13 Ways to Spend Summer Like a Canadian in Quebec

With summer being a short stint in Canada, locals sure know how to pack in a solid amount of warm-weather fun. From summer art installations to cycling the blueberry trail, there's something for every type of traveler looking to explore our northern neighbor's backyard.

City goers can get a slice of Europe in Quebec City while taking in the flowers at the new Grande Marché or perusing the stalls of the Exposition les Artisans next to the Cathedral in town, while country lovers can stretch their legs on hiking trails and quench cheese cravings at local fromageries. Feel like channeling your inner Canadian? Here are 12 ways to spend summer like a Canadian in Quebec.

Viewing Quebec City from the St. Lawrence River is a must for taking advantage of the warm summer weather. Visitors can hop the Quebec-Lévis ferry to venture between the north and south sides of the river, and take in the scenery from the water. You can extend the activity by biking along either shore to soak up summer as well.

The lesser-known Saguenay Fjord National Park is a hidden gem about 2 and a half hours drive outside of Quebec City. A gorgeous natural area with mountain giants waiting to be explored, kayaking is one of the best ways to get out on the fjord. Organisaction offers guided kayak excursions right in the park, ranging from a few hours on the water to multi-day adventures.

Step (or sleep) back in time at the historic Val-Jalbert village. Once an old paper mill, this village feels like its own time warp, surrounded by nature. Visitors can participate in various immersive historical learning exhibitions about life there in the 1920s, hike many of the properties trails, explore the old buildings including a school, attend theatrical reenactments, and even stay over in one of the period style homes or cottages.

Yes, there is a real wolf park, and yes you can sleep try to sleep to the sounds of them howling in rustic wilderness cabins. Just northwest of Lac Saint-Jean, this park lets visitors have the opportunity to learn about and encounter the wolves, petting and all. They offer canoe trips during the summer as well, and no, the wolves can't come in the boat.

In the midst of Old Quebec lies one of the cutest streets you ever did see. Rue du Petit Champlain is the place to weave in and out of shops, linger on restaurant patios, and people watch with ice cream in hand during the summer months. Lights strung between buildings, quaint eateries, and cobblestone make you feel like you've popped abroad for a summer stroll.

Domaine Le Cageot uses one of our favorite summer crops (berries) for the base of another favorite...wine. It's one of the biggest raspberry farms in Quebec, but that's not all. They also grow blueberries and black currants, creating a line of products including wine, jam, chocolates, and dressings. Visitors can tour the farm, as well as do a tasting of the sweet summer berry beverages.

Patio season may be short, but that makes it all the more enjoyable in Quebec. Put on your fancy pants and head to restaurant Légende, where you can not only dine on a patio but also dine on only locally sourced items. Patrons can opt for an air of mystery with the chef's tasting menu, complete with or without wine pairings. There is also an à la carte menu full of seasonal items to choose from.

Treat yourself to a thermal spa treatment perched at the edge of the St. Lawrence River in Quebec City. New to the scene, Strøm Spa Nordique brings Scandinavian methods of relaxation with its pool dipping technique, alternating between varying levels of hot and cold waters. There is a full spa menu available, and a restaurant with a sprawling patio, not to mention fire pits and swings.

In Pointe-Taillon National Park, on the north side of Lac Saint-Jean, you can grab a bike and cycle your way through portions of the 45km bike trail, also known as the "blueberry trail." Dazzling shoreline scenery and a lake breeze are just some of the highlights along the way, making it no wonder why it's such a popular activity. Visitors can rent bikes on-site, choose to swim in the lake, lounge on the beach, or kayak.

Just 15 minutes outside of Quebec City, is an idyllic day trip or overnight stay on Île d'Orleans. Vineyards, bed and breakfasts, and chocolate shops dot the island, feeling like another world outside of the city. If you like your city with a side of country, this is your jam. Oh, there's actual jam there too.

This giant waterfall is just outside of Quebec City and happens to be taller than Niagara Falls, no big deal. Ambitious visitors looking to stretch their cycling legs can take the 7km bike trail from the city to Montmorency Falls. (Don't worry, you can drive there too.) Once at the park, you can trek up the 460 steps to explore the top, or there's a cable car option if you're too full of French pastries from Boulangerie Paillard.

Summer is for embracing the outdoors, and nothing says that more than sleeping in a suspended sphere in the wilderness, right? At Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux, you can slumber in a sphere, treehouse, cabin, dome, or traditional camping after a long day of outdoor activities. Speaking of outdoor activities, adventurers can sign up for the Via Ferrata, sea kayaking, hiking, and a ropes course. Make sure to head to the nearby La Vielle Farme for delicious food options that can be enjoyed on-site or packed up for a picnic.

The Passages Insolities has art installations placed all over Quebec City this summer and will have you wandering around on an art scavenger hunt. While walking around city streets you may just be surprised by the various works of art hiding around random corners.