5 Days in Summer

Start exploring with a guided tour. Old Québec is essentially an open‑air museum and touring with a guide brings all that history to life.

Visit the Citadelle, the largest British fortress in North America. Built in the shape of a star, it is part of the fortifications that encircle the historic district and is one of the reasons Old Québec is included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Every summer, the Royal 22^nd Regiment musicians offer musical performances on the parade ground in the heart of the Citadelle. A great show not to be missed!

Stroll through the Upper Town and catch some of the lively street performers. Pull up a chair at one of the many restaurants and mozy on through the Old City, which always has a great vibe on summer evenings.

Rent a bike and head out to Promenade Samuel-De Champlain, an urban park that runs along the banks of the St. Lawrence River. Make sure to visit the recently inaugurated Station de la Plage (Beach Station). This station is a must-see, featuring a beautiful sandy beach, an infinity swimming pool, and a reflective pool adorned with water fountains that will captivate visitors of all ages. For lunch, pick up some local fare and have a picnic in one of the best picnic spots.

Next stop: Musée de la civilisation and its interactive and innovative exhibits. 

Rue du Petit‑Champlain is one of the prettiest streets in Canada and a great place to do some shopping. It leads to the legendary Place Royale, where Québec City was founded in 1608.

After touring the area, you can head back to the Upper Town on the funiculaire (cable car), which offers a panorama view of the St. Lawrence River and the Lower Town.

Don't miss the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency to admire the majestic Montmorency Falls. They are 30 metres higher than Niagara Falls! You can also explore the falls from a different angle along the via ferrata or from the double zipline.  

Head over to Île d’Orléans and follow Chemin Royal all the way around the biggest historic borough in Québec. The island boasts magnificent rural landscapes, hundred‑year‑old homes, talented artisans and delicious local products.

Catch a boat tour or the ferry to Lévis for a spectacular view of Québec City and Château Frontenac.

Hungry? Traditional Québec cuisine is hearty, filling, and proudly featured at a number of local restaurants.

At Wendake, you can discover the ancestral culture of the Huron‑Wendat Nation. Hear the stories and legends, visit the long house and enjoy some Huron‑Wendat cooking.

At dusk, enter the enchanting world of Onhwa' Lumina, an immersive journey through the forest that celebrates the life and values ​​of the great Wendat Nation through the magic of light, sound and video projections.

Get off the beaten tourist path and mingle with locals. You’ll find quirky boutiques and much‑loved restaurants along rue Saint-Joseph, main street of the Saint-Roch neighbourhood. Don't miss enjoying a fine pint at one of the local craft breweries.

If you’re a nature lover, you can hike one of Québec’s most beautiful glacial valleys at Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier. Kayaks and canoes are available there too, so you can paddle down the river. 

In the evening, revisit the street or neighbourhood that made the biggest impression during your trip and take time to soak it all in. While you’re there, be sure to try a poutine, the craziest meal in Québec. It’s made with fries, gravy, cheese curds, and plenty of wacky toppings.