Quebec City with Kids: Our Favourite Things to Do in Summer
Many people visit Quebec City for its European charm. Ask my kids what they remember, though, and you’ll get a completely different answer. They still talk about riding the funicular, climbing on the cannons along Dufferin Terrace, spotting the upside-down car, looking for the colourful umbrellas and racing through the hedge maze at Domaine Maizerets.
A friend asked me this week what to do in Quebec City with kids, and I realized I could probably answer before she finished the question. We’ve stopped here several times while driving between Nova Scotia and Ontario, spent a full week here in winter, visited again in the fall, and we still keep going back because there’s so much more here for families than most people expect.
Quebec City is worth visiting in any season, we’ve loved it in winter too, but summer makes it really easy to combine history with family fun. You can spend the morning exploring Old Quebec, cool off at Montmorency Falls or a splash pad in the afternoon, then head back into the city for dinner.
These are the places I’d recommend to anyone planning a trip to Quebec City with kids in the summer, from the iconic sights that really are worth visiting to the kid-approved spots my own family still talks about long after we’ve come home.things to do in Quebec City in the summer.
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Best Things to Do in Quebec City with Kids
One of my favourite things about Quebec City is how easy it is to mix history with family fun. You can spend the morning exploring Old Quebec, then cool off at Montmorency Falls, head to the beach or visit the aquarium in the afternoon. These are the places we’d recommend for a summer visit.
Explore Old Quebec
If it’s your first visit to Quebec City, this is where I’d spend most of your first morning. Old Quebec isn’t huge, and half the fun is wandering without too much of a plan. Follow the cobblestone streets, duck into little shops, stop for an ice cream, and take your time. It’s one of those cities that’s best explored on foot.
Wander Through Petit-Champlain & Place Royale
Start in Petit-Champlain, one of the prettiest streets in the city. It’s pedestrian-only, so kids can explore a little more freely while you browse the boutiques or stop at one of the cafés. Keep an eye out for the colourful umbrellas overhead if they’re up during your visit, and don’t be surprised if your kids become just as interested in the quirky public art as the historic buildings.
Just a couple of minutes away is Place Royale, where Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec City in 1608. In summer, there’s often live music or street performers, making it a fun place to stop before continuing through the Old Town.
Ride the Funicular
One of my kids’ favourite things to do in Quebec City is also one of the simplest. The funicular connects Upper Town with Petit-Champlain below, saving you from climbing the steep stairs while giving you a great view over the rooftops and the St. Lawrence River.
It’s only about a minute long, but my boys wanted to ride it more than once. Even if you only take it in one direction, I’d add it to your day.
Visit Château Frontenac & Dufferin Terrace
Once you’re back in Upper Town, spend some time around Château Frontenac and Dufferin Terrace. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, it’s worth walking around outside and taking in the views over the St. Lawrence River.
My kids make a beeline for the old cannons every single visit. Between climbing on them, watching the street performers and looking out over the river, we’ve often ended up staying much longer than we planned.
This is also where you’ll find the iconic Toboggan Run in the winter months. You zip down a wooden track that’s been around for over a hundred years, and it goes surprisingly fast! It’s definitely worth adding to your winter itinerary if you’re visiting in the colder months.
If you want to see inside the château, you can also book a guided tour. For my favourite view of the building itself, though, head down near the Quebec-Lévis ferry terminal in the Lower Town. Looking back up at Château Frontenac towering above the old stone buildings is one of the classic views of Quebec City.
Cool Off at the City Hall Splash Pad
If you’re visiting during the summer, don’t overlook the splash pad beside City Hall. It’s only a short walk from Château Frontenac and Dufferin Terrace, making it an easy stop if the kids need a break from sightseeing.
We’ve found it’s a great place to cool off before grabbing lunch or continuing on to your next stop. Sometimes a few minutes running through the water is exactly what everyone needs before heading back to exploring the city.
Get Outside
One of my favourite things about visiting Quebec City in summer is how easy it is to mix sightseeing with time outdoors. After spending the morning wandering Old Quebec, we usually head somewhere the kids can run around, cool off or just burn off some energy before heading back into the city later in the day.
Explore the Plains of Abraham
The Plains of Abraham are famous for their history, but today they’re also one of Quebec City’s best parks.
