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Construction holiday 2027: what to do in Quebec without going far

Our suggestions

In the last two weeks of July, Quebec goes on vacation all at once: roads packed on Friday evening, campgrounds full, and yet two weeks at home can feel like a real vacation, with one outing a day chosen the night before based on the weather. This guide gathers the summer outings within an hour or two of home: water parks, beaches, zoos and aquariums and cruises, region by region, with each venue’s listing, hours and prices.

Avoiding the crowds

Visit attractions at opening, on weekdays rather than weekends; water parks and beaches are full by ten on heat-wave days, and several sell tickets online in advance. The cities empty out: museums, public pools and urban bike paths have never been so quiet.

Planning the two weeks

Alternate a big paid outing, a free day at the park or the municipal beach, and a rainy day planned ahead with an indoor centre in reserve. A cruise makes a nice highlight in the middle of the period; lesser-known lake beaches are a fine substitute for the overflowing ones.

🏖️ Outings by region

MontrealQuebecAbitibi-TémiscamingueBas-Saint-LaurentCentre-du-QuébecCharlevoixChaudière-AppalachesCôte-NordEastern TownshipsGaspésieÎles-de-la-MadeleineLanaudièreLaurentidesMauricieMontérégieOutaouaisSaguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean

Montreal

30 places

Verdun Beach

Located a stone's throw from the De L'Église metro station, behind the Verdun auditorium, this urban beach offers exclusive access to the St. Lawrence River and its shores.
Free

Plage Jean-Doré

A beautiful sandy beach close to downtown, where water quality is always excellent and many services are available.

Montréal Space for Life – Biodôme

Summer and winter alike, it is a place to discover!

Fireworks Cruise (Montréal)

CROISIÈRES AML INC. Get a front-row seat to the International des Feux Loto-Québec fireworks.

Ecomuseum Zoo

Discover the only outdoor zoo on Montréal Island and see what Québec’s fauna has to offer in a unique natural setting!

The Lachine Canal Tour Cruise

LE PETIT NAVIRE AU VIEUX-PORT DE MONTRÉAL Passing through the locks, cruise through 150 years of history about the Lachine Canal aboard the Petit Navire II.

See 24 more ›

Quebec

26 places

Village Vacances Valcartier

The Village Vacances Valcartier outdoor water park features over 35 heated water slides, more than 100 water games, two themed rivers and a wave pool.

Bora Parc – Indoor Waterpark

The indoor water park at Village Vacances Valcartier is sure to please families in an exotic environment all year round.

Aquarium du Québec

Dive into the world of the Aquarium for an accessible activity where the whole family will discover polar bears, seals, jellyfish and thousands of other marine animals.

Plage Eau Claire

A magnificent beach rated "A", where the water quality has never been anything less than exceptional.

Croisières AML Inc. / Souper-croisière 5 services et feux d’artifice Signature (Québec)

Come aboard the AML Louis Jolliet to savor our chef's culinary delights.

Éducazoo Qc

This exotic animal sanctuary provides guided tours, with a booking.

See 20 more ›

Abitibi-Témiscamingue

5 places

Plage municipale de Ville-Marie

Fully equipped public beach with lifeguards.

Plage municipale Rotary du lac Blouin

Enjoy fun in the sun at the Rotary municipal beach, a stone's throw from downtown, on highway 397, heading towards Barraute.

Refuge Pageau

The story that will unfold as you follow the wooden trail began more than 30 years ago.

Plage municipale du lac Beauchamp

On site: picnic area, cabins, washrooms.

Plage Rotary de Palmarolle

Bas-Saint-Laurent

10 places

Plage municipale de Notre-Dame-du-Lac

This beach offers visitors exclusive access to one of the most beautiful lakes in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region: Lac Témiscouata.

Camping d’Eau Claire

You'll enjoy this enchanting site in the heart of nature, on the shores of Grand lac Squatec.

Visite sur l’Île Saint-Barnabé

EXCURSIONS À L'ÎLE SAINT-BARNABÉ Ferry service between Rimouski and Île Saint-Barnabé is available on the 12-passenger Le Rimouskois.

