6 Sweet Summer Spots in Quebec
Published March 31st, 2025
Photos by Jay Kana unless otherwise noted.
With the “Elbows Up” movement in full swing and Canadian tourism becoming increasingly popular, it’s an excellent time to discover, or rediscover, our captivating country.
So you’re looking at Canada for a summer vacation and asking yourself “what’s there to do in Quebec in summer?” So, so, so much! I’ve been there and have been to various regions in my travels. Quebec is fantastic for family road trips, a guys and or gals trip, a couples getaway or a solo adventure.
If one of your summer travel destinations is Quebec, we’ve got a stellar list for you to either follow or include in your exploration of this beautiful part of Canada.
Gaspésie Region
On the eastern side of the province meeting the Gulf of the St. Lawrence is one of my favourite places in Canada. As you drive north on Route 132 (the longest highway in Quebec) and crest the hill approaching Percé Rock, that view is magical. The Rock is deteriorating so try and make it here sooner than later.
Take a short boat ride to discover the Northern Gannet colonies on Bonaventure Island while you’re there. The Percé UNESCO Global Geopark is an easy way to spend a few hours that I’d happily do again.
75 minutes northeast brings you to Forillon National Park and I urge you to carve out between two and three hours to do the hike to the Land’s End lookout.
A short 10 minute drive from there brings you to Canada’s tallest lighthouse in Cap-des-Rosiers.
Keep heading northwest along 132 for more lighthouses, small-town charm and soak in the beauty of the gorgeous Gaspé peninsula.
Here’s my longer article on the best things to do in the Gaspé region.
Mont Tremblant Region
Let’s start with what’s outside of Tremblant resort because the Mont Tremblant Region has so much to offer.
Get high at Sentier des cimes Laurentide as in ascend 130 feet for panoramic views. Summer sees superb circus shows as well.
Head to Mont-Tremblant National Park (a provincial park) for some heavenly hiking and biking with trails galore. Spend some time in and on the water and soak in the beauty of this shining gem.
Go for a thrilling guided ATV side-by-side off-road adventure through the northern edge of Mont-Tremblant National Park.
At Mont Tremblant resort, explore all the colours, excitement, restaurants and attractions from a gondola ride, kayaking, biking and more.
For evening excitement, check out Tonga Lumina, where the forest comes alive through light and sound.
Charlevoix
Photos by Tourisme Charlevoix
If you’re looking for what to do in Charlevoix in summer, let’s start with it being a haven for whale-watching, hiking, biking, kayaking, swimming, and golf.
Take a sip of the world’s first tomato wine, made here via Omerto. If cheese is your thing, Charlevoix has produced award-winning cheese via their several cheesemakers and dairies.
For the best views, take a helicopter ride around the region and to go even higher, opt for the tour that lands you on the summit of Mont des Morios.
Enjoy agricultural tours and visit one of several microbreweries, distilleries and wineries.
Quebec City
The Aquarium du Quebec is so underrated! Inside, you’ll experience wonderful exhibits from jellyfish, stingrays, a variety of marine life and walk through a tunnel that’s surrounded by 350,000 L of water, for a unique divers perspective.
The food scene is world-famous with something for everyone, gluten-free included. From authentic Quebecois dishes to modern takes on classics, bring your stretchy pants when you visit.
Stroll the streets of Old Quebec, soak in the rich history of the province’s capital city and be sure to tour the Citadelle.
There are walking, biking and bus tours if you’re new to the city or if you want to reacquaint yourself.
Parc Omega
Photos by Parc Omega
Less than an hour south of Mont Tremblant is the famous Parc Omega,
The highlight is a 12 kilometre drive, better known as a safari route in your own car that let’s you discover Canada's wild animals, including elk, bison, wolves, bears, and foxes in their natural habitat. Want to get up-close> You can buy a bag of carrots and feed them to the on-site deer, who are always up for a treat.
There are hiking trails, animal tours and if you want to spend the night, there are cool camping opportunities. How cool? You can sleep in a house, tent, tipi or prospector’s cabin. More than that, there’s unique “Sleeping With the Wolves” cabin, where through two huge glass windows, you’re able to watch the wolves safely from your cabin. It’s a howlin’ good time!
Tadoussac
This Canadian gem opens the proverbial flood gates to whale-watching tours, sea kayaking, boating and swimming.
Why are the whales so plentiful here?
The cold salt water from the St. Lawrence Estuary invading the depths of the fjord while warmer fresh water comes from along the surface from Saguenay River. The resulting marine-rich environment is abound with krill, which attract hundreds of whales.
On land, there are museums, hiking and biking routes, picturesque shops and it’s quite the walkable destination.
Accenting to their vibrant atmosphere is their food scene.
In the heart of the village is La Galouïne Inn with excellent accommodations.
For mouthwatering seafood I would suggest you the Bistro Le Bar Rayé located between Le Gibard and the Tadoussac microbrewery on Rue Du Bord De L'eau
For more food, drinks and live entertainment, look no further than Le Gibard, complete with a second storey patio overlooking the water. I ended up there on four different occasions during one visit!
For those with a sweet tooth, I would suggest Gelateria (gelato), Pauses Bonbons (ice cream and sweets) or Café l'Abri Côtier (desserts.)