Quebec City, one of Canada’s most amazing capital cities, is the perfect short getaway destination during the summer months. There is plenty to see and experience in three days, and when the end of your Quebec City 3-day itinerary for summer approaches, you’ll be planning a return trip.
There is something for everyone in Quebec City, which makes it a fun and intriguing destination. In June, July and August, even a little of September, the streets are bursting with things to see and do, and everyone is soaking up Quebec City’s European charm. The challenge is deciding what to see in Quebec City in 3 days during summer without overdoing it.
Let’s chat about how to spend three days in Quebec City like a local!
Day One: Old Quebec
Your 72 hours in Quebec City in summer commence! The historic District of Old Quebec beckons travellers from around the world. Its streets hold over 400 years of history, and at times it’s easy to forget you’re in Canada. Château Frontenac is an unofficial mascot of the city, and Dufferin Terrace, which stretches outside, offers pretty views.
Why not book a guided tour of the famous castle to discover all its secrets?
Starting your day in a relaxing cafe, then taking a free guided walking tour of Old Quebec is a great way to learn about the city’s history and Quebec culture – plus your guide will have tons of suggestions for things to see and do during your stay. There are other guided tours to book as well, including biking and double decker bus tours.
After your tour, hit up a patio for some lunch and a drink. Place Royale has plenty of options: Rafaella serves delicious pizza with a view of boulevard Champlain, and Pub l’Oncle Antoine is a favourite for cold beers, French onion soup and melted brie. In Upper Town, Le Monastère des Augustines has a restaurant with delicious vegetarian dishes you wouldn’t even know they actually are.
In the afternoon, enjoy ephemeral public art, visit Strom Nordic Spa or check out Quebec City’s newest beach and outdoor pool, Station de la Plage. If you’re more interested in souvenir shopping, go to rue Saint-Jean, Côte de la Fabrique or rue du Petit-Champlain.
In the evening the streets of Old Quebec quiet down and the city has an intimate feel. For a gorgeous photo of the city twinkling in the moonlight, take the Quebec-Lévis ferry and snap photos from across the Saint-Lawrence river. The view is simply breathtaking!
There are plenty of dining options in Old Quebec. La Bûche has a sugar shack vibe, and Le Chic Shack is known for its gourmet burgers and poutine. Alphonse and Le Bedeau have delicious menus and cocktails. Aux Anciens Canadiens is perfect for more traditional Québécois cuisine and Restaurant Wong has a delightfully elevated Chinese menu.
You can end your long weekend in Quebec with a sparkling touch aboard an evening cruise with DJ and dance floor! The view of the lit up city is absolutely WOW!
Day Two of a 3-day Summer Itinerary in Quebec City
After breakfast, walk on rue Saint-Louis towards the old city walls and the Parliament buildings. If you’re looking for brunch spots, try one of these:
- Le Buffet de l’Antiquaire
- Le Café du Monde
- Le Clocher Penché
- A brunch cruise on the St-Lawrence
- Or the high end/high flavour Chez Muffy feast
Back to the itinerary, Fontaine de Tourny is a lovely spot to relax for a photo-op, and the grounds around the National Assembly are beautiful. Take a free tour inside the National Assembly or cross the street and walk through the Plains of Abraham.
It’s a beautiful park with Martello Towers, and a lovely English garden, Jardin Jeanne d’Arc. Follow the paths to Musée national des beaux-arts de Québec and spend a couple of hours in this beautiful art gallery. From here, walk down avenue Cartier and stop for lunch at Bistro B, Zeus gyro Grec or Café les Cousins.
In the afternoon, continue your walk to the end of avenue Cartier, then turn right and follow it into the neighbourhood of Saint-Jean-Baptiste or walk down avenue de Salaberry to the neighbourhood of Saint-Roch.
Both neighbourhoods are filled with cafés, boutiques, and restaurants. In summer, the small parks are perfect for relaxing, cafe patios are full, and there are plenty of places for sweet treats.
Renting an e-bike is a great way to see more of the city, there are stations throughout the city. Ride around Saint-Roch in search of colourful murals, and enjoy a slice of local life in Limoilou or take a tour thanks to this complete biking guide of Quebec City. The neighbourhood outdoor market in Saint-Sauveur is always interesting, and Le Grand Marché is perfect for buying Québec terroir to take home as souvenirs.
You could also hop aboard a sightseeing cruise on the St-Lawrence river if you want to see the city from below!
