An ideal destination for a romantic summer escape, Quebec City is one of those places you can visit dozens of times without ever getting tired of it. There’s always something new to discover! Whether you’re into cultural experiences, relaxation, or outdoor adventures, Quebec has something for every traveler—from fascinating museums to luxurious spas and breathtaking hikes. Add in stylish hotels, fine dining spots, and cozy cafés, and you’ve got everything you need for a dreamy stay. Here are our favorite spots to help you plan the perfect itinerary in the heart of the Capitale-Nationale
Best Things to Do in Quebec City This Summer
Step into History and Culture
Start your stay in Quebec City in style with a stroll through the iconic Quartier Petit Champlain, all the way to Place Royale. With its pretty cobblestone streets and romantic atmosphere, this historic part of the city never fails to charm us every time we visit Quebec City. It’s the perfect opportunity to spot the best local restaurants, hand in hand, imagining yourself in another era or in a European village worthy of a fairy tale.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Passionate about history, art, and literature? You won’t be short of options either with a cultural getaway to Quebec City this summer. At the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, explore fascinating collections showcasing Quebec art, from Jean-Paul Riopelle to contemporary artists. Then dive into the past at the Morrin Centre, a former prison transformed into a romantic Victorian library, where you can browse rare books and take guided tours. Finally, stop by the Maison de la littérature, a cultural and architectural jewel set in a converted church, perfect for an inspiring reading break.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Relaxation and Recharging
For a relaxing break, the Strøm Nordic Spa in Old Quebec is the perfect place to add to your romantic getaway itinerary. Located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, this spa offers breathtaking views of the water, creating a unique, soothing atmosphere. Often ranked among the most beautiful spas in the province, you can unwind in the thermal baths, enjoy Nordic-inspired saunas, and relax in stunning rest areas. For an extra special moment, indulge in a couple’s massage, a signature treatment or their flotation bath with Epsom salt.
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If you’re in the mood to cool off instead, make your way to Baie de Beauport city beach or the station de la Plage along Promenade Samuel-De Champlain. Just ten minutes from Old Quebec, Baie de Beauport offers a dreamy riverfront setting and the perfect vibe for a sunny day with your partner. You can rent paddleboards, join a beach yoga session, or simply enjoy the warm sand beneath your feet.
On the other hand, the station de la Plage is a peaceful urban oasis, perfect for a refreshing swim or a sunset walk by the water. With its pool, lounge chairs, picnic areas, and river access, it’s the ideal spot to recharge and soak up the summer atmosphere.
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Outdoor Adventures Near Quebec City
For a romantic getaway combining nature and adrenaline, the surroundings of Quebec City offers spectacular landscapes to explore. Start with Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, standing 83 meters high, 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls! Take the suspension bridge for a breathtaking view or dare to go ziplining for an adrenaline rush for two.
Continue your day of adventure at Canyon Sainte-Anne, located 40 minutes from Quebec City, where you’ll find an impressive chasm sculpted by time, crossed by suspension bridges offering dizzying panoramas. If you are a thrill-seeker and aren’t afraid of heights, you can also fly over the site aboard AirCANYON for an extraordinary experience, flying through the canyon at high speed.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
For a peaceful stroll, head to Parc des Chutes-de-la-Chaudière. It’s perfect for a walk along the river or a picnic with a view of the impressive waterfalls. Looking for more adventure? Just 30 minutes from Quebec City, Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier is a must for nature lovers. With its deep valleys, dense forests, and diverse trail network, it’s one of our favorite places for hiking. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hiker, you’ll find trails to suit your level, plus panoramic lookouts that are well worth the effort. The park is also ideal for canoeing, paddleboarding, and fishing (with a permit).
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
If you have time to venture a bit farther, Parc national des Grands-Jardins and Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie are both top-notch destinations to discover the natural beauty of the region. The Acropole des Draveurs and Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes hikes are on top of many adventurers’ bucket lists and with such spectacular views, it’s easy to see why!
Île d’Orléans: A Bucolic Getaway
Just a few minutes from downtown Quebec City, Île d’Orléans is a peaceful, picture-perfect escape that deserves a spot on your summer itinerary. With its charming countryside views, historic homes, rich local flavors, and irresistible gourmet stops, boredom isn’t an option here.
Crédit photo: Vignoble Ste-Pétronille
Among our favorite addresses, start with La Midinette for a delightful apéro, then head to Cassis Monna & Filles to try their famous blackcurrant-vanilla soft serve. Don’t miss Chez Mag, a classic snack bar where you can enjoy a lobster roll on the dock in Saint-Jean, an unbeatable summer moment.
If you love browsing for unique finds, stop by 3 Poules à l’île, a lovely boutique filled with treasures. And for a perfect coffee break, drop by Maison Smith before heading back to the city.
Where to Stay in Quebec City: Our Favorite Hotels and Cabins
Quebec City is full of stunning and diverse places to stay, and after numerous visits to the capital, many of these establishments have become favorites that we recommend to all our friends and acquaintances. Here’s a non-exhaustive list of hotels and cabins that promise comfort and style during your stay in Quebec City.
Le Capitole Hôtel – Luxury in the Heart of Old Quebec
We’re starting with our top pick and perhaps the best hotel in the city for a romantic getaway: Le Capitole Hôtel. This 5-star gem is nestled right in Old Quebec and feels like a destination in itself. Among their beautifully designed rooms, our favorite is the “Suite Citadine,” where you can enjoy a relaxing bath with views of the old city, in addition to enjoying a very comfortable bed and a space that is as elegant as it is airy.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Head up to the 9th floor to enjoy their stunning rooftop pool and panoramic terrace overlooking Quebec’s rooftops. Food lovers, take note: the hotel is home to the amazing Italian cuisine restaurant, Il Teatro. Before heading out for a night on the town, stop by Clubby Bar for a unique cocktail crafted by the talented mixology team.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Bonus: the hotel is dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friend along with no worries. In short, Le Capitole Hôtel is a magical place that guarantees a memorable stay in Quebec City.
