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 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.

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 Rembrandt - Etchings from the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen exhibition is on display at Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec.

Over at Musée de la civilisation, there are fascinating exhibitions about Gladiators and about wrestling.

Until December 8, 2024, the Catholic Church of Québec marks the 350^th anniversary of the founding of its diocese, which, at the peak of its influence in 1712, covered the entire American continent as far as the Gulf of Mexico. The thousands of people expected during the year are invited to discover the richness of Quebec City’s religious heritage. Here are some of the activities on the program: 

• Opening of the Holy Door: It is possible to pass through the only Holy Door outside of Europe. A unique spiritual experience not to be missed.
• Pilgrimage in Old Québec: The Pèlerinage Vieux-Québec Website facilitates the organization of an individual or group pilgrimage through the holy places of Old Québec.
• New Kapoah trail: 4 to 10 day itineraries, inspired by the Camino de Santiago, to walk in the footsteps of the indigenous people, the first settlers and the saints of the Québec region.

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.

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 Promenade Samuel-De Champlain's 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.