Quebec City

[minzy]

On account of non-expedited passports coming back in under four weeks (🥳), a trip to Quebec City this summer is looking like a real possibility. So far it’s looking like a middle aged woman and two kids (10&13). We’ve all got a decent sense of adventure, no physical limitations, and maybe three days. If you’ve been, any recommendations or favorite things to do?

[cricketwife]

Ooh, I’d head up to Saguenay for a day to kayak with the whales!!

There’s a really fun VR experience in Old Quebec that gives the history of the city.

www.immersionquebec.com/en/

I usually go in February so I’m not the best for summer recs. I LOVE Quebec City though!

[livinitup]

Yes! It’s a very walkable city, so plan to walk around for shops and eating. They do art installations throughout, so it was fun to follow the map and spot the different features.

Last time I went, we rented bicycles from Quebec City and biked to a water fall and back. 10/10 highly recommend !!

It took us 1/2 day at a very easy pace - it was all a connected bike path. and of course we walked across the falls. It’s the only water fall I’ve ever been able to get ACROSS and so close. My H is afraid of heights and did fine/well. You can take longer & go farther - they have maps and lots of options.

We paid for a walking tour at the top of the fort. Very cool and you get lots of gems of history and statues and meaning behind it all. We toured the excavated fort years prior and that was cool, too.

We made a point of sampling ice cream every day. And of course, poutine at more than one restaurant.

If I am recalling correctly, the city had an outdoor concert, too. So, check for that during your dates.

[aprilsails]

There is a big waterpark north of the city, however the water is not heated. It was so cold and miserable when we went. So don't plan on going unless it is hot outside.

We went to the aquarium with the kids. It is pretty decent. Got a good look at polar bears and seals in the outdoor areas.

Going around Old Quebec is always a highlight for me. Excellent food and a very European look to it all.

[aprilsails]

Depending on your dates they also do big fireworks shows to music (weather depending) at the waterfront. Twice a week I think. The town is pretty sleepy at night so it's something to check out.

[cricketwife]

livinitup, is talking about the Littoral Corridor to Montmorency Falls. I can’t speak to the biking but the falls are lovely. The suspension bridge over the falls is amazing. A must do, weather you bike there or drive.

Another idea - the ferry between Quebec City to Levis is a cheap way to get a nice view of Quebec City. Fun if you have time and the weather is clear, not a must-do. 

The funiculaire is also fun to do at least once with kids, otherwise you can take the stairs between Upper Town and Lower Town.

I don't know when you are going but June 24 is St Jean Baptiste day (provincial holiday, but like the national holiday) so you’ll want to account for that if it occurs during your trip.

Have fun!!



ETA -  Coming back in because I’m remembering more suggestions!

another fun place is Wendake.  It’s virtually in Quebec City but is a First Nations reserve of the (Huron)-Wendat people. There’s a traditional museum as well as a sort of living museum with traditional long houses, etc.  The gift shop there is really wonderful if you want to purchase any handicrafts from First Nations peoples (they have crafts from other tribes in the shop as well). 

tourismewendake.ca/en/ 

there’s also a really nice restaurant in/near Wendake called La Sagamite which serves traditional foods in a gastronomic way. It used to be by a stream/waterfall but I believe it’s moved. 

lastly, I cannot recommend enough that you attend this event/light show.
momentfactory.com/work/all/all/onhwa-lumina 
I was there in February and I can’t imagine it being better than in the silences of the snow, (sorry!) but it was truly excellent and it would be a wonderful experience in summer as well.  It operates year round.