From innovative art exhibitions and gentle city bike rides to mountain thrills and riverside golf, Quebec is packed with exciting things to do over the summer.
1. Head to the Mosaïcultures exhibition in Québec City
Running from June 24 through October 10, 2022, this horticultural extravaganza features 200 meticulously created mosaicultures (huge topiary-like sculptures) made with 6 million plants and flowers. Following the theme “Once Upon a Time … the Earth,” the summer spectacle in Parc du Bois-de-Coulonge celebrates the wonder of life on our planet, while acknowledging its fragility. Wander among endangered species like elephants and encounter marine animals such as walruses and penguins. You can also explore a display of eight arches inspired by a traditional Huron-Wendat longhouse or gaze at gigantic butterflies in front of a huge pergola representing the former Lieutenant Governor’s residence.
2. Whiz alongside the St. Lawrence River by bike.
You can rent your wheels and order a gourmet picnic from Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, then follow part of the 48-kilometre Corridor du Littoral cycle route. The car-free path takes in popular Québec City attractions like the Promenade Samuel-de-Champlain, which features a sleek lookout tower and themed gardens. Or you might ride toward Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, where you can peer over a suspension bridge for spectacular waterfall views. Other summer activities at the hotel include guided tours in and around the historic building, the opportunity to meet the princess of the château, and imaginative kids’ scavenger hunts.
3. Check off an A-to-Z of adventures at Mont-Tremblant
Searching for summer fun in the Laurentians? Start with aquatic experiences like kayaking on Le Diable River and finish up with zip-lining from the summit to the village. Horseback riding trails weave through woods and up mountains for panoramic vistas, while craggy rock faces are perfect for novice climbers. Fairmont Tremblant guests can join complimentary guided nature walks through lush boreal forest each Sunday morning. Whatever you choose, the hotel’s Ricochet Café & Terrasse creates delicious packed lunches, so you can simply grab a backpack and go.
4. Soak, snuggle and stargaze.
To soothe muscles, enjoy the “hot-cold-relax” cycle of an invigorating Nordic spa session back at Fairmont Tremblant. You can rotate between indoor and outdoor pools, a Finnish sauna, steam room, hot tubs and chilled plunge pool. Afterwards, the hotel’s Bonfire & Tipi experience lets you cozy up with your bubble on comfy Adirondack chairs around a roaring wood-burning fire. Sip thick hot chocolate, guzzle decadently gooey s’mores, and keep your eyes peeled for constellations as the sun dips.
5. Watch a spectacular cabaret at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth.
Presented exclusively at the hotel, Celeste by Cirque Éloize runs until September 3, 2022 in an intimate boudoir-style space. Audiences travel on an interstellar adventure with an intriguing lineup of characters, including a phenomenal stunt cyclist and a beatboxer, who perform a spellbinding mix of musical, theatrical and acrobatic numbers. The 90-minute show is accompanied by a live DJ and renowned local jazz and pop vocalist Coral Egan. Be sure to swing by Nacarat Terrace before the performance. Located on the hotel’s third floor, this outdoor bar is one of Montreal’s summer hotspots, with expert mixologists creating inventive cocktails to accompany grilled shrimp and jerky-style chicken from the BBQ.
6. Stay in the John Lennon & Yoko Ono Suite at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth.
For an immersive Montreal experience of a different kind, check into the room where Lennon and Yoko’s famous “bed-in for peace” took place in 1969. The eye-catching door and hallway were designed by artist Gene Pendon for the 50th anniversary in 2019 using bed-in photos taken by Gerry Deiter for Life Magazine. Inside the suite itself, you can don a VR headset and browse multimedia installations and memorabilia, including a vinyl copy of “Give Peace a Chance,” which the duo recorded here.
7. Tackle a cliffside via ferrata route.
Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu has installed its own challenging climbing course, a fixed route stretching 500 metres above the St. Lawrence River. Anyone older than eight can give this exhilarating activity a go. You’ll feel a powerful adrenaline rush as you ascend steep rock walls and cross exposed wooden bridges, all while looking out for marine mammals in the river below. The entire route takes around two and a half hours to complete.
8. Tee off on a dramatic 27-hole golf course.
Originally created in 1925 by English golf architect Herbert Strong, the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu Golf Club received a nine-hole boost from modern designer Darrell Huxham. Not only do players enjoy sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River, but there’s no shortage of tricky (and enjoyable) features, from undulating greens to strategically placed bunkers and plenty of trees.
9. Explore the Manoir Papineau Historic Site
Set in landscaped gardens just a short stroll from Fairmont Le Château Montebello, the historic home was the estate of renowned politician Louis-Joseph Papineau. A brand new roof displays the huge initials “LJP” to match the original design, and guided tours give you an insight into the building’s history and architecture.
10. Enjoy an alfresco barbecue by the Ottawa River.
Whether you’re canoeing or paddle boarding, playing mini-golf or perfecting your tennis serve, you’re sure to build up an appetite after a day of summer activities at Fairmont Le Château Montebello. Wrap up your afternoon with a relaxing family-style barbecue on the hotel’s spacious waterside terrace. You can fill up on tasty smoked meats sourced from local farms, along with fresh seasonal vegetables and chilled wine.
No matter where you stop on your Québec road trip this summer, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts are there to help make wonderful memories.