Îles du Pot Cruise (with visit of lighthouse)

SOCIÉTÉ DUVETNOR LTÉE Get away from it all for a few hours on the St. Lawrence River aboard the 12-passenger Sauvagiles and discover, with a guide, the plant and animal life and maritime history of the Îles du Pot à l'Eau-de-Vie.

Packington Municipal Beach

Municipal campground in front of Lac Méruimticook (Jerry) Here, swimmers have nothing to worry about when it comes to water quality.

Société Duvetnor Ltée / Charlevoix spectaculaire!

Discover the Charlevoix coast aboard Le Renard!

See 4 more ›

Centre-du-Québec

4 places

Camping lac aux Bouleaux

This campground offers 230 three-service sites, a outside restaurant-bar, convenience store that sells beer and wine, an 18-hole mini-golf course, two parks for the kids, a sandy beach on a nice lake (water quality A).

Camping Plage des Sources

Campground with a wide variety of activities: beach, slides, outdoor swimming pool and water games.

Camping Plage Paris

Club de voile et plage municipale de Drummondville

The Drummondville sailing club and municipal beach offers an enchanting getaway just minutes from downtown.

Charlevoix

8 places

Riverboat Discovery Cruise

CROISIÈRE EN BATEAU-MOUCHE SUR LA RIVIÈRE MALBAIE Come aboard for a cruise narrated by a park warden on the Malbaie river in Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie.

Whale watching cruise and Fjord (Baie-Sainte-Catherine)

CROISIÈRES AML INC. Departing from Baie-Sainte-Catherine, a village in the Charlevoix area less than 2.5 hours from Québec City, you'll set out to see 13 species of marine mammals aboard a special observation boat before sailing part way up the majestic Saguenay Fjord.

Croisières AML Inc. / Croisière aux baleines et accès exclusif au pont supérieur (Baie-Sainte-Catherine)

Less than 2.30 hours from Québec City, discover 13 species of marine mammals aboard the AML Grand Fleuve, with its exclusive upper deck specially designed for whale-watching!

Croisières AML Inc. / Croisière aux baleines Zodiac Expédition 2h30 (Baie-Sainte-Catherine)

Less than 2 h 30 from Québec City, come and enjoy a breathtaking experience at the heart of the world's best whale-watching site!

Whale Watching Cruise – St-Laurent VIP Lounge (Baie-Sainte-Catherine)

Experience a distinctive whale-watching cruise in the AML Grand Fleuve VIP Lounge Saint-Laurent!

Whale Watching Cruise and Fjord at Twilight (Baie-Sainte-Catherine)

Less than 2.30 hours from Quebec City, start your cruise with an encounter with the giants of the sea aboard the AML Grand Fleuve, a boat specially equipped for observing marine mammals.

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Chaudière-Appalaches

12 places

Refuge animalier du Domaine Wolfestown

Since its inception, the Wolfestown Estate has made it its mission to help injured, abused, or orphaned wild animals.

Cruise and visit of Grosse-Île

CROISIÈRES LACHANCE INC Off-limits for decades, Grosse-Île now reveals its mysteries!

Miller Zoo

A zoo and wildlife rehabilitation centre.

Plage O.T.J. Saint-Victor

A welcoming beach accessible to everyone!

Éco-Parc des Etchemins

Beautifully landscaped park on the shores of Lac-Etchemin.

Razorbill Observation Cruise

CROISIÈRES LACHANCE INC. Hop aboard less than 35 minutes from Québec City for an observation cruise and marvel at the small penguins that come by the thousands from the far eastern regions of the St. Lawrence River to breed on the small islands of the of Isle-aux-Grues archipelago.

See 6 more ›

Côte-Nord

19 places

Plage du lac Daviault (Marina de Fermont)

Beach offering various water and beach activities plus boat rentals.

Whale Watching Cruise – VIP St-Laurent Lounge (Tadoussac)

CROISIÈRES AML INC. Enjoy the most distinctive whale watching cruise!

Whales Watching Cruise (Les Escoumins)

Experience a whale-watching adventure aboard eco-friendly, full-size Zodiac boats (12 to 36 passengers).

Zodiac Expedition – 2h30 (Tadoussac and Baie-Sainte-Catherine)

Climb aboard a Zodiac for a thrilling, sporty experience in the heart of the world's best whale-watching site.

