Québec Holidays

Best time to visit Québec, Canada

When it comes to the best time to visit Québec, it all depends on the activities that strike your fancy. Depending on what type of holiday you are looking for, you might prefer to visit in spring, summer, autumn, or winter.

If you are looking to enjoy outdoor activities like water sports, the best time to visit Québec is in the summer, when the weather is hot, and temperatures reach up towards 30°C. You can spend time having fun in the lakes and rivers, rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming.

Autumn brings beautiful colours, making hiking a popular activity but also perfect weather for exploring the cities.

Winter means lots of snow, skiing, and festivity, turning Québec into a winter wonderland. Make sure to visit between November and April as this will allow you to enjoy plentiful snowfall so you can hit the slopes, go dog-sledding, ice skating, and myriad other fun winter activities.

Spring, on the other hand, is the perfect time to hit the sugar shacks and sample some traditional maple syrup.

If you are after a city break, the major cities of Montréal and Québec City will delight at any time of year and like with the rest of the province, it all depends on what you want to see and do.

Highlights of Québec

What is Québec famous for?

• Montréal
• Québec City
• Jacques-Cartier National Park
• Saguenay Fjords National Park
• Percé Rock and Gaspé Peninsula
• Montmorency Falls
• Mont-Tremblant
• Bonaventura Island

Swipe left or right to learn more about each destination.

Québec City

One of the best cities to visit in Québec is Québec City, a treasure of Canada’s French heritage and one of the country’s oldest cities, dating back to the 1600s.

This Eastern Canada gem is oozing with old-world charm, with the neighbourhood of Old Québec being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring 17th-century fortifications and many other rich, historical landmarks such as the Citadelle Fort and the grand Chateau Frontenac hotel.

For amazing views, head to the lovely Terrasse Dufferin, a boardwalk overlooking the city and St Lawrence River. Wonder the cobblestone streets, visit the Plains of Abraham, and relax at Montmorency Falls.

Come and experience the city’s history, friendly vibe, and abundance of attractions for a city break to treasure forever.

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Montréal

Québec tour packages are never complete without visiting beautiful Montréal, the largest city in this amazing Canadian province. 

Located on an island in the Saint Lawrence River and named after the triple-peaked hill at the city’s heart, Mt. Royal, Montréal is a fabulous location to include on your Québec holiday.

There are so many sights and attractions to explore in Montréal that the toughest part is knowing where to start. There is the stunning Gothic Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal with its heavenly sanctuary, there’s the lookout of Mount Royal itself with its all-year park, the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts, La Ronde amusement park, and authentic French-Canadian cuisine.

Come and experience the cosmopolitan celebration of Québécois culture that is Montréal.

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National Parks in Québec

This province of Canada is home to 24 national parks, covering more than 6,995 km² across Québec, including highlights that won’t fail to delight those seeking to embrace the majestic Canadian outdoors.

Mont Tremblant National Park, two hours from Montréal, features rivers, lakes, peaks, and beaches – perfect for hiking, kayaking and camping.

Parc national l'Île Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé is famed for the iconic Percé Rock on the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula. On the peninsula’s north-eastern-most tip you will find Forillon National Park, a vast expanse of mountains, woods, cliffs, and sand dunes.

There’s also the superb wildlife of Saguenay Fjords National Park, Grands-Jardins National Park with its ancient forests, La Mauricie National Park between Montréal and Québec City, and Jacques-Cartier national park (just 30 minutes from Québec City).

Montmorency Falls

When it comes to what to see in Québec province, don’t miss Montmorency Falls. This large waterfall is situated on the Montmorency River and is a perfect excursion to enjoy during your time in Québec City. Embark on a short cruise to arrive at the Montmorency Falls, 30m higher than the world-famous Niagara Falls, situated on the outskirts of Québec City itself.