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac – A Royal Experience
If you’ve ever dreamed of sleeping in a castle, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is for you. Known as the most photographed hotel in the world, one visit is enough to understand why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. From the moment you walk into the grand lobby, you’ll be transported by the historic charm.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Choose from 610 rooms and suites, each more elegant than the last. Enjoy a delicious meal at Bistro Le Sam, where trendy culinary creations come with stunning views of the St. Lawrence River. For a gourmet dinner, head to Le Champlain, where regional cuisine and high-end local products shine. For a truly royal touch, treat yourself to afternoon tea, with seasonal pastries, scones, and homemade jams.
During your weekend at the Château, unwind with the on-site spa services, relax in the beautiful indoor pool, or melt your stress away in the whirlpools and steam baths.
Hôtel Boutique Ophélia – Style and Comfort on Grande Allée
Looking for a stylish hotel in the heart of the action? Check out Hôtel Boutique Ophélia, located directly on Grande Allée. Just steps from some of the spots we mentioned earlier (like Quartier Petit Champlain), this boutique hotel blends modern flair with historic charm, housed in a beautifully restored 1883 building.
With a cozy, refined atmosphere and excellent on-site amenities including the upscale Ophélia Terre + Mer restaurant and L’Atelier, Quebec City’s very first cocktail bar, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips for a fun, relaxed stay.
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Montagne Le Maelstrom – A Luxury Nature Retreat Near Quebec City
Located about 30 minutes from Old Quebec, the cabins at Montagne Le Maelstrom are among our favorite places to stay when we’re craving peace, comfort, and breathtaking forest views. With over 15 dreamy design-forward cabins to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect fit.
We stayed in the Lagöm, the cabin that put the Maelstrom on the map. With panoramic views over the treetops, a spacious terrace, and a private hot tub, it’s the ideal spot for a relaxing, rejuvenating escape.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Among their other notable cabins, you can’t miss the Yak, which features large bay windows for incredible mountain views as well as an outdoor thermal pool for a luxurious glamping experience. Finally, to completely disconnect, the Aura is a choice accommodation for its warm design, its private spa and its orientation allowing you to have a breathtaking view of the sunset.
Guests at Montagne Le Maelstrom also enjoy access to hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in the winter, as well as mountain biking and fat biking in the summer.
Where to Eat: Top Restaurants in Quebec City
Quebec City is home to an incredible culinary scene and some seriously talented chefs. During our visits, we’ve had the chance to try several great spots from restaurants showcasing local flavors to those inspired by international cuisines, as well as charming cafés perfect for grabbing a coffee before strolling the picturesque streets of Old Quebec.
Le Bedeau
With its cozy, low-lit ambiance and decor inspired by Quebec’s cultural heritage, Le Bedeau is a wine bar with a mission: to make wine less intimidating and more accessible. They serve wine by the glass, and the menu is designed to pair perfectly with their latest wine arrivals, so you can always expect fresh, harmonious pairings recommended by the friendly and knowledgeable staff.
To kick off your evening, we suggest trying one of their house cocktails or better yet, let the mixologists create something tailored to your tastes. With a menu made for sharing, we highly recommend ordering a cheese and charcuterie board, complete with house-pickled veggies and their delicious homemade focaccia.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Petits Creux Corsica Origina
Why not take your tastebuds on a journey to Corsica during your weekend in Quebec City? Petits Creux Corsica Origina is the place to discover the rich Mediterranean cuisine of this beautiful region. The two passionate owners offer a warm welcome and a menu filled with sharing platters and tapas-style dishes, perfect for trying a bit of everything.
Their carefully selected wine list includes several options imported directly from Corsica, creating the ultimate pairing experience for a relaxed and flavorful evening.
Crédit photo: Corsica Origina
Bistro L’Orygine & Tanière3
Located in a beautifully preserved historic building in Old Quebec, these two restaurants from Groupe La Tanière promise a one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience.
At Bistro L’Orygine, you’ll find a fresh and colorful menu that puts local, seasonal ingredients center stage in a warm, welcoming setting.
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If you’re in the mood for something more adventurous, Tanière3 offers two exclusive tasting menu experiences. Choose the intimate “Dining room cellar” for a refined, sensory immersion, or opt for the “Chef’s counter cellar” where you’ll be seated right in the kitchen, watching chef François-Emmanuel Nicol and his team bring their culinary creations to life.
Ophélia Terre + Mer
If you’re staying at Hôtel Ophélia, don’t miss the chance to dine at Ophélia Terre + Mer, a refined restaurant that brings together the best of land and sea. Starting at 9 p.m., they offer a reduced-price menu and discounts on all bottles of wine and bubbles, a perfect way to end your evening on a high note.
Visiting between December and April? You can enjoy your meal outdoors in one of their cozy heated domes set up on the Grande-Allée, a truly magical dining experience in the heart of Quebec City.
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Café La Maison Smith
No romantic getaway to Quebec City would be complete without a stop at Café La Maison Smith, a must for coffee lovers. With eleven cozy locations across the city (our favorite is in Place-Royale), this café offers a great selection of specialty coffees roasted right on site.
Whether you’re starting your day or taking an afternoon break, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a blend of rich flavors, welcoming vibes, and authentic local charm.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
In Quebec City, there’s definitely something for everyone! We hope our recommendations will help you plan a magical stay in this iconic city!
Happy romantic getaway!
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