I was partially hosted during my time in Quebec by Quebec Cité, Bonjour Quebec, Quebec Authentique, and Tourisme Laval. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Summer in Quebec City is one of those delightful surprises that you never knew you needed. Having first experienced Quebec City in the winter (for their famous Christmas markets!), my only perception of Quebec was one of snow, and magical holiday decorations, and maple taffy. But in the summer, once the snow has come and gone, Quebec City and the surrounding areas completely transform into an outdoor lover’s utopia. I saw the region with fresh eyes, less jackets (which I’m grateful for), and a newfound appreciation of all that Canadian summers have to offer.
So, what is summer in Quebec City all about? And what should you expect when you plan your visit? I’ll start by saying that Quebecers are warm-weather maximalists. Think dinners al fresco, never-ending summer festivals, tons of parks and nature trails, and countless ways to get out on the water. It’s a city that knows warm days are fleeting, and that you should take every opportunity to enjoy them as they come.
Now, I was in Quebec City in the summer for a conference, so my free time exploring the city was a bit limited. But, I can confidently say that even if you just have 3 or 4 days to dedicate to Quebec City, it’ll be well worth it! So if you’re looking for an active Quebec summer itinerary that balances a bit of sightseeing, a strong dose of outdoor appreciation, and a lot of delicious food, look no further.
Keep reading for my 3-day Quebec City Summer itinerary, and be sure to scroll to the bottom for plenty of additional recommendations if you have more time to spare! On y va! (Let’s go!)
The Ultimate 3-Day Quebec City Summer Itinerary
DAY ONE: Exploring Old Town Quebec City
Bienvenue a Quebec City! The oldest city in Canada and an absolutely stunning one at that, Quebec City is a feast for all the senses.
On the first day of your Quebec City itinerary, I recommend settling in and exploring all there is to do in Canada’s capital. Wander the streets of Old Quebec – one of North America’s last remaining walled cities and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site – and admire the architecture, the history, and the storybook views.
Be sure to bring your walking shoes, though. You’ll quickly see that Quebec City is known for its many hills and endless staircases!
A Super Brief History of Quebec City
Quebec City is one of the most unique regions in Canada. Founded in 1608, Canada’s capital city holds over 400 years of history in its preserved walls, and its identity is the result of its European origins, its distinct French-speaking pride, and cultural influence from the 11 different First Nations that have called and continue to call this region home.
If you’ve ever wondered why Quebecers continue to speak French to this day, while the rest of Canada speaks English, you might be surprised to know it has a lot to do with the origin story of the USA.
Quebec was founded by a Frenchman, St. Miguel de Champlain, in 1608 as the site of New France, and remained under French rule for over 150 years. By 1759, when Quebec fell into British rule, the region already had a strong Francophone identity and unwavering Catholic faith. At the same time, the American Revolution was just beginning to heat up, and the British were afraid Canadians would help the US patriots win as a way of “getting back” at the Crown. So, to gain their loyalty once and for all, they introduced The Quebec Act, which was basically a little olive branch that allowed Quebec to keep speaking French and keep being Catholic. Et voila!
Today, Quebec continues to be French-speaking but its religious stronghold has faded (ask a Quebecer to teach you a swear word!). While you may be in Canada, expect to be spoken to in French first. For Quebec, it’s not just a language, but an act of cultural preservation.
As you walk around Quebec City, particularly the old city within the walls, you’ll notice a mix of architectural styles showcasing patterns of European immigration and influence over the centuries. The city actually burned down a number of times in its early days, but most buildings in the historical center have been rebuilt to match the period of their origins.
What you’ll find as you walk around Quebec City, especially in the summer, is how life within the ramparts comes alive through seamlessly blending the old and new side by side. There are nods to Quebec City’s origin story everywhere, and they’re even more pronounced if you know where to look!
Things to Do in Old Quebec City
Thanks to its UNESCO designation, Old Quebec City is very well preserved and brimming with landmarks, old buildings, and points of interest.