The area surrounding the falls is a protected park with the falls dropping over the cliffs into the Saint Lawrence River. Nearly a million people visit every year, with staircases leading up to the falls to provide different perspectives of this majestic location. There is even a suspension bridge above the crest of the falls for a truly breathtaking experience.

Bonaventura Island

The highlights of Québec keep coming with Bonaventura Island, one of the world’s largest bird sanctuaries. The island is frequented by more than 280,000 birds, situated in the Gulf of St Lawrence, a few short kilometres off Quebec's Gaspé Peninsula. 218 different bird species are found here, making it a must-visit for bird lovers.

Bonaventura Island has one of the largest colonies of gannets in the world, but you will also find the likes of black-legged kittiwake, the common murre, terns, black guillemots, herring gulls, razorbills, Leach's storm-petrels, great cormorants, Atlantic puffins, and blackpoll warblers. This popular tourist destination is very accessible with boat and island tours available between the months of May and October.

Mont-Tremblant

The most beloved of Québec’s many ski resorts is certainly Mont-Tremblant, a location that skiers and non-skiers alike will love discovering. This jewel in the crown of Eastern Canada ski resorts is a pedestrian-only resort perfect for families. The area boasts reliable snowfall and offers a perfect blend of Canadian and French culture.

Mont-Tremblant isn’t just for ski holidays, however, and is more than just a winter destination. The location is famed for its beautiful autumn colours and offers wonderful activities such as helicopter rides, exhilarating zipline tours, biking, boat rentals, canoeing, a casino and much more. Speak to us if you would like to make Mont-Tremblant part of your custom Québec holiday package.

Old Montréal

The cobbled streets of Old Montréal date back to the 17th century and are alive with plazas, cafes, charming shops, and historic landmarks. Strolling the streets of Old Montréal is a great way to experience the best of this fascinating old neighbourhood, giving you the chance to wander the Old Port, marvel at the soaring Gothic Revival church known as the Notre-Dame Basilica, and sit back with a refreshment at Place Jacques-Cartier.

You could marvel at archaeological finds at Pointe-à-Callière Museum, dabble in science at the Montréal Science Centre or take in the views from the iconic Clock Tower. Old Montréal is a treasure trove of attractions and experiences.

Swipe left or right to learn more about more things to do.

Old Québec - World Heritage Site

Québec City is home to the provincial government of Québec but as the enchanting neighbourhood of Old Québec indicates, the city has so much more to offer. Old Québec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting historic landmarks, such as its fortified walls, which visitors are free to wander along, enjoying the sights from every angle.

Full of lovely little streets and local shops, Old Québec has 400 years of history waiting to be discovered, the Chateau Frontenac (one of Canada’s most famous hotels), activities like toboggan slides, and even the site of a famous battle. To get the most out of the area, consider a walking tour or a Québec City Boat tour on the St. Lawrence River for spectacular views of Old Québec and the Cap Diamant.

Day trip to the Montmorency Falls

The gorgeous Montmorency Falls is the second most popular attraction in the vicinity of Québec City after Old Québec and it’s easy to see why. It’s a must-see location during your holiday to the province, being a beautiful waterfall that’s actually higher than Niagara Falls.

With great viewing points to marvel at the views, such as a suspension bridge directly above the falls, taking a day trip to Montmorency Falls is highly recommended. The good news is that it’s only minutes away from the city itself so you can easily incorporate it into a city break or wide exploration of Eastern Canada. Let us know if you would like to visit and we will make it happen.

Hiking and biking

A holiday to Québec can be a very active holiday if you want it to be, with the province providing plenty of excellent hiking and biking opportunities. With 24 national parks located in Québec, you won’t be short for choice, with beautiful trails to explore and challenge yourself.

Hikers will find over 6,000km of short and long trails for all levels, dotted with lakes, rivers, and woodland, giving rise to interactions with local wildlife and sublime panoramic views of the Canadian landscape. The bicycle paths can more than compete, with over 12,000km of trails to enjoy, taking you through idyllic countryside and along scenic rivers.

