30 family activities for summer in Quebec
Travelling in Quebec as a family during the summer means spending your days outdoors, surrounded by lakes, forests and wildlife encounters. It's all about making the most of the season: paddling, swimming, exploring and, most importantly, taking time to be together. That's what summer in Quebec is all about!
→ Go directly to the ranking of the 30 most popular activities (comparison table)
Wildlife watching in Quebec with the family
1. Parc Oméga
At Parc Oméga, you can see Canadian wildlife from the comfort of your car, as you drive through the park. Elk, bison, bears, wolves and foxes roam freely in vast enclosures, sometimes offering incredibly close encounters!
- Who it's for: families with children of all ages
- Duration: around 1 hour 30 minutes for the car safari; allow half a day to explore the park
- Cost: $49 per adult, $37 per child aged 6 to 15, and $19 per child aged 2 to 5
- Location: Montebello, Outaouais
- What to bring: your car and comfortable shoes
- Further information: open year-round, with opening times varying by season. During summer, the park is open daily
2. Saint-Félicien wildlife zoo
Here, it's almost as if the humans are in cages! Board the Boreal Train and journey through vast open spaces where animals roam freely. It's a truly unique way to experience Quebec's boreal wildlife.
- Who it's for: families and animal lovers
- Duration: half a day to a full day
- Cost: from $56.99 per adult
- Location: Saint-Félicien, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
- What to bring: comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing and a camera
- Further information: the day ticket provides access to the Zoo and can be used during the summer season, from 2 May to 1 November 2026
"During my visit, I saw a black bear and a deer face each other right next to us. We watched the whole scene from the train; it was quite incredible! That’s what’s so good about this place: each visit can be completely different." Naomie, Reservations Manager (Profile)
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3. Whale watching in Tadoussac
Where the Saguenay Fjord meets the St. Lawrence River, Tadoussac is a legendary spot for whale watching in Quebec. Hop aboard a zodiac boat to get close to the water and search for the marine mammals that frequent the area during the warmer months.
- Who it's for: families with children aged 6 and over for the zodiac
- Duration: around 2 hours
- Cost: from $99.99 per adult and $89.99 per child aged 6 to 12. From 24 June to 7 September 2026: $109.99 per adult and $99.99 per child
- Location: Tadoussac, Côte-Nord
- What to bring: warm, windproof clothing, even in summer
- Further information: children under 6 are not permitted on zodiacs. For younger children, a boat excursion is a better option
"I've done this trip several times and I'm a big fan of the smaller boats, where you really feel close to the water. Once, a whale swam right under us: we could see its huge silhouette under the water before it resurfaced on the other side. I can tell you, that's a memory that stays with you for a long time!" Naomie, Reservations Manager (Profile)
4. Black bear photo safari in Charlevoix
Comfortably settled in a viewing hide deep in the forest, we wait for the black bear to appear. Accompanied by a guide, observations are made less than 20 metres from the animals in their natural habitat.
- Who it's for: families with children aged 8 and over
- Duration: around 3 hours
- Cost: $55 per adult and $30 per child aged 8 to 12
- Location: Domaine Le Pic-Bois, Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs, Charlevoix
- What to bring: weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable shoes and a camera
- Further information: this activity is available from 15 June to 13 October, by reservation at least 24 hours in advance. It's about a 15-minute walk to reach the viewing hide
5. Take an excursion to île aux Perroquets
Off the coast of Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan, Île aux Perroquets is a small paradise for observing Atlantic puffins. With seabirds, a historic lighthouse and the landscapes of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, this excursion takes you to a much wilder part of Quebec.
- Who it's for: families who enjoy nature and birdwatching
- Duration: around 3 hours 30 minutes
- Cost: from $75 per adult
- Location: Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan, Côte-Nord
- What to bring: windproof jacket, warm clothes, comfortable shoes and binoculars
- Further information: boat excursion with a stop at Île aux Perroquets and a discovery of the Mingan Archipelago. Excursions are available during the summer season
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Enjoy the water and wide open spaces
6. Sea kayaking on the Saguenay Fjord
Paddling at the foot of the immense cliffs of the Saguenay Fjord, gliding into small coves and discovering the landscape from the water: it's hard to find a more exotic experience. Family excursions even allow younger children to enjoy the adventure.