To kick off your long weekend in Quebec City, spend some time wandering around and taking it all in!
Where to Go When Visiting Old Quebec City
- Explore Le Quartier Petit-Champlain and the Royal Square, the site of the founding of Quebec in 1608. Today, these cobblestoned streets are filled with boutiques, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Petit-Champlain Street is one of the oldest shopping streets in North America, and incredibly photogenic.
- Ride the Quebec Funicular, a 100+ year-old funicular connecting Upper Town and Lower Town. It’s a bit expensive and more of a tourist attraction today than anything else, but I recommend taking the funicular at least once. Going up (versus going down) will save you a long walk up Quebec City’s oldest staircase! The funicular costs $6 per person each way, and they don’t honor currency conversions, and you must pay in cash, so you’ll lose a dollar or two if you try to pay in USD!
- Visit the famous Chateau Frontenac, the world’s most photographed hotel and Quebec City’s most recognizable landmark. Stroll the Dufferin Terrace for some prime people watching and castle viewing!
- Shop at Artisans de la Cathedrale, a summer artisanal market that has been running for more than 40 years just outside of the Sainte Trinité Cathedral.
- Take a walking tour of Old Quebec City to help you identify different historical landmarks and the stories behind them. There are so many walking tours in Quebec City, but I recommend Cicerone Tours for their historically dressed guides (a fun and quirky touch). Book your tour using this link.
After a long day of exploration, grab a bite and take it all in. get drinks at 1608 Bar in the Chateau Frontenac if you’re after a craft cocktail and a good view. Otherwise, head to La Buche (poutine, pâté chinois, and other Quebequois staples), Buvette Scott (an elevated wine bar), Chez Temporel (French cuisine), or Le Don (incredible vegan-but-you-can’t-tell cuisine).
DAY TWO: Visit Montmorency Falls & Île d’Orleans
Quebec City has so much more to offer than what can be found inside its ramparts. So on day two of this Quebec City itinerary, I suggest getting outside of the city. Two of the most popular day trips within an hour from Quebec City are Montmorency Falls and the Île d’Orleans, and both are fantastic places to visit in the summer months!
Below, I’ll show you how you can take a day trip to both of these sites, with or without a car.
Day Trips to Montmorency Falls
Montmorency Falls is one of Quebec City’s most famous natural landmarks and for good reason. Standing at 272 feet (100 feet taller than Niagara!), Montmorency is a massive, impressive natural waterfall that can be explored in so many different ways.
Visiting Montmorency Falls is easy, whether you have a car or not. With a car, the falls can be visited in a quick 15-minute drive. Without a car, you can hop on the Unitours shuttle which runs to and from the falls multiple times a day during the summer months (generally late May/June to October).
Once here, you can wander the promenade in front of the falls, explore the many trails, climb the sweeping staircase up to the hanging bridge above the falls, traverse the via ferrata, take the cable car, and even zipline across.
While the falls can be visited year-round, some of these activities do close down during the winter, making summer the ideal time for an active visit to Montmorency.
Day Trips to Île d’Orleans
Known for its French heritage, rich culinary offerings, and slower pace, Île d’Orleans has been a popular escape from urban life for centuries. Similarly to Montmorency Falls, you can visit Île d’Orleans year-round, but it’s an absolute must-do in the summer.
If you’re driving to Île d’Orleans, the island is about 30 minutes outside of Quebec City. Once here, you’ll want to drive clockwise or counterclockwise to visit the different villages and eateries throughout the island!
Where to Go When Visiting Île d’Orleans
- Cassis Monna & Filles: A women-owned and family-run black currant farm, wine cellar, and economuseum.
- Confiturerie Tigidou: An incredibly aesthetic and delicious artisanal stop featuring locally grown berry jams.
- Chocolaterie de l’Île d’Orleans: Self explanatory for the sweet tooths!
- The Tea House of Île d’Orleans: For a relaxed tea time.
- Les Fromages de l’Île d’Orleans: The first made-in-America cheese shop and a true step back in time.
