The Best Moment to Visit Québec City for an Unforgettable Vacation

Summer Lovin

Credit: Jasmin Brochu

In summer, the temperatures can soar to 25ºC (and sometimes higher), and Québec City is abuzz with activity. Warms days are filled with people wandering down the cobbled streets of Old Québec and sipping locally crafted beer on a patio. If you feel like escaping the city, you can go on a day trip to Montmorency Falls and Île d’Orléans or Wendake or Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier; there are several options to choose from.

Summer is the best time to visit Québec City for festival enthusiasts; thousands of people flock to the Festival d’été de Québec (an 11-day music festival) each year. Other popular summer events include New France Festival, Grands Feux Loto-Québec, and Rendez-vous 2017.

Fall in Love with Colour

Credit: Sepaq, Luc Rousseau

Autumn is the best time to visit Canada and Québec City for those who love nature. While the changing colours of the leaves are pretty in every province, Québec and Eastern Canada offers a brighter array by the end of September and early October.

Seeing the rusty oranges, golden yellows and ruby reds of autumn is truly unique experience. Venture to Montmorency Falls, Île d’Orléans, Charlevoix and Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier to experience the best fall colours - perfect little day trips from the city - or stay in the city and visit parks like the Plains of Abraham.

In the fall, the temperatures are often similar to summer, with a high of 20ºC during the day and cooling off once the sun goes down. Most patios remain open in autumn in Québec City, so be sure to enjoy the good weather and gorgeous scenery while enjoying warm earthy Québecois cuisine.

Wend Through a Winter Wonderland

Credit: Ville de Québec

While the temperatures can start to feel a little wintery mid-November, the snow often waits until December and sticks around until late March. During the winter months, the temperature ranges from 0ºC to -20ºC (and sometimes feel a little colder when you add in the windchill). Dressing properly is essential if you really want to make the most of this unique trip.

From late November to the end of December, enjoy the German Christmas Market and Christmas lights before partying the night away on New Year’s Eve. In January and February, spend your time at Carnaval de Québec, tubbing at Village Vacances Valcartier or enjoying one of the funny winter sports.

The Sweet Delights of Spring

Credit: Au Chalet en bois rond

As the snow melts and the temperature slowly rises from 0ºC to 15ºC, many of us put our winter boots in storage and switch to less bulky clothing - unless of course, winter drags on a little longer and stretches into April.

Spring is sugaring-off season in Québec, which means most locals are venturing to a cabane à sucre (sugar shack) for lively French-Canadian folk music and hearty dishes that locals will top with maple syrup.

It’s time to explore Québec City: beautiful gardens with gorgeous blossoming flowers and dine at restaurants serving up delicious gourmet food during the Québec Exquis food festival. Should you experience rainy days, there is a lot to do in addition to shopping and the many museums. Also, one of the best moments to visit Montmorency Falls and Canyon Sainte-Anne is during spring when the falls are at their fullest thanks to winter run-off. 

So When is the Best Moment to visit Québec City?

The best moments to visit Québec City are the moments when you choose to open yourself up to new people, foods, culture and traditions. There is no such thing as THE best time to visit Québec City because the city shines all year.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time get ready to have the vacation of a lifetime in Québec City.