Are you planning to come to Quebec City in June? This period is one of the most popular times for visiting the old capital without the crowds, with many things to do and several events planned. Whether you’re looking for cultural activities or festivals, let me give you a few suggestions to ensure you don’t miss anything during your stay.
Why Visit Quebec City in June?
First question: why should you consider visiting Quebec City in June? Wouldn’t it be better in July or August?
I believe June is the perfect time to travel to the city because it offers the ideal mix of agreeable weather and many activities. It’s the beginning of summertime and holidays; the festival season starts in June. Since students are still in school, you might be able to avoid long line-ups or see the city full of tourists.
5 Activity Suggestions in June
There are many things to do in Quebec City in June, but what should be on your list? What is enjoyable during this time of the year, you might ask? Let me give you a few activity ideas to consider when planning your upcoming trip.
Learn More About the First Nations With the KWE! Festival
How can you learn more about the First Nations’ culture during your trip? Take advantage of this opportunity to participate in the KWE! Festival in June. It’s a free event that allows you to access various activities regarding the 11 main nations in the province, such as authentic artist performances, conferences, and exchanges.
The KWE! Festival is free and takes place at Place Jean Béliveau. In 2025, it’ll be held from June 13th to 15th.
Discover the City With a Tour Guide
A great way to visit Quebec City in June is to book a tour with a guide. They can explain the area’s history and make interesting recommendations.
What if I told you that booking a free walking tour with an experienced guide is possible? Guides like Samuel Dubois walk the old district daily, providing various French and English tours.
You might also enjoy a tour of the famous Château Frontenac to learn all the secrets of this grandiose establishment.
If you can’t or don’t want to walk to discover Quebec City’s treasures and famous landscapes, you can also book a 1-Hour Express Double-Decker Bus Tour or a Hop-on Hop-off Open-Top Double Decker Bus Tour.
Visit the Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec
If you’re an art lover or looking for a cultural activity during a rainy day, consider discovering the Musée national des Beaux-Arts du Québec. Located close to the Plains of Abraham, this museum has many exhibitions of local and international artists, as well as Indigenous art.
Over the last few years, it hosted exhibitions on famous creators like Rembrandt, Alexander McQueen, and Frida Kahlo.
If you are wandering the area, let me suggest you grab something to eat on Cartier, a pedestrian street, and picnic close to the Musée national des Beaux-Arts du Québec. The outside is as lovely as the inside.
Challenge Yourself with the Défi des Escaliers
Another great thing to do in Quebec City in June if you’re a sports enthusiast is the Défi des Escaliers (which translates to stairs challenge) that will take place June 21, 2025, at the Parc de l’Esplanade.
If you’ve already been to Quebec City, you might already know that the historic district is separated into 2 levels: the upper town and the lower town; consequently, there are nearly 40 stairs!
The Défi des Escaliers is a challenge in which you run through the city, passing through most of its stairs. It’s indeed an original way to discover Quebec City and get in some exercise!
Celebrate Quebec Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day
Finally, the last great thing to do in Quebec City during this period is to celebrate Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Quebec’s national holiday. Of course, there are celebrations across the province, but a special show and gathering is organized on the Plains of Abraham every year on June 23rd. It’s also free!
This show is an excellent opportunity to learn more about local singers. Don’t be surprised if you see many people with the Quebec flag or the fleur de lys symbol that day!
What to Know Before You Travel to Quebec City in June
Is there anything essential to know before going to Quebec City in June, you might ask? Here are some tips to help you plan your trip:
- The busy summer season in Quebec City often starts with the Saint-Jean-Baptiste national holiday. Therefore, plan your dates and book your accommodation accordingly.
- As mentioned above, Saint-Jean-Baptiste is Quebec’s national day. Many shops and services will be closed on this date, but celebrations will be organized across the province.
- June’s weather is usually nice and not too hot, perfect for many outdoor activities, such as biking, kayaking, or hiking.
In conclusion, June is the perfect time to visit, especially if you want to see how Quebecers celebrate their national holiday or wish to learn more about the First Nations. For more suggestions of things to do in Quebec City in June, check out our 3-day itinerary for summer.
Are you looking for other ideas regarding your upcoming trip to Quebec City? These articles might interest you:
- Best Family Hotels in Quebec City
- 5 Best Day Trips in Quebec City – Nearest to Farthest
- One Day in Quebec City: The Perfect Daytrip
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.
Do you want to learn more about travelling to the province of Quebec? Take a look at our other pins!
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