Québec City: A Top Choice for Enriching Student Travel
Recognized for its historical heritage, European charm and high quality of life, Québec City offers an ideal and safe setting for student groups. Students can explore Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, participate in numerous cultural activities, and enjoy the nearby nature. Québec City is also the perfect place for a French immersion since it is one of the major French-speaking cities in Canada. No matter the season, day or night, there is something for everyone—boredom is simply not an option!
With its modern infrastructure and diverse hotel offerings, Québec City is welcoming, accessible, and practical for planning a successful stay. Here is a selection of must-see attractions to add to your group itinerary.
Top Group Activities To Do in Québec City
Educational Activities
Combining fun and learning in Québec City is child's play! From interactive guided tours to creative workshops, students will have memorable experiences while developing their knowledge. Here are some of the best things to do for student groups:
- Old Québec: As the birthplace of French North America and the only walled city north of Mexico, the Old City is a captivating blend of history and charm. Uncover its secrets with a knowledgeable local guide as you stroll through its cobblestone streets. Let the city’s stories unfold before your students’ eyes, from fascinating anecdotes to important historical facts.
- Musée de la civilisation: Spark curiosity and learning with a visit to the Musée de la civilisation, a visitor-oriented museum offering interactive exhibits that encourage discovery and exploration of Quebec’s story, including contemporary culture and unusual topics.
- Plains of Abraham: Immerse your students in the heart of history at the Plains of Abraham Museum. Nestled in a world-class urban park, this captivating space offers interactive activities like "Soldier for a Day" and immersive exhibits that bring the past to life. Uncover the secrets of this iconic battlefield while blending education with fun.
- Observatoire de la Capitale: Combine stunning vistas with interactive exhibits at the Observatoire de la Capitale. Learn about the city's rich history and culture while exploring the "Horizons" trail and enjoying panoramic views that will leave you breathless.
- Aquarium de Québec: Meet more than 10,000 marine animals representing 300 species and participate in the fun activities offered on site, accompanied by excellent scientific animators, regardless of the season.
Outdoor Activities
After a morning of cultural exploration, it's time to get out and explore nature! Québec offers stunning forests, rivers, and parks, perfect for students to experience the great outdoors.
Parc de la Chute-Montmorency: Located 15 minutes from Old Québec, Parc de la Chute-Montmorency is a spectacular historical site thanks to the waterfall that dominates the landscape with its height of 83 meters. Introduce your students to an incomparable historical site where they will learn in a fun and creative way about the history of this regional gem, accompanied by enthusiastic guide-animators.
Croisières AML: Discover the fascinating world of navigation, the river, and its wildlife, accompanied by an experienced team of costumed animators. Whether it's an educational cruise, an evening cruise, or a whale watching cruise (Charlevoix region), students will surely enjoy their trip on the Saint Lawrence River and the magnificent view of Old Québec.
Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier: Discover the natural wonders of Jacques-Cartier National Park. Located just a 45-minute drive from Old Québec, this protected area boasts one of Québec's most impressive glacial valleys. Immerse your students in stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and thrilling outdoor adventures as they explore this extraordinary environment. The park's commitment to education ensures students gain a deep appreciation for nature through dynamic and engaging activities.
Canyon Sainte-Anne: Located 45 minutes from Old Québec, participate with your group in the immersive experience of a hike along the edge of a real canyon, carved for more than 1 billion years into the Canadian Shield. Fly 90 meters above the gorge at 50 km/h with AirCANYON for a memorable experience!
Indoor Activities
No matter the weather, indoor fun is the perfect way to strengthen friendships! From exciting games to thrilling rides, there's something for everyone.
Méga Parc des Galeries de la Capitale: Located 15 minutes from downtown, Méga Parc is the largest indoor amusement park in Eastern Canada. In addition to its 15 attractions for all adrenaline levels, the center offers a distinctive shopping experience for groups. You can also enjoy an ice skating session on the longest indoor track in Canada!
Bora Parc at Village Vacances Valcartier: Have fun in this indoor water park that features 14 water slides, a wave pool, a double surf wave, an exciting adventure river, and more. Located in the Valcartier Vacation Village complex, this site is ideal for receiving school groups thanks to its expanded range of services: accommodation, restaurants, and outdoor slides, both summer and winter.
Centre de glaces Intact Assurance: Give your groups an ice skating session at the Centre de glaces Intact Assurance, the only indoor ice rink in Eastern Canada. Come rain or shine, and open year-round, it's the perfect environment to experience this historic sport that is the pride of the region. A restaurant is in the heart of the sports complex and offers balanced and healthy meals as well as a catering service for groups.
Evening Activities
Keep the fun going after dark! Québec offers a variety of evening activities to suit all interests.
Les Promenades Fantômes: The company offers a concept that will literally give your students the chills: a guided tour in the heart of Old Québec, in the company of the ghost of a famous New France criminal. Through the dark tales of a comedian, discover historical crimes committed centuries ago and create unforgettable memories!
Onhwa' Lumina: In Wendake, just outside Québec City, your students will be transported to a magical universe combining nature and technology with the rich history of the Huron-Wendat Nation as a backdrop. As soon as night falls, you will be transported by the magic of light, sound, and video projections of this immersive journey.
iSaute Québec: What better way to let off steam after a busy day than to jump on a trampoline! The company offers several square feet of interconnected trampolines at floor level for a fun experience for all age groups.
Winter Activities
Experience the magic of winter in Québec! With endless opportunities for fun and adventure, there's something for everyone.
Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel) and Village Vacances Valcartier: The ultimate winter experience for your groups! Located 20 minutes from Québec City, the largest winter playground in America offers snow slides, skating, and more. The Ice Hotel, located on the site of the Village Vacances Valcartier, opens every winter from January to mid-March and presents an enchanting place: the grand hall, the chapel, the slide, the rooms and suites, and the ice bar.
Au 1884: Built in 1884, this historic slide, located on Terrasse Dufferin, is possibly the oldest attraction in the city. Open from mid-December to mid-March, your students will be warmly welcomed at the 1884 kiosk for a snack or simply a hot drink.
Tuque & bicycle expériences: This company offers guided tours of Old Québec on fat bikes during the winter season. Your student groups will experience a sports activity, combining well-being and enrichment. In the summer, it is also possible to rent bikes and electric scooters, accompanied by experienced guides.
Carnaval de Québec: Traditionally held in the beginning of February, the Québec Winter Carnival offers a wide range of activities for all tastes and ages: night parades, snow and ice sculptures, ice bars, canoe races, musical evenings, and the Bonhomme Palace.