- The Manoir Mauvide-Genest: A country manor and museum that’ll show you a glimpse of what life in the 18th century was like for a well-off family.
You can also book a tour that’ll take you around the island to different stops before bringing you back to Quebec City. Depending on your interests, there are Île d’Orleans tours ranging from active adventures and history tours to food and wine crawls stopping at the island’s many farms, wineries, and artisanal shops along the way.
No Car? Day Tours to Île d’Orleans from Quebec City
- Sea Kayaking in Ile d’Orleans
- Ile d’Orleans Food Tour
- Conciergerie du Terroir
- Montmorency Falls and Ile d’Orleans Combo Tour
BONUS: Onhwa’ Lumina
Not ready to call it a day just yet? On your way back to Quebec City in the evening, consider taking a quick detour to Wendake to see Onhwa’ Lumina, a multisensory night walk that gives guests a taste of Huron-Wendat Nation culture.
Developed by artists, historians, and community members from the Huron-Wendat Nation, this evening art installation tells their story, shares their outlook on life and nature, and honors their culture, giving people a different and more well-rounded perspective on the many facets of Quebec.
The Onhwa’ Lumina art installation is open nightly from 8:30 – 10:30 pm, and tickets can sell out in advance! I recommend reserving ahead of time for peace of mind. You can book your tickets to Onhwa’ Lumina using this link.
DAY THREE: Escape to Quebec’s Nature Parks
Summer in Quebec City is synonymous with spending as much time as possible outdoors, so on day 3, we’re escaping the city once more! There are so many parks, waterfalls, and rivers for outdoor recreation not far from the city center.
I recommend taking a half day to enjoy Quebec’s great outdoors before returning to Quebec City for one final, magical evening in the city as the sun sets.
Jacques Cartier National Park
This beautiful national park is less than 45 minutes from the city center, making it a perfect day trip from Quebec City. Jacques Cartier National Park is a preserved glacial valley with tons of different things to do in the summer – hiking and canoeing being some of the most popular.
Things to Do in Jacques Cartier National Park in the Summer
- Explore one of the many hiking trails throughout the park, with Les Loups Trail, Les Cascades, La Croisee, and Le Scotora being some of the most popular. Find all of the park’s hikes and access points here.
- Go canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or tubing. You can rent all of your watersports gear within the park by the hour, the half day, or the full day.
- Go on a multi-day canoe trip through Jacques Cartier Nationial Park.
To enter the national park, you’ll need to pay a $10 CAD entrance fee upon arrival if getting there on your own. Otherwise, tours and shuttles typically will include the entrance fee for you. If you want to visit Jacques Cartier without a car, you can book a round-trip shuttle with Quatre Natures (park admission included) for $39.90 CAD.
Batiscan River Park
A bit further from Quebec City but equally beautiful in the summer, Batiscan River Park is yet another well-loved outdoor recreation mecca for Quebecers. Located in a lush, forested region called Mauricie, this park has everything from campsites, to ziplines, to mountain bike and hiking trails, to its own Via Ferrata.
I experienced my first time ziplining over a waterfall here, and it was incredible to witness the roaring power of the water rushing below me as I sped past! I loved it so much, I hopped on the same zipline three times.
To enter the park, you’ll need to pay a ~$9 CAD entrance fee per person.
Evening Activities in Quebec City
After a long, active day exploring the great outdoors, round out your summer Quebec trip with a relaxing evening taking in the sights of Quebec City one more time.
In the summer months, the sun sets between 7:45 and 9 pm. So, even if you get back to the city late, you’ll still be able to catch golden hour, arguably the most beautiful time of day in the city. Stroll around Duffrin Terrace to soak up the views of Chateau Frontenac and the St Lawrence River, or, consider one of these special evening activities in Quebec City.
Unique Evening Activities in Quebec City:
- Take a sunset cruise aboard the Croisieres AML, a 3.5-hour evening sail with entertainment, drinks, and gorgeous views of the city and the Chateau Frontenac.
