list of new places and activities to explore, such as the hydrogen-powered tourist train to Charlevoix and the first indoor ski center in Québec. There are always new reasons to visit Québec City in summer!
Have Fun with the Family
- Jeff Frenette Photography
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 Chauveau.
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
- Old Port, Jeff Frenette Photography
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 Services or Location EchoSports and can even hire a guide to help you explore the city by bike. Both shops are in the Old Port, which is a great starting-off point for many of the nicest routes.
Go for a Ride on Eastern Canada’s Biggest Mountain Biking Trail Network
- Le Massif de Charlevoix. Jean-Sébastien Chartier Plante
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.