Water sports and Adventure sports

The exciting activities come thick and fast in Québec, especially when it comes to the fantastic array of water sports available. Thanks to its one million lakes and rivers, Québec offers visitors a chance to engage in canoeing, kayaking and rafting. Whether you prefer to relax on tranquil lakes or hurtle down thundering rivers for something a little more exhilarating, the options are yours.

You can even paddle along the St. Lawrence water trail between Montréal and Gaspésie. That’s not all, however, as there are many other adventure sports available. Push yourself to the limit with mountain climbing, soar through the sky with paragliding, hang-gliding, and parachuting, or go canyoning at Canyon des Portes de l’Enfer.

Whale watching in Québec

Québec and wildlife go hand in hand and is there anything more spectacular than a whale sighting? The Whale route from Tadoussac to Blanc-Sablon offers amazing whale-watching opportunities. Via cruise, sea kayak or from the shores, 13 species can be seen in Québec, the most common being minke, fin, humpback, and beluga whales, as well as blue whales - the largest mammal on Earth.

Treat yourself to whale watching tours from different ports along Québec’s whale route, including boats departing conveniently from Québec City to Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, a marine conservation area at the mouth of Saguenay Fjord.

Helicopter ride at Mont-Tremblant

Exploring Mont-Tremblant at ground level is pretty special but there is no beating the view from above with a spectacular helicopter ride. With stunning aerial views over pine forests and shimmering lakes, it’s an experience that can be enjoyed throughout the year, with each season providing a different perspective of this beautiful location.

From peaceful autumnal colours to a snowy paradise in winter, there’s no wrong choice. Helicopter rides depart daily from Tremblant hotels so it’s well worth adding to your Québec holiday package.

Winter activities

You can enjoy Québec at any time of year, but winter brings with it a multitude of fantastic seasonal activities, that won’t fail to delight. With extensive snow cover during the winter months, you can find yourself downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, or even snowshoeing.

For something you might never have tried before, why not opt for a dog-sledding experience, being led by a team of canine companions through Québec’s snowy landscapes? You could slow things down a little perhaps for a session of ice fishing at over 65 sites across the province or take your partner by the hand and hit the ice for some romantic skating. Wrap up warm and embrace winter in Québec.

Québec Winter Wonderland

For a truly unique experience, Québec is home to the only ice hotel in North America, Hotel de Glace, an architectural marvel made purely of snow and ice. It’s the perfect location for a romantic retreat but if you don’t fancy an overnight stay, why not enjoy a tour instead, exploring its Grand Hall, trying the ice slide, and relaxing at the Ice Bar for a delicious cocktail.

Just outside of Québec City, Hôtel de Glace is an enchanting winter wonderland, a phrase which certainly extends to time spent in the city during the snowy season, with Old Québec transformed into a Christmas village of lights and festivity, the Québec Winter Carnival coming to town, and exciting snow tube toboggan runs being just some of what’s available.

Try traditional Québécois cuisine

Québec’s French-infused cuisine is right up there for must-try experiences in the province, influenced by traditions from the province’s various cultures. Head to a Montréal restaurant for an evening meal, sit down at a charming café in Old Québec, or head over to a traditional sugar shack to sample fresh maple syrup straight from maple trees.

In terms of local cuisine to try, Tourtiere is a hearty French-Canadian pie that originates from Québec and cretons are a traditional starter made of ground pork shoulder and seasoned with milk and onions. Québec-style pea soup is a favourite dish for locals looking to keep warm in winter, comprised of yellow split peas, ham hock and an array of seasonings.

Québec Holidays

Québec holidays are as unique as the province itself. Immerse yourself in the wonderful mix of French and Canadian cultures and the captivating cities bursting with history and architectural delights, or explore the tranquil countryside regions with magical fjords, lakes, and lush green forests. For a chic city break, choose Montréal or Québec City.

