6 days in summer

Experience the best Québec City has to offer. This 6-day itinerary will let visitors experience the city’s festive atmosphere in summer or enjoy the colourful landscapes as the warm days stretch into fall.

Day 1 - Stroll through the Upper town

Stroll through Québec City at your own pace. Take time to admire the architectural splendour of this UNESCO gem and the beautiful landmarks in the Upper Town: Château Frontenac, the Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site, Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral, the Citadelle, and the Plains of Abraham. For lunch, try out one of these fun restaurants in Old Québec.

Shopping in Petit-Champlain

Head towards Lower Town and Place Royale, where the first permanent settlement in North America stood. Explore the Petit-Champlain District and its charming main street lined with shops selling products by local artisans. Next, turn your attention to the majestic St. Lawrence River as you pass through the Old Port.

Stop for happy hour and enjoy an aperitif on one of the city’s many restaurant patios. If you’re a fan of hops there is a great variety of local microbreweries all around the region.Try traditional Québec fare at one of the city’s great restaurants.

Day 2 - Soak up the French Canadian Culture

Musée de la civilisation

Immerse yourself in French Canadian culture and Québec City’s warm and welcoming ambiance. Learn more about local culture at Musée de la civilisation by visiting the People of Québec...Then and Now and This is Our Story exhibitions. For lunch, try the subtle flavours of the Nordic cuisine.

Le Grand Marché (Public Market)

Afterwards, stop by Grand Marché to see local artisans and sample delicious regional products. Treat yourself to a picnic in one of Québec City’s numerous urban parks, then stroll along the Passages insolites public art trail and take in the antics of a variety of street performers.

Day 3 - Explore the Greater Québec City Area

Montmorency Waterfalls Park

Head towards Parc de la Chute-Montmorency to view its spectacular natural waterfall that stands 30 metres higher than Niagara Falls. Get your adrenaline pumping on the via ferrata route or by whizzing by the falls on a zip line.

Île d’Orléans

To recover from all the excitement, take the bridge to Île d’Orléans and discover the rich landscape, heritage, and culture of this charming island. Spectacular views of the river and Québec City await, as well as a chance to savour a variety of gourmet products. Seek out a microbrewery and try the poutine, a Québec staple. Later, mingle with the locals at one of the can’t-miss events of the summer.

Day 4 - Get out into Nature just 30 minutes from the City 

Jacques-Cartier National Park

Rent a car and head to Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier and into an other-worldly landscape of wide open wilderness, towering mountains, and lush forests.

Take advantage of the many outdoor activities on offer at Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier. In addition to hiking and cycling, you can enjoy water activities such as canoeing, kayaking, mini-rafting, rabaska, paddleboarding, and river tubing in a spectacular natural setting. And if the idea of landing a ten-pounder appeals to you, you can also go trout fishing.

Extend your stay in the park overnight by renting a yurt or small cottage.

Day 5 - Learn about First Nations Traditions

Wendake

Meet members of the Huron-Wendat nation when you visit the Huron Traditional Site Onhoüa Chetek8e, an authentically recreated Indigenous village. Expand your palate with Indigenous cuisine at the Nek8arre or La Traite restaurant.

Spend the night at Hôtel-Musée des Premières Nations, which combines cultural traditions and comfort.

Day 6 - Cruise the St. Lawrence River

Whale Watching Excursion

Head out for a day of whale watching with Tours du Vieux-Québec or Croisières AML.

To finish off a beautiful week, have a meal at one of the city’s best fine dining restaurants.