Mostly known for its harsh winters and the poutine, in reality, there is so much more than that in Quebec, the Canadian province!
Written by a real-life Quebecer, this post will inspire you to live in Quebec city for a year, just to experience the magic of every season.
Weather in Quebec City, Canada
Chateau Frontenac
Admittedly, the weather to visit Canada can sometimes be a deal-breaker. Winter is definitely not for everybody, and although we don’t suffer from significant heatwave like Europe, summer can be bothersome.
As such, the following will guide you through the seasons in Quebec city, weather-wise. In order to plan more precisely your trip, make sure to check the weather from a reliable source about a week before your trip.
Spring in Quebec City, Canada
Spring, the symbol of renewal. You might think that winter is over; don’t let the glorious sun fool you!
It is not unusual to see snowfalls until late April in Quebec city. Although the snow won’t remain for long, it’s still enough to fill the streets with cold, grey mud, also known as slush in Quebec Slang.
March and April are quite brisk; you will need a warm coat to brave the weather. The temperature in Quebec generally fall under 15ᵒC. As soon as we enter May, a light jacket is usually enough.
Quebec’s spring used to be pleasant, but in the past few years, thanks to global warming, we see more rainy days than we used to, so keep that in mind if you travel in April through May.
March - April: -10 to 15ᵒC, chances of rain, chances of snow May: 10 - 20ᵒC, generally gorgeous but can be rainy
Summer in Quebec City, Canada
Quebec people often jest about the four seasons, saying that in Quebec, we have winter, a little more winter, summer and then pre-winter.
Summer is glorious in Quebec and generally arrives overnight. You will definitely find a plethora of activities (more on that later).
From June to August, expect lots of suns and often very humid weather. The temperature in Quebec is frequently around 35ᵒC on the thermometer, but a feel over 40ᵒC with the sun and humidity. Keep that in mind if you plan outdoors or physical activity.
Summer is also Quebec’s tourist season; you might encounter a lot of people everywhere you go. On the other hand, it is also the period where every bar, restaurant and entertainment location will be open.
June – August: 25 to 35ᵒC, generally sunny
Fall in Quebec City, Canada
Admittedly my favourite season, fall is also the “wetter” season. If you plan to visit Quebec’s city in the fall season, try to make it a September or October trip since it’s usually the period where we have the most beautiful weather, with temperatures in Quebec ranging from 0ᵒC to 20ᵒC.
Furthermore, if you truly want to enjoy the fall in Quebec, mid-September to mid-October would be best since it’s the peak season for fall colours.
September – October: 0 to 20ᵒC, generally sunny, but rainier and rainier as we enter October November: -10 to 0ᵒC, brace yourself, winter is coming
Winter in Quebec City, Canada
Winter, the season for which Quebec City is most well known for! Yes, it is as harsh as you’ve heard. Yes, you can suffer significantly from the cold if you are not well prepared,
But all these inconveniences are forgotten once you sit in a restaurant by the fireplace, in front of cheese fondue and a bottle of red wine! Because yes, when it’s -35ᵒC outside, forget the glass, bring the bottle.
There are a lot of activities to be enjoyed during winter time (more on that later). The weather in winter still doesn’t stop tourists from coming. It can be sunny, which makes it beautiful. Or it can be slightly snowy, and it’s equally beautiful.
The only worries a tourist would have about the weather are major snowstorms – which happen 3 to 5 times between November and March – and freezing rain.
Freezing rain will typically happen at the beginning of winter or at the very end, like in March, when the temperature is just too warm to prevent flakes formation, but too cold for the water to remain solid.
December – February: -35 to -5ᵒC
Best time to visit Quebec City, Canada
Old Quebec
It’s always a good season to visit Quebec city. It depends on the type of activities you plan to have during your stay.
Allegedly, it’s near impossible to ski in summer, and we rarely see fall foliage in July. As such, this guide will highlight the best activities to do in Quebec City based on season.
Although it’s always a good time to visit Quebec City, take note that peak season is from May to September; as such, it is best to make reservations in advance because hotel rooms tend to disappear quickly.
When NOT to visit Quebec City
If you want to avoid large crowds of tourists and/or locals, full capacity hotels and overbooked restaurants, DO NOT visit Quebec City, or any place in the Province of Quebec
Things to do in Quebec City all year round
Activities vary quite a bit depending on the season you visit Quebec City; some tourist attractions in Quebec are available year-round. They include:
Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ)
One of Quebec City’s year-round attractions is the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, a testament to the city’s rich history and love for art. Here are some key facts about this iconic museum:
- Established in 1933: Originally opened as the Musée de la province de Québec, it has undergone several transformations and expansions over the years.
- Collection: The museum boasts a collection of over 40,000 works from the 16th century to the present day, primarily focusing on works produced in Quebec.
- Historic Pavilion: The Gérard-Morisset Pavilion, the museum’s first building, was completed in 1931 and opened to the public in 1933.
- Major Exhibitions: In 1985-1986, the exhibition “Paintings by French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Masters from the Soviet Union” attracted 135,000 visitors in just six weeks. In 2008, “The Louvre in Québec” exhibition drew approximately 465,000 visitors.
- Recent Addition: The Pierre Lassonde Pavilion, a modern architectural marvel, was opened to the public in June 2016.
As you explore the museum’s vast collection, take a moment to admire the architecture of the building itself. The historic pavilion, with its intricate and timeless window designs, showcases the importance of preserving architectural beauty while ensuring modern functionality.
According to window replacement Vancouver experts, such windows not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also play a crucial role in maintaining the interior climate, especially given Quebec’s diverse weather conditions.
