Things to Do on the May Long Weekend in Québec City

Every year, thousands of visitors from all over the world flock to Old Québec. Crack the code on its fascinating history and learn the secrets surrounding the sites with the help of a local tour guide.

As part of the city’s “Printemps de la musique” (Musical Spring) event, Old Québec  comes alive with musical routes leading to a number of heritage sites.

Take advantage of the long weekend to visit exhibitions that are as interactive as they are unique at two must-see museums. 

• At  the Plains of Abraham Museum, visitors are transported to the American invasion of Québec in 1775. 
• Over at the Musée de la civilisation, the mysteries of crowds are uncovered through a fun and original exhibition that answers all your questions about different types of crowds.

The lineups in front of Tutto Gelato on Rue Saint-Jean are a sure sign that spring has arrived! Dish or cone? Whatever your style, these ice cream shops are sure to hit the spot.

The beach in Baie de Beauport opens in mid-May, with weekend equipment rentals for watersports of all kinds. Of course, you could always just hang out and enjoy a little sun and sand.

The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec is celebrating the return of migratory birds with a drawing workshop dedicated to the majestic snow geese, which have inspired many works by Québec painter Jean Paul Riopelle. This activity will appeal to both young and old.

Waiting for the trails to dry? Head up to the treeline and go flying along a series of 7 mega ziplines, including 4 that span the Saint Charles River. It’s a thrilling spring activity just 15 minutes outside the city, at Arbraska Chauveau.

Rent a canoe or kayak from Canots Légaré and get out on the calm waters of the Saint Charles River. Pro tip: Bring a picnic! At the halfway mark, you’ll come to a little sandbar that’s perfect for a break and a well-deserved bite.

At Empire 47, you’ll find bike guides and plenty of trails for beginners, along with an extensive collection of rental bikes, making it a great place to try this highly popular sport.

Produced in collaboration with Montréal’s internationally acclaimed Moment Factory, Onhwa’ Lumina takes visitors on a magical journey full of nature and technology as they explore the rich history of the Wendat Nation. 

Rivers rise as snow melts, making spring the best time to experience the speed and excitement of whitewater rafting. Starting in early May, you can slip into a neoprene wetsuit and shoot the rapids safely with the experienced rafting guides.

Unless you want to go solo aboard a Rivière Concept packraft, a hybrid watercraft between kayaking and rafting that is lightweight, stable, and unsinkable.

The Québec City area is a snack shack mecca, full of unassuming roadside stands and diners that serve up a mean hamburger and fries. For foodies, snack shacks like Chez Mag on l’Île d’Orléans offer a tantalizing new take on old favourites. Bet you can’t try just one!

Québec City has some incredible parks and trails nearby, including the Escarpée trail, a gradual ascent at Mont-Sainte-Anne that takes you all the way to the top of a mountain overlooking the mighty St. Lawrence River.

With its 7 themed zones, stone characters inspired by a local legend, and interactive rally, the brand-new immersive family space at Canyon Sainte-Anne will delight the whole family.

The May long weekend is perfect for relaxing at one of the many Nordic spas and wellness centres in the area. Spring for a massage, wrap, or esthetic treatment and treat your body and soul to a little TLC!