- Visit the Strøm Spa Nordique in Old Quebec for relaxing thermal pools, saunas, steam baths, and more at the foot of the St. Lawrence River. Or, head to the Sky Spa for an elevated panoramic view of the city below. Both spas stay open late (until roughly 9 – 11 pm depending on the day), and I’d plan to spend at least 2 or 3 hours here to get the most bang for your buck.
Other Things to Do if You Have More Time
Have more time to spend on your Quebec itinerary? You could easily spend a week or more here without running out of things to do! Here are some great add-ons for those of you planning to spend more time exploring Quebec City and beyond.
- Go to a Summer Festival in Quebec: Quebec is world-class when it comes to its summer festivals! One of the most famous music festivals and the largest in all of Canada takes place each July in Quebec City – the Festival d’été de Québec. This particular music festival is 11 days long, and offers one-night passes so you can pick the date that works best for you. Another great event is St. Jean Baptiste Day, Quebec’s provincial holiday, that takes place on June 24th each year and celebrates Quebec’c culture and the French language. On this day, you’ll find parades, block parties, and events all over Quebec.
- Take in the Views of Quebec City from L’Observatoire de la Capitale: The highest point in Quebec City, this observatory lets you glimpse a 360-degree view while learning more about Quebec City’s history.
- Sample Quebec Flavors through a Food or Drink Tour: Trying to understand Quebeqois food beyond poutine can be overwhelming, but there are many amazing culinary tours in Quebec City to help give you a place to start! Local Quebec Food Tours offers an Old Quebec City walking tour that’s highly rated, Parcours Epicuriens offers epicurean experiences like bike tours and mystery dinners around the city, and Broue-Tours is a great option if you want to visit some of Quebec City’s best microbreweries.
- Visit the Grand Marché de Quebec: This food market offers an extensive range of foods and souvenirs produced by local artisans across Quebec City, Île d’Orleans, Charlevoix, and beyond. A must-stop if you want to bring home some maple syrup!
- Check Out One of Quebec City’s Many Museums: There are several museums to visit in Quebec City, making this a great option to extend your trip (or to pivot to in case of bad weather!). The Musee National des Beaux-Arts du Quebec, Musee de la Civilisation, and Plains of Abraham Museum are all located within Old Quebec. You can also venture back into Wendake to explore the Huron-Wendat Museum.
- Visit Lanaudiere-Mauricie: I mentioned the region of Mauricie briefly above, and for good reason. To really understand the best that Quebec has to offer in the summer, Lanaudiere and Mauricie are must-visits if you want to immerse yourself in nature. You’ll need to rent a car for sure, but it’ll be well worth the drive. Visit the parks and waterfalls for the day, or stay in one of the many unique accommodations nestled throughout the forest region for an all-encompassing experience. Auberge du Vieux Moulin and Le Baluchon Eco Resort are some of the most charming and classical retreats in the area, each with spas and stunning water views. Alternatively, Les Boises de la Riviere offers picturesque micro cabins complete with their own jacuzzis for those looking for a more private escape.
- Go Forest-to-Table Foraging: Quebec is well known for abundant foraging opportunities and forest-to-table cuisine in the summer months, and you can even learn the ropes yourself while you’re visiting. Check out Table En Forêt, an immersive forest meal experience that introduces guests to forest edibles, mycology (mushroom foraging), cooking demonstrations, and a homecooked meal. Take a foraging course from Eat the Planet or sign up for an epicurean hike with Marcheur Des Bois. Or, if you prefer to let the experts do the foraging for you, visit a restaurant that specializes in regional forest-to-table cooking, like Alentours or Chez Boulay in Quebec City, or Le Presbytere Microbrassiere in Saint Stanislaus de Champlain.