There’s plenty of space for kids to run around, shaded walking paths and lots of grassy areas that are perfect for a picnic or a break from the busy streets of Old Quebec. In summer, you’ll often find festivals, concerts and other events happening here, so it’s worth checking what’s on during your visit.
TKE Tip: If you’re visiting in winter, the Plains turn into one of the best spots in the city for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. We’ve got a full guide to Quebec City in winter for more on that.
Spend an Afternoon at Baie de Beauport
After a morning exploring Old Quebec, Baie de Beauport is one of my favourite places to cool off on a hot day. This sandy beach sits right on the St. Lawrence River, with shallow, supervised swimming in summer and plenty of room for kids to play.
If your family is a little more adventurous, you can also rent paddleboards, kayaks or sailboats. Otherwise, pack a picnic or grab something from the snack bar and enjoy a slower afternoon before heading back into the city.
Walk the Promenade Samuel-De Champlain
If you’re looking for a quieter walk, head to the Promenade Samuel-De Champlain.
This riverside path stretches for several kilometres along the St. Lawrence and feels completely different from the busy streets of Old Quebec. We’ve enjoyed coming here later in the day when everyone was ready for a slower pace. It’s a great place to walk, watch the river and let the kids stretch their legs before dinner.
Get Lost at Domaine Maizerets
This ended up being one of my kids’ favourite places in Quebec City.
Domaine Maizerets is a large park just outside downtown, but the highlight is the hedge maze. My boys spent ages trying to find their way through it before climbing the lookout tower to see the maze from above.
There are also walking trails, gardens and ponds to explore, and because it’s free to visit, it’s an easy place to add to your itinerary if you have a few extra hours. It feels completely different from Old Quebec, which is part of why we enjoyed it so much.
More Family Attractions
Quebec City might be known for its history, but there are plenty of attractions that kids will be just as excited about. Whether your family loves animals, interactive museums or water parks, these are the places I’d add to your itinerary.
Visit Aquarium du Québec
If your kids enjoy seeing animals, I’d definitely make time for the Aquarium du Québec. It’s home to more than 10,000 marine animals, but the stars of the show are the polar bears, walruses and seals.
My boys loved the touch tanks, and I think we spent longer watching the stingrays and manta rays glide past than anywhere else in the aquarium. The polar bears were another highlight, especially seeing them swimming underwater, and there are plenty of indoor and outdoor exhibits to explore.
In summer, there’s also a splash pad and playground, making it easy to spend half a day here without anyone getting bored. The aquarium is on the western edge of the city, so it’s easy to combine with Chutes de la Chaudière or as part of a drive along the St. Lawrence.
Explore the Musée de la civilisation
If you’re looking for an indoor activity, especially on a rainy day, I’d recommend the Musée de la civilisation.
Unlike a traditional history museum, many of the exhibits are interactive and designed to get kids involved rather than just looking at displays. The exhibitions change throughout the year, so there’s often something new to discover, and it’s only a short walk from Place Royale, making it easy to include while exploring Old Quebec.
Spend the Day at Village Vacances Valcartier
If your kids love water parks, Village Vacances Valcartier is well worth the drive. About 30 minutes from downtown Quebec City, it’s one of the biggest water parks in Canada, with everything from giant slides and a wave pool to splash areas for younger kids.
There’s also Bora Parc, the indoor water park, which is a great backup if the weather isn’t ideal.
We haven’t visited Valcartier ourselves yet, but it’s been recommended to us so many times that it’s high on our list for our next summer trip. And if you’re looking to stay overnight, Hôtel Valcartier is one of Quebec City’s best family hotels, with direct access to the water park.
What to Eat in Quebec City
One of the best parts of visiting Quebec City is the food. Summer is the perfect time to grab a table on a patio, cool off with ice cream or finally try some classic Quebec dishes. These are the places and foods I’d make time for during your visit.
Visit a Sugar Shack
Most people don’t realize you can visit a sugar shack outside of maple season, but La Sucrerie Blouin on Île d’Orléans is one spot that stays open in summer.
You can sample maple treats, browse the shop and pick up a few local products to bring home. It’s a different experience than simply buying maple syrup at the grocery store, and one that’s well worth making time for if you’re already heading out that way.
Grab an Ice Cream
After walking around Old Quebec, there’s a good chance everyone will be ready for a cold treat.
