Québec City and Area is far from being boring during summer. Almost every day of the summer season are punctuated with the arrival of a new festival, special event exhibition or even fireworks. And since 2008 marks the 400th anniversary of the foundation of Québec City, many efforts have been successfully made for the organisation of large scale events. It is therefore with great pleasure that we are presenting to you the numerous activities which will take place mainly in the Old-Port and on Parliament Hill.
City tours
But most of all, you must take some time to explore the city. You will thus be able to quickly discover the best spots to enjoy Québec City’s events like Place d’Youville, Grande Allée or the Plains of Abraham. Make the most of a comfortable minibus with a guide who will tell you all about Québec’s incredible history. If you prefer a more private or romantic visit of the city, take place in one of the many caleches (horse-drawn carriage) of Old-Québec and discover the cutest little streets you have ever seen as well as the marvellous Chateau Frontenac. And if you prefer to stroll around the city, many walking guided tours are also offered.
Old-Port
Exploring the beauty of the Old-Port is also a must during your stay in Québec City. Right across the Gare du Palais is the Marché du Vieux-Port where you can find fresh local food. You will most definitely be able to taste Québec’s specialities like duck pâté, corn on the cob, local cheeses and the best strawberries you will ever taste! So join the locals and become part of the action at this busy market.
A ten-minute stroll towards the St. Lawrence River will lead you to Dalhousie street where stands the Musée de la civilisation. Among the numerous exhibitions presented, the exhibition “Gold in the Americas” is this summer’s highlight at the museum. You will be able to understand a bit more about the fascination we have for this precious metal with countless artefacts made of gold, like ingots and chalices. You will also be able to witness The Visionaries Garden, a conceptual outdoor garden where lights, colours and scents are combined.
In August, close to the museum, you will relive New France with the SAQ New France Festival. In Place Royale or Place de Paris, you will meet all types of characters recreating this fascinating period of our history.
The Plains of Abraham
The Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec represents another fabulous museum which is situated in the Parliament Hill district. This summer, the museum offers you the exhibition entitled “The Louvre in Quebec” which gives you a unique chance to admire numerous works of art directly coming from the famous Musée du Louvre in Paris.
The Plains of Abraham are also an attraction that you cannot miss. For its 100th anniversary, many special activities have been organized including obviously the annual events of the Fête Nationale, Canada Day and Quebec City Summer Festival. So for the most part of summer, local and international artists like Simple Plan, Mes Aïeux, Linkin Park, Charles Aznavour and many more will perform for us their best hits. Even Céline Dion will offer, in August, a one of a kind performance specifically for the occasion.
Are you a fan of military and fanfare music? If yes, do not miss Québec City International Festival of Military Bands in August. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the festival will bring you an impressive program, including an exclusive concert of the Red Army Choir. You can also witness the procession of musicians on Grande Allée while having a drink on a terrace.
Here and there
If you are up for a bit of laughter, wander around Place d’Youville during the Grand Rire de Québec where you will come across the humour of local and international comics.
And if you have not seen enough during your day, you are invited to witness the Loto-Québec International Fireworks Competition from mid-July to the beginning of August where splendid fireworks by the best in the World are mixed with the spectacular view offered by the falls at Montmorency Falls Park.
In short, come this summer in Québec City to be filled with wonder at famous exhibitions, to be a part of special events, to watch incredible live shows or just to have fun. We’ll see you there!