- Experience the World’s Top Escape Room in Laval: Did you know the number one escape room in the world can be found in Quebec? Located in Quebec’s 3rd largest city, Laval, the Escaparium boasts more than 30 different courses that will completely redefine your understanding of what an escape room can be. Blending state of the art theatrics, acting, immersiveness, and story, the Escaparium is a complete feast for the imagination. I got to try my hand at Magnifico, the top rated escape room in the world, and while I went into it a bit skeptical (escape rooms usually aren’t my thing), I emerged afterwards completely and utterly blown away!
- Visit the Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles: Also located in Laval, this protected wildlife reserve is a cool place to go kayaking or paddleboarding in the summer months. You might even spot the old waterfront home of Celine Dion!
- Road Trip to Montreal: As you do many of these things, you’ll naturally find yourself road tripping down south to Montreal. Why not complete the road trip and spend some time exploring Quebec’s biggest city, Montreal?
Where to Stay in Quebec City
You can find a wide variety of places to stay throughout Quebec City, from small B&Bs to luxury castles. Below, you’ll find just a few of my top recommendations of where to stay when visiting Quebec City.
- Chateau Frontenac: Arguably the place to stay in Quebec City, the famous Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac allows you to experience luxury and history. The hotel first opened its doors in 1893, and has since grown to become one of the most photographed hotels in the world.
- Compare prices and book on: Booking.com | Expedia.com | Hotels.com
- Monsieur Jean: A small boutique hotel with a lot of personality in the Upper Town, known for its quirky character and beautifully designed rooms. Check out my full review of Monsieur Jean here.
- Compare prices and book on: Booking.com | Expedia.com | Hotels.com
Find More Places to Stay in Quebec City:
- Quebec City hotels on Booking.com
- Quebec City hotels on Expedia.com
- Quebec City hotels on Hotels.com
- Quebec City hotels on Tripadvisor
- Quebec City vacation homes on VRBO
Where to Eat and Drink in Quebec City
This 3 day Quebec City itinerary wouldn’t be complete without talking about where to eat and drink in the area. Here are some of my favorite spots from my summer trip to Quebec City, plus some other recommendations I’ve heard great things about!
- La Buche: A Quebec City stable for Quebequois cuisine. The poutine here is to-die for. I recommend going for brunch!
- Le Don Vegane: Quebec City’s first 100% vegan restaurant isn’t just for vegans, but anyone who wants a good meal and a break from typical Quebequois food. The coconut Thai soup is a must.
- Noctem Artisans Brasseurs: A local microbrewery and restaurant with delicious sours, IPAs, and more. A quirky bonus? All of the beer labels are cat-themed!
- Alentours: A fine dining sustainable restaurant concept that sources ingredients from more than 70 different independent producers in the surrounding area. Alentours is only open Thursdays to Saturdays for dinner.
- Chez Boulay: A restaurant specializing in locally grown ingredients and celebrating Boreal cuisine.
- Chez Temporel: A Quebec City staple that’s been around for more than 50 years and serves up comforting French dishes.
- Buvette Scott: An intimate dining establishment serving up innovative tapas-style dishes and an impressive beer and wine menu.
- Terroir – Vins et Compagnie: Come here for snacks and a killer gin & tonic.
- Le Petit Dep: A very cute and delicious little coffee shop and bakery in the heart of Le Quartier Petit-Champlain.
- Cantook Micro Torrefaction: A great third wave coffee shop that’s well worth the detour out of Old Town for caffeine aficionados.
- Alphonse Cuisine & Cocktails: A central spot for drinks and people watching.
- La Molette: Coffee and brunch by day, tapas and cocktails by night.
- Chic Shack: For my creatures of comfort out there, this is your burgers & fries (and poutine, milkshakes, and more) stop.
- Louise Taverne & Bar a Vin: An elevated take on a European-style tavern, this wine bar and tavern is located in Old Port inside the Hôtel Port-Royale.
- Bistro Le Sam: Located inside the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac with panoramic and sky views overlooking the St. Lawrence River.
- 1608 Bar: This bar was named after the year of Quebec City’s founding and it’s location on the site the city was founded in. Come for a drink, stay for the cheese room.
