Family Vacation in Quebec: 9 Must-See Destinations

Montreal is a vibrant, French-speaking, and welcoming city, perfect for families looking to combine culture, nature, and entertainment. Located on an island in the heart of the St. Lawrence River, the city blends European charm with North American energy.

Whether you visit in the summer during festival season or in winter to experience the magic of snow-covered landscapes, Montreal offers unforgettable experiences for all ages. Accessible, safe, and full of activities, it’s a must-stop destination for a successful family vacation.

What to do?

• Explore Old Montreal: Wander the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal to discover Notre-Dame Basilica, Place Jacques-Cartier, and the Old Port. Kids love the giant Ferris wheel and lively street performers, especially in summer.

• Visit family-friendly museums: Pointe-à-Callière (archaeology) and the Montreal Science Centre are great for sparking curiosity in young minds. Perfect for cooler or rainy days, these indoor spaces offer hours of interactive learning.

• Discover the Space for Life: The Biodome, Insectarium, Botanical Garden, and Planetarium are all located in one area. It’s a must-see for families, educational, fun, and easy to access.

• Relax in large parks: Mount Royal Park is perfect for picnics, easy hikes, or skating in winter at Beaver Lake. La Fontaine Park, more urban, features playgrounds and a vibrant local atmosphere.

Enjoy neighbourhood vibes and festivals: In summer, Montreal comes alive with festivals like Just for Laughs, Les Francos, or the International Jazz Festival. Expect outdoor shows, food trucks, and kid-friendly workshops.

LQuebec City, a historic gem nestled on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, is one of the most charming and accessible destinations for a family getaway. It’s a walkable, welcoming, and safe city where history, nature, and culture meet to offer enriching experiences for all ages.

What to do?

Whether you’re travelling with toddlers or school-age children, Quebec City offers activities for every member of the family:

• Explore Old Quebec: Stroll through the picturesque Petit-Champlain district, walk the city walls, take the funicular, or visit the Citadel, a true historical playground!

• Get active on the Plains of Abraham: This vast urban park is ideal for picnics, running, playing, or even renting snowshoes or cross-country skis in winter.

• Visit the Musée de la civilisation: A family favourite. The exhibits are interactive, playful, and often designed with children in mind.

• Marvel at Montmorency Falls: Just 15 minutes from downtown, this waterfall is taller than Niagara and always impresses. In summer, the zipline and suspension bridges are real adventures.

• See the city from above: The Observatoire de la Capitale offers a 360° view and an immersive video that tells the story of the city, a great starting point for families.

• Enjoy the festivals: From the Winter Carnival with its slides and Bonhomme, to the Summer Festival’s outdoor concerts, Quebec is festive year-round.

Nature getaways nearby: For a day trip, head to Île d’Orléans or Canyon Sainte-Anne for hiking, kayaking, or via ferrata.

Just 30 minutes from Quebec City on the Côte-de-Beaupré, Canyon Sainte-Anne Park is a true natural wonder. Carved by the Sainte-Anne-du-Nord River into billion-year-old granite cliffs, this spectacular canyon features a breathtaking 74-metre waterfall.

It’s easily accessible, well developed, and perfectly suited for families looking to experience nature without straying too far from the city.

Known for its stunning beauty, suspended bridges, and safe walking trails, the park is open from spring through fall and offers a memorable outdoor day for kids and adults alike.

What to do?

Families will find plenty to enjoy at Canyon Sainte-Anne, with activities for all ages:

• Walk above the canyon: Three suspended bridges offer spectacular views of the falls and canyon, including one over 60 metres high.

• Learn through play: Educational trails, interactive signs, and nature-themed games (like the Roc-Ambolesque scavenger hunt and Pétraminis for kids) make the visit both fun and informative.

• Try AirCANYON: This zipline-style ride lets you fly seated over the canyon at speeds of up to 50 km/h. It’s accessible for kids 107 cm and up, a big hit with adventurous children (and parents too!).

