Summer in Quebec City is hot, vibrant, relaxing, and delicious. It’s the best season to experience all that the city (and its surrounding area) has to offer – making it the busiest season, too.
There are street performers and ephemeral art installations, lush peaceful parks and vibrating urban festivals and events. Patios (terrasses) are open, beers and cocktails are flowing, and chocolate-covered ice cream is perfect for cooling off.
In summer, temperatures can reach as high as 40ºC with humidity, and most days are sunny. Tourists arrive on bus tours, cruise ships, and by planes, trains, and automobiles. Everyone is after the same thing… an unforgettable French escape, right here in Canada.
What is it like to visit Quebec City in Summer?
Summer is the best season in Quebec City, and during major festivals and holidays the city is bursting at the seams. It’s an exciting time to visit! There are tons of things to do in Quebec City in summer. It’s when the city is truly alive.
The summer season typically starts mid-June and runs until mid-September. The average temperatures are 11ºC to 25ºC (51ºF to 77ºF) without humidity. There will be days, however, when the humidity spikes and outside temperatures can feel like 35ºC to 40ºC (95ºF to 104ºF); this typically happens in June, July and August. Thankfully, there are plenty of places to cool off!
Summertime Holidays in Quebec
National Patriots’ Day
20th May 2024
In Quebec, National Patriots’ Day is celebrated instead of Victoria Day. This day commemorates the rebellion of patriots against the British in 1837-1838. It’s also known as fête de Dollard, and occurs on the Monday prior to May 25th.
Fête nationale
23rd – 24th June
Also known as Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, Quebec’s National holiday is a time to celebrate all things French and Québécois. There are concerts, parties, a lot of Quebec pride, and tons of fun!
Canada Day
1st July
Canada Day is a fun day in Quebec City. There are street performers and activities on Dufferin Terrace and throughout the city. It is not as big as Fête nationale, but there’s cake! It is also moving day in Quebec, so maybe make a game of counting moving vans? (haha)
The Best of Summer in Quebec City
Old Quebec
Old Quebec is the top tourist attraction, the birthplace of French North America, and filled with gorgeous historic buildings, parks, restaurants, and artisan shops.
It’s Terrasse Season!
Summer is a time to enjoy outdoor terrasses (patios), whether you’re dining, drinking, or looking for a space to relax. There are terrasses throughout the city, many of which stay open until mid-September!
Île d’Orléans
Only 17 mins from Old Quebec, Île d’Orléans is the most popular day trip. It has wineries, a lavender farm, gourmet food, kayaking, cycling, and more. Check out my digital guide to the island!
Walking Tours
Walking tours are available year-round in Quebec City, but summer has the best choices. There are bike tours, gourmet food tours, historic tours, budget tours, whale-watching tours, and ghost tours.
Strawberries
Quebec strawberries are THE BEST strawberries in Canada. So sweet and delicious. Pop over to Île d’Orléans to pick your own or buy a basket. The Grand Marché in Quebec City is also a great spot for local strawberries.
Swimming Spots
There are some wonderful swimming spots in Quebec City. The best (and newest) is Station de la Plage. The Marina Saint-Roch, Lac Beauport, Plage Jacques-Cartier popular as well.
Casse-croûtes
One of the signs of summer is the opening over casse-croûtes (snack shacks). They are spread throughout the province and a summer highlight. Poutine, burgers, and Pogo are popular menu items. I’m a fan of grilled cheese as well.
Wendake
Located about 20 minutes from Quebec City, Wendake is home to the Huron-Wendat Nation. Visit traditional sites and museums to learn about Indigenous history and culture. Dine on Indigenous cuisine at Sagamité or La Traite, and experience a night of myths and legends.
Public Art
Quebec City’s mural arts are growing each year, and some of the best are on the underpass off boulevard Charest. In summer, Passages Insolites is an ephemeral art walk through Old Quebec’s Lowertown. There are pop-up spaces for enjoying the outdoors, and so many monuments.
Festivals + Events
Summer is a fun and festive time in Quebec City, with festivals and events happening every month. Here are the top festivals and events to check out!
KWE!
14th – 16th June 2024
KWE! is a spectacular Indigenous event. Meet 11 Indigenous Nations, enjoy traditional dance and music, see fire and smoke cooking demos, visit the Garden of Hearts, an Iroquoian Longhouse, and more. The event is FREE and takes place at Place Jean-Béliveau.
