What’s better than visiting Quebec City, one of North America’s oldest and most charming cities in summer? Visiting Quebec City with girlfriends! A girls’ getaway is the perfect way to enjoy the best of what the capital of Canada’s French-speaking province has to offer.
From its cobblestone streets and bustling markets to its enchanting European charm, important historical sites and summer festivals, Quebec City in summer offers a tonne of fun activities that will make any BFF getaway one to remember forever.
Girls’ getaway guide to Quebec City in summer
Explore Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec)
Founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, Quebec City is one of the oldest cities in North America. Wander through the narrow streets past well-preserved stone buildings dating from the 17th century. Its fortified walls and 400 years of history have contributed to the city’s UNESCO World Heritage status.
The Quartier Petit Champlain district in the lower portion of the city is a unique cooperative of artisanal shops, galleries, cafés and bistros. You can access this lower quadrant and the Place Royale, known as the birthplace of New France, via a short $5 (cash only) ride on the Funicular.
Or walk the steps up (or down) to view the historic Fairmont Château Frontenac Hotel. This iconic hotel offers stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and is the most photographed hotel in the world.
Tip: One of the best vantage points is Umbrella Alley, just below the hotel. Here, you can capture the spires of the Chateau Frontenac along with the charming buildings and streetscape of Old Quebec.
Indulge in Culinary Delights
In any season, Quebec City is a foodie paradise. But when the bounty of summer produce arrives, chefs and restaurants elevate the culinary offerings several notches. Enjoying a meal with friends is not just about eating; it’s about experiencing the local culture and flavors.
Some of Quebec’s most popular dishes revolve around poutine, maple syrup and pork products. But the gastronomic scene is hardly limited by tradition. Enjoy vegetable-forward alchemy at Bistro L’Orygine, Corsican charcuterie and wine at Petits Creux Corsica, delightful small bites and creative cocktails in a dreamy courtyard patio at Chez Gus Guinguette, Italian seafood specialties at Bello Ristorante, or tasty vegan brunch at eclectic Don Vegan.
Get in the groove of the Festival d’Eté
Quebec City knows how to throw a party – its biggest attraction of the year is the annual Winter Carnaval! The city is rich in culture and arts, making it a great place to explore galleries, museums, and cultural events. During summer, the 11-day Festival d’Eté celebrates the best of live music in a giant open-air party in the heart of the city. Over five stages, diverse musical acts serve up tunes in every genre, from country to hip hop, heavy metal and world music.
During this year’s festival, we enjoyed seeing 50 Cent, Carly Rae Jepsen and the Jonas Brothers live on the FEQ Main Stage. And if you can’t think 40 and 50 year olds can’t rock out, you should have seen us at the EDM afterparty! 😉
Live the life aquatic
Quebec City is located on north side of the historic St. Lawrence River. The city has made excellent use of its riparian location with several summer-only swimming and aquatic features that help keep residents and visitors cool during on sunny, humid days. Some of the best spots:
Old Port Harbour Bath Oasis – Take a wild swim in Bassin Louise! The Port of Québec Oasis is a FREE public harbour bath and lane pool located at Bassin Louise in the Old Port. The Olympic-sized swimming pool has five 50 m swimming lanes, and there’s a 25 m² leisure swim area. Lifeguards are always on site during the opening hours to ensure the swimmers’ safety. There’s also a rest area with squishy bean bag chairs, outdoor changing rooms, lockers, and showers.
Station de la plage – This fabulous site has everything you need to enjoy sunny summer days. A fine sandy beach with chairs and parasols, infinite swimming pool, giving the impression of bathing in the river, mirror pool with fountains of water, outdoor showers, patios and restaurant service. You can also wade into the river itself. This area is part of a brand new section of Promenade Samuel-De Champlain. This park that runs along the St. Lawrence River between Old Québec and the bridges. Parking can be limited, so think about biking there instead.
La Cale of the Port of Quebec – Near the Old Port Agora and cruise ship terminal, the Quebec Port Authority has set up La Cale, a fabulous aquatic feature for summertime. Sit back in a blue Muskoka chair plunked down in sections of cool water, and enjoy little waterfalls, aquatic features and food and drinks available for purchase. A perfect place to soak your feet on a hot summer day.
