Activities in Quebec

The greater Quebec City area is one of the richest outdoor and cultural destinations in North America. In less than an hour from Old Quebec, you can travel from 17th-century cobblestone streets to the mountain trails of the Laurentians, the rapids of the Jacques-Cartier River, the vineyards of Île d'Orléans, or the beaches of the Côte-de-Beaupré. The greater region includes: Quebec City and its neighbourhoods, Île d'Orléans, the Côte-de-Beaupré, Wendake, the Portneuf Regional County Municipality, Lévis and the South Shore, and the gateway to Charlevoix—a territory of exceptional richness that Voilà Québec covers and documents since 1978.

Cultural and heritage activities

The must-see museums

• Museum of Civilization — One of Canada's finest museums. Permanent exhibitions on Indigenous and Quebec history, major international temporary exhibitions. A must-see. 85 Dalhousie Street, Old Port of Quebec City.
• National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec (MNBAQ) — Five pavilions on the Plains of Abraham, including the spectacular Lassonde Pavilion. The largest collection of Quebec art in the world. Free access to the permanent collections on Wednesday evenings.
• Museum of French America — Canada's oldest museum (1806). Unique collections on the history of Francophone America. In the Séminaire de Québec, in the heart of Old Quebec.
• Quebec Naval Museum — The maritime history of Quebec in the Îlot des Palais, with visible archaeological excavations. Old Port of Quebec.
• Huron-Wendat Museum (Wendake) — 20 minutes from Quebec City, the First Nations Hotel-Museum offers the largest collection of Indigenous ethnography in the region.

Heritage sites in the greater region

• The Citadel of Quebec — Canada's largest star-spangled fortress. Guided tours are mandatory. The changing of the guard (late June to early September, 10 a.m. every morning) is free and fascinating.
• The fortifications of Quebec — 4,6 km of ramparts accessible on foot, managed by Parks Canada. View of the Upper Town, the Lower Town and the river.
• Place royale — Cradle of French civilization in America. The Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church (1688) is the oldest stone church in North America.
• Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré — On the Côte-de-Beaupré, 30 minutes from Quebec City. One of North America's major pilgrimage sites, welcoming over a million visitors annually. The neo-Gothic basilica (1876) is remarkable.
• Traditional site Onhoüa Chetek8e (Wendake) — A living history reenactment of a 17th-century Huron-Wendat village with guides in period costume. One of the richest heritage experiences in the region.
• Mauvide-Genest Manor (Île d'Orléans) — In Saint-Jean-de-l'Île-d'Orléans, one of the oldest rural houses in Quebec still standing (1734). Interpretive museum and garden.
• Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site — The archaeological excavations under the Dufferin Terrace, open to the public in summer. The birthplace of the governors of New France.

Immersive cultural experiences

• AURA (Saint-Roch church) — An immersive sound and light experience by Moment Factory. A monumental projection in a 19th-century church. One of Quebec City's best cultural outings in any season.
• Onhwa' Lumina (Wendake) — A nighttime illuminated trail through the forest along the Akiawenrahk River, in the Huron-Wendat reserve of Wendake. Poetic and captivating. 20 minutes from Quebec City.
• Ghost Walks (Old Quebec) — Guided nighttime tours of Old Quebec blending history and urban legends. Engaging format, ideal for groups.
• The Capital Observatory — On the 31st floor of the Marie-Guyart Building. 360° panoramic view of the city, the river, Île d'Orléans and the Laurentians.

Outdoor activities in the greater Quebec City area

Parks and natural areas

• Montmorency Falls Park (Côte-de-Beaupré) — 15 minutes from Old Quebec. 83-meter drop — 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls. Cable car, suspension bridge, stairs. In winter, the "sugarloaf" of ice is a unique phenomenon in the world.
• Jacques-Cartier National Park (Laurentians) — 40 km to the north, a spectacular glacial valley 550 meters deep. Kayaking, hiking, camping, moose, bear and lynx watching.
• Sainte-Anne Canyon (Côte-de-Beaupré) — 30 ​​minutes away. Three suspension bridges over a 74-meter gorge. Zip line, ice climbing in winter.
• Laurentian Wildlife Reserve — Vast wilderness area 30 km to the north. Sport fishing, canoe camping, hiking on wild lakes.
• Domaine Joly-De Lotbinière (South Shore/Lotbinière) — 45 minutes away on the south shore, one of Quebec's most beautiful heritage estates, with Victorian gardens and magnificent views of the river.
• Rivière-des-Milles-Îles Park / Portneuf Regional County Municipality — The Portneuf RCM, west of Quebec City, offers little-known but spectacular natural areas: gorges, waterfalls, hiking and kayaking trails.

