Top Things to Do in Québec City This Summer

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. 

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.

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.

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 Park, Mont Wright, and the Marais du Nord.

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. 

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.

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, Echo 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.

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!

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.