Festival d’été de Québec
4th – 14th July 2024
Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ) is an 11-day music festival featuring a mix of global superstars, Quebec artists, and indie bands. It is one of the best music festivals in Canada and a favourite in Quebec. This year’s line-up includes 50 Cent, Ava Max, Mötley Crüe, The Offspring, Post Malone, and Arkells.
Fêtes de la Nouvelle France
1st – 4th August 2024
Get a taste for life in 17th-century Quebec, when the city was a colony known as New France. There is a parade, artisan activities, live music, and yummy food. Oh, and plenty of costumed locals (and visitors)! Fêtes de la Nouvelle France is fun for the whole family.
Grand Feux Loto-Quebec
1st – 24th August 2024
One of my favourite parts of August is Grand Feux Loto-Quebec, when fireworks shows set to music take over the sky above the Saint-Lawrence River. Shows take place on Tuesday and Thursday nights, with things kicking off early in the evening with live DJs and food trucks.
ComediHa!
1st – 24th August 2024
Test your French skills at ComediHa! in Quebec City this summer. The festival is in its 25th year and features a mix of musical comedy and stand-up. See Laurent Paquin, Mélanie Maynard, Michel Courtemanche, and more. Events are held at Le Diamant, Grand Théâtre de Québec, and Salle Albert-Rousseau.
Festibière de Québec
15th – 18th August 2024
Beer culture is a serious thing in Quebec, so naturally, we have a beer festival every summer! Festibière takes place at Espace 400e near the marina and is a perfect reason to taste beers from all over Quebec. Access to the entire event (which includes 2 tastings and a special glass) is 32.43 CAD + taxes. Additional tastings can be purchased at the event.
SuperFrancoFête
15th – 31st August 2024
Located at the Agora du Port de Quebec, SuperFrancoFête is a celebration of French-speaking music. Enjoy 10 nights of francophonie music, spanning several genres, generations, and countries. See the 45th anniversary of Star Mania, and more! Tickets start at 79 CAD.
Fête Arc-en-Ciel de Québec
30th August – 2nd September 2024
Every year there are four days of gay pride fun in Quebec City – complete with drag shows, parades, and live music performances. Fête Arc-en-Ciel de Québec is free and open to everyone. Le Drague is always hopping, but during Pride it is electric! Some events have a fee.
Discover more festivals and events in Quebec City in summer, here!
Where to stay in Summer in Quebec City
Quebec City is filled with accommodation options, from hostels and bed and breakfasts to hotels and short-term apartment rentals. Here are some of my favourite places to stay in Quebec City.
Hôtel Nomad
A lovely boutique hotel in Old Quebec with thematic rooms. Hôtel Nomad is a short walk from Dufferin Terrace and rue Saint-Louis. There is a morning room and funky art, and the owners are delightful!
Auberge Saint-Antoine
Located in Old Port, next door to Musée de la Civilisation, Auberge Saint-Antoine is a 4-star family-owned hotel. It’s a hotel-musée, with fascinating displays of artefacts, has a chic lobby bar, and a gourmet restaurant.
Le Capitole Hôtel
In Place D’Youville, just outside the fortification walls, is Le Capitole Hôtel, a beautiful 5-star hotel. The beds give you hugs, and the hotel’s bar has a beautiful view of the old city. The pool area and sun deck are especially nice on hot summer days.
Fairmont Château Frontenac
Fairmont Château Frontenac is one of the most photographed hotels in the world. It’s a hotel filled with history and beautiful architectural details and flourishes. Have cocktails at Le Sam, take a walking tour, and enjoy comfortable rooms overlooking the city or Saint-Lawrence River.
Hôtel PUR
Located in the heart of the Saint-Roch neighbourhood, Hôtel PUR is a Marriott Bonvou property (Yay, points!). The hotel’s lobby is ideal for relaxing, meeting friends or playing a game of pool. The rooms are spacious with comfortable beds. Ask for a view of Églis Saint-Roch church. The hotel also features a pool and gym. Its restaurant, Table, is quite good.
Monastère des Augustines
Once a monastery for the Augustine sisters (who established the first hospitals in the 17th century), Monastère des Augustines is now a hotel and wellness retreat in Old Quebec. Choose from a traditional cell room or a more traditional hotel room. Tour the monastery’s museum, and enjoy a silent breakfast. Wellness classes are available, too!
Search for more accommodation listings below!
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