Top 5 Things to Do in Quebec During Summer

June 18, 2025

When summer comes to Quebec, it's like the lights are turned on. It's frozen toes and snowbanks one minute, patios and giggling the next, festivals on every street corner, and that golden light that makes everything just slightly magic. It's as though the whole province breathes a deep sigh and simply relaxes. It takes its time, eats slowly, and observes more. Whether you enjoy history, the outdoors, cuisine, music, or really just being in a place that's pretty, there are a lot of things to do in Quebec during the Summer. Here are five activities that'll get your camera roll and memory bank full.

1. Stroll Through Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec)

It's hard to overstate how charmingly old-fashioned Old Quebec is. You feel as if you've been enveloped in a French fairy tale. Curving cobblestone streets, stone walls draped with ivy, flower boxes in every window — it's all très Instagram, but real life. Begin at Terrasse Dufferin to get that classic river view with Château Frontenac looming above. Then stroll down to Petit-Champlain, where there are tiny boutiques, art galleries, and candy stores that appear to have been there for ages — because they likely have. During the summer, it's even prettier. Street performers, sidewalk cafes, and that divine scent of freshly baked bread wafting along the streets. Take your time. This is a place not to be rushed, as there are a lot of things to do in Quebec during the Summer.

2. Get your toes wet in Montreal's sandcastle-drenched Festival Season

Next in the list of things to do in Quebec during the Summer is Montreal. If Quebec City is the personification of charm, Montreal is energy personified — well, at least in the summer. This city lives and breathes festivals. The Montreal International Jazz Festival alone is bonkers — whole downtown blocks are shut down so that people can dance in the street to world-class music (for free!).

3. Watch Whales at Tadoussac

This one feels like a secret, even though it’s not. Head a few hours northeast of Quebec City to Tadoussac, where the Saguenay River meets the St. Lawrence, and suddenly you’re in one of the best whale-watching spots on the planet. Summer, June to September, offers you the chance to see up to 13 species, ranging from belugas to humpbacks — and blue whales if you're extremely fortunate. You can go in a boat or a zodiac for a close cruise, but the fact is? Whales have been seen from the shore. Go to the Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre for a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the science behind it all. Geeks or not, when it comes to marine biology, there's something surreal about seeing a whale breach just a few meters off the shore - a must-visit on the list of things to do in Quebec during the Summer.

4. Breathe Deep in Mont-Tremblant National Park

Tremblant isn't just a ski resort — in summer, the national park nearby is a complete dream. Picture yourself amidst dense forest, gliding lakes, and trails leading to some of the province's prettiest views. You may rent a canoe, hike to an observation platform, or just sit in the shade and do nothing at all. Adrenaline junkies will discover zip-lining, rock climbing, and plenty of mountain biking - a must-visit on the list of things to do in Quebec during the Summer.

5. Ride (or Simply Walk) Around Île d'Orléans

Last in the list of things to do in Quebec is visiting Île d'Orléans. This island is about 15 minutes outside Quebec City, but it feels like accessing an entirely new world. Farms, cideries, old churches, strawberry fields, bakeries — it's tranquil, quaint, and irresistibly photogenic. The 67-kilometer island loop is a cyclist's dream (bring your own or rent one locally), but driving is equally enjoyable. Every village is its own personality — a jam shop here, a picnic spot along the river there. It's the kind of day when the big decision is just whether or not to indulge in the maple butter or the raspberry jam. (Tip from a pro: do both.)

Final Thoughts

There are a lot of things to do in Quebec during the Summer - it is pure magic. Not tacky, brochure-ish kind of way — but in a, I had no idea that kind of place still existed kind of way. Cities throb, nature's in full bloom, and all is just a little more laid-back, a little more vibrant. It may be a jazz improvising over a Montreal backstreet or a whale breaching from out of fog; these are the things that stay with you, not in your photographs, but in your bones. PS: When in Quebec, do visit Montreal for a memorable experience. Check out our website for more details.