Water sports on the St. Lawrence River

• Cruises on the St. Lawrence River — From the Old Port: cruises around Île d'Orléans, whale watching cruises to Charlevoix (summer), night cruises with views of illuminated Old Quebec.
• Sea kayak — Guided tours from Beauport Bay or the Old Port. The view of the Château Frontenac from the river is incomparable.
• Quebec City-Lévis Ferry — 10-minute crossing, direct view of Old Quebec. A must-see even without visiting Lévis.
• Beauport Bay — Quebec City's urban beach. Windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, beach volleyball.
• Kayaking in the Jacques-Cartier — Class I to III rapids, on guided trips or independently.

Cycling in the greater region

• Samuel-De Champlain Promenade — 10 km along the St. Lawrence River, from Sillery to Cap-Rouge. Ideal for all levels, with views of the river.
• Île d'Orléans cycling circuit — 67 km of lightly trafficked road, with stops at producers' houses. A classic Quebec cycling tour.
• Green Route / Côte-de-Beaupré — Bike path along the river from Quebec to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, with spectacular views of the St. Lawrence.
• Mountain biking in Stoneham — Trails for all levels, 30 minutes from Quebec City in the Laurentians.
• àVélo (electric bike sharing) — Electric bike stations in Old Quebec and central districts. Ideal for exploring the city effortlessly.

Winter activities in the greater region

• Dufferin Terrace and Plains of Abraham Slides — The historic toboggan runs on the Dufferin Terrace and the kilometers of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the Plains. Winter outdoor activities right in the heart of the city.
• Valcartier Quebec City — The world's largest winter sliding complex (35+ slides), heated indoor rivers, skating rink. 20 minutes from Quebec City. In summer, a water park.
• Alpine skiing — Mont-Sainte-Anne — 65 slopes on 3 sides, 40 minutes from Quebec City. Host of the FIS World Cup. The largest resort in the region.
• Alpine skiing — Stoneham — 42 slopes, all lit for night skiing. Family atmosphere 30 minutes from Quebec City.
• Le Massif de Charlevoix — The highest elevation gain east of the Rockies (770 m), with views of the St. Lawrence River. 1.5 hours from Quebec City. Spectacular.
• Snowmobile — The Trans-Quebec trail network starts from Quebec City towards the Laurentians and Charlevoix.
• Ice fishing on the Sainte-Anne River (Côte-de-Beaupré) — Ice fishing hut villages 30 minutes from Quebec City. Equipment rental on site.

Family activities in the greater region

• Aquarium of Quebec (Sainte-Foy) — Over 10,000 animals: seals, walruses, polar bears. Spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River. An ideal half-day outing for the whole family.
• Valcartier Summer — Water park, giant slides, rivers and camping 20 minutes from Quebec City. The region's No. 1 family destination.
• Experiences in Wendake — The traditional Huron-Wendat site and the First Nations Hotel-Museum welcome families with very accessible Indigenous culture workshops.
• Île d'Orléans with the family — Strawberry farms, cider houses and artisans welcome families with activities involving picking, tasting and discovering the local area.
• Cap-Tourmente Trails (Côte-de-Beaupré) — The Cap-Tourmente National Wildlife Area offers accessible family trails with views of the river and opportunities to observe migrating snow geese.

Nordic wellness and spas

• Siberia Station Spa (Lac-Beauport) Nordic spa in the forest, 30 minutes from Quebec City. Thermal circuit, massages, treatments. The best Nordic spa in the greater region. Reservations required.
• Strøm Nordic Spa — In the Old Quebec area with a view of the St. Lawrence River. Outdoor pools, saunas, on-site dining.
• Duchesnay Tourist Resort (Portneuf Regional County Municipality) Nordic spa on the shores of Lake Saint-Joseph in a magnificent boreal forest. Accommodation available to extend the experience. 45 minutes from Quebec City.

→ Check out our complete directory of activities in Quebec City and the greater region — 190+ verified service providers Voilà Québec since 1978.

Voilà Québec — The guide to activities in the greater Quebec City area since 1978. Île d'Orléans, Côte-de-Beaupré, Wendake, Portneuf, Lévis and the south shore, Charlevoix — the entire territory is covered.