Quebec City in summer: Dive into the city’s rich history
Quebec City is renowned for its beauty, but it’s also one of Canada’s most historically important cities. As the only remaining walled city north of Mexico, Quebec’s capital has achieved status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a wonderful place to explore at any time of year, but visiting Quebec City in summer gives you access to fascinating historic sites that are only available during the warmer months.
Here are some of Quebec City’s essential experiences that will deepen your appreciation of its rich history. Whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, you’re sure to find something new to do on this list.
We’ve been to Quebec City in summer many times on self-arranged visits. If you’d like to see another side of Quebec’s capital, try visiting Quebec City in winter. Have questions about planning your visit to Quebec City? Join our Facebook community!
Climb North America’s only remaining city walls
Quebec City’s historic walls are so well-maintained that you can climb them to walk around the city and between the gates. You can also learn more about their history by visiting the Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site. The Artillery Park is packed with interesting information about how the city and its walls came to be.
See the city’s fortifications at the Citadelle de Québec
Cap-Diamant’s cliff faces provided an ideal position for establishing Quebec City as it made the settlement easier to defend. The Citadelle de Québec played a critical role in the city’s earliest fortifications. Today, it’s open year-round as an active military base and home to Canada’s Governor General.
Access to the interior is available via guided tour only. Admission also gives you access to the Citadelle’s museum, where you can learn about the Francophone 22nd Regiment that served in both world wars and the Korean War.
Visit the underground remains of a castle
In the summer, Quebec City’s national historic sites come alive. Beneath Dufferin Terrace, you can descend into the city’s oldest remains at Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site. French and British governors lived and conducted business within the walls of this former castle for more than 200 years. Explore the floor plan, see the many artifacts dug up during archaeological digs, and learn more about Canada’s earliest colonial architects.
Explore Quebec’s history and culture at the Museum of Civilization
Quebec City’s Museum of Civilization provides a gateway into history and culture that resonates directly with Quebecois. This dynamic museum’s mandate is to explore aspects of the human condition, and its exhibits are constantly evolving and telling new stories. During our visit, we explored exhibits on gender identity, Quebec’s hip hop culture, and the province’s Indigenous peoples. Check the museum’s website to see which exhibits will available during your visit.
Have a drink at Quebec City’s only authentic Irish pub
Quebec City has a rich Irish heritage. Many Irish settlers landed here during the Great Famine of the 1840s. Evidence of this still exists within the city walls at the Pub St-Patrick on Rue Saint-Jean, Quebec City’s only authentic Irish pub. Even a brief visit will convince you of the many great times and deep conversations that have happened within its walls.
Tour the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Quebec City’s Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is the most photographed hotel in the world. It’s also a very luxurious and beloved place to stay, especially since it appeared in Goblin, a South Korean television drama. If staying overnight at the Château Frontenac is outside your budget, book a guided tour of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac instead. You’ll get a peek into areas typically only available to guests and learn plenty about the hotel’s fascinating history.
Stroll through Petit-Champlain and Lower Quebec
Rue Petit-Champlain in Lower Quebec is consistently named among the most beautiful streets in Canada. There and in the surrounding area known as Quartier Petit-Champlain, you can stroll through one of North America’s oldest neighbourhoods. Many of the buildings here date back more than 400 years!
Travel outside Old Quebec to Jacques Cartier’s landing place
This side trip is for true history buffs who don’t mind taking a trek out of the way. Cartier-Brébeuf National Historic Site marks a very important place in Quebecois history. Outside the old city on the banks of the St. Charles River, Jacques Cartier and his crew were moored and forced to overwinter from 1535 to 1536.
It’s here where Cartier established relations with the nearby Indigenous villages, whose people helped him and his crew avoid scurvy and survive the harsh elements. Amongst its beautiful walking paths, the park has a sculpture in the shape of a boat hull commemorating that fateful winter.
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