5 Reasons to Spend Your Summer Vacation in Québec City

As you stroll through Old Québec, the rich culture and stunning architecture will transport you straight to Europe. It’s a joy to spend time exploring the historic sites, quaint shops and museums in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entire district, which is best explored on foot, feels like a living history book, where every building and street corner tells its own unique story.

My first visit to Québec City this past summer already has me wanting to return and explore more! Full of culture and history, this city is a gem with so much to offer regardless of season. I love the city's bustling energy, diverse food scene, endless activities, and placement amid a beautiful natural landscape. It really does give visitors and locals alike the best of all worlds!

- Asha Sardar, La Wandereuse, Ontario 

Vacationing in Québec City means you don’t have to choose between nature and culture. The city offers plenty of parks where you can get outside and play, like the famous Plains of Abraham. And just a short drive from downtown, you'll discover even more stunning parks perfect for enjoying the great outdoors. Did you know there are two beaches within a five-minute drive from the city centre?

Whether you're into hiking, water sports, via ferrata, zip-lining, ropes courses, golfing, canyoning, road biking, or mountain biking, Québec City and its surroundings have something for every adventure seeker.

Québec City has built a solid reputation as a top family destination. Watch as your kids suddenly discover the magic of history while wandering the streets of Old Québec.

At Village Vacances Valcartier, the outdoor waterpark offers 35 slides, two adventure rivers, countless water games, and of course, the giant wave pool. 

For more aquatic fun, head to Aquarium du Québec, home to 10,000 marine specimens and an awesome ocean tunnel. 

For thrill-seeking teenagers, look no further than the via ferrata at Montmorency Falls Park, the AirCANYON at Canyon Sainte-Anne, or the ropes course at Arbraska Duchesnay. 

Québec City is a true foodie’s paradise, with local artisans creating top-tier ingredients that chefs can't get enough of. Take a leisurely stroll through the bright, airy Grand Marché or join a food tour to uncover the secrets of the city's vibrant culinary scene.

Just a short 15-minute drive from downtown, you’ll find yourself on Île d’Orléans—an island brimming with vineyards, orchards, and charming ancestral homes. A scenic drive around the island will lead you through picturesque villages, each offering great spots to pick up local ingredients or grab a delicious bite. For wine lovers, the wine route is a must, where local producers craft exceptional wines, all thanks to the island’s unique microclimate.

A steady string of events keep Québec City buzzing all summer long. From shows to historical festivals, theatrical performances, and sports events, there’s something for everyone.

Beyond these exciting happenings, you can also explore major exhibitions. Check out the Titanic exhibit at Musée de la civilisation or the Niki de Saint Phalle showcase at Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec.

With so much to offer, it’s no wonder Québec City is ranked as one of the world’s top travel destinations.