- L’Atelier: A lively cocktail bar & restaurant on the popular nightlife row, Grande-Allée. In addition to good drinks, this place is well-known for offering different variations of tartare.
Quebec City FAQ: Tips to Know Before You Go
What Is the Best Currency to Use in Quebec City?
Quebec City uses the Canadian Dollar (check your currency conversion).
What Language is Spoken in Quebec City?
Quebec City is predominantly (over 90%) French-speaking, but a majority of the population also speaks English, so you’ll have very few – if any – problems getting around.
Is Quebec City Worth Visiting in the Summer?
Quebec City is worth visiting any time of year, but the summer is especially fantastic thanks to the longer, warmer days, the outdoor activities, and the countless festivals.
Quebec City enjoys four distinct seasons each year, so if a winter trip is more up your alley, be sure to check out my guide on what to do in Quebec City in the winter next!
What is Quebec City Known For?
Quebec City is most well known for its Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features several impressive historic landmarks preserved stone buildings, and cobblestone streets. It’s a beautiful city, situated right on the St Lawrence River at the base of countless outdoor escapes.
In addition to the beautiful city itself, Quebec City is known for so many other things, from its rich culinary POV, to its proud Francophone identity, to its unique culture. In addition to more than 400 years of French and British history, the province of Quebec is also home to 11 First Nations, and indigenous culture is a key component in the tapestry of Quebec’s story.
What’s the Weather Like in Quebec City, Canada in the Summer?
Summer in Quebec City is wonderful and hotter than you might expect. From June to August, days typically get up to the 70s or 80s (Farenheit), with evenings not dipping below the mid-50’s. July and August offer the longest days of the year, but also the highest humidity.
The shoulder season months of May and September are still great times to enjoy Quebec City, with average temps reaching the mid-60s during the day.
How Can You Get Around in Quebec City?
Old Quebec is a walking city! But if you want to get out and explore, you can rent a bike or rent a car. Uber is also available, as well as local taxi services which seemed pretty efficient.
Renting a Car in Quebec City
Use Kayak or Expedia to compare rental car rates, or Turo to find peer-to-peer car rentals in Quebec City.
Rideshare Apps in Quebec City
While Lyft is unavailable in Quebec City, you can use Uber easily to get around.
Public Transportation in Quebec City
The public bus system, called Réseau de transport de la capitale (RTC), is a generally reliable way to get around the larger metropolis and visit various tourist attractions in Quebec City. You can also use this bus system to get to and from the airport. Use this link to plan your routes.
Shuttle Services and Tourist Routes in Quebec City
Because Quebec City is such a popular tourist destination in Canada, there are many shuttle services to help transport visitors along popular tourist routes in and around the city.
Use Unitours for hop-on, hop-off tours, as well as round-trip transportation to and from Montmorency Falls (summer only).
Use Quatre Natures for round-trip transportation to and from Jacques Cartier National Park.
Bikeshare in Quebec City
Quebec City is actually quite bike-friendly! Check out Echo Sports Tours and Quebec Adventure Tours for rentals and tours.
What Should I Pack for Quebec City in the Summer?
Bring lots of layers and make sure your outer layers are waterproof in case of snow! For a full packing list, check out my guide to packing for Quebec in the winter next.
After my final evening ice skating, I caught an early-morning flight to Toronto at 5 am to start making my way back home (and straight to work!) on Monday morning. Was I a bit groggy? Sure. But I’ll do anything for an epic long weekend trip.
All that said, Quebec City is a magical long weekend getaway in the winter months. For an incredibly festive destination so beautiful you’d wonder whether you were on the set of a Christmas movie, a visit to Quebec is a definite must.
Ready to Go to Quebec City?
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Read This Next:
- December in Quebec City: The Ultimate 3-Day Winter Guide
- 7 Festive Things To Do in Quebec City if You Love All Things Christmas
- Where to Stay in Quebec City: Monsieur Jean
- What to Pack for Quebec City in the Winter: A Carry On-Only Guide
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