Québec City’s Best Picnic Spots

We can’t talk about the best places to picnic in Québec City without mentioning the Plains of Abraham, the city’s “Central Park”, which has wide-open spaces and plenty of places to sit in sun or shade. The views of the St. Lawrence River and Joan of Arc Garden complete the experience.

Our Foodie Tip: On the way to the park, stock up on goodies at one of the many specialty food shops on Avenue Cartier, just a few minutes’ walk away. Stop by Morena, whose delicatessen and ready-to-eat sections are brimming with Mediterranean flavours, including pasta, soups, arancini, salads, moussaka, risottos, and antipasti.

Pierre-Dugua-De Mons Terrace overlooks Québec City and offers stunning views of Château Frontenac, the St. Lawrence River, and the surrounding mountains. Head there in the late afternoon to enjoy the golden hour over Old Québec.

Our Foodie Tip: Stop by Les Trouvailles de Jules, a gourmet grocery store just a few steps away that carries local breads, cheeses, spices, condiments, and everything else needed for a proper picnic.

Formerly the residence of Québec’s lieutenant governors, Parc du Bois-de-Coulonge charms guests with its elegance and peaceful atmosphere. Tall, mature trees, flower-filled gardens, and walking paths invite visitors to relax. After the picnic, take a stroll through the gardens and bask in their beauty.

Our Foodie Tip: Take a detour down Avenue Maguire, where options for groceries and takeout abound.

This little gem is well-known to Québec City residents and features shady woods, peaceful ponds, and wide-open green spaces. Visitors can use the on-site picnic tables or settle comfortably on the lawn in this picture-perfect setting. Take the opportunity to explore the paths, and keep an eye out for the many bird species that frequent the area.

Our Foodie Tip: Stop by La Marinière for delicious homemade sandwiches.

With magnificent views of the St. Lawrence River, Parc de la Plage-Jacques-Cartier is an ideal spot for a beach picnic. The vibe here is warm and relaxed, and visitors have no trouble carving out their own slice of heaven along the long, broad beach. We love spending hours here sharing a meal, strolling by the shore, and watching sailboats glide across the water. The sunsets alone are spectacular and worth the trip.

Our Foodie Tip: Keep the fun going and get dessert at Chocolats Favoris in the quaint Vieux-Cap-Rouge neighbourhood.

For a picnic that feels like a vacation, it’s hard to beat Saint-Jean on Île d’Orléans. The view of the river and the surrounding mountains creates a peaceful setting where time seems to stand still. Before settling in, we love browsing the many farm stands that line the island’s loop road and filling our baskets with local products.

Our Foodie Tip: Stop by La Midinette, right across the road, for some treats to enjoy by the water.

Located near Le Grand Marché de Québec, the park at Place Jean-Béliveau is an ideal spot for a family picnic. This attractive space features public art installations and splash pads in the summer.

Our Foodie Tip: Buy some fresh produce and local goodies at the Grand Marché, then settle in on the lawn or at a table in the park.

It’s hard to resist the charm of the Promenade Samuel-De Champlain for a riverside picnic. Dotted with gardens, green spaces, and rest areas over several kilometres, the promenade offers gorgeous views of the St. Lawrence River. Pick a spot near the water and watch the ships drift by, or keep walking or cycling along the paths. In the evening, the lights on the river create a lovely mood to end the day.

Our Foodie Tip: Stop by Maison Smith on Place-Royale for treats and sandwiches to go before heading to the promenade.