Hire a car or RV and venture out of the cities. Saguenay Fjord, Mauricie and Charlevoix regions offer pristine scenery and thrilling outdoor adventures. In winter hit the slopes at Mont-Tremblant. You can enjoy a variety of experiences in one amazing Québec holiday package.

Swipe left or right to learn more about the different types of Québec holidays we offer.

City breaks in Québec

The cities of Montréal and Québec City provide a wonderful way to experience the province. City breaks allow you to immerse yourself in local city life, learn about Québec’s heritage and French-Canadian culture, as well as experience some of Canada’s very best attractions.

A Montréal short break could see you relaxing for a week before jetting home or taking in other top destinations in Canada. You can enjoy a joint Montréal and Québec City short break to combine both these amazing cities in one package. Whether you want to stay in the best hotels in Old Québec such as the iconic Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac or budget family-friendly accommodation in Montréal, we can make it happen.

Fly-Drive holidays in Québec

Fly-Drive holidays provide visitors with plenty of freedom to explore Québec at their own pace. Our fly-drive packages provide car hire, flights, and accommodation all included, as well as incredible road trip itineraries, allowing you to see the best of the province in one trip.

You can drive along the scenic highways overlooking the Saint Lawrence Seaway, be charmed by attractive vistas of the Rivière Saguenay fjord, as well as the beautiful horizons of Charlevoix. With amazing nature, heritage trails, and spectacular routes to discover between Québec’s cities, as well as options to venture outside the province to see more of Canada, a fly-drive holiday is an easy choice to make.

Motorhome holidays in Québec

Maybe you fancy packing your bags and heading out on an epic adventure in your own motorhome. Look forward to forested national parks, island vistas, and charming towns before reaching vibrant city centres that are begging to be explored. Canada motorhome holidays are a brilliant way to explore the major highlights of Eastern Canada.

You can choose a package holiday to Québec, in Canada or combine it with the nearby Ontario, with an itinerary that can see you visiting the likes of Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, Québec City and Niagara Falls. So, get off the beaten track, stop whenever you feel like it, and get lost in the beauty of Canada’s great outdoors.

Rail holidays in Québec

VIA Rail connects many Eastern Canada cities, making it a perfect holiday option to explore not only more of Québec but to combine your time in the area with cities in other Eastern Canada provinces. 

For example, your Eastern Canada rail holiday could see you embarking on a historic rail route from the seaside city of Halifax and then travelling through Québec and Ontario along the St. Lawrence River and on further into the beautiful Great Lakes region. 

Or how about a rail and cruise holiday package, giving you a chance to see the region both by rail and by cruising from Kingston to Québec City.

Escorted tours

Escorted tours allow you to put your feet up, relax, and let someone else do the driving while you explore Québec on a coach journey with other like-minded travellers. It’s an easy, comfortable, and convenient way to explore this part of Canada and see the best of Québec.

Take in the very best of each location on one of our classic tours or book a premium luxurious tour, providing a more intimate experience, travelling in the utmost style, luxury, and comfort.

Explore the majesty of Québec or combine with a visit to other Eastern provinces in one holiday package. Take in the vibrant cities and immerse yourself in the fascinating mix of Canadian and French cultures all in the safe hands of an expert guide.

Ski and Winter holidays in Québec

Québec is a glorious place to be in winter, with some fantastic holiday options available to get the most out of the season and province.

If you are looking for a memorable ski holiday in Canada, look no further than Mont-Tremblant, with plentiful snow, an incredible resort, and beautiful vistas. 

Winter doesn’t just have to mean skiing, however, as your winter wonderland holiday can include taking in the sights and the sounds of Montréal and Québec City and staying at the world-famous Ice Hotel.

Or how about spending some time in the wilderness bordering the Mastigouche wildlife reserve, which overlooks a majestic frozen lake. From Christmas shopping in Montréal to outdoor winter activities, there’s much to entice.