What’s more delightful than a summer trip to Quebec City, one of North America’s oldest and most enchanting towns? Exploring it with your girlfriends! A girls’ getaway is the ideal way to experience all that Canada’s French-speaking capital has to offer during the summer.
With its charming cobblestone streets, lively markets, irresistible European flair, rich historical landmarks, and vibrant summer festivals, Quebec City provides a myriad of fun activities that will transform any BFF trip into an unforgettable adventure.
Girls’ Getaway Guide to Quebec City in Summer
Explore Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec)
Founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, Quebec City is among the oldest cities in North America. Stroll through its narrow streets lined with beautifully preserved stone buildings dating back to the 17th century. The city’s fortified walls and rich 400-year history have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.
Don’t miss the Quartier Petit Champlain district in the city’s lower area, which features a delightful collection of artisanal shops, galleries, cafés, and bistros. This charming area and the historic Place Royale, the birthplace of New France, can be accessed via a quick $5 (cash only) ride on the Funicular.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can choose to walk the steps up (or down) and take in the views of the iconic Fairmont Château Frontenac Hotel. This stunning hotel boasts breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River and is the world’s most photographed hotel.
Tip: For a fantastic photo opportunity, head to Umbrella Alley, located just below the hotel. Here, you can capture the impressive spires of the Château Frontenac alongside the quaint buildings and picturesque streets of Old Quebec.
Indulge in Culinary Delights
Quebec City is a food lover’s paradise, especially during summer when an abundance of fresh produce inspires chefs to elevate their culinary creations. Dining with friends isn’t just about the food; it’s also a deep dive into the local culture and flavors.
While Quebec is famous for its classic dishes like poutine, maple syrup, and delicious pork products, there’s so much more to explore. Enjoy innovative vegetable dishes at Bistro L’Orygine, indulge in Corsican charcuterie and wine at Petits Creux Corsica, taste creative cocktails paired with delightful small bites at Chez Gus Guinguette, enjoy Italian seafood at Bello Ristorante, or savor a mouthwatering vegan brunch at Don Vegan.
Get in the Groove of the Festival d’Été
Quebec City knows how to celebrate, with its prominent annual event being the Winter Carnaval. Rich in culture and arts, the city is a fantastic place to delve into galleries, museums, and various cultural happenings. During summer, the 11-day Festival d’Été showcases the best of live music, transforming the city into a vibrant, open-air party. Across five stages, diverse musical acts perform in every genre, from country to hip hop, heavy metal to world music.
During this year’s festival, we had a blast watching live performances by 50 Cent, Carly Rae Jepsen, and the Jonas Brothers on the main stage. And for those who think that people in their 40s and 50s can’t rock out, you should have seen us at the EDM after-party! 😉
Live the Aquatic Life
Quebec City sits on the north bank of the historic St. Lawrence River, and it makes the most of its beautiful riverside location with various summer swimming and water features to help everyone cool off on those warm, humid days. Here are some top spots:
Old Port Harbour Bath Oasis – Take a refreshing dip in Bassin Louise! This FREE public harbour bath and lane pool is located at Bassin Louise in the Old Port. With an Olympic-sized swimming pool featuring five 50-meter lanes and a 25 square meter leisure swim area, there’s plenty of room to enjoy the water. Lifeguards are on duty during opening hours to ensure everyone’s safety, and there’s a cozy section with bean bag chairs, outdoor changing rooms, lockers, and showers.
Station de la Plage – This amazing venue has everything needed for a perfect summer day. Lounge on the sandy beach equipped with chairs and umbrellas, swim in the seemingly endless pool that mimics bathing in the river, enjoy a reflective pool with water fountains, or relax on patio spaces with restaurant services. You can even wade right into the river! Located in the newly developed section of Promenade Samuel-De Champlain, this park stretches along the St. Lawrence River from Old Quebec to the bridges. Keep in mind that parking can be limited, so biking there is a great alternative.
La Cale of the Port of Quebec – Close to the Old Port Agora and the cruise ship terminal, the Quebec Port Authority has created La Cale, an amazing aquatic feature for the summer months. Relax in a blue Muskoka chair set amidst cooling water, enjoy little waterfalls, and grab food and drinks available for purchase. It’s the perfect spot to soak your feet on a hot summer day!
Explore by Bike
Quebec City boasts over 100 km (60 miles) of cycling trails. Rent e-bikes from Cyclo Services and embark on a guided or self-directed tour of the city’s Port area, the Petit Champlain district, or further along Boulevard Champlain and Chemin du Roy toward the Pierre Laporte Bridge. This route offers plenty of artwork, picnic areas, and a chance to cycle by the Station de la Plage, a lovely resting point.
