15 Activities to Celebrate Spring in Québec City

Whether you’re on the hunt for clothes, home decor, or souvenirs, Québec City has tons of great independent shops with carefully curated selections of local, artisanal items.

Ski to your heart’s content and eat lunch outside—without freezing your fingers. Pure joy! Ski resorts in the area stay open as long as conditions permit. Mont-Sainte-Anne expects to be open until April 21 this year.

Fresh spring days are ideal for some R&R at one of the Nordic spas in the city or surrounding area.

Enjoy a riverside retreat in the woods at Sibéria Spa or Nordique Spa Stoneham, or take in the stunning views of the St. Lawrence River from the outdoor baths at Spa des neiges or Strøm Spa Nordique.

When the mercury inches above zero and the sun peeks out, that’s your sign to go get ice cream! Dish or cone? Whatever your style, these ice cream shops are sure to hit the spot.

The City of Québec does an excellent job of clearing off the bike paths as the snow melts, starting with the ever-popular Samuel De Champlain Promenade, Corridor du Littoral and Corridor des Cheminots paths. Time to embrace the freedom of biking!

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 them at their spectacular best in the spring. To get off the beaten path, head to Canyon Sainte-Anne (which opens mid-May) or Mont-Sainte-Anne, where there’s a lovely trail to Jean Larose Falls.

Thousands of visitors from all over the world flock to Old Québec each year. And a walking tour is by far the best way to explore it. Stroll through Old Québec and see all the major sites as you immerse yourself in 400 years of history.

Take a zipline tour at Arbraska Chauveau, just 15 minutes outside the city. Strap up and zoom along a series of 7 mega ziplines, 4 of which cross the St. Charles River. It’s open now and makes for a thrilling spring activity (especially if you’re still waiting for the trails to dry)!

From mid-April to mid-May, migrating greater snow geese make a stop at Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area, and it’s truly a sight to behold. We recommend going on a weekday and getting there early, as once the parking lot is full, no more visitors are allowed in.

Throngs of people enjoying a drink or a meal on the patio—now that’s a sure sign of spring! Head to Grande Allée, Avenue Cartier, or Avenue Maguire to be among the first to enjoy this hallmark experience. Just don’t be surprised if there are patches of snow lingering under the table.

The tastiest of springtime traditions is always best enjoyed at local sugar bush.

The city parks are usually in bloom by mid-May, turning any stroll into a glorious nature bath. Bois de Coulonge Park is alive with brightly coloured tulips at this time of year. Admire the greenery on the Plains of Abraham or the footpath that runs along both sides of the St. Charles River.

Grab your GPS and set out to see monuments, archaeological findings, and public art on a circuit with 12 caches created by the Îlot des Palais museum. Fun for the whole family!

Which golf course will be the first to open this year? The bets are on!

Rivers rise as snow melts, making spring the best time to experience the speed and excitement of rafting. Starting in early May, get ready to slip into a neoprene wetsuit and shoot the rapids—safely.