- Who it's for: families with children aged 3 and over
- Duration: around 2 hours 30 minutes
- Cost: $82 per adult and $55 per child aged 3 to 17, or $210 per family of 2 adults and 1 child
- Location: L'Anse-Saint-Jean, Saguenay Fjord
- What to bring: sun cream, sunglasses and weather-appropriate clothing
- Further information: family departures daily at 9am, from 20 June to 23 August 2026. Equipment, technical clothing and guide included
7. Go trout fishing at an outfitter
A boat, a fishing rod and a lake surrounded by forest: trout fishing offers a taste of wilderness life, Quebec style. It's a simple activity where children mostly discover the joy of waiting for a bite.
- Who it's for: families who enjoy nature and peaceful activities
- Duration: half a day to a full day
- Cost: from approximately $66 per day for a day's fishing with a boat
- Location: outfitters and wildlife reserves in Quebec
- What to bring: weather-appropriate clothing, a cap, insect repellent and a fishing permit where required
- Further information: prices and periods vary depending on the outfitter, body of water and chosen package. Some family packages include the boat and fishing rights
8. Discover Montmorency Falls
With its 83-metre drop, Montmorency Falls is impressive from the first glance. A footbridge, stairs and trails allow you to experience it from several angles, with a bonus spray when you get close!
- Who it's for: the whole family
- Duration: around 1 to 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cost: $13.90 per adult for site access in summer, free for ages 17 and under. Cable car extra: $14.95 per adult and $7.48 per child aged 6 to 17
- Location: Quebec City
- What to bring: comfortable shoes and a light raincoat if you want to get close to the falls
- Further information: summer rates apply from 11 May to 1 November 2026. A family cable car package is also available for $43.06 for 2 adults and their children aged 17 and under
9. Go canoeing in the wilderness
Paddling on a lake surrounded by forest, with no engine noise around: it's hard to get more Québécois than that! La Mauricie National Park has numerous lakes where you can go canoeing in the wilderness, whether for a short family paddle or to venture further afield.
- Who it's for: the whole family
- Duration: from a few hours to a day
- Cost: $10 per adult for park access and free for ages 17 and under. Canoe rental extra
- Location: La Mauricie National Park
- What to bring: water, sun cream, insect repellent, clothes that can get wet and appropriate footwear
- Further information: canoes are available for rent, particularly in the Shewenegan, Wapizagonke and lac Édouard sectors. Rental includes paddles, personal flotation devices and a safety kit
10. Explore Île d'Orléans by bike
Just a few minutes from Quebec City, Île d'Orléans by bike offers a journey through agricultural landscapes, villages and local producers. And since effort builds up an appetite, gourmet stops are definitely part of the experience.
- Who it's for: families comfortable on bikes
- Duration: around 3 hours for the guided tour
- Cost: depends on the chosen bike or tour package
- Location: Île d'Orléans, near Quebec City
- What to bring: helmet, water, sun cream and comfortable clothing
- Further information: Authentik offers a guided electric bike tour from 1 May to 18 October, with several tastings at local producers on the island
11. Build a campfire and toast marshmallows
As the sun sets over the forest, we get out the chairs, the marshmallows and light the campfire. There's no need for anything more: in Quebec, these simple evenings are often among the best holiday memories.
- Who it's for: the whole family
- Duration: until the children, or parents, start nodding off
- Location: at an outfitter, campsite or accommodation that allows fires
- What to bring: warm clothes, marshmallows and long skewers
- Further information: always check your accommodation's rules and any fire bans in effect before lighting an outdoor fire
“For the perfect marshmallow, my technique is to let it catch fire for a few seconds, then blow it out. It's nicely toasted on the outside and all soft on the inside. I'm sure some Quebecers will tell me off for that, but that's how I like to eat it!” Naomie, Reservations Manager (Profile)
12. Hike to Lac-aux-Américains
Deep in Gaspésie National Park, a trail leads to Lac-aux-Américains, nestled in a spectacular glacial cirque. It's a short walk that offers a lot of scenery for relatively few kilometres.
- Who it's for: families and beginner walkers
- How long: around 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cost: $10.30 per adult for daily park access, free for under 17s
- Where: Gaspésie National Park
- What to bring: walking boots, water, sun cream and insect repellent
- Good to know: the walk is about 2.6 km return. A valid park access permit is required
13. Take the gondola to the summit of Mont-Tremblant
You don't need to climb for hours to enjoy the panoramic views. The Tremblant panoramic gondola reaches the summit in minutes, with the Laurentians, Lake Tremblant and miles of forest stretching out below.
