Monday, June 20, 2016
The month of July always gets off to a great start in Québec City. July 1 is Canada Day and marks the 149th anniversary of Canadian Confederation, so you’ll find lots of fun things to see and do. Here are our top picks for the summer long weekend:
Canada Day 2016 in Québec City
Join thousands of people who’ll be celebrating Canada’s national holiday in Québec City on Friday, July 1. Kickstart your day with a group yoga or cardio and weights session. If you prefer restful contemplation, a special Canada Day Mass will be held at Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral. This will be followed by an official ceremony on Dufferin Terrace, with a raising of the flag by the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment and free cake from Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.
In the afternoon, families are invited to the Plains of Abraham, where there’ll be tons of fun for kids, like facepainting, inflatable games, a treasure hunt, and a kid’s show, “Arthur l’aventurier au Costa Rica.” Nightime is music time, with YZRA and Jérôme Charlebois presiding at the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand, followed by a closing fireworks celebration starting at 10 p.m.
Free Admission on the Plains and at Parks Canada
Credit: Parcs Canada
Love history? Then you’ll love July 1—the day admission is free at the Plains of Abraham Museum. Experience the famous Québec siege through Battles 1759–1760, a thrilling immersive exhibition. Next, take in the augmented reality exhibition at Martello Tower 1 and visit Artillery Park, the Quebec Fortifications, and the Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux—all national historic sites.
Québec City Celebrations
Another reason to party pops up on Sunday, July 3: the 408th Québec City Day celebrations, a.k.a. Fête de la Ville de Québec. Activities for this special day are held on the grounds of the Hôtel-de-Ville—Québec’s City Hall.
Unveiling of Passages Insolites 2016
Credit: EXMURO arts publics
Prepare to be dazzled by the latest edition of Passages Insolites (Unusual Passages), an outdoor public artwalk that runs through Petit-Champlain and the Old Port. Strolling through the streets of Old Québec, you’ll discover 12 funny installations by visual artists and architectural collectives.
Fun in the Transat Québec Saint-Malo Village
Credit: Xavier Dachez
Come down to the Transat Village and see the teams and catamarans entered in the ninth Transat Québec Saint-Malo transatlantic sailing race. A barge in Louise Basin—Québec City’s downtown harbour—will provide music and entertainment from July 1 through to the start of the race on Sunday, July 10th.
Québec Capitales Fireworks
Sports fans can catch the Québec Capitales playing against the New Jersey Jackals on July 1. Every Friday night baseball game is followed by a fireworks display.
Happy Canada Day!
See the complete schedule of events on the Canada Day long weekend
Next post The Best Family Vacations Are Happening in Québec City
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