Saint-Jean-Baptiste , Quebec's national holiday , was born from the desire to celebrate the summer solstice. Celebrated first in Montreal and Quebec. The summer solstice festival spread throughout the province during the 20th century. It was in 1925 that it became an official provincial holiday. It is then declared a public holiday for all Quebecers!
Today celebrating Quebec pride, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day is a great opportunity to get together with family, friends or lovers. This holiday is the ideal time to carry out an activity in Quebec City .
Great activities in Quebec
Quebec City represents the province of Quebec like no other. The Old Capital is the cradle of the French-speaking world in North America . Perched on Cape Diamant, overlooking the St. Lawrence River, Quebec reminds us that here, like nowhere in America, the word history has a special meaning.
What a unique place to immerse yourself in the history of Quebec!
What to do in Quebec during National Day?
The Outgo team presents the best activities to do in Quebec during Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day . You will discover unmissable tourist attractions to visit during the Quebec National Day as well as local businesses to discover .
Old Quebec is essentially divided into 3 large parts: Lower Town, Upper Town and Parliament Hill (Grande-Allée). A city on a human scale, the Old Capital is best visited on foot . So why not discover Quebec City by walking its streets!
The attractions of lower town Quebec
Rue du Petit Champlain
This magnificent little street is as lively in summer as in winter with its numerous cafes, restaurants, boutiques and art galleries. Rue du Petit-Champlain is a favorite place in Old Quebec. Absolutely worth visiting!
The Royal Square
Place Royale is the precise location where Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec in 1608. It is the place where Champlain built the first establishment of French nationality in America .
Having served as a fort, store, residence and trading post, this early town center still stands. Enjoy a historic walk to admire the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church and all the adjacent heritage buildings.
The Quebec-Lévis crossing
The Quebec-Lévis crossing is ideal for admiring the city from its best angle . You will take extraordinary photos there. Beautiful memories for the whole crew!
Boarding takes place very close to the Petit Champlain district , in the heart of Old Quebec. With a departure every 30 minutes , the crossing lasts approximately 12 minutes. This service is available 7 days a week.
Discover the upper town of Quebec
The Frontenac castle
The Château Frontenac is certainly the best-known building in Quebec City . It’s also its emblem! Its name comes from the man who was Count of Frontenac from 1622 to 1698, Louis de Buade, a former governor of New France.
Before becoming a hotel in 1893, the castle housed all government administrative services, as well as reception rooms. Enter Château Frontenac to admire, among other things, its hall, the Verchères lounge, the Champlain dining room and the reception.
A true gem of Quebec architecture ! For a magnificent view of the Château Frontenac , also visit the Citadel of Quebec or the Observatoire de la Capitale.
The Dufferin terrace
The Dufferin Terrace consists of a belvedere on the edge of Château Frontenac. It offers an exceptional view of the St. Lawrence River , the lower town and the surrounding region.
Approximately 430 meters long, the terrace is equipped with public benches and kiosks. Savor local products while enjoying the view!
Governors' Walk
An extension of the Dufferin Terrace, the Promenade des Gouverneurs borders the Citadel of Quebec to the Plains of Abraham (Parc des Champs-de-Bataille). You can stroll there while admiring the landscape.
The French Brasserie at Jules
After this beautiful walk, what could be better than a good cold beer and a good meal? It’s Quebec’s National Day after all! Extend your journey through time with a visit to Jules.
Located very close to the Château Frontenac, the Brasserie Française chez Jules offers traditional cuisine on the menu. Among its specialties, you will find: snails, veal liver, scallops or beef cheek.
An experience worthy of the great breweries!
Saint-Jean Street
With a full stomach, it is time to continue your visit to Quebec . Rue Saint-Jean is one of the oldest in the city. Very popular for its multitude of shops and restaurants , rue Saint-Jean will charm you with its urban and architectural style from the New France era.
It is your shopping destination par excellence in Old Quebec.
Île d'Orléans: enjoy nature in Quebec
Do you prefer the country air? Île d'Orléans is another way to discover the history of Quebec during the national holiday. This immense island in the St. Lawrence River is located very close to downtown Quebec.
Île d'Orléans has some 600 historic buildings and stone houses dating from the time of the French Regime. You will fall under its spell for sure!
Have a wonderful Saint-Jean-Baptiste in Quebec
Crowned the 23rd most beautiful city in the world , behind Toronto and Vancouver, Quebec is the ideal place for an activity with family, friends or as a couple . Take advantage of this long Quebec National Day weekend to experience beautiful moments in Quebec City.
The Old Capital region offers many incredible activities to discover .
The Outgo team wishes you a happy Saint-Jean-Baptiste!
What are your plans for the Saint-Jean-Baptiste weekend? How will you highlight our beautiful province? Tell us about your weekend in the comments!
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