• Enjoy a nature picnic: Well-equipped picnic areas make it easy to take a family break surrounded by nature.

Observe local flora and fauna, or simply enjoy the fresh air and peacefulness on a summer day.

Located just 20 minutes from Rimouski on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, Bic National Park is a natural gem that combines gentle mountains, peaceful coves, mixed forests, and salt marshes. This small-scale park is ideal for families seeking to reconnect with nature without straying too far from modern conveniences. It’s especially known for its spectacular coastal scenery, stunning sunsets, and regular sightings of seals basking at low tide. Managed by the SÉPAQ, the park is well maintained, safe, and accessible to visitors of all ages.

What to do?

There’s more than enough to keep the whole family busy for two or three days:

• Hiking: Several trails are suitable for young children and sport strollers, such as Chemin-du-Nord or Pointe-aux-Épinettes. For older kids, climbing Pic Champlain offers breathtaking views of the river.

• Seal watching: The park is one of the few places in Quebec where you can spot both harbour and grey seals lounging on the rocks. The best time? At low tide, with binoculars and a bit of patience.

• Cycling: Around 15 km of bike trails let you explore the park on two wheels with minimal effort.

• Water activities: In summer, you can take a guided sea kayaking tour to explore the bays, small islands, and maybe even see more seals up close!

• Overnight in nature: Families can choose from various lodging options, including ready-to-camp tents, yurts, cabins, and traditional campsites. The Tombolo sector is especially family-friendly and well equipped.

• Guided activities and discovery programs: SÉPAQ regularly offers educational and guided activities for children and adults, perfect for young explorers.

The Saguenay Fjord is a true natural wonder in Quebec. Stretching over 100 kilometres from the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region to Tadoussac, where it flows into the St. Lawrence River, the fjord is flanked by dramatic cliffs shaped by ancient glaciers. 

Its steep rock faces, boreal forest, and rich marine life, including seals, belugas, and numerous bird species, make it one of Quebec’s most iconic outdoor destinations. Much of the area is protected by the Saguenay Fjord National Park, giving families access to breathtaking scenery with the comfort of well-developed facilities.

What to do?

There’s no shortage of things to do for families of all ages and interests. Here are some highlights:

• Hiking: Well-maintained trails lead to incredible views. For younger kids, easy walks like Méandres-à-Falaises Trail are ideal. For more active families, the Statue Trail offers a stunning overlook of the fjord.

• Water activities: In summer, the fjord becomes a water playground. Try sea kayaking, take a boat cruise, or ride in a zodiac for a close-up look at the cliffs, and possibly seals or whales!

• Via ferrata: For families with teens, the cliffside via ferrata is a thrilling, guided adventure with safe climbing and jaw-dropping views.

• Fjord Museum (Musée du Fjord): Located in La Baie, this interactive museum is a hit with kids. They can touch starfish, watch local fish, and join educational workshops about the fjord’s marine life and ecosystem.

• Explore local villages: Charming villages like Sainte-Rose-du-Nord and L’Anse-Saint-Jean are great for a relaxed stop, coffee, homemade ice cream, or a peaceful walk along the fjord.

• Wildlife observation: Spot beavers, peregrine falcons, and sometimes even black bears. Baie-Sainte-Marguerite is a top spot for beluga watching, complete with accessible observation platforms.

Just an hour’s drive from Montreal, Lanaudière is the perfect region for a family vacation that blends nature, culture, and relaxation. With wide open green spaces, calm lakes, welcoming villages, and tons of activities for kids and parents alike, Lanaudière offers the ideal mix of adventure and accessibility.

Stretching from farmland plains to the Laurentian foothills, with rivers, forests, and rolling mountains, Lanaudière is also known for celebrating local art, music, and food in a friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere.

What to do?

• Get back to nature: Families can explore regional parks with accessible hiking trails, river walkways, and picnic areas. In summer, Lac Taureau is a must-see with its sandy beaches and family-friendly boat tours.