Chocolats Favoris is probably the city’s best-known ice cream shop, famous for its thick chocolate-dipped cones. My kids would happily stop there every afternoon if I’d let them.
If you’re heading out to Île d’Orléans, don’t miss Cassis Monna & Filles. Their blackcurrant sorbet and gelato are made with fruit grown right on the island, making it a great spot to stop if you’re exploring beyond the city.
And while it’s not exactly local to Quebec, Cows, which is an East Coast staple, is my kids’ all-time favourite. It’s known for its fun flavour names, and is right on Rue Saint-Jean in Old Quebec.
Enjoy a Meal on a Patio
One of my favourite things about Quebec City in summer is how many restaurants spill out onto the sidewalks and squares. It’s worth slowing down, grabbing a table outside and enjoying the atmosphere for a while.
Cochon Dingue is a great choice for a casual family meal, while Le Lapin Sauté is another great option in Petit-Champlain. If you’re looking for a view, Bistro 1640 is hard to beat. Even stopping for a coffee and pastry on a patio at La Maison Smith is a nice way to take a break while exploring Old Quebec.
Try Authentic Quebec Poutine
You can’t visit Quebec without trying poutine at least once. Crispy fries, fresh cheese curds and hot gravy might sound simple, but there’s a reason it’s become Quebec’s signature dish.
I’d recommend trying a classic version before branching out into all the gourmet variations topped with smoked meat, pulled pork or bacon. Chez Ashton is a local favourite if you want a traditional poutine, while Snack Bar Saint-Jean and La Buche are both great options if you’re looking for something a little different.
If You Have More Time
If you’re spending more than a couple of days in Quebec City, these are a few more places I’d add to your itinerary. They’re a little different from the city’s main attractions, but each offers a different perspective on the region.
Explore the Morrin Centre
This one tends to fly under the radar. The Morrin Centre is a historic building that has been, at different points in its history, a military barracks, a prison, and now an English-language library. The preserved jail cells and the stunning Victorian reading room make it an interesting stop, even if you’re just popping in to look around.
But there’s also more to do here than just browsing books. You can still visit the old jail cells, admire the beautiful Victorian library and even book afternoon tea or special family programs throughout the year. It’s one of those places that many visitors walk right past without realizing what’s inside.
Take the Québec-Lévis Ferry
One of the best views of Quebec City doesn’t come from inside the city at all—it comes from the water.
The Québec-Lévis ferry crosses the St. Lawrence in about 15 minutes and gives you an incredible view back toward Château Frontenac rising above the Old Town. Even if you simply ride over, stretch your legs along the waterfront and catch the next ferry back, it’s well worth the trip.
If you have a little more time, wander up to the terrace in Lévis for another panoramic view before returning to Quebec City. It’s especially beautiful in the evening as the city lights begin to come on.
Round-trip tickets (allez-retour) are $4.05 for adults, $2.80 for kids (6-15), and $3.45 for seniors.
Best Day Trips Near Quebec City
If you have a car, it’s worth setting aside at least one day to explore beyond Quebec City. Some of our favourite memories have come from the places just outside the city, whether that was standing beside a waterfall, wandering around Île d’Orléans or discovering places we’d never heard much about before.
Visit Montmorency Falls
If you only have time for one day trip from Quebec City, make it Montmorency Falls. At 83 metres tall, it’s actually higher than Niagara Falls and only about 15 minutes from Old Quebec.
There are several ways to experience the falls. Walk across the suspension bridge at the top for incredible views, ride the cable car, or take the staircase alongside the falls if everyone’s up for the climb. My boys loved feeling the spray from the viewing platforms and watching the water thunder into the river below.
It’s easy to spend a couple of hours here before continuing on to Île d’Orléans, making the two a perfect combination for a day outside the city.
Explore Île d’Orléans
Just across the bridge from Montmorency Falls, Île d’Orléans feels like a completely different world. Instead of busy streets and historic landmarks, you’ll find quiet country roads, farm stands, vineyards, orchards and some of the best local food in the region.
Along the way, you can stop at roadside farm stands for fresh berries, visit cider houses and chocolatiers, or sample locally made cheese and maple products. It’s the perfect place to escape the city for a few hours, and since it’s just minutes from Montmorency Falls, it’s easy to visit both in the same day.
