What to Do in Québec City in May

Équipe édito
Editorial Team
Updated on March 28, 2024
Vue sur le Château Frontenac avec des tulipes
Guy Lessard

The buds and leaves of May are here and we’re loving the warmer weather. To help you make the most of your stay in Québec City, here are our recommendations for activities and events in May.

Feel the Power of the Area’s Most Beautiful Falls

Some you can drive right up to, while others come as a reward after a pleasant hike. No matter which ones you decide to visit, you’ll see the waterfalls at their spectacular best in the spring. A stop at Montmorency Falls Park is always a must, but to get off the beaten path, head to Canyon Sainte-Anne (which opens on May 9th  this year) or to Wendake, where there’s a lovely trail to Kabir Kouba Falls.

Eat at a Snack Shack

Snack shacks are a venerable French Canadian tradition, and the Québec City area is no exception. Some stick to down-home staples like fries and poutine, while others, like Chez Mag on Île d’Orléans, are all about reinventing old favourites.

Relax in the Parks and Gardens

The parks are usually in bloom by mid-May, turning any stroll into a glorious nature bath. Admire the greenery on the Plains of Abraham or the footpath that runs along both sides of the St. Charles River. Insider tip: swing by Le Grand Marché and fill a basket with gourmet goodies for a picnic in the park.

Go for a Bike Ride

Québec City boasts an impressive 400 km of bike paths that stretch out in all directions from the city centre. By May they’re swept clean and are ready for you to roll, so get out there and enjoy! Favourites include Promenade Samuel De Champlain, which takes you along the St. Lawrence River out to the city’s twin bridges, and Corridor du Littoral, which runs all the way to Montmorency Falls. Go where the wind takes you!

Explore Alternate Realities at a Theatre Festival

Carrefour international de théâtre is an international theatre festival with innovative shows at indoor and outdoor venues. The signature event, “Où tu vas quand tu dors en marchant...?” is a series of weird and wonderful outdoor tableaux.

This Month's Suggestions

  • Guided walking tour in Old Québec
    Walking Tours in Québec City
    Read
  • Couple picnicking near the Pierre-Dugua-De Mons terrace while admiring the Château Frontenac and the St. Lawrence River.

    Québec City’s Best Picnic Spots

    Read
  • Two people at the top of the Les Loups trail in Jacques-Cartier National Park, in winter.
    Best Hiking Around Québec City
    Read
  • Nouvelle Vague Expeditions inc. - descent of La Traditionnelle on the Jacques-Cartier

    The Guide to Whitewater Rafting

    Read
  • Bora-Boréal - In Winter

    12 Unique Stays in the Québec City Area

    Read
  • Moment Spa Le Château Frontenac - Relaxation in a bathrobe
    Best Resort Spas and Wellness Centres
    Read
  • Cassis Monna & filles

    Ice Cream Spots in Québec City

    Read

Équipe édito
Editorial Team

As proud residents of our beloved city, we’re delighted to be sharing our tips about the things and places we love most in the Québec City area. Always on the lookout for what's new, we have decades of experience for Québec City's official tourist guide. What a joy for us to help you discover everything this vibrant and welcoming city has to offer!

You'll Also Like

  • Ice rink
    10 Best Things to Do in Old Québec City
    Read
  • Couple dans un spa
    Switching to Slow Travel Mode in Québec City
    Read
  • Femme dans l'Escalier casse-cou du Petit-Champlain
    2 Days in Québec City: A Self-Guided Walking Tour
    Read
  • Vue de la porte Saint-Jean en hiver
    12 Historical Gems You Should Not Miss in Old Québec
    Read
  • Fatbike dans le Vieux-Québec
    Bike Tours in Québec City
    Read
  • Site Traditionnel Huron Onhoüa Chetek8e
    The Best Experiences to Discover the Indigenous Culture
    Read
  • Auberge Triangle d'été
    7 Ways to Embrace Self‑Care and Wellness Tourism in Québec City
    Read