- Who it's for: the whole family
- How long: depends on how much time you spend at the top
- Cost: from $33 per adult and $22 per child aged 3 to 12, free for 0 to 2 year olds
- Where: Mont-Tremblant, Laurentians
- What to bring: comfortable shoes and an extra layer for the summit
- Good to know: the summer gondola operates from 15 May to 18 October 2026. Several trails and activities are available at the summit
“I went up with my children and their reactions were completely opposite: my eldest was in 'wow' mode, while my little one started crying when she realised we were going higher and higher!” Naomie, Reservations Manager (Profile)
14. Go up to the Kondiaronk lookout on Mont-Royal
To get some height without leaving Montreal, head to the Kondiaronk lookout. After a stroll on Mont-Royal, you'll reach one of the city's most iconic views, with skyscrapers in the background.
- Who it's for: the whole family
- How long: around 1 to 2 hours depending on the chosen walk
- Cost: free
- Where: Mont-Royal Park, Montreal
- What to bring: comfortable shoes, water and sun cream
- Good to know: park access is free. You can extend your walk to Beaver Lake to enjoy more of Mont-Royal
15. Enjoy a day at Cap Jaseux
On the Saguenay Fjord, Cap Jaseux is perfect for a relaxed day out. With a beach, hiking, fishing and water activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy the site in their own way.
- Who it's for: the whole family
- How long: half a day to a full day
- Cost: $10 per adult and $8 per junior for hiking, fishing and beach access, or $25 for a family of 3
- Where: Saint-Fulgence, Saguenay
- What to bring: swimwear, towel, sun cream, comfortable shoes and a change of clothes
- Good to know: the site also offers several paid activities, including sea kayaking, via ferrata and tree top adventures
16. Visit Canyon Sainte-Anne
Just 35 minutes from Quebec City, Canyon Sainte-Anne reveals a 74-metre waterfall in the heart of a spectacular canyon. A 3 km trail leads to several lookouts and crosses three suspension bridges, one of which hangs 60 metres above the canyon.
- Who it's for: the whole family
- How long: around 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cost: $15 per adult, $10 per child aged 6 to 17 and free for under 5s
- Where: Beaupré, Quebec region
- What to bring: comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing
- Good to know: open from 7 May to 25 October 2026. For an extra dose of adrenaline, the Air Canyon experience costs an additional $11 and is accessible to those 107 cm and taller
17. Enjoy the beach at Pointe-Taillon National Park
On the shores of Lac Saint-Jean, Pointe-Taillon National Park is perfect for slowing down the pace of your road trip. Its long sandy beach offers hours of swimming, picnicking and playing with the children, with the added bonus of watersports equipment available for hire on site.
- Who it's for: the whole family
- How long: half a day to a full day
- Cost: $10.30 per adult and free for under 17s
- Where: Saint-Henri-de-Taillon, Lac-Saint-Jean
- What to bring: swimwear, towel, sun cream, picnic and beach toys
- Good to know: canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, paddleboards and bicycles are available for hire at an additional cost. For example, expect to pay $19.50 per hour for a paddleboard or $22.75 per hour for a double kayak
18. Explore Plaisance National Park by bike
In Outaouais, Plaisance National Park is particularly well-suited for exploring by bike. Around 30 km of cycle paths criss-cross the Petite and Grande Presqu'île and Thurso areas, amidst marshes, rivers and landscapes perfect for wildlife viewing.
- Who it's for: families who enjoy cycling and nature walks
- How long: a few hours to a full day, depending on the route chosen
- Cost: $10.30 per adult for park access and free for under 17s
- Where: Plaisance, Outaouais
- What to bring: water, sun cream, insect repellent and binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching
- Good to know: bike hire costs $16.50 per hour, $32.50 for 4 hours or $46.75 for a day for an adult. Hire is free for under 17s as part of a family outing
Family thrills and adventures
19. Take a seaplane tour over Mauricie
Taking off from a lake, flying over miles of wild forests and lakes, then landing back on the water: a seaplane offers a unique perspective of Mauricie's vastness from above. The pilot also provides commentary on the scenery during the flight.
- Who it's for: families looking for an extraordinary experience
- How long: around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the chosen flight
- Cost: from $155 per person
- Where: Mauricie
- What to bring: camera and weather-appropriate clothing
- Good to know: flights operate from May to October. A minimum of 2 adults is usually required for booking. This activity can be booked through Authentik Canada
“When I saw the seaplane, I wondered what I was getting myself into! But in the end, I loved it. From the sky, you truly realise how immense Quebec is. Even the landing offers a little thrill!” Naomie, Reservations Manager (Profile)
20. Raft down the Rouge River
Helmet on, paddle in hand, and off you go into the rapids of the Rouge River! Several routes allow you to enjoy the white water according to your skill level, with descents accessible to families who want to add a good dose of adrenaline to their road trip.