Take a Scenic Cruise on the St. Lawrence River
If you want to experience the aquatic life from the historic river, consider taking a relaxing half-day trip with an AML Cruise. This scenic journey offers a unique view of Quebec City’s skyline and the beautiful surrounding landscapes. Sip cocktails and enjoy good conversations with your friends during a day, sunset, or dinner cruise.
Take a Guided Tour of Île d’Orléans
Summer is the perfect time to explore the outdoor regions surrounding Quebec City. Join a private epicurean tour of Île d’Orléans with Conciergerie du Terroir. This predominantly agricultural island is just a 20-minute drive from downtown yet feels miles away with its luscious strawberry fields, quaint villages, chocolateries, and tea houses.
This tour can be tailored to your preferences to include food and wine agritourism experiences. We thoroughly enjoyed stopping at strawberry stands, indulging at the Chocolaterie de l’Ile d’Orléans for exquisite truffles and hand-dipped maple ice cream cones, and experiencing a delightful high tea at La Maison de Thé, also known as Tigidou Land farm owned by the same producers of the island’s famous fruit jams.
Owner Vincent Paris cultivates and dries local berries and leaves for delicious tisanes enjoyed with tiers of delightful sandwiches and sweet treats in a charming converted farmhouse. C’est fantastique!
Explore Montmorency Falls
Located east of the city, Montmorency Falls is a stunning natural wonder even taller than Niagara Falls. Take a fantastic ride on the cable car to the top for a short stroll to beautiful viewpoints. Don’t forget to cross the bridge that spans the falls for breathtaking views below. For the more adventurous, consider a thrilling (and potentially splashing!) ziplining adventure across the falls. Tip: Make sure to book your ziplining experience well in advance, as it tends to sell out during the summer!
Shop Till You Drop
No girls’ getaway is complete without a bit of retail therapy. We dedicated a significant portion of our trip to exploring Quebec City’s diverse shopping scene. One of the prime shopping destinations is Quartier Petit Champlain, a delightful district known for its unique shops and boutiques selling clothing, shoes, and crafts created by local artisans and designers.
On Avenue Cartier, you’ll find a blend of trendy fashion, vintage shops, cafés, restaurants, and bakeries, all enhanced by creative artistic light installations. Situated just a few blocks from the Musée National des Beaux-Arts de Québec and the Plains of Abraham, this neighborhood is beloved by locals, making it perfect for savvy travelers seeking unique finds.
Rue Saint-Jean is a lively street catering to tourists, featuring well-known brand shops, cafés, and bakeries like Boulangerie Paillard. Close to the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac, a seasonal artisan market pops up on the grounds of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, showcasing one-of-a-kind items crafted by local artisans.
Experience Onhwa’ Lumina
The nighttime spectacle of Onhwa’ Lumina narrates the story of Huron-Wendat culture and the First Nations People. Created by Moment Factory, the same innovative minds behind Vallea Lumina in Whistler, this multimedia show takes place in Wendake, about 30 minutes east of Quebec City.
The light walk occurs around sunset during summer, with the twilight sky enhancing the stunning light artistry and storytelling through immersive projections. The experience consists of seven stations that guide you through the narrative of Turtle Island, the village, its inhabitants, and the universe. Feel free to take your time enjoying the stories and captivating light displays; they are both visually stunning and deeply moving.
Enjoy Quebec City’s Nightlife
We danced the night away during the FEQ, demonstrating that Quebec City is far from shy when it comes to nightlife. After dark, there’s a lot to love, including these hotspots: craft cocktails with a transportation theme at JJacques, live performances at Le Capitole de Québec, a trendy bar in the Saint-Roch District, or head over to Pub Saint-Alexandre, offering a selection of over 300 craft beers and live music.
A summer girls’ getaway to Quebec City guarantees a mix of relaxation, adventure, culture, and indulgence. Pack your bags, gather your friends, and prepare for an unforgettable trip!
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Disclosure: The author expresses gratitude to Destination Quebec City for hosting her stay. As always, her passion for girls’ getaways in fabulous destinations and her opinions remain unbiased and her own.
Photo credits: Claudia Laroye
Claudia Laroye is the founder and publisher of ClaudiaTravels. An award-winning writer, content creator, and author, Claudia is a recognized travel expert with decades of experience in adventure, family, and sustainable travel. Her family book, *A Gelato a Day*, was published in fall 2022.
