17 Surprising Reasons to Visit Quebec and Montreal This Summer

Pointe-Taillon National Park, Quebec

Pointe-Taillon National Park has miles of sandy beaches along Lake Saint-Jean and the Peribonka River. Explore the park this summer by cycling, kayaking, or hiking.

Le Festif!, Quebec

Le Festif! features musical and circus acts at a fun three-day festival over the last weekend of July. The festival takes place at nine different locations across Quebec.

Cap-Saint-Jacques, Montreal

Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park has an organic farm and more than 16 miles of hiking trails. The park is enclosed by a lake and a river and features a natural sand beach.

Saint-Eustache Drive-In, Quebec

This drive-in movie theater is only open from the end of April through mid-September, so take advantage of it while you can. The Saint-Eustache plays first-run movies under the stars.

Montreal International Jazz Festival, Montreal

Don't let the name fool you—the Montreal International Jazz Festival features more than just jazz. Last year's lineup featured famous hip-hop/reggae artist Snoop Dogg.

The St. Lawrence River is one of the longest in the world. In Quebec, the Gulf of St. Lawrence is divided into five tourist regions—the Bas-Saint-Laurent, Duplessis, Manicouagan, Gaspesie, and Iles-de-la-Madeleine.

Le Train Du Massif De Charlevoix, Quebec

Le Train Du Massif De Charlevoix is a scenic way to see the countryside, from Quebec City to Pointe-au-Pic and La Malbaie.

Carifiesta, Montreal

A Caribbean Carnival in Canada? Yep, you read that right! The annual Carifiesta festival features a lively parade that brings a touch of the Caribbean to Montreal.

Old Quebec Wall, Quebec City

In the winter, you can't access the top of the wall around Old Quebec if the stairs are snowed under. So summer is really the best time to wander the 2.85-mile circuit around the Old Upper Town.

Parc Jean-Drapeau, Montreal

The 700-acre Parc Jean-Drapea has it all—beaches, a biosphere, roller coasters, and even a casino! The park is actually two islands: Saint Helen's Island and Ile Notre-Dame, a man-made island built for the 1967 World's Fair.

White-Water Rafting, Rouge River, Quebec

Cool down and get your blood pumping with a white-water-rafting trip on Quebec's Rouge River. If the rapids don't impress you, the surrounding scenery of the Laurentides will!

Changing of the Guard, La Citadelle, Quebec

The changing of the guard happens every morning from June 24 to the first Monday of September, so make sure you visit Quebec during that time to see the show! The ceremony lasts for 35 minutes.

Le Festival D'ete De Quebec, Quebec City

Every year in Quebec City, there are hundreds of shows during the Festival d'ete de Quebec. Star performers last year included Lady Gaga, Billy Joel, and The Killers.

Montreal International Fireworks Competition

The Montreal International Fireworks Competition is one of the largest pyrotechnics events in the world. Buy a ticket if you want to have the best seat in the house, or catch the show for free from a bit farther away.

St. Lawrence River Ferry, Quebec

No need to pay an expensive rate for a river cruise when you can take a commuter ferry across the St. Lawrence for just a few dollars.

Havre-aux-Glaces, Montreal

Cool down from the Canadian summer heat with an ice cream or sorbet from Havre-aux-Glaces. This ice cream shop features unique flavors like Matcha, Masala Chai, Maple Snow, and many more.

Mont Saint-Sauveur Water Park, Montreal

Get refreshed at the Mont Saint-Sauveur water park in Montreal. This aquatic adventure park is actually built on a mountain, and it uses that to its advantage, with long waterslides down the slopes.

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