Quebec vacation with kids
Quebec is a French-speaking province in eastern Canada. It’s home to the city of Montreal, which is known for its French Canadian culture and food. Quebec also has many beautiful parks and nature trails where you can spend a day hiking, biking or horseback riding with the kids.
If you’re looking for some fun activities to do with your family during your Quebec vacation, we’ve got some ideas for you! Here are some of our favorite things to do with kids in Quebec:
Hike up Mont Tremblant
Quebec vacation with kids
1. The Magdalen Islands
This Island chain in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence is famous for its white sand, warm salt water and fresh seafood. Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, in French, is the ideal vacation getaway for families who enjoy nature and water sports. Here, you will want to take in the quiet beaches, as you build sandcastles, play in the waves, go windsurfing, kitesurfing or kayaking, or just relax as your children play in an endless, natural playground.
Your kids can attend a kite-building workshop, and take advantage of the constant sea breeze, or you can all take a hike on Boudreau Island, or through the wildlife reserves of East Point and Brion Island. Numerous rare species of plants and animals may be observed in these areas.
The Magdalen Islands hosts several summer festivals, highlighting local culture, art, music and cuisine. Your entire family can listen to a local band and savor some fresh seafood.
2. Baie-Comeau
Located on the North Shore, approximately 670 km Northeast of Montréal, Baie-Comeau is a historical paper mill town, which was established in 1937. It is now home to approximately 20 000 residents. The main industries in Baie-Comeau are paper products, aluminum, and hydroelectric power.
There are several Hydro Quebec dams in the Baie-Comeau area that are within driving distance. Some offer guided tours and activities that are sure to please the entire family.
Baie-Comeau is home to Le Jardin des Glaciers (Glacier Garden). This amazing experience offers a multimedia presentation on how the last glaciers affected the local land and climate, as well as a visit to the Seashell Valley. Here lies a natural, online treasure chest of incredible shells and fossils that you can explore with your family.
3. Québec City
There is a diverse list of activities that families can do in Québec City. First of all, there is the nearby Valcartier Vacation Village and Waterpark, which you can visit either in the summer or in the winter. In summer, there are water slides and outdoor games for the entire family, and in the colder months, it transforms into a winter wonderland for sliding and tubing.
Next, take your family to visit the incredible Museum of Civilization, Québec’s most popular museum. The visit is interactive, informative and culturally diverse.
Finally, be sure to visit the Québec Aquarium, home to almost 10 000 different living species. It is just minutes from the downtown city center.
While you are downtown, be sure to taste the Beavertails, locally made pastries the entire family is sure to enjoy!
4. Lennoxville
Lennoxville is a small town of less than 6000 people, near Sherbrooke. Its population is mainly English-speaking, and it is home to Champlain College and Bishop’s University.
Lennoxville was established in 1819 as a farmland, and has grown since that time into a quaint little picturesque town. It offers many little shops and restaurants, which sell local products, such as Green’s Bakery and Black Cat Books.
If your family enjoys the outdoors, you may want to take in a round of golf at the Old Lennoxville Golf Club. Founded by Bishop’s University in 1897, it is the oldest nine-hole golf course in Canada.
5. Rimouski
Rimouski has a population of almost 47 000 people and there is lots to do here. Firstly, you will want to visit the Bic National Park, where you can see various species of seabirds. If you are lucky, seals and deer may also make an appearance! The park also offers hiking, boating and camping.
Saint-Barnabé Island is located just off Rimouski’s coast and is a historic shipwreck site. This island has many interesting secrets and is accessible by boat excursion.
Next, bring your entire family to Hell’s Gate Canyon where you cross the highest suspension footbridge in Quebéc! There are also several hiking and mountain biking trails available, offering amazing views of the river
6. Matane
The town of Matane is located on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence River and is home to more than 14 000 people. There is a ferry service linking this town to the North Shore. Matane is very picturesque and windy, as it is located right on the river.
While visiting Matane, you will want to visit Doris’ Gardens, home to amazing walking trails and an observation tour where you can view the beauty of the botanical gardens.
Next, Parc des Îles provides green space, a rest spot, playground, and picnic area right in the heart of the town. It also offers a beach where you can swim, go pedal boating, have a snack or play mini golf. There is often live music in the park as well, making this stop
7. Sherbrooke
Sherbrooke is the largest town in the Eastern Townships, with a population of around 155 000. It is extremely close to the U.S. border, which makes travel easy. Sherbrooke offers a vast array of activities sure to please family members of all ages!
If you are music lovers, you won’t want to miss the Fête du Lac des Nations, held every year in July. This celebration features more than 30 music concerts held over the course of 6 days. It showcases musicians from all over the world. The kids are also welcome, as there are 2 full days especially for them, and admission is free! Go enjoy the music, rides and fireworks.
Another event you will want to take in is the Festival des traditions du monde de Sherbrooke, or the World Traditions Festival. This multi-cultural 5-day celebration features a diversity of music, dance, crafts, international cuisine, games, kiosks and
8. Granby
Granby offers some wonderful outdoor activities. While visiting this small town, don’t miss out on the Granby Zoo, which showcases over 1500 animals, including 225 exotic species, such as elephants, gorillas, giraffes and tigers. The zoo also contains a waterpark and amusement park for children.
The Verger Champêtre is also a highly recommended family-oriented activity. This country orchard and farm contains several acres fruit trees, a guided walking trail, a petting farm with 120 animals, a garden with thousands of vegetables, a farm interpretation center, a playground, picnic and rest areas, and a boutique. You can even pick your own fresh fruits and
9. Val d’Or
Val d’Or, or the Golden Valley, is most known for its gold mine. Your family can even go underground for an informative, guided gold mine tour at La Cite de l’Or. Reservations are recommended.
Be sure to savour the local products offered at La Tanière Chez William J. Walter, Saucissier. At this professional sausage-maker’s boutique, you will find quality spiced meats, cheeses and more. They even offer vegetarian products. Your taste buds will thank you for the visit!
10. Saint-Felicien
The top, must see family outing in Saint-Felicien that you will not want to miss is the Zoo Sauvage de Saint-Felicien, or the Wild Zoo. You can take your time and walk around the open-concept zoo and observe a wide range of free-roaming North American wildlife, or take the train around the entire park.
This unique zoo is an amazing, educational, one-day activity.
Next, you will definitely take your kids to Tree to Tree (d’Arbre en Arbre). This outdoor adventure will get them moving in a natural, forest setting. The whole family can participate in tree rope climbing, bridge crossing and zip-lining safely, with experienced instructors. There are courses for different levels of
difficulty and expertise.
11. Baie St. Paul
Whether you decide to travel in summer or winter, Baie St. Paul has tons to offer vacationers. In the winter, your family will want to spend the day or longer at Le Massif, the region’s highest ski mountain. They offer trails for all levels of skier, as well as sledding and helicopter tours.
Next, take a relaxing stroll through the Jardins de Francois. These beautiful gardens are free to visit. Go enjoy the peace and beauty the gardens offer.You can visit in 30 minutes, or spend the entire day!
12. Montréal
Montréal is a bustling, festive city with tons to offer a family. First of all, there is La Ronde. Get a thrill at Canada’s second largest amusement park, with more than 40 rides!
If your family enjoys nature, you will want to skip over to the Montréal Biodôme where your family can stroll through the 4 ecosystems. You will discover over 4,800 animals and 750 plant types, including playful penguins!
Next, head over to the Botanical Garden and the Insectarium, where you can see thousands of species of plants, flowers and bugs! The kids will have fun while learning about nature!