8 Exciting Activities in Quebec City in April
Want to know the best Quebec City activities in April? Here are our suggestions for ultimate springtime enjoyment.
Quebec City in April is a blast because it’s the first full month of spring. People leave the house in droves, and the joy of emerging from months of metaphorical hibernation to sunnier weather is contagious enough to brighten the dampest of late winter moods.
Our list of things to do in Quebec City in April focuses on only the best activities. We balanced the list to include events, family activities, and day trip ideas for all different types and tastes.
Read on to find out what we discovered for you.
Don’t plan your trip without visiting our comprehensive spring in Quebec City guide and this bumper list of 30 top things to do in Quebec City year-round.
Events in Quebec City in April
1. Salon International du Livre de Quebec
If you’re interested in books, you’ll love the Salon International du Livre de Quebec. The event has dozens of merchants offering all kinds of books, plus book signings and special exhibits on various authors. However, the event seems to be exclusively in French, so keep that in mind when planning your visit.
2. La Grande Braderie de Québec The Big Fashion Sale by Quebec Designers
La Grande Braderie de Québec is a big fashion sale by Quebec designers. It’s a well-established, popular semi-annual shopping event at Terminal de Croisières, Espace Dalhousie, near Café du Monde.
- Related: What to do in Quebec City in March
- Related: Things to do in Quebec City in May
What To Do in Quebec City in April
3. One Last Ride on the Slopes
Whether you’re passionate about skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, ice skating, or other outdoor winter activities, April is pretty much your last chance to enjoy them. We’re all tired of winter by April. But knowing we can’t practise our favourite activity for months is typically enough motivation to give it one last go.
4. Dining and Shopping in Le Petit Champlain
There are tons of lovely little charming boutiques in Old Quebec worth visiting. The Petit Champlain neighbourhood is perfect for your souvenir and gift needs. The merchants here are special because they are predominantly local artisans selling handmade items.
The district also has many original, cozy, and delicious restaurants. Check out what Le Petit Champlain offers beforehand to understand what magical experiences await you.
5. Have an Ice Cream With the Family
April is when it’s finally warm enough to start enjoying an ice cream cone. You’re in luck if you visit Quebec City in April because the city has several yummy ice cream shops to satisfy your craving. Chocolats Favoris (Old Quebec) and Erico (Saint-Jean) are our favourites.
6. Explore the Plains of Abraham (and other historical landmarks)
With longer days and more sunshine, one of the best activities in Quebec City in April is exploring the city’s many historic landmarks. The main ones are Chateau Frontenac, the Plains of Abraham, the Citadel and the Parliament, but many more are waiting in Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Related: Here’s a complete list of the attractions in Old Quebec City you can’t miss.
Things to Do Elsewhere in Quebec in April
7. A Guided Tour of a Huron Traditional Site
A short 25-minute drive from Quebec City is Wendake. This traditional dwelling place of the Huron nation is still home to a vibrant and very much alive indigenous population and culture. A magical idea for a day trip is taking a tour of a Huron traditional site. The one-hour tours showcase many typical buildings of the Huron way of life, such as a longhouse, a smokehouse, a sweat lodge, and a tee-pee.
8. Station Touristique Duchesnay
Located 40 minutes from Quebec City on Lake Saint-Joseph's beautiful shores, this rustic getaway is perfect for escaping the city for a weekend and being completely submerged in nature. The resort has over 100 rooms and cottages, and spring activities as diverse as snow-shoeing, hiking, and bear-watching.
Weather in Quebec City in April
April in Quebec City is a pivotal time when the weather shifts from winter to summer. Spring has always been unpredictable in Quebec, with a mix of sunny, rainy, and cool days.
Therefore, we suggest packing an assortment of clothing, as it’s not rare to wear a light rain jacket and carry around an umbrella, then rock shorts, a shirt, and sunglasses a few days later.
When visiting Quebec City in April, expect unpredictable weather but lots of fun. Enjoy exploring Old Quebec’s most coveted locations, including the charming Quartier Petit Champlain, before stopping for a sweet treat.
Related: If you visit on a rainy April day, head inside and check out the best Quebec City live music venues.
About the Author
Anne was born and raised in Quebec City. She is our resident expert for the city of Quebec and other popular regional destinations such as Charlevoix and Gaspésie. Having travelled to every corner of the province with her children, she is also our expert for family related topics on Quebec Wonders.
