What to Do in Québec City in July

Summer is in full swing! Here are our suggestions for things to see and do in July.
Go on a Guided Tour
- Étienne Dionne
Québec City is a great place to stroll around, snap shots, and have some good eats. But it’s also full of history and secrets that come to life with a local guide. A guided tour will leave you seeing the city in a whole new light. If history isn’t your thing, a food tour should manage to do the trick.
Short on time? Hop on and off the fabulous Red Bus as you move from one Old Québec attraction to the next.
Discover Open-Air Public Art
Québec is brimming with creativity this summer through artistic installations that are as unexpected as they are fun. One standout addition is Minigolf Belleville Plaisirs, which turns the urban space into a real playground — a bold and colorful mini-golf course created by local artists, where visitors can actually play with friends or family.
Another original initiative: Cement Eclipses, an exhibition of miniature sculptures hidden in the nooks and crannies of Petit-Champlain, inviting visitors to see familiar places through a curious lens. Two artistic experiences that surprise and bring the city to life in a whole new way.
Get Into the Québec City Summer Festival Spirit
- Étienne Dionne
The Festival d'été's four main stages in the heart of downtown will once again welcome international, local and emerging artists, and the restaurant terraces in the surrounding streets will be crowded with happy festival-goers.
This year again, the shows taking place on the stage at Place D'Youville and on the stage at Place de l'Assemblée-Nationale do not require passes.
Go on a Boat Tour
- Croisières AML, Pascal Duchesne
Taking a boat tour on the St. Lawrence River is a summer vacation classic.
To appreciate the panorama of Montmorency Falls and Old Québec, get aboard a Zodiac of Excursions Maritimes Quebec. To explore the gorgeous Île d’Orléans, you can go kayaking during the day or at the sunset, or discover the island’s coves, currents, and maritime history aboard a zodiac with Croisières Orléans.
Take In Amazing Exhibitions and Multimedia Experiences
Fascinating worlds unfold before us, where imagination, history, and art come to life.
Deep in the forest, the immersive multimedia experience Onhwa’ Lumina transports visitors into a magical world where nature and technology blend seamlessly, all set against the rich cultural backdrop of the Wendat Nation.
At the Musée de la civilisation, step into the heart of life aboard the legendary Titanic through an impressive collection of nearly 200 artifacts — from jewelry to clothing and everyday objects — displayed according to the passengers' social class.
Next, head to the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, where the singular universe of Franco-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle comes to life through bold and thought-provoking works.
Finally, immerse yourself in a full sensory experience inside the Dôme Hubblo, an impressive 360-degree spherical structure set up outside Le Grand Théâtre de Québec. All summer long, a varied program of immersive projections and enveloping soundscapes awaits.
Explore the Most Beautiful Villages
Looking to take a little break from the city? Now’s the perfect time to discover the picturesque villages surrounding Québec City. Whether you're strolling past historic homes, tasting local delicacies, or simply soaking in the peaceful countryside, these getaways offer a refreshing change of pace. Check out 12 charming villages to visit in the region to inspire a summer escape that’s both accessible and delightfully off the beaten path.
Get Your Feet Wet
If you want to stay cool this summer, there are plenty of options: waterslides, pools, and splashpads. With 30+ waterslides and attractions of all kinds, Village Vacances Valcartier is an aquatic paradise. For a day at the beach, try Baie de Beauport : it's only a few minutes from downtown!
The new Station de la Plage (Beach Station) is a must this summer. Its fine sandy beach, infinity swimming pool and mirror pool with water fountains will dazzle young and old alike.
Go on an Amazing Hike
- René-Martin Trudel
The natural landscapes in the Québec City area are as rich and varied as the culture. It’s like a giant playground made by Mother Nature. The trails lead up dramatic cliffs with sweeping views of the St. Lawrence, through glacial valleys, and into the heart of the boreal forest. From Jacques-Cartier National Park to Sentier des caps de Charlevoix to Vallée Bras-du-Nord, here are the best spots for a short or long hike.
Want to enjoy nature without having to drive? Shuttles take you from downtown to beautiful parks like Jacques-Cartier National Park, Mont Wright, and the Marais du Nord.