In the evening, dine in a local neighbourhood I LOVEEEEE. Saint-Roch is home to several award-winning restaurants, and Le Fin Gourmet in Saint-Sauveur is fabulous. La Planque in Limoilou is a favourite and JJacques in Saint-Roch is a funky speakeasy and oyster bar. Justine, the other speakeasy in Quebec City, is known for its live music, great cocktails, and delicious food menu. Hono Izakaya is a must!
Day 3 of Summer in Quebec City: Île d’Orléans
Located 15 mins from Old Quebec, Île d’Orleans is a popular destination in summer. The island is a foodie’s paradise, but that’s not all, it’s great for cycling and kayaking too. There are a few ways to visit Île d’Orleans: guided food or wine tours are a favourite choice as you can imbibe with abandon, and the shuttle bus is perfect if you want to rent a bike or scooter and explore the island on your own. If you’re driving, great, take things slow and enjoy every part of the island.
Start with a stop at La Maison Smith for freshly roasted coffee on their pretty outdoor patio, then get ready for a day of food and fun. A short walk from the cafe is Vignoble Ste-Pétronille and Vignoble Saint-Pierre, both excellent wineries.
Head over to the village of Saint-Laurent for a little shopping and stop at Parc maritime de Saint-Laurent. On your way to the next town, stop for fresh strawberries to snack on throughout the day. Île d’Orléans has the sweetest strawberries. Park at the church in Saint-Jean, walk around the village and visit Manoir Mauvide-Genest. If you’re hungry, stop at La Midinette.
Just outside the village of Saint-François is La Seigneurie de l’Île d’Orléans, a beautiful lavender farm. In the village, Ferme Audet serves up goat milk soft serve ice cream, and a small beach near the pier is a lovely little hang-out. For a gorgeous view of the island, stop at the observation tower!
In the village of Sainte-Famille, beer lovers will enjoy Microbrasserie de l’Île d’Orléans, and Chez Mag is the most popular casse-croûte on the island. There are several wineries here too. In Saint-Pierre, as you complete the circle, stop for a gourmet meal at Cassis Monna & Filles and learn about folk singer Félix Leclerc at Espace Félix Leclerc.
Want more information on Île d’Orléans and what to do while there? My friend Pam’s e-guide is perfect to help you plan!
One of the great things about Quebec City is its size, it is so easy to get around on foot and to see a lot of things in a short period of time especially when it’s nice out. This Quebec City 3-day itinerary for summer can be jumbled around to suit your travel style, the weather, etc. If you’re planning to visit in winter, check out the winter itinerary here!
For other Quebec City itineraries:
- Quebec City 4-Day Itinerary Full of Ideas
- One Day in Quebec City: the Perfect Daytrip
- 2 Days in Quebec City Itinerary: a Perfect Weekend Getaway
Click here for other Quebec City content you’ll love to help plan your Quebec City 3-day itinerary for summer.
What to Do in Quebec City region and How to Organize Your Trip
Curious about how to spend your day in the Quebec City region? Here’s a list of the top activities to consider adding to your plans:
- Admire Quebec City’s largest waterfall and take a cable car to the top of the Montmorency Falls.
- Experience a unique walking adventure in the heart of Old Quebec and learn about its history.
- Discover the food, beverages, and vineyards of Île d’Orléans.
- Explore the wilderness near Quebec City with a hike in the Jacques-Cartier National Park.
- Introduce yourself to speed skating in Quebec City with top athletes on an inside ice ring.
- Ziplining above the Sainte-Anne canyon near Quebec City.
- Sleep comfortably at the Fairmont Château Frontenac and enjoy an incredible view of the St. Lawrence River.
- Enjoy a peaceful room at the Hilton Quebec and take a dip in the only year-round heated outdoor pool in Quebec City.
Preparing For Your Trip
When I look for things to do in my destination, I always have a look at Viator, GetYourGuide, Manawa, Civitatis and sometimes even Expedia.
It’s first off a great way to find out what there is to do, but always a quick and easy method to book cheaply and efficiently with these renowned platforms.
Need a place to sleep? I find most of my accommodations on Booking.com but I also use Hotels.com for their rewards program (11th free night) as well as Expedia. When booking smaller places in Quebec, you might not find them here and need to contact them directly.
Looking for a cheap flight to the Outaouais through Montreal? Have a look on Cheapoair or Skyscanner I use regularly.
Once you’re there, rent a car to roam free with DiscoverCars, AutoEurope or RentalCars or hop on a bus around Gatineau, Montreal, Quebec, and surrounding cities with Busbud.
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