Whale watching cruise

Meet the whales in the heart of the world's best whale-watching site, aboard boats specially designed for observing marine mammals.

Croisières Essipit

Discover the whales aboard our 12-passenger and 36-passenger inflatable boats.

See 13 more ›

Eastern Townships

35 places

Zoo de Granby

On the Zoo's trails, visitors can observe almost 1,500 animals representing 193 species.

Plage du lac Fraser (Parc national du Mont-Orford)

Discover Lake Fraser beach, a magnificent supervised beach with clear water and equipped with a playground for children and a professional beach volleyball court.

Water park – Bromont montagne d’expériences

In summer, the Bromont Water Park is the perfect place for families.

Offshore

ESCAPADES MEMPHRÉMAGOG Discover or rediscover one of the most beautiful lakes in Québec, Lake Memphremagog, and be seduced by the beauty of the Eastern Townships.

Plage du parc de la Baie-de-Magog

Superb Lake Memphremagog is the perfect setting for a picnic, sand castle or swim with family and friends.

Plage du Centre de la nature

At the Nature Center, on the shores of Davignon Lake, come and experience swimming, water games for children or other water sports in a green environment.

See 29 more ›

Gaspésie

5 places

Plage du Parc des îles

Perfect for relaxing or enjoying various activities, this park is connected to the city hall district and Mathieu-D’Amours dam by a pedestrian bridge.

Bioparc de la Gaspésie

Share close encounters with 40 indigenous animal species.
Jun. 1 – Oct. 11, 2026

Sea excursions

EXPLORAMER Set sail aboard the brand new ship, the C-E Marin Exploramer, for a science-themed excursion and discover the marine biodiversity of the St. Lawrence.
Jun. 1 – Oct. 11, 2026

Excursions TaxSea

A must for your next vacation in Gaspésie.

Croisières baie de Gaspé

Îles-de-la-Madeleine

9 places

Fishing trip cruise

EXCURSIONS EN MER INC. Come aboard the Plaisancier (12 passengers) and enjoy an unforgettable fishing experience.

Les Grottes du nord Cruise

EXCURSIONS LE PLUVIER AVENTURIER Aboard the 12-passenger Pluvier I, tour the caves and cliffs of the north shore-the most abundant and beautiful of the Îles-de-la-Madeleine.

Interprétation de la pêche au homard

INTERPRÉTATION PÊCHE EN MER This cruise will teach you almost everything there is to know about lobsters.

Balade à l’Île-d’Entrée

INTERPRÉTATION PÊCHE EN MER Board the Mécantina IV and explore l'île d'Entrée during a 150-minute stopover.

Cruise caves and cliffs

EXCURSIONS EN MER INC. Come discover the beautiful caves and cliffs by boat or Zodiac.

Interprétation de la pêche au homard et partie de pêche récréative au maquereau

INTERPRÉTATION PÊCHE EN MER Cruise combining lobster fishing interpretation and recreational mackerel fishing.

See 3 more ›

Lanaudière

10 places

Plage municipale Sainte-Émélie-de-l’Énergie

Intimate beach with play modules, volleyball and boat rentals.

Familizoo

Home to over 350 Canadian and exotic wildlife species.

Plage Maria-Goretti

Public beach in shallow water, ideal with young children.

Plage municipale de Rawdon

Beach on the shores of Lac Rawdon with a natural slope of fine sand and access to a swimming area.

Plage du Camping Vacances St-Tropez

Our campsite will allow you to enjoy a magnificent fine sand beach giving access to swimming thanks to our natural lake.

Havre Familial – Centre de plein air

A pretty sandy beach with a diving platform, a play area for the kids, water slides, single and double kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, pedal boats, a dining room, a games room, showers, restrooms and laundry facilities.

See 4 more ›

Laurentides

11 places

Mont Habitant Beach

Just 2 km from Saint-Sauveur, at the foot of Mont Habitant, this beach is an ideal place to enjoy a family outing in a quiet, lakefront environment.

Plage Major

Vast public beach (admission fee) able to accommodate large groups.