- Who it's for: families with children aged 6 and over
- How long: around 4 hours
- Cost: from $94 per adult and $73 per youth aged 6 to 16, Sunday to Friday
- Where: Rouge River, Laurentians
- What to bring: swimwear, towel and water-friendly shoes
- Good to know: activity available from 13 June to 12 September 2026. Wetsuit and lunch included. Several difficulty levels are offered, and the activity is supervised by experienced guides
21. Zip-line over the mountain in Mont-Tremblant
Soaring above the Laurentian forest and launching yourself down a zip-line with the mountain beneath your feet is sure to add some adrenaline to your stop in Mont-Tremblant. Tandem lines even allow you to descend side-by-side to share the experience as a family.
- Who it's for: families with children aged 7 and over
- How long: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes for the Fox course, longer for the full course
- Cost: from $69.99 per person for the Fox course. For the Falcon course, from $135.99 per adult and $110.49 per child aged 7 to 12 when booking at least 72 hours in advance
- Where: Mont-Tremblant, Laurentians
- What to bring: closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing
- Good to know: helmet, harness and carabiners included. The courses are supervised by professional guides
Explore Quebec's culture and history
22. Step back in time at Val-Jalbert Historic Village
At Val-Jalbert, you can immerse yourself in 1920s Quebec by exploring a former company town on the shores of Lac Saint-Jean. Period houses, costumed characters and an old pulp mill tell the story of those who lived here over a century ago.
- Who it's for: the whole family
- How long: half a day to a full day
- Cost: $48.71 per adult and $26.09 per child aged 3 to 17 in high season. Family pass at $122.64
- Where: Chambord, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
- What to bring: comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing
- Good to know: open daily from 9am to 6pm in high season. The site can also be visited in low season with adapted hours
23. Discover Wendat culture in Wendake
Just a few minutes from Quebec City, the Huron Traditional Site Onhoüa Chetek8e invites you to discover Wendat history and culture on a guided tour. A longhouse, food preservation techniques, traditions and craftsmanship offer a different way to learn about this culture than from books.
- Who it's for: families curious to explore Quebec's Indigenous cultures
- How long: around 1 hour for the guided tour, longer depending on the chosen package
- Cost: $20.30 per adult, $16.25 per teenager aged 13 to 17 and $13.95 per child aged 7 to 12. Free for under 6s
- Where: Wendake, near Quebec City
- What to bring: weather-appropriate clothing, as the tour takes place outdoors
- Good to know: booking is essential. The site is open year-round and in July and August offers packages combining tours, storytelling and legends, or craft activities
24. Visit the Canadian Museum of History
Just opposite Ottawa, across the Ottawa River, the Canadian Museum of History traces thousands of years of history through objects, immersive spaces and interactive exhibitions. And with children, a visit is far more than just looking at display cases.
- Who it's for: the whole family
- How long: allow at least 2 to 3 hours
- Cost: $25 per adult, $18 per child aged 3 to 12 and $20 per youth aged 13 to 17. Family pass at $68
- Where: Gatineau, opposite Ottawa
- What to bring: comfortable shoes and a few hours to spare
- Good to know: the ticket also includes access to the Children's Museum. Free entry on Thursdays from 5pm to 7pm, by reservation
25. Discover a sugar shack in summer
You don't have to wait until spring to experience the atmosphere of a sugar shack! Some maple groves welcome visitors during the summer to learn about maple syrup production, the traditions surrounding sugaring season, and, of course, to taste maple products.
- Who it's for: the whole family
- How long: around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Cost: from $25 per adult and $15 per child
- Where: Quebec City region
- What to bring: a good appetite!
- Good to know: summer visits are offered at certain maple groves, and the arrangements vary depending on the establishment.“When I was young, people always said a day at Valcartier wasn’t enough! And I still think that’s true today. With children, you can easily spend the whole day there and the time just flies by.” Naomie, Bookings Manager (Profile)
30. Take to the skies on the Montreal observation wheel
After a day of walking around Montreal, the observation wheel offers a well-deserved break with panoramic city views. From the comfort of your cabin, you’ll get a bird's-eye view of the Old Port, the Saint Lawrence River and the downtown skyscrapers.