Visit Wendake
About 20 minutes from downtown, Wendake offers an opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of the Huron-Wendat Nation.
The Onhoüa Chetek8e Traditional Site features a reconstructed longhouse, cultural demonstrations and guided experiences that provide a deeper understanding of the community. We haven’t had the chance to visit ourselves yet, but it’s high on our list for our next trip.
See Chutes de la Chaudière
Less popular than Montmorency Falls but just as impressive (I think), Chutes de la Chaudière is one of our favourite spots near Quebec City. Located about 25 minutes from downtown, and just across the river from the Aquarium, this waterfall offers more room to explore, and it’s free!
Walk across the suspension bridge for incredible views or take the trail down to the river, where you can walk along the rocks and get closer to the falls. With plenty of walking trails, picnic areas, and scenic viewpoints, it’s a great place to step away from the busyness of the city, and a spot that we stop at every time we visit.
How Many Days Do You Need in Quebec City?
You could easily spend a week in Quebec City without running out of things to do, but I’d recommend planning at least two or three days if it’s your first visit.
One day gives you enough time to explore Old Quebec, ride the funicular, wander through Petit-Champlain and enjoy the views from Dufferin Terrace.
Two days lets you slow down a little. Add one of the city’s outdoor attractions, spend a few hours at the Aquarium du Québec or visit the Plains of Abraham before heading to Montmorency Falls.
Three days or more gives you time to explore beyond the city. Spend a day on Île d’Orléans, cool off at Village Vacances Valcartier or learn more about Huron-Wendat culture in Wendake.
Where to Stay in Quebec City
For a first visit, I’d recommend staying in or near Old Quebec. Being able to walk to the city’s main attractions, restaurants and cafés makes a big difference, especially if you’re travelling with kids.
If you’re looking for a hotel that’s close to everything, we like staying at the Hôtel Palace Royal. It’s just outside the old city walls, so you can easily walk into Old Quebec, but it also has parking and a great indoor pool for families.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion (or it’s always been on your bucket list), Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is hard to beat. Staying in one of Canada’s most iconic hotels is an experience in itself, and you can’t ask for a better location.
For families who don’t mind staying a little farther from the Old Town, L’Hôtel Québec is another great option. It’s especially popular with families thanks to its indoor play areas and family-friendly atmosphere, and it’s an easy drive to both downtown and attractions like the Aquarium du Québec and Village Vacances Valcartier.
For more neighbourhood recommendations and hotel reviews, check out these hotels in Quebec City for families.
Tips for Visiting Quebec City in Summer
Parking: Parking in and near Old Quebec is limited. We usually park just outside the city walls at Place d’Youville or near Hôtel Palace Royale (accessible even if you’re not a guest) and walk in from there. There’s also underground parking inside Old Quebec at City Hall.
Language: French is the official language, but in tourist areas, restaurants, and hotels, you’ll generally be fine in English. A few basic French phrases go a long way and are always appreciated.
Book ahead. Summer is one of the busiest times to visit, and you’ll want to book accommodations early. If possible, try to visit mid week, to avoid the busiest crowds at main attractions.
Wear comfortable shoes: The cobblestones and hills in Old Quebec are beautiful but tough on feet. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Don’t try to see everything in one day. One of the best parts of Quebec City is simply wandering through the streets, stopping for ice cream or watching street performers along the way.
Our Take on Things to Do in Quebec City
Quebec City is one of our favourite cities in Canada, and one we happily return to whenever we get the chance.
It has all the history, beautiful streets and European charm people talk about, but it’s also a genuinely fun place to visit with kids. Between the funicular, cannons, waterfalls, beaches, splash pads and quirky public art, there’s plenty to keep everyone happy.
My advice? Don’t try to see everything. Leave time to wander through Old Quebec, stop for ice cream when someone asks, and let your kids climb the cannons one more time before you head home. Those are the moments my boys still talk about years later, and they’re the memories that keep us coming back.
Looking for more inspiration?
Whether you’re visiting in summer or winter, Montmorency Falls and the Aquarium du Québec are two fun spots that are open year-round and great for families.If you’re planning a winter visit, don’t miss our guide to the best things to do in Quebec City in winter, plus a 3-day winter itinerary to help you make the most of your time. And if you’re still deciding where to stay, check out our top picks for the best family hotels in Quebec City.