Super Aqua Club

Just 30 minutes from Montréal, this all-inclusive aquatic destination offers 46 attractions, a sandy beach, a wave pool and more.

Parc aquatique Sommet Saint-Sauveur

Slides, rafting, wave pool and F.U.N.

Tremblant Beach and Tennis Club

This heavenly site on Lac Tremblant offers a stunning view of the mountain, plenty of outdoor activities, such as beach volleyball, and a vast array of water sports.

Plage municipale de Brébeuf

See 5 more ›

Mauricie

6 places

Camping lac aux sables

Just one hour from Trois-Rivières, this campground is located in Lac-aux-Sables in the magnificent Mauricie region.

Parc de la péninsule

Waterpark whose offering includes one of the highest waterslides in the Mauricie region, plus a large man-made lake with beach.

Ranch Dupont

Nature lovers, take a walk along the trails and discover over 200 animals from 40 different species.

Domaine Floribell

This spot boasts a crystal-clear natural lake in an enchanting setting.

Aquaparc H2O

Come and play in the waves of the water park!

Aqua Radical

Montérégie

22 places

Glissades et Camping les cèdres

Come enjoy this waterpark's sliding and swimming facilities, including four waterslides and two pools.

Balade nautique à bord du bateau Le Chambly I

CENTRE NAUTIQUE GERVAIS-DÉSOURDY This riverboat, featuring a paddle wheel, takes passengers of all ages on an hour-long tour of the Chambly Basin.

Wine and cheese cruise

CROISIÈRES NAVARK Take a wonderful cruise on the St. Lawrence River and enjoy a wine and cheese tasting, dessert and coffee.

Parc Safari

Much more than just a zoo!

St-Zotique municipal beach

Come enjoy this beach’s various activities: aquatic obstacle course, swimming, water games area, wading pool, playground, swimming lessons, open water training, pedal boat rentals, canoeing, kayaking, Yogakayaking, volleyball and tennis courts, soccer fields, picnic areas and lots of sunshine!

Le Sablon plage & camping et Sherifville

Campground and outdoor center offering numerous summer water activities: swimming, children's water games, volleyball, Tarzan rope, Wibit course on the water and the Sherifville children's amusement center.

See 16 more ›

Outaouais

9 places

Paul’s Boat Line

CROISIÈRES OUTAOUAIS Our Ottawa River cruise offers the finest views along the River.

Plage du Pont blanc

Located in the Pontiac MRC, just 1h30 from Gatineau-Ottawa, Plage du Pont Blanc is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and families in search of relaxation.

Mont Cascades Mountain Waterpark

Designed to keep the whole family entertained, it features four slides for adults, nine slides for toddlers, six slides for the whole family and a large activity area with waterfalls, pools, picnic area and restaurant.

Ottawa Yacht Tours

Ottawa Yacht tours offers you the opportunity to admire the most beautiful scenery of the Ottawa River in the comfort and tranquility of a unique yacht.

Municipal beach of Lac-Simon

Designated bathing area monitored by lifeguards qualified under the standards of Société de sauvetage du Québec.

Plage des Cèdres

This park offers outdoor activities such as cycling on a bike path, marina, volleyball, baseball and swimming for all ages.

See 3 more ›

Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean

16 places

Navettes maritimes du Fjord (La Baie)

La Classique cruise on the Saguenay Fjord aboard the Marjolaine (230 passengers) non-stop.

Parc Octopus

One of the three largest floating water parks in Canada.

Plage municipale Saint-Gédéon

With a splendid view of Lac Saint-Jean, the Saint-Gédéon municipal beach promises you a terrific summer.

Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien

Experience the boreal wilderness like never before!

Navettes maritimes du Fjord (L’Anse-Saint-Jean)

NAVETTES MATITIMES DU FJORD Discover the fjord aboard the NM Fjord Saguenay II (121 passengers) or the NM Cap Liberté (72 passengers), departing from L'Anse-Saint-Jean to Baie Éternité, Tadoussac or Sainte-Rose-du-Nord.

Aventure Lac-Saint-Jean / Croisière découverte sur le Lac St-Jean

Discover the majestic Lake Saint-Jean and its history from a completely different point of view!

See 10 more ›

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