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Planning a trip to Quebec City, but you’re not sure when the perfect time to go is? We’ve got you covered. A much-loved Canadian travel destination, Quebec City, features stunning sights and historical attractions.
The ambiance of this beautiful city has something to offer tourists all year long, depending on what season you prefer. Below, we’ll how you the best and the worst times to visit Quebec City throughout the seasons.
Whether you are interested in shopping, sightseeing in Old Quebec, or celebrating the magic of the holidays under a blanket of falling snow, we’ll help you plan the perfect month to visit this storied city.
The Best Time to Visit Quebec City
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The overall best times to visit Quebec City are from June to September and December to February. During this time, the weather offers seasonal activities sure to make your vacation enjoyable.
The city is jam-packed with annual celebrations, such as the summer Pow Wow, or the annual winter carnival offering plenty of activities for tourists to capture the beauty of the city.
In the summer months, tourists can enjoy hikes, whale watching, and summer water activities on the Montmorency River.
Benefits of traveling in June include:
- Temperatures are comfortable before the scorching heat of summer begins
- Crowds to attractions are smaller with kids still in school
- There are fewer mosquitoes and blackflies than in the hotter summer months
A top attraction of Quebec City is the must-see Montmorency Falls. With several points of entry, you can view the falls from a suspension bridge, at a distance, up close and personal with a cable car ride, or take in the adrenaline rush of a zip-line ride over the falls.
Tourists can enjoy a winter in Quebec City with a hike to the frozen Montgomery Falls, ice-fishing, or watching amazing views of the Northern Lights in full effect with spectacular colors on display and keeping warm with a fresh cup of Tim Horton’s coffee and some fresh maple syrup.
Cheapest Time to Visit Quebec City
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The cheapest times to visit Quebec City are during the off-seasons of spring and fall, from February to April and from September until November.
Quebec City is still gorgeous during the off-peak seasons. Visitors can take in some activities of the city with fewer crowds and cheaper price tags, such as the following options:
- The color of the changing leaves
- The breathtaking waterfalls surrounded by autumn foliage
- Less-crowded restaurants and shopping venues with pleasant staff ready to serve you
Spring and Fall are also excellent times to enjoy the beautiful outdoors of Quebec City when the weather is perfect for walking without dealing with the summer heat and humidity or the frigid temperatures of Canadian winters.
Besides mild weather between zero to 20 degrees Celsius, the off-peak season offers something for everyone to enjoy in Quebec City, such as the following highlights to check out:
- A trip to Old Quebec
- Local beer tasting
- A patio lunch overlooking the St. Lawrence River in full fall colors
- Strolling through the picturesque Jacques-Cartier National Park
Least Busy Time to Visit Quebec City
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The least busy time to visit Quebec City is in the spring from April to June, and in the fall from September to October. These months are the slowest times of the year for tourists visiting Quebec City because the weather is much colder, and children are in school.
Many travelers like to plan their vacation with the whole family and pick times when they are out of school and can join them, such as the summer holidays, March break, or Christmas holidays.
Traveling to Quebec City during quiet times has some advantages, including the following benefits:
- Hotels and attractions may be down in price during off-peak seasons
- There is less time to wait in line at local attractions
- You have a better chance of finding hotel suites and high-end hotel rooms at lower-than-usual prices
- Restaurants and stores are less crowded and it is easier to find a table at popular places in the city
Worst Time to Visit Quebec City
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The worst time to visit Quebec City is from July to August, when summer festivals are in full swing, the weather is at its hottest; it is mosquito and blackfly season.
And hotels and airlines raise the prices because of the high volume of tourists visiting the area. Winter is also another bad time to visit Quebec City, especially mid-December to early January and during the March break.
This is because the weather can be extremely chilly, children are out of school for the holiday, and hotels and attractions are extra crowded with tourists.
However, if you don’t mind sizable crowds, and paying extra high prices for hotel rooms and attractions, bundle up warm because Quebec City has plenty to offer winter tourists, including the following exciting attractions you should definitely make time to check out:
Even though the weather is hot, you can always find something fun to do to beat the heat in Quebec City during the summer months. In the summer, tourists can enjoy sidewalk cafes, warm weather, plenty of summer festivals in full swing, and several tourist attractions open to the public.
Other summer attractions to explore in Quebec City include taking a carriage ride through Old Quebec City, whale watching on the St. Lawrence River, taking a boat cruise, taking in a summer street festival, sampling craft beer, or shopping in Old Montreal.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Here are some thing to consider when picking the best time to visit Quebec City:
How many days does it take to tour Old Quebec City?
We suggest giving yourself at least three days to tour Old Quebec City. There is so much to see in Old Quebec, you will want to ensure you have plenty of time to see all the sights, including the St. Lawrence River, the Notre-Dame-Des-Victoires, the Chateau Frontenac, fortification walls, the Plains of Abraham, and a tour of the Parliament Buildings.
When is mosquito season in Quebec City?
Mosquitos hatch their eggs as the snow melts in the spring. When the snow dries and the weather gets hot, mosquitos hatch from July to early September.
During the hottest summer months of the year, it is mosquito season in Quebec City, so remember to bring your bug repellent if you plan to visit in the summer.
What are three things you should do if you are a first-time visitor to Quebec City?
Three things you should definitely do if it is your first time visiting Quebec City are visiting Old Quebec, seeing Montmorency Falls, and taking in the beauty of Quebec City from the Chateau Frontenac.
Is Quebec a walkable city?
Yes, Quebec City is a compact city you can explore on foot, especially in Old Quebec City where most attractions are within walking distance of each other.
If you plan to visit Montmorency Falls, you will need to take public transportation or have a vehicle to transport you. The average cost of public transport per person is approximately $18 to $25 per person for the day.
Can you see the Northern Lights from Quebec City?
Yes, you can see the Northern Lights from Quebec City. The Northern Lights, or the auroral oval, offer a stunning combination of colors in the sky noticeable from Alaska, the Northwest Territories, Hudson Bay, and Northern Ontario.
When in Quebec City, the Northern Lights are most visible from the northern horizon of the city, and when in Montreal.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Quebec City?
We think the overall best times to visit Quebec City are from June to September and December to February. However, there’s no need to limit your travels to these times, as the off-seasons have just as much to offer as the peak seasons.
From sightseeing in Old Quebec, viewing the majestic Montmorency Waterfalls, to whale watching on the scenic Saint Lawrence River, shopping on cobblestone sidewalks, taking in a festival, or celebrating the winter carnival under a blanket of snow, Quebec City has it all.
So, with so much to see and do, what are you waiting for — book your trip to this storied city today and experience for yourself all that Quebec City has to offer. Happy travels!