Whatever time of year you visit Quebec, you’ll find activities that delight the whole family. Here are a few of the top reasons to travel to la belle province with your kids in tow.
Wizards and Waterfalls in Charlevoix
Energetic kids love tearing around Charlevoix’s craggy landscape. Surrounded by mountains and the mighty St. Lawrence River, the region was walloped by a gigantic meteor 400 million years ago. When you stay at Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, you’ll sleep right in the crater. If you’re curious to discover more about the impact, the Observatoires astronomique et de l’Astroblème de Charlevoix (open mid-June to mid-September) explains the event with a huge 3D display. The observatory also hosts stargazing sessions and guided geology hikes where you can explore the river at low tide.
If your kids are fans of Harry Potter, the Parcours Ludiques experience will enchant them. They will begin a quest filled with challenges and magic as they work their way along the des Planetes trail in La Malbaie. Just be sure to download the app beforehand.
The Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie national park offers deep valleys and majestic peaks. It’s the perfect setting for testing your mountain biking skills on an 8-mile course. Pack a picnic lunch, and follow the path along the Malbaie River, then take the short path that leads to Ruisseau Blanc waterfall. Stop and enjoy the view of the falls as you savor your lunch.
Another mountainside marvel, Le Vol de l’Oiseau mécanique, opens at Le Massif in summer 2023. Billed as the world’s first night-time carousel, this immersive sound and light show simulates flight over land and water as you travel on a 60-minute circuit aboard two chairlifts.
Treetop and Aquatic Adventures in Tremblant
Tremblant and adventure go hand in hand. Whether you enjoy the bunny hills or the black diamond ski slopes in winter or rock the area’s extensive mountain bike trails in summer, your kids are sure to have a blast. In the heart of the resort village, Fairmont Tremblant gives you easy access to a wide range of family-friendly activities.
It’s a 20-minute drive from the hotel to the Treetop Walk Laurentides. Tucked amid the tranquil Laurentian forest, this eco attraction features an elevated path which weaves through the trees to a wooden tower. Here, the path corkscrews upwards, reaching a 40-meter-high platform with panoramic views of the mountains and woods. Kids can learn about the local flora and fauna through games and interpretation panels along the way. As the colors change throughout the year, so does the experience, and the gently graded, step-free walkway means your stroller can come too.
Back at the resort, youngsters can splash around to their hearts’ content at brind’O Aquaclub. With its four water slides and 35 interactive water games, this modern complex is a kiddie paradise. All the family can pile into the indoor hot tub, while the outdoor tub is an adults-only retreat, where parents can enjoy a few minutes sans enfants. In summer, cool off with a refreshing dip in the lifeguard-supervised outdoor pool. A family locker room with private cabins takes the stress out of getting everyone changed.
History and Bikes in Montebello
Tell your kids they’re staying in the world’s largest log cabin, and they’ll be rushing to pack their bags. Fairmont Le Château Montebello has a veritable smorgasbord of family activities within its forested grounds, from sleigh rides and curling in winter to kayaking and croquet in summer. You might gather around the bonfire for s’mores or head out on an invigorating walk with the hotel’s resident pup, Vic.
There’s no better way to explore Montebello than from an electric fatbike. Stop by Pedego Montebello, located onsite, to rent your bikes. Then it’s time to take to the road. One stop should be Manoir Papineau National Historic Site, a 19th century home. In summer, there are guided tours of the interior. But year-round, the grounds are worth exploring. Keep a sharp eye out for the two red Adirondack chairs placed in a quiet, scenic location. It’s the perfect spot to relax, regroup and to snap a selfie before heading out for more adventures.
Northwest of Montebello, the Parc des Montagnes Noires de Ripon is the perfect place for junior travelers with energy to burn. A springtime visit gives kids ages 8 and up the opportunity to master obstacles in the bike park. The entire family can enjoy the park’s orienteering course. The course goal is to hunt for 17 numbered waymarks, punching your card at each stop to make sure you check off every single one.
Sea Creatures and Snacks in Québec City
Children feel like kings and queens of the castle as guests of the landmark Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Québec City. Perched above the St. Lawrence River, this historic hotel sits in the fortified old town, just steps from the steep funicular that runs to the Lower Town. In summer, jugglers and musicians entertain passersby on the wooden Dufferin Terrace promenade, while in winter you can hurtle down wooden tobogganing slides. Fairmont le Château Frontenac offers a wide range of activities for families staying at the hotel, such as a Scavenger hunt inside the hotel, guided tours of the City, and more!
A big hit with families is the Aquarium du Québec, home to 10,000+ animals, including jellyfish, leopard sharks and Atlantic rays. Throughout the day, live presentations introduce visitors to species such as the aquarium’s beloved polar bears, Kinuk and Shouka.
Older kids will love a trip east of the city to Canyon Sainte-Anne, a dramatic gorge with a towering waterfall and three suspension bridges. Most exciting of all is AirCANYON, a motorized chair for two that whisks you across the ravine by zip line.
Are you planning your next family adventure? Book with Fairmont to create memories that last a lifetime.