Quebec city’s aquarium
The aquarium is open all year-round. A family favourite, with more than 10 000 species, it’s a great break from the summer heat or the winter cold, and a perfect activity for a rainy day.
Dufferin Terrace
The Dufferin terrace is, in fact, a boardwalk along the St-Lawrence river. Open all year round they offer a stunning view and always different depending on the season.
Sunrise is admittedly the best time to see the Terrace when the sun rises over the river. That feeling is magical.
It’s also the best time to photograph the Chateau Frontenac, as the sun is right in front if you happen to be in travel photography. However, at mid day, multiple street artists entertain the people.
In summer, the “shore” breeze offers a soft cool-down from the city, perfect location to indulge in an ice-cream cone.
Old Québec
The old city is rich in history. It gives off totally French vibes since it was built by the French when they first arrived around 1600 (gosh, Canada is young) strolling along the narrow cobblestone streets is such a romantic activity.
In my opinion, the best season to visit the old city is in fall, but you will get a whimsical vibe in winter when there is a light snowfall.
Don’t get me wrong; you will get a terrific time in summer. With the patios, is there anything that feels more like a vacation than a glass of rosé on a patio? The vibe is just busier.
Visit the Citadelle and the Plaines d’Abraham
Allegedly the oldest infrastructure in Quebec, the Citadelle and the Plaines d’Abraham can be visited all year round.
However, you will have a much better time on the Plaines in the dry season. The snow makes any walk very demanding, and unless you are willing to try snowshoeing, one of Quebec’s winter sport, the walk along the Plaines won’t be as fun as it should be.
Same goes for spring when the snow melts; there is so much water, the Plaines is just filled with mud.
Seasonal activities to do in Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City is used to making the most of every season. Therefore, there are plenty of unique Quebec city activities for travellers at any time of the year.
Things to do in Quebec City in Winter
Red bull crush ice
It’s been a few years now that Quebec has hosted the Red Bull Crush Ice competition. Gigantic ice parkour is built in the city, where experienced skaters will hurtle down (and likely fall) to reach the arrival.
Quebec Carnival
As opposed to many cities where the carnival takes place during warmer seasons, Quebec city likes to spice things up, and that means hosting the carnival in February, where the weather is likely the coldest.
This also means that it’s the perfect timing to experience a shot of Caribou. Caribou used to be a homemade “liquor” (moonshine). Today, it is now a mixture of strong alcohol.
I am more into fine drinking, but it’s like a hurricane in New Orleans, you have to try it.
Valcartier winter amusement park
Finally, another crowd-pleaser would be the winter amusement park in Valcartier. Although you can visit this Quebec tourist attraction all year round, it’s only in winter that you can experience the inner tube slides and snow rafting.
Make sure you wear a full winter suit (snow pants and ski coat)!
Ice Hotel
Yes, you read that correctly. Around the end of December or in January, depending on how harsh the winter is, artists build a full ice hotel.
You can stay for a night; they provide all the blankets you might need to stay warm. I haven’t stayed there myself but I’ve heard the cold is bearable, yet very humid. Also, you can imagine there is no washroom in your room; there are separate amenities for your convenience.
If sleeping in the cold is not what you have in mind for a relaxing vacation, it’s possible just to go in and visit. They have an ice bar where you can ask for a drink, which will be served in an ice-carved glasses.
Things to do in Quebec City in Spring
The Sugar Shack
There are 2 typical meals which Quebec is known for: the poutine and any sugar shack declination. Beware though! A sugar shack meal is not for the faint of heart; you will load on ham, bacon, eggs, beans, maple syrup in any variation.
There is no vegan option and no diet/light option, but if you happen to be in Quebec between March and April, I would say it’s a must!
Things to do in Quebec City in Summer
Quebec’s Festival
Quebec summer festival is the equivalent of Coachella on a much smaller scale. Held on the Plaines d’Abraham, many international artists perform each year on the stage.
We recently had Paul McCartney, Celine Dion and Green Day performing at the Quebec summer festival, just to name a few. The Festival takes place around the beginning of July for 2 weeks.
Horse-drawn carriage ride
Although it’s never clear whether or not the carriage rides are ethical, they are still available in Quebec City during the warm season. Needless to say, it’s a splendid way to explore the old town and learn about the history.
Water-park Valcartier
Valcartier is a complete amusement park. With the water park in summer and the interior water park in winter, this activity is a must for all families.
Things to do in Quebec City in Fall
Appreciate fall foliage at Ste-Catherine de la Jacques Cartier
About 45 minutes east of Quebec, you will find the most beautiful fall landscape one could ever dream off at Ste-Catherine de la Jacques Cartier. It’s also a great location for camping, hiking or mountain biking.
Where to stay in Quebec city
At last, if you want to achieve all these activities, you will need a place to stay! We recommend some best places to stay in Quebec city below.
Chateau Frontenac
If your budget is not limited, the Château Frontenac is definitely the place to stop if you want to feel like a royal. It is the most exquisite location in all Quebec city, directly on the Terrace Dufferin, and will provide a spectacular view at any season.
The hotel Château Laurier is not bad either, closer to the Plaines d’Abraham and quite pricy too.
If you are a bit more budget-conscious, the Boulevard Laurier offers a wide range of more affordable hotels, yet very well equipped, as most of them are known to be business centres. My personal favourite being the Hotel Quartier.
No matter in which season you plan to visit Quebec city, you are assured to have a blast. In conclusion, I want to leave you with the 3 musts you need to add to your schedule:
- Eat a poutine and maple syrup (not together)
- Spend time on Terrace Dufferin
- Have early jogging on the Plaine d’Abraham (or a walk if jogging is not your cup of tea)
See you in Nouvelle-France!