Explore by bike
Quebec City is home to more than 100 km (60 miles) of cycling trails. Rent e-bikes from Cyclo Services and take a guided or DIY tour of the city’s Port area, Petit Champlain district or further afield along Boulevard Champlain and the Chemin du Roy towards the Pierre Laporte Bridge. Along this route, you’ll see artworks, picnic areas, and cycle past the Station de la plage, a handy rest point.
Take a scenic cruise on the St. Lawrence River
Speaking of the life aquatic, seeing the city from the historic river itself is a great half-day trip. An AML Cruise along the St. Lawrence offers a unique perspective of Quebec City’s skyline and the surrounding landscapes. Sip on cocktails and chat with friends while enjoing a day, sunset or dinner cruise.
Take a guided tour of Île d’Orléans
Summer in Quebec City is perfect for outdoor adventures and for exploring the outlying areas around the city. Take a private epicurean tour of Ile d’Orleans with Conciergerie du Terroir. The mainly agricultural island is just a 20-minute drive from downtown, but its strawberry fields, quaint villages, chocolateries and tea houses are a world away.
The tour can be customized according to your preferences to include food and wine agritourism experiences. We enjoyed stops at strawberry stands, the Chocolaterie de l’Ile d’Orléans for truffles and a hand-dipped maple ice cream cone, and an unforgettable high tea experience at La Maison de Thé, aka Tigidou Land farm, owned by the same people who produce the island’s famous fruit jams.
Owner Vincent Paris grows and dries local berries and leaves for steeped tisanes for guests to enjoy alongside tiers of wee sandwiches and sweet treats in the clapboard converted farmhouse. C’est fantastique!
Explore Montmorency Falls
East of the city, Montmorency Falls is a pretty natural wonder that’s actually higher than Niagara Falls. Take a ride on the cable car to the top for a short walk to scenic falls viewpoints. Cross the bridge over the falls for some lovely views below. If you’re adventurous, take a thrilling (and potentially damp) ziplining trip across the front of the falls. Tip: Book ziplining well in advance of your visit as it’s very popular and sells out in summer.
Shop Till You Drop
It wouldn’t be a real girls’ getaway without some retail therapy. We spent a good chunk of time exploring Quebec City’s diverse shopping scene. One of the top spots for shopping is Quartier Petit Champlain. This charming district is known for its unique shops and boutiques with clothes, shoes and crafts created by Quebec artisans and designers.
On Avenue Cartier, look for funky fashion and vintage shops, as well as cafes, restaurants, bakeries and very cool artistic light standards. Just a few blocks from the Musée National des Beaux-Arts de Québec and the Plains of Abraham, this neighbourhood is more popular with locals than tourists, which makes it perfect for gal travelers in the know.
Rue Saint-Jean is a lively tourist street closer to Old Quebec, with name brand shops, cafes and bakeries, like Boulangerie Paillard. Near the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac, a pop-up artisan market appears in summer on the grounds of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Look for one-of-a-kind finds from local craftspeople.
Experience Onhwa’ Lumina
The nighttime spectacle of Onhwa’ Lumina tells the story of the Huron-Wendat culture and First Nations People. Created by Moment Factory, the creative genius behind Vallea Lumina in Whistler, this multimedia show is in Wendake, about 30 minutes east of Quebec City.
The light walk takes place around sunset time in summer, as the sky darkens to showcase the light artistry and storytelling of the immersive projections. There are seven stations within the forest journey, telling the story of Turtle Island, the village, its people and the universe. You can take as much time as you wish to enjoy the stories and light spectacle, which is visually stunning and very moving.
Love Quebec City’s Nightlife
We danced the night away during our FEQ experience, proving that Quebec City is no wallflower when it comes to nightlife. There’s lots to love after the sun sets, including at these spots. Craft cocktails with a transportation theme at JJacques; live shows at Le Capitole de Québec; visiting a trendy bar in the Saint-Roch District; or checking out Pub Saint-Alexandre for selection of over 300 beers and live music.
A girls’ getaway to Quebec City in the summer promises a mix of relaxation, adventure, culture, and indulgence. Pack your bags, grab your besties, and enjoy an unforgettable trip to Quebec City.
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Disclosure: The writer thanks Destination Quebec City for hosting her stay. As always, her love of girls’ getaways in fabulous destinations and opinions are honest and her own.
Photo credits: Claudia Laroye
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