Quebec Holidays

You won’t find a North American town more picturesque than Quebec City. Dominated by the iconic Fairmont Château Frontenac hotel, this historic walled city was first settled by Europeans in 1608 and its cobbled streets are still rich with 17th-century buildings.

The Baroque façade of Notre Dam des Victoires’ sits on the Place Royale town square, where the city was first born. Explore the pedestrianised streets of the Quartier Petit Champlain, whose heritage buildings are filled with artisan boutiques and restaurants. Stroll along the riverside Terrasse Dufferin boardwalk. And, beneath Promenade des Gouverneurs, you can see the ruins of Fort St Louis, which once protected the city.

Find out more about the city’s history with interactive exhibits at Musée de la Civilisation. Marvel at the ornate altar and striking stained glass windows Cathedrale Notre Dame de Quebec, and watch the Changing of the Guard at La Citadel de Quebec.

From the Old Port through the new town to the mountain which looms above, Montreal is a city where English meets French, and old meets new.

Walk the winding paths through the park or take the bus to the top of Mont Royal, where you can grab a coffee from Kondiaronk Belvedere and gaze across the city from the spacious terrace outside. Wander along the Old Port to the neo-gothic Notre Dame Basilica, where you can see its majestic twin towers, stained glass, ornate carvings, and 7,000-pipe organ.

Stroll around the pedestrian square of Place Jacques-Cartier, or take in the views as you ride La Grande Roue de Montreal. Uncover the secrets of green technology at Montreal Biodome – the world's largest structure of its kind – or see historic artefacts at the Stewart Museum. It’s also worth visiting the man-made Ile Sainte Hélène. Once host to the 1967 World’s Fair, this place is now home to Parc Jean Drapeau – a family-friendly amusement park with more than 40 rides.

Cultural Montreal and historical Quebec City are the most popular starting points for Quebec holidays – but there’s plenty more to see.

Visit the city of Gatineau, perched on the Ottawa River, to learn about the nation’s past at the Canadian Museum of History. Marvel at the dramatic 84-metre waterfall at Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, where you can ride a cable car over the rushing waters. Delve into the marble caverns of Lusk Cave, then walk the surrounding hiking trails. Or hike to the top of Belvédère Champlain for sweeping views over Quebec’s rolling countryside.

Want to see some wildlife? Head to Forillon National Park. At the top of the Gaspé Peninsula, this protected area is home to beavers, porcupine, moose and black bears, as well as thousands of native birds. Or sail out to the archipelago of Iles de la Madeleine to discover sand dunes and powdery beaches.

Each season brings a different beauty to the province of Quebec. The peak summer months of July to August see temperatures rise towards 25°C, so this is the perfect time to explore the countryside, try watersports, and visit the beaches of Iles de la Madeleine. The cities come alive in summer, too. Montreal and Quebec City have annual celebrations in July, including Canada Day, Bastille Day, and Montreal Jazz Festival. Prides takes place in Montreal in August, while Quebec City hosts regular Wednesday and Saturday firework displays throughout the month.

Alternatively, June or September is an ideal time to go, if you’re looking for pleasant temperatures without the crowds. If you’re into skiing, however, you’ll want to visit between mid-December and April, when the resorts of Mont Tremblant and Mont Sainte Anne are covered in snow.