• Stay somewhere unique: Lanaudière is full of original accommodations, forest cabins, yurts, treehouses, or even transparent domes for stargazing.
  Many outfitters (pourvoiries) also welcome families with packages that include kayaking, fishing, or ATV tours.

• Join cultural activities: The region hosts family-friendly festivals like the Festival de Lanaudière in Joliette (open-air classical music) and the Fêtes Gourmandes de Lanaudière. In Terrebonne, the Île-des-Moulins historic site is a great educational outing with hands-on exhibits.

• Taste local flavours: Kids and adults alike will love visiting local farms, picking berries, and sampling regional goodies like artisanal cheeses, maple products, and ciders. The “Goûtez Lanaudière” trail is a great way to combine discovery and delicious treats.

Have fun with the kids: The region is packed with kid-friendly attractions, mazes, treetop obstacle courses like Village Arbre-en-Ciel, supervised beaches, mini-golf, petting zoos, and other outdoor fun parks.

Located between Montreal and Quebec City, La Mauricie is an often-overlooked region, but it’s perfect for a family vacation. With vast wilderness, dense forests, and countless lakes, it offers an exceptional natural setting ideal for disconnecting from everyday life. 

Trois-Rivières, the region’s main city, combines culture, history, and a walkable urban vibe, while Shawinigan charms with its family-friendly attractions and proximity to nature. La Mauricie is a perfect mix of outdoor fun, local culture, and warm hospitality. It’s also a region where the pace slows down, just right for families wanting to truly reconnect.

What to do?

There’s no shortage of family activities, whatever the season:

• Explore La Mauricie National Park: A must-see. Easy hikes, lake swimming, canoeing, picnicking, or snowshoeing in winter, it’s all designed with families in mind. Wildlife like beavers and moose are often spotted, and the scenery is breathtaking.

• Visit the Cité de l’énergie in Shawinigan: This interactive science and history centre features an observation tower and fun exhibitions for kids and adults alike.

• Spend a day at the Musée POP in Trois-Rivières: With exhibits on Quebec pop culture and a dedicated children's section, it’s a great indoor option, especially on rainy days.

• Try agrotourism experiences: Whether at a sugar shack, an alpaca farm, or an artisan cheese shop, kids love meeting animals and tasting local products.

• Join a local festival: Depending on the season, you may catch family-friendly events like FestiVoix, the Western Festival in St-Tite, or lively summer markets.

Stay in nature: Choose from campsites, rustic cabins, or outfitters, the region offers affordable and authentic lodging options surrounded by the outdoors.

Bordering Ontario and right across from Ottawa, the Outaouais region offers the perfect blend of nature, culture, and family-friendly adventure. It’s an ideal destination for those wanting to unplug, without going too far from the city. Whether you’re into outdoor fun, passionate about history, or just seeking quality time together, Outaouais has a wide range of accessible activities in an enchanting natural setting.

What to do?

• Explore Gatineau Park: With 361 km² of forests, trails, and lakes, it’s a giant playground for families. Hike, bike, swim, or paddle in the warmer months. In winter, the trails are perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

• Meet wildlife at Parc Omega: In Montebello, this drive-through wildlife park lets you see moose, deer, bison, wolves, and more, up close. A magical experience for all ages!

• Climb, zip, and explore at Arbraska Laflèche: This adventure park offers zip lines, aerial courses, caves, and forest trails. Great for families with older kids (ages 6+).

• Visit kid-friendly museums: In Gatineau, the Canadian Museum of History and its Children’s Museum offer fun, interactive experiences, perfect for a rainy day or sparking curiosity.

• Try the Éco-Odyssée water maze: Located in Wakefield, this pedal boat maze through marshlands is educational, fun, and refreshing, keep an eye out for beavers and birds!

• Relax at the Centre touristique du Lac-Simon: Ideal for a nature stay, this resort features a beach, water slides, cottage rentals, hiking trails, and even a giant playground.

• Enjoy local festivals and events: In summer, enjoy family-friendly events like balloon festivals, fireworks shows, or incredible floral exhibits like MosaiCanada.