Did you know that August is one of the very best months to discover Québec City… and fall head over heels with our beautiful region? To help you plan your stay with us, our team of concierges at Hôtel Château Laurier Québec has prepared a list of suggestions for you with the right combination of nature and cultural activities. But a word of caution: you might want to extend your summer vacation in the provincial capital!
For Nature Lovers
Summer is short but intense in Quebec. By the end of July, many farm fields and fruit trees are in their full glory under the sun and hot weather. This time of year is perfect for a countryside escape! Who does not like to get away in nature?
Summer U-pick is always a favourite with couples and families. The idea is simple: once at the producer’s, you get the vessel(s) that you need (bag or basket) at a set price; then, you set out for the fields to discover (or rediscover) how fun it is to pick your own fresh, sun-kissed fruits and vegetables. But where should you go?
Autocueillette is a website that offers tools to locate the best place to pick apricots, blueberries, blackcurrants, cherries, pears, plums and various vegetables. Fraîches du Québec is an interactive map to find more specific producers’ operations where you can pick strawberries and raspberries yourself. Several of these producers also have a small farm, where kids will love to feed and pet bunnies, goats, lambs and even ponies.
If you want to enjoy an escape at your whim, the best is to rent a vehicle, grab a tourist map and set out on an adventure. Feel free to ask our team of concierges for advice on local car rental companies and for useful travel guides or leaflets.
If you prefer a reliable, hassle-free option, we recommend without hesitation Quebec Bus Tour. This terrific team of enthusiastic guides offers gourmet outings praised by food lovers! Join a three-hour ride along the Taste Trail Tour on Île d’Orléans and enjoy tasting local products, including wine, ice cider, blackcurrant liqueur, chocolate, nougat and more. The tour guides will also make sure to impress you with plenty of captivating historical information on Île d’Orléans, the early days of colonization in Quebec, and even local stories and legends. Quebec’s winemaking industry has been thriving, especially in the last twenty years. The Wine Tour is the perfect opportunity to discover four Île d’Orléans vineyards: enjoy wine-tasting while learning about the various products, and savour an aperitif served at the last stop on the tour.
Quebec Bus Tour departures are daily from Place d’Armes, near Château Frontenac, at 1 p.m. These tours are praised for being environmentally friendly and in harmony with Mother Nature: tour buses run on propane, which releases 25% less GHG than standard buses.
Cultural Immersion
If you want to take in some urban excitement, our city streets will be buzzing with entertaining festivals and events in the coming weeks!
Would you like to discover the production of Quebec artists and artisans? Head for Plein Art! From July 30 to August 11, 2019, over a hundred craftspeople will showcase their creative work under huge tents: jewellers, woodworkers, glassworkers, ceramists and fashion designers are awaiting you at Espace 400e, in the Old Port of Quebec City. You are sure to make exceptional finds. Free admission.
From August 1 to 4, take part in the New France Festival and immerse yourself in a host of festive activities at Parc de l’Esplanade: with family and friends, discover life in the days of the King’s Daughters and the soldiers of the Carignan‑Salières Regiment and attend etiquette workshops with Angélique de Péan, also known as La Pompadour of New France, historical talks, demonstrations or the spectacular parade! Free access with the official medallion.
If you are looking for comic relief, the ComédiHa! Fest-Québec is a must! With the comedy festival pass (funny glasses), you have access to more than 350 shows and activities over twelve days to take place from August 7 to 18, 2019. New this year is the MiHa!M event to be held at Place George V, right in front of our hotel. At Parc de la Francophonie, enjoy grilled corn on the cob, brochettes and a host of food served on plates and snacks before enjoying the next show.
The Festibière de Québec will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year, from August 15 to 18, 2019, at Quai de l’Espace 400e. Brewing challenges, food and beer matching, special “Je bois local” local brewery circuit, jukebox music, giant games, beer tasting, talks by renowned beer connoisseur Philippe Wouters and various shows are excellent activities awaiting beer enthusiasts alongside Bassin Louise. The festival’s official glass and tasting tokens will be available onsite.
Are you a history and heritage buff? From August 15 to 18, 2019, the Rendez-vous d’histoire de Québec event will offer over sixty special activities, visits, exhibitions and presentations, including conferences on First Nations, talks on major historical figures like Champlain, Montcalm, Garneau, De Gaulle and Duplessis, historical improvisation workshops for the entire family, an “immersive” historical conference, a history book fair and more. The activities will be held at several venues in Old Quebec and most are free.
Bordeaux fête le vin à Québec, Québec City’s great epicurean festival, is back this summer from August 22 to 25, 2019! All while tasting wines from the seven participating regions in a relaxed environment, one can benefit from cultural incursions and entertainment by attending talks, École du vin workshops and master classes. The gourmet segment of the festival also has lots in store: gourmet stations featuring food and wine pairings along with three exceptional food lovers’ evenings held at Pavillon des épicuriens. The festival will take place at the Old Port Agora of Quebec City, along the St. Lawrence River. Access to the site is free. Passes are presold at SAQ outlets and available onsite.
At the end of this wonderful summer, there is no shortage of opportunities for fun, discovery and entertainment in Quebec City! Our team of concierges will make every effort to help you plan the activities that you like and make sure that you have a wonderful time with us. Enjoy your stay!