- Who it's for: The whole family
- Duration: Around 20 minutes
- Cost: $29.50 per adult, $24 per teenager aged 13 to 17, and $16.50 per child aged 5 to 12. Free for under 5s
- Location: Old Port of Montreal
- What to bring: Your camera, especially later in the day
- Information: Open daily from 10 am to 11 pm. The cabins are enclosed and air-conditioned
Top 30 popular summer activities to do in Quebec
This ranking of 30 summer activities in Quebec is based on four criteria: travellers' collective imagination (40%), online popularity (25%), accessibility and ease of participation (20%), and the unique or distinctive nature of each experience (15%).
The result is a mix of classic Quebec travel experiences and more original discoveries!
| Rank | Main location | Average cost | Family | Popularity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Whale watching by zodiac or boat | Tadoussac, Côte-Nord | $90–$110 | Yes | Classic |
| 2 | Explore Old Quebec on foot | Quebec City | Free | Yes | Classic |
| 3 | Discover Montmorency Falls | Quebec City | $0–$30 | Yes | Classic |
| 4 | Visit Parc Oméga | Montebello, Outaouais | $19–$49 | Yes | Classic |
| 5 | Sea kayaking on the fjord | Saguenay Fjord | $55–$85 | Yes | Classic |
| 6 | Discover the Biodôme | Montreal | $0–$26 | Yes | Classic |
| 7 | Discover Saint-Félicien wildlife zoo | Saint-Félicien, Lac-Saint-Jean | $30–$60 | Yes | Classic |
| 8 | Ride to the summit of Tremblant on the panoramic gondola | Mont-Tremblant, Laurentians | $0–$35 | Yes | Classic |
| 9 | Spend the day at Village Vacances Valcartier | Quebec City region | $45–$60 | Yes | Classic |
| 10 | Go up to the Kondiaronk lookout on Mount Royal | Montreal | Free | Yes | Classic |
| 11 | Discover the historic village of Val-Jalbert | Chambord, Lac-Saint-Jean | $25–$50 | Yes | Popular |
| 12 | Visit the Canadian Museum of History | Gatineau, Outaouais | $0–$25 | Yes | Popular |
| 13 | Explore Île d'Orléans by bike | Île d'Orléans, Quebec City region | $30–$100 | Yes | Popular |
| 14 | Visit Canyon Sainte-Anne | Beaupré, Quebec City region | $0–$15 | Yes | Popular |
| 15 | Go white water rafting | Rivière Rouge, Laurentians | $70–$95 | Yes | Popular |
| 16 | Fly over Mauricie by seaplane | Lac-à-la-Tortue, Mauricie | From $155 | Yes | Popular |
| 17 | Visit the Montreal Science Centre | Old Port of Montreal | $30–$50 | Yes | Popular |
| 18 | Ride the Montreal observation wheel | Old Port of Montreal | $0–$30 | Yes | Popular |
| 19 | Go on a family hike to Lac aux Américains | Gaspésie National Park | $0–$11 | Yes | Popular |
| 20 | Go canoeing in the wilderness | La Mauricie National Park | $10 + rental | Yes | Popular |
| 21 | Enjoy the beach at Pointe-Taillon National Park | Lac-Saint-Jean | $0–$11 | Yes | Great discovery |
| 22 | Discover the Huron Traditional Site | Wendake, Quebec City region | $0–$21 | Yes | Great discovery |
| 23 | Go zip-lining | Mont-Tremblant, Laurentians | $70–$140 | Yes | Great discovery |
| 24 | Explore Plaisance National Park by bike | Outaouais | $0–$50 | Yes | Great discovery |
| 25 | Go on a black bear photo safari | Charlevoix | $30–$55 | Yes | Great discovery |
| 26 | Experience a sugar shack | Quebec City region | $15–$30 | Yes | Great discovery |
| 27 | Enjoy a beach day at Cap-Jaseux | Saint-Fulgence, Saguenay | $8–$100+ | Yes | Great discovery |
| 28 | Try fishing at an outfitter | Mauricie | From $65 | Yes | Secret gem |
| 29 | Take a trip to Île aux Perroquets | Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan, Côte-Nord | From $75 | Yes | Secret gem |
| 30 | Have a campfire and toast marshmallows at an outfitter | Haute-Mauricie | Variable | Yes | Secret gem |
About the author
![Naomie Richard]()
Naomie Richard
Montreal, Quebec
Joyful and curious, I love discovering new horizons, traveling, and exploring the cultures of different countries. From a young age, I have traveled to all corners of the world, which naturally led me to pursue a career in the travel industry. My goal is to create unforgettable experiences for travelers.
Joyful and curious, I love discovering new horizons, traveling, and exploring the cultures of different countries. From a young age, I have traveled to all corners of the world, which naturally led me to pursue a career in the travel industry. My goal is to